GLBM September 2017 by M3 Group Publications

SEPTEMBER 2017

BUILDING STRONGER

COMMUNITIES

Brent Forsberg, president of T.A. Forsberg Inc., part of record year for developers as $1B is invested in Lansing IN THIS ISSUE • Google reaches out to non-English users with expansion of Google Translate • The economy of local festivals in the mid-Michigan region • Plans for Costco store receive warm welcome

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ON THE COVER Google reaches out to non-English users with expansion of Google Translate.................................6 The economy of local festivals in the mid-Michigan region......................................... 14 Building Stronger Communities.................................................. 22 Plans for Costco store receive warm welcome.................................................................... 30

NEWS Money out of music..............................................................................8 Drivers save money and time with electric cars.................. 10 The business of sports in the Lansing area............................ 12 Brewing success in the Capital City.......................................... 16 Retirement in Michigan................................................................... 18

SEPTEMBER 2017

FEATURES

Commentary.................................................................................................................................................. 4 Visual Breakdown..................................................................................................................................... 20 Impression 5................................................................................................................................................ 26 Lansing mayoral candidates................................................................................................................ 28 Special Olympics....................................................................................................................................... 32 Business Spotlight: NAI Mid-Michigan.......................................................................................... 41

BUILDING STRONGER

COMMUNITIES

Brent Forsberg, president of T.A. Forsberg Inc., part of record year for developers as $1B is invested in Lansing IN THIS ISSUE

Business Calendar.................................................................................................................................... 42 Behind the Scenes.................................................................................................................................... 44 Legislative Corner.................................................................................................................................... 46 Economy........................................................................................................................................................ 48

• Google reaches out to non-English users with expansion of Google Translate • The economy of local festivals in the mid-Michigan region • Plans for Costco store receives warm welcome

Greater Lansing at a Glance................................................................................................................ 50 Notable News............................................................................................................................................. 52

Cover photography by Erika Hodges

Greater Lansing Business Monthly | Volume 30, Issue 9

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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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EMERGENCY

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COMMENTARY

Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Editor: Kelly Mazurkiewicz kelly@m3group.biz Media Manager: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Austin Ashley Megan Fleming Manny Garcia

INVESTING IN THE

LANSING REGION The Lansing region is set to change dramatically over the next year and I’m very open to it. In fact, I can’t wait. It’s inspiring to think that companies are prepared to invest $1 billion in this region. However, I received a message recently from a reader that said he wasn’t a fan of our constant discussion of development projects. In fact, he felt it was not a topic that the business publication should focus on. The truth is that we dedicate pages in order to help our communities see the direct and indirect value of these investments. When private companies dig deep and invest capital into a development project big or small, it’s good for the community in a number of ways. These may include:

Communications Director: Ami Iceman-Haueter Art Director: Mark Warner Publication Designer: Nikki Nicolaou Graphic Designers: Angela Carlone

REVITALIZATION OF PROPERTY. Properties need updates or changes to make them viable spaces for housing or business opportunities. For example, my company just updated a building that was built in 1892 in order to house our growing team. It is located on Saginaw and is quite visible when driving downtown. Therefore, the revitalization of the property helps make the area more appealing. The renovations made to this beautiful building will be here long after I’ve left.

Kerry Hidlay Heather Thielking Photographer: Erika Hodges Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty

GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes — President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union Calvin Jones — Government Relations Director, Lansing Board of Water & Light Lisa Parker — Director of Alumni Career and Business Services, Michigan State University Alumni Association Deb Muchmore — Partner, Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore Tom Ruis — Vice President, Fifth Third Bank

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS AND HOUSING. Without investment in real property, the increase in condensed living and a resurgence of the urban core would not be possible. For me, updating the new property gives me an opportunity to grow my organization that has literally grown out of its current physical location. INCREASED MUNICIPAL TAX BASE. Even though many projects qualify for tax incentives, it’s important to understand those are temporarily awarded. Businesses ultimately pay the full tax revenue as assessed by municipalities. Without receiving the tax abatement, my project would not have been possible. BETTER PARKS, COMMON AREAS AND PROGRAMS. Through increased tax revenue, communities are able to maintain parks, support recreation programs and develop opportunities for residents to have resources available. I believe the negativity felt by some residents when it comes to development projects is based on a misunderstanding of what the developer is receiving from the city. Depending on the size of the investment, it is sometimes necessary to seek city or state incentives that lessen the burden and make the project possible. Typically, cities are simply freezing the tax base and allowing the developer an opportunity to rebound from the major investment prior to paying the fully assessed value.

Doug Klein — Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Mark Hooper — Partner, Andrews Hopper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes — Supervisor Charter Township of Lansing

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Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

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GOOGLE AIMS TO BRING MORE NATIVE INDIAN USERS ONLINE BY KALYNNE MCINTYRE

While “Google it” has become a household phrase in the United States, the internet giant is still working hard to reach more people than ever. In April 2017, the company officially announced that Google Translate — a free translation service for words and phrases — now includes nine Indian languages, plainly appealing to one of the world’s most populated countries. In addition, they’ve also increased the number of Indian languages available on their custom keyboard, Gboard, to 22. These new developments give Google the opportunity to reach millions of users in India in their native language, which is more than just a fun customization option; Nearly 60 percent of internet users in India to the tune of 409 million 6

people engage with the internet in their native language, according to a study performed by Google and Swiss Cooperative KPMG. The study also predicts that the number of people who use the internet in their non-English native tongues will continue to increase; by 2021, it’s expected that there could be as many as 536 million Indian-language users. In contrast, 2011 only saw 42 million Indianspeaking users. Overall, India still struggles with giving its citizens internet access. However, when they do gain access, it’s predicted that 90 percent of those people will be using the World Wide Web in a language other than English.

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But this is no small feat to accomplish. India is broken up into hundreds of distinct dialects among 30 different languages. Accommodating every one of them is close to impossible, especially when it comes to readability on the web. Configuring the internet to read in different formats such as languages requires a massive amount of work behind the scenes on Google’s end. This is not the first time that a tech giant has tried to tap into the Indian market. In the past, Google has provided free Wi-Fi at selected railway stations throughout the country, as well as partnered with local companies to educate citizens about smartphones and computers. Besides Google, big-name companies, like Facebook and Microsoft, are also trying to

NEWS

make an appearance in the Indian market by encouraging more users to get online. The problem is less about adapting to Indian culture and more about basic access issues: India is home to many of the most recognizable IT companies today, including tech entrepreneurs and digital startups, yet contains practically 900 million people who don’t have access to the internet. According to a recent study conducted by the Centre for Communication and Development Studies, there are four main issues that prevent India from providing easily accessible internet connections to everyone: knowledge, cultural barriers, cost and infrastructure.

KNOWLEDGE

While the internet seems to be a common concept to most people, that is not the case in India. In 2015, The Internet and Mobile Association of India conducted a survey asking respondents about their basic knowledge of the internet; an estimated three quarters of residents who lived in rural areas and one fifth of urban residents reported having no knowledge whatsoever of the internet — meaning they’d never used it at all.

CULTURAL BARRIERS

Due to many cultural differences in traditional Indian homes, there’s a large discrepancy between male and female internet users. Many women in India are not in charge of their own finances and don’t have the funds to pay for internet access; in addition, women are often expected to stay at home and adhere to Indian culture. The internet is often looked at as a place where woman can be potentially exploited, which is why many women are frowned upon for using it. When women do use the internet, it’s usually in the company of a male family member that watches them. According to the Pew Research Center, the population of women in the country who use the internet is only 17 percent, down considerably from the 27 percent of male users.

COST

Simply put, affording the internet can be a challenge. Internet users can try to cut costs by purchasing secondhand devices, but those smartphones and tablets often don’t function as well and have a harder time connecting to the internet due to less memory space. Plus, the cost of a data plan is just as difficult to afford.

INFRASTRUCTURE

While things like routers, servers and fiber optics are common to come across in the U.S., India lacks these elements, which prevents them from easily expanding internet access to more of its residents. And while there is a smattering of public Wi-Fi spots, these are often few and far between, still needing additional infrastructure to make internet connection faster. This kind of infrastructure is rarely found in rural or low-income areas and, while there are mobile connections available, it’s not comparable to what’s available in the U.S. Often there are gaps in user networks, which result in a lack in coverage or no coverage altogether. While Google’s expansion into new languages is intriguing, it’ll be interesting to see where this takes the company — as well as internet users around the world — in the future. Kalynne McIntyre is a blogger and marketer, currently living in Washington, D.C. She specializes in creative storytelling and digital marketing. More of her work can be found at kalynne.mcintyre.com.

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“Most of the bands that gig in Lansing gig elsewhere too,” said Brennan Hayden, a Lansing-based blogger who operates Lansing Local Live Music (lansinglocallivemusic.com). He’s been watching area musicians for more than a year. He said each week, singers and instrumentalists seek out venues to play, from bars in Flint to concert halls in Jackson. Hayden estimates there’s some 400 venues in a 100-mile radius from Lansing — from Detroit to Grand Rapids, and north of Mount Pleasant. But just because there’s a place for a singer to sit and sing classic pop songs doesn’t mean it’s where a band can make a living. “I do [perform] in a brewery or a bar, trying to pay my bills for a tour, but you don’t just want to be background music,” said soul and folk singer-songwriter Alex Mendenall of Lansing (alexmendenall.com), who has been a professional musician for the past four years.

Graphic by Nikki Nicolaou

He said he tries to go on a five-to six-week tour in Michigan and along the eastern part of the United States every year, which has taken him everywhere from Maine to Georgia.

MONEY OUT

OF MUSIC

Local bands try to profit in a changing music world BY ANDREW DOMINO

From radio stations to internet streaming, the venues for hearing music are different than they once were, but the challenges remain the same: 8

how do bands and singers make money from their music? The answer, says Lansing-area musicians, is to perhaps leave for a little while.

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When not on tour, Mendenall is performing on weekends in the Lansing area, wherever he can find an opportunity to play. He also takes time to practice and work on new songs, but the majority of his time is spent online. He’s played at venues where he’s taken home only $10 or even nothing for a night’s performance, after expenses and paying musicians who join him on stage. Not every show earns so little; Hayden estimates musicians in the Lansing area, on average, earn about $125 an hour, depending on their skill level and where they’re playing. But Mendenall said the money isn’t his only reason for to perform. “It’s fun to travel and meet people around the country,” he said. MARKETING NECESSITY Kristen Taylor travels with her daughter, pop singer Taylor Taylor (taylortaylormusic.com), around the state, where she performs at farmers markets and summertime festivals. Kristen said she’s making use of her professional contacts at several nonprofit organizations to help line up places for her daughter to play. Taylor has been a musician for the last six years, and Kristen says her reputation has built up enough in the past three years that organizations are starting to come to them to hire Taylor. It’s all part of a key skill that a young musician needs to earn a living today: marketing.

NEWS

Brennan Hayden, a Lansing-based blogger who operates Lansing Local Live Music

Lansing native pop singer Taylor Taylor

being a business after the 2008 fiscal crisis. Stiles and his singing partners — Glenn Williams of Holt, Paul Felch of Clinton Township, and Chuck Colby of Dexter — started performing together in 1992. In those early years, they made no money, instead pouring all their profits into the best recording and sound equipment they could. In 1995, they formed an S-Corp that took them through the next decade, including their high-profile, 90-minute performance on Detroit Public Television’s, “In Concert.”

Photos by Erika Hodges

That brought the group to a new level of credibility and prestige, but it wasn’t without a

lot of effort: they had to raise $60,000 to help pay for the costs of the TV concert. As performance opportunities slowed along with the U.S. economy, Three Men and a Tenor stopped relying on concerts as the only way to earn money. They still perform in the area — they’re at the Lenawee County Fair in July and the Naperville Community Christian Church in October — but they have other jobs. Stiles is a salesman, and the others have flexible schedules that allow the group to meet up for music as often as possible. A passion for music and a mind for business are both necessary to make a living as an entertainer. “After a show, you can say, ‘That was awesome,’ but if only eight people saw you, you’re not going to make a living,” Stiles said. Andrew Domino writes about finance, culture and hobbies for publications in Lansing, across the U.S. and online. He was surprised to learn how often software is patched and resolves to back up his own computer more regularly. Andrew is also a freelance writer and blogger, bridging the gap between “nerds” and the rest of the world. You can see more of his writing at www.dominowriting.com.

“It’s important to have your brand, your logo and maintain a good image,” Kristen said. Working on constant promotion is nearly as important as working on developing singing, playing and songwriting skills. Calling and emailing venues to ask for a chance to perform is one path to success; using the internet to promote your material is another. Mendenall said the internet makes it much easier to publicize his music, since you can just send a link in an email or post a video on YouTube, and people will find it, even if they’re not ready to buy just yet. “I’ve found [bands] online, and maybe the next time I see them, I’ll buy their CD, because I heard them before,” Mendenall said. “I’m emailing 20 hours a week,” Mendenall said. “I follow bands I respect [on social media]. Any time I see a new venue, where they are playing, I bookmark it. Then I send them an email with my music,” inviting the business owner to visit his website and listen to songs in hopes of getting added to future bills.

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VETERAN EXPERIENCE It’s not just young musicians like Mendenall and Taylor that are trying to balance playing music and making money. Mark Stiles of Holt, one of the “three men” in the Michigan-based group Three Men and a Tenor (threemenandatenor.com), said his group had to take a step back from

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Photo by Erika Hodges

AUTOMOTIVE BUZZ Drivers save money and time with electric cars BY ANDREW DOMINO

Electric car drivers say high gas prices and growing opportunities to recharge are leading the automotive industry into the future of cars. There are more than 30 different types of battery-powered electric vehicles available from major auto manufacturers, according to Plug In America: a nonprofit advocacy group for electric car drivers and manufacturers. That includes the BMW i8, Tesla’s Model S, the Ford Fusion and even a handful of electric motorcycles. There are also dozens of gas and electric-powered hybrid cars, both ones that plug into an electric charger and vehicles that use electricity for lower speeds — and gas for higher speeds — when it’s most efficient. The reasons for buying electric are almost as varied as the cars themselves. “Early adapters thought it was cool,” said Thomas Thias of Sundance Chevrolet in Grand Ledge, Mich. He spends part of each day compiling information about electric vehicles and advancing sustainable energy on his Twitter feed. “Personally, it’s about saving green — as in, American dollars.” 10

Thias estimates that he saves $120 a month or more on the price of gas and maintenance, replacing a traditional gas-powered car with a Chevy Volt. And he isn’t the only one buying electric. According to EV Obsession, a website that tracks the electric car industry, more than 4,000 fully electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. in June 2017, double the number sold in the same amount of time for 2016. That’s only counting five of the major electric car models — the BMW i3, Chevy Bolt, Ford Focus Electric, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen e-Golf. The highest-profile manufacturer in the electric car field, Tesla, doesn’t release monthly sales figures, but the company sold about 13,000 Model S vehicles in the first quarter of 2017. Analysts expect sales to improve over the next 18 months, as the company is introducing a lower-priced — starting at $35,000 — electric car, the Model 3. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects the sales of battery-powered electric vehicles to increase to 6 percent of all the total light-duty vehicles, or passenger

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cars, sold between 2016 and 2040. In 2025, Americans are projected to make about 9 percent of their vehicle purchases batterypowered electric cars, plug-in hybrid electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. CHARGING STATIONS The term “electric vehicle,” in this case, is referring to a car that is plugged into a charging station, typically a box about 1 -square-foot which is plugged into the wall of the car owner’s home. The most basic charging station, a “Level 1” 120-volt station, can be attached to a regular wall socket and can fully charge a car in several hours (depending on the size of the batteries and the strength of the current, among other factors). “Wherever you can plug in your cellphone, you can plug in your car,” Thias said. More common is the “Level 2” 240-volt station, twice as fast as the 120-volt version. There are other options, including the DC Fast Charger and the Tesla Supercharger, which re-powers a

NEWS

Tesla electric car in about 30 minutes. Electric cars come with a Level 1 charger, but installing a Level 2 home-charging station typically costs between $500 and $1,000.

stinky gasoline is until you don’t have to pull into a gas station all the time.”

There are about 30 total Level 2 charging stations in the Lansing area, mostly downtown and near the Michigan State University campus. Several Tesla superchargers are in Michigan, though state law prohibits the sale of Tesla cars in the Great Lakes State.

A 2015 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the Urban Institute found Americans drive about 29 miles each day, mostly for short trips to work, the grocery store or other errands. That’s well within the range of most electric cars available in the U.S., the distance before the car needs another full charge, with cars offering a range from 75 to more than 200 miles per charge.

Despite that setback and a fluctuating stock price — a difference of about $200 per share over the last 12 months — Bill Anderson of Charlotte said he’s holding on to his Tesla shares. He’s also promoting electric cars as a board member of the Michigan Electric Auto Association, an organization of electric car supporters. He owns a 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi and a 2013 C-MAX hybrid. Anderson is retired from the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents, where he did a lot of driving across the state; he took a test drive of an electric vehicle, while car shopping a few years ago, and never looked back. “I hated paying big oil companies all that money,” Anderson said. “You don’t realize how

SHORT-TERM TRIPS

Electric cars don’t have an exhaust system, with smoke coming from the rear of the car every time the driver pushes down the accelerator. That doesn’t mean the car is completely environmentally friendly; like any household appliance, an electric car charging station draws on electricity provided by a power plant. In Michigan, more electricity is generated by coal, 43.6 percent in 2015, than any other fuel source, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. But an electric car does save costs for fuel. Plug In America estimates the cost of gas for a car is nearly three times the cost of electricity to

power a similar-sized car over the course of a year. Thias said some places that he brings his electric vehicle elect to offer free “refills” for his car, a strong motivation to repay the host of the charging station. “If I can drive free, I’ll go in and buy something while I’m waiting for my car to charge,” Thias said. Anderson said he likes the convenience of his electric cars too, as they have fewer maintenance expenses. “There’s no oil to change, no exhaust,” he said. “You just have to replace tires and wiper blades.” Anderson is also looking forward to Drive Electric Week, a nationwide celebration for electric car fans from September 9 to 17. Nothing is yet planned for Lansing, but there will be events stretching from South Haven to Plymouth, which are mainly opportunities to try driving an electric car and for vehicle owners to answer questions — even if they’re not the right ones. “What draws people to the cars initially is, ‘What is the miles per gallon?’” Anderson said. “Costs, charging — forget all that stuff. Just drive it.”

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However, sports entities are big businesses, bringing money into the area in more ways than ticket sales. After all, people spend on other things like food, souvenirs, lodging, etc. When it comes to sports, the Lansing area has a lot to offer. From Lugnuts baseball to Lansing United’s soccer games or hockey at the Summit Sports and Ice Complex (The Summit), sports are thriving in the capital area community.

LUGNUTS BASEBALL Attracts fans with affordable prices One of the big draws for Lansing is the Lugnuts, a Class A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays professional baseball team. Their regular season runs from the first Thursday in April until Labor Day. Attendees get to experience the excitement of a live action game, but don’t have to pay a premium price for tickets. “We’ve been in Lansing for 16 seasons,” said Nick Grueser, Lugnuts baseball manager. “Depending on the time of the year, we average around 5,000 fans per game and get people here from about a 50-mile radius. With ticket prices starting at $8, we get a lot of families in our audience.” Tickets range from $8 to $25 for single day tickets, depending on where you sit, to season ticket packages ranging from $66 to $980. Money also comes into the picture in the form of people buying food, drinks and souvenirs like t-shirts or other items.

SUMMIT SPORTS & ICE COMPLEX Offers all kinds of entertainment Located in Dimondale, The Summit is primarily divided into two areas: a 54,000-square-foot astro turf facility and two ice rinks — one Olympic-sized and one NHL-sized. They also host Aim High Sports, a 55,000-square-foot facility with five courts next door to The Summit.

Jeremy Sampson, Lansing United President and CEO Photo by Trumpie Photography

THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS

IN THE LANSING AREA BY TERESA J. FRITH

Just about everyone loves sports. Whether they watch or participate, most people aren’t thinking about the economic value. Sports events are more 12

than just a fun way to pass the time; they work as a catalyst to bringing economic development, money and jobs into the Lansing region.

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Along with Aim High Sports, The Summit brings money into the Lansing area via several types of clubs, Amateur Athletic Union, high school and junior-level team sports, ranging from basketball and volleyball to soccer, lacrosse and, of course, ice hockey. Plus, when the 2017-2018 season rolls around, they will be the home for the Lansing Wolves, part of the North American Tier 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), as well as being a venue for other sports, education, entertainment and business activities.

NEWS

SUMMIT CENTRALLY LOCATED,

WHEN IT COMES TO SPORTS, THE MONETARY VALUE TO A REGION COMES FROM SEVERAL AREAS, FROM TICKET SALES TO LOCAL SHOPPING AND DINING PROFITS.

Attracts fans from all over Michigan “We are very centrally located (intersection of 96 & 69),” said Josh Hobrla, hockey director at the Summit. “This puts us in an ideal spot to draw fans from all over Michigan. We consistently see spectators from Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and many other locations.”

Soccer League (NPSL) franchise and part of the Great Lakes West Conference of the Midwest region.

Fans spend money in the area in many ways, improving the area’s financial gain from what sports can bring into Lansing.

“We offer a very high-quality product on the field, with a unique atmosphere in the stadium that you don’t see at many other events,” said Jeremy Sampson, Lansing United President and CEO.

“The economic impact we bring to the community is hard to measure,” said Hobrla. “Our facilities draw over 800,000 visitors annually, and that number continues to grow, year in and year out. Those visitors are purchasing hotel rooms, meals and spending money throughout the community.”

The team’s season goes from May to July, with ticket starting at $5 for children under 12, $8 for adults and up to $100 for season tickets. With an average of about 850 attendees a game, along with income from concessions and souvenirs, this brings thousands of dollars to the Lansing area.

LANSING UNITED Thrills soccer fans

When it comes to sports, the monetary value to a region comes from several areas, from ticket

C O M FA IN 20 LL G 18

One of The Summit’s teams is Lansing United, a member of the National Premier

PROUD TO BE IN EAST LANSING

sales to local shopping and dining profits. It can also come from businesses being attracted into the area due to the success and popularity of sporting events, which, in turn, provide jobs. So, the next time you are chomping down on a hot dog at a Lugnuts baseball game or cheering on a player on one of the many local sports teams, you can be proud of the fact that you are helping maintain the economic health of your hometown. Teresa Frith is a Navy veteran now residing in Nashville, Mich. She's been writing and editing as a freelancer since retiring from the Navy in 2011, where she was a military journalist. She holds a BA in English from Western Illinois University. Her hobbies include reading, writing and working to help stray and feral cats.

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FESTIVALS & their economic impact in the Capital Area BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

When Deborah Mikula was tapped four years ago as executive director of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, she was surprised by how festive we all are here in greater Lansing. “I was kind of blown away by how many events were actually taking place, how much was happening every weekend and the kinds of arts, music and cultural activities that were happening,” Mikula said. “So that was kind of my first revelation … not only are we the capital of Michigan, but we’re the festival capital of Michigan.” And those events are having a huge, positive impact on Mid-Michigan’s economy. “Festivals have a significant impact,” said Jack Schripsema, president and CEO of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau. “I think it’s been a critical piece of our tourism economy for some time, and for the local community as well.”

“That has proven to be a huge economic plus to the communities in our region. More and more festivals are being created. It seems to be an industry of its own now, becoming very, very popular,” Bila said. “The festivals have been a pretty neat magnet for bringing businesses in, for bringing people in not only from Michigan but from out-of-state.” Whether local residents or visitors, people spend money here. This year’s East Lansing Art Festival is estimated to have had a $2.2 million impact on the region, said festival director Michelle Carlson. The miles traveled by the average attendee has shot upward form around 35 miles to 62 miles this year.

Firm numbers are hard to come by, but a regional festival alliance of around 40 Lansing festivals generate an estimated $58 million in regional economic impact every year, Mikula said.

“You can only imagine they have to buy food and gas, if they’re driving. And they’re staying at the hotels. I know the Marriott [hotel] is always booked that weekend of the festival,” Carlson said. “I think that’s a huge impact, not just financially, but the festival is a showcase for our community. We’re bringing all these people in and maybe they don’t … They’re seeing the community and what’s available.”

Statewide, festivals are attended by 35 million people and have a $700 million annual economic impact, said Sue Bila, executive director of the Michigan Festivals and Events Association.

Likewise, the recent Common Ground Music Festival created an estimated $4 million economic impact for the area, said Scott Keith, president and CEO of the Lansing Entertainment

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and Public Facilities Authority, which helped birth Common Ground. They also oversee the Lansing Center, Cooley Law School Stadium and the Lansing City Market. “When you factor in that average, that’s a lot of money over 18 years,” Keith said. “That’s a mixture of jobs, people staying in hotels, people eating at restaurants, going out to bars after, doing some shopping for anything you might have left behind … festivals can have major economic impacts to a community.” What makes festivals so popular here? “People are looking” for something different and affordable to do, according to Mikula. “People can go to the symphony. They can go to the Wharton Center … festivals are usually free unless you want to drink, but they bring people into the community and they are spending money within the shops, where the merchants are, whether the festival has food or beverage, they’re spending money and they’re enjoying activities that are free and open to them,” Mikula said. “The big draw is that we want people to recognize we have special, authentic, unique activities within our community.” And those unique activities, with the people and the money they draw, creates varied opportunities

NEWS

for different businesses to benefit from festivals. “If you’re a merchant and the festival happens to be taking place on your street, it’s a whole different mindset than a business like a bank or a credit union or an insurance company who wants to join in as a sponsor of that event, because they want to see customers that they have participate,” Mikula said. “They want to attach their name to an event because they believe that helps grow the community, improve the community and revitalize that area. Every business comes at it from a different standpoint.” Events like Old Town’s Arts Night Out pair artists with storefronts, with the intent of attracting new and different customers to stores. “The artist is there to maybe instigate somebody to walk in to a business, but once they are in they can see that this is legitimate, there are a lot of good products, and it gets a customer to walk into places they may walk by every single day, and never think about going into,” Mikula said. “They may not purchase immediately, but maybe a month down the road they’re thinking about it and they’ll go back to the place they experienced.” Meanwhile, event sponsors “are looking for publicity. They are looking for good community investment that they believe in,” Mikula said. “They’re looking for a new demographic to utilize their services, and sometimes they have to find events and find activities that match demographics of who they’re trying to connect to. So, it’s all about, are we trying to attract a Millennial crowd? Are we trying to attract a 70-year-old crowd? Who do we want to provide our services to?” “Those kinds of businesses that are looking for sponsorships, they are not only trying to improve what is happening in their community — it has to be a win-win. It has to be for them as well,” Mikula said. “We have to help them achieve their end goal. And their end goal isn’t just to give money out to festivals. Their end goal is to become a community partner, help revitalize areas and then the win for them is to create a new or renew a customer base.”

their business off” of events, even indirectly: “For example, during Common Ground, we’ve got these planes that fly banners over the festival. So, that’s a piece where Deborah Mikula, local businesses executive figured out that director of the they could capture Arts Council of Greater Lansing an opportunity and take advantage of Photo by Erika Hodges it.” “The local businesses have embraced having a large-scale event in the community, and they want to take advantage of what the potential opportunities they could have to grow their business,” said Keith. Festivals also keep Lansing residents from having to go elsewhere for their fun. “It’s part of why we want to have these events in the community, they need to be in the community.

People will, in this community, if they don’t have them, seek out to go somewhere else to spend their dollars,” Keith said. So, where do festivals go from here? Keith said making a traditional summer-based festival season more year-round may be on tap. “We can activate some other events based on what trends are,” Keith said. “Certainly, beer fests and wine festivals are very popular now. We may have reached the tipping point on that. But there’s going to be the next type of event, whether it’s something driven around New Year’s or Halloween, some of those off-central timeframes.” If there were no festivals here? “This region would certainly be a little bit diminished,” Keith said. Omar Sofradzija is an adjunct journalism instructor at Michigan State University. Prior to that, he was a reporter, columnist and editor at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Review-Journal and the Peoria (Ill.) Journal Star newspapers.

THE ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER LANSING’S

PLACEMAKING SUMMIT 3 PRESENTED BY THE GREATER LANSING REGIONAL PROSPERITY INITIATIVE

October 11, 2017 LANSING CENTER

Come to this day-long event and learn to create place! Discover how arts and culture can make your community thrive!

Keith said local businesses “are looking at opportunities that they can develop some of L

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Eric Elliot, co-founder of Ellison Brewery and Spirits

to ride it out, as this growing phenomenon continues to shape and mold the city of Lansing’s culture and economy.

Photo by Erika Hodges

Since October 2015, Ellison Brewery and Spirits has made a name for itself as a pioneer of the local industry’s revolution. They’ve inherited word-of-mouth advertising as their messenger of choice, but make no mistake: this isn’t hindering their success. With a focus on mastering their craft, they’ve developed a strong following that’s become prominent in a growing market. Making great beer is all about location and, according to Ellison’s co-founder, Eric Elliot, Lansing is geographically equipped to make some of the best brew in the business. “All of our own beers focus on local agriculture. What make great beer is two things: the hops and the water,” Elliot said. “Our water in Lansing is arguably the best in the state. We have the deepest wells, so we don’t pull from any of the Great Lakes; we pull straight from the ground. Beer is 99 percent water, so, everything else is added to it.” Despite a modern overhaul, ripe innovation and a fresh coat of paint, the beer industry is more grounded in tradition than it has been in the past half century. The idea that beer belongs to the people is a beckon back to the days of prohibition, juxtaposed for the current generation with new intentions. In those days, alcohol provided a rebellious spirit for those looking to fight the powers that be, an attempt to preserve the sanctity of alcohol for a nation.

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL Brewing success in the capital city BY ADAM LANSDELL

Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a cultural wave; one that’s sweeping the nation but thriving throughout the Great Lakes State. 16

When thinking of Michigan as a home for brews, it’s easy to turn your head westward. Luckily, our own backyard is the perfect home

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That same spirit is alive and well today, as craft breweries around the country are emerging as a voice of rebellion. As each venture flexes its brands into the mainstream, each one does so with caution, because newfound consciousness is helping brands put their desire for great products and people above great profits. “In the early days, the watering hole was the brewery. It’s a community center: everything used to take place in this one, central location,” said Elliot. “So, we’re trying to bring that aspect of community back. People are willing to support us and be a part of this.” Ellison’s approach to beer is in the same vain as it’s rebellion’s counterparts; they too are placing integrity above all else. The team at Ellison has a healthy distribution line of canned beverages that range from coffee stouts to ciders, but they’ve consciously maintained focus on putting the content of their offerings center stage. Elliot stresses the importance of the brand’s minimalistic design and alludes that the onslaught of colorful, zany and attention-

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grabbing labels on other brands are part of a fad that they’re not looking to follow — instead, it’s all about the craft. “Our overall mission is to create the best possible product in Michigan – that’s what every brewery’s mission is. When we developed this concept, Lansing was a desert. When we’re creating new beer, we aim to not follow the fad,” explained Elliot. “In each industry, there is a leader – currently, right now, hazy IPAs is the highest trending beer style. We made one a year and two months ago; in the last 6 months, it’s been extremely popular. So, we experience it. Our first is called Relativity. What sets that beer apart is that it’s a New England style IPA but with Michigan Hops. It’s our version.” Ellison isn’t the only one taking notice of the expanding industry. Almost anywhere you go, you can find craft brews on tap, and that availability reflects the once-niche industry’s appeal to a larger audience. “There’s more craft beer around now. It’s readily available, and people have more opportunities to try it now. People are exposed to it more and [are] more willing to try new things,” said Paul Starr, creator of I’m a Beer Hound, an online craft beer news source and local event organizer. “I noticed at this year’s Lansing Beer Fest, we had a really mixed crowd – everyone from young to old, black and white, you name it. This year’s crowd was more diverse than any event I’ve ever put on. It was awesome to see that.” Starr has had its finger on the pulse of the scene since launching the Beer Hound brand in 2012; he has since hosted over 20 beer-centric events, including Lansing Beer Fest at the Ballpark alongside the Lugnuts. This year’s fourth annual event, held on April 19 at Cooley Law School Stadium, saw nearly 4,000 attendees, an improvement from their inaugural year’s turnout of roughly 2,000. According to the Brewers Association of America, 99 percent of all beer sold in the U.S. now comes from small and independent craft breweries. With so many ventures popping up, the statistic should come as no surprise. The industry is only growing and, as the market further expands in the capital region with over 5,000 breweries operating in the U.S., optimism is high surrounding Lansing’s dedication to raising the bar higher and bringing great beer to its residents. In 2014, craft beer sales added nearly $1.85 billion to the state’s economy, and the potential for these benefits to flow into our local economy is stronger than ever.

“I think why we’re seeing growth in Lansing is that, for new breweries, it’s an untapped market, which presents a lot of opportunity compared to larger markets like Grand Rapids and Detroit. Before Ellison and Lansing Brewing Company, there really weren’t any other large-scale productions that were distributing and developing new beers on a regular basis. I think it’s a big deal to be able to say that your beer is made right here in Lansing,” said Starr. “Brands like Ellison are doing well, in part, because Lansing area bars want to support a local brand. They are focused on doing well in distribution, and their location doesn’t pose a threat to some of the longstanding, downtown bars.” Starr’s brand is embracing the surge of interest in the industry and will continue to present great opportunities and experiences to the public in the form of local events, which, in addition to ballpark favorites, include the Lansing Beer Fest and the Art and Craft Beer Fest held in REO Town. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight, and connoisseurs turned businessmen, such as Starr, are ecstatic to see their passions

evolve into something larger than the area has ever seen before. “Craft beer is getting pretty mainstream. You see bigger brands like Founders advertising on the radio and TV now, so it’s kind of cool to see the industry continue to grow,” remarked Starr. “Everything I’ve done is based on my desire to have cool beer festivals that I’d like to go to and [have] great beer come to Lansing — now they’re here.” In the coming year, there’s even more to come with the addition of Acadia Ale and Smokehouse, Ozone’s Brewhouse in Old Town, Brickhaven Brewing Co. in Grand Ledge and Dimes Brewhouse in downtown Dimondale. We simply can’t get enough of the stuff. Adam Lansdell is a Grand Valley State University alumnus, and currently a Communications Specialist with M3 Group of Lansing. With a passion for all things creative it comes as no surprise that he’s also a musician, movie buff and graphic designer. Adam spends his down time biking, and spending too much of his personal income on concert tickets or vinyl records.

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RETIREMENT in Michigan BY TERESA J. FRITH

Retirement is a time people want to stop working, settle down, put up their feet and enjoy life. Michigan offers retirees several enticements to live out the rest of their lives here in the Great Lake State. First, before you pack up your things and head to your retirement destination, you need to plan accordingly.

offers a retirement calculator that will help people decide whether they are ready financially to retire.” You can learn more about it and other factors to consider when retiring at AARP.org/retirement/.

HOW DOES MICHIGAN RATE AGAINST THE REST OF THE US?

START RETIREMENT PLANS EARLY “People come to us and ask what people should do to retire successfully,” said Karen Reeves, financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments in Battle Creek, Mich. “I meet with them and talk them through a five-step process to help them reach their retirement goals. It’s vital to start early. This includes having them ask themselves: 1) Where am I today? 2) Where would I like to be? 3) Can I get there? 4) How do I get there? and 5) How can I stay on track?” AARP Michigan Associate State Director of Communications Mark Hornbeck adds, “AARP 18

According to a ranking list on Bankrate.com dated June 20, 2017, Michigan comes in the middle of the 50 states, at number 22. Bankrate ranked the states based on how they were rated by what respondents wanted when they retired, including: • • • • • •

Cost of living Quality of health care Crime rate Cultural life Weather Taxes

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• Overall wellbeing of seniors • Number of other seniors living in the state

In exact ranking order, Michigan was rated 18th in cost of living, 43rd in weather, 19th in health care, 22nd in crime rate, 26th in taxes, 36th in culture, 18th in number of seniors and 27th in overall wellbeing of seniors. The number one state on their list was New Hampshire, with Alaska at the bottom of the 50 states.

FROM BEACHES TO FOREST, MICHIGAN HAS IT ALL There are lots for retirees to do in the 26th state of the union, and leisure activities are high on the list. “One of Michigan’s unique advantages for retiring here is its year-round beauty and many recreational opportunities,” said Hornbeck. For those who love beaches and water sports, they can head to places like Benton Harbor, St.

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Joseph or Muskegon, just a few of the miles of beach property available. Despite Michigan not being near the ocean, its inhabitants are always within six miles from a body of water. Michigan boasts over 36,000 miles of streams, over 11,000 inland lakes, and is located next to four out of the five Great Lakes. This makes it a fisherman’s dream, with a variety of fish to catch. Michigan is also a wonderful place to hunt, having all kinds of prey, from ducks and water fowl to bear and elk. Plus, there are lots of places to go and things to see for nature lovers too, such as its seven national parks, three national forests, over 100 state parks or recreation areas and thousands of biking and hiking trails.

Buying a house in San Jose, Calif. is more than 400 percent higher than in Grand Rapids, Mich. and more than 300 percent higher than buying a home in Lansing. Property taxes are assessed at 50 percent of a home’s assessed value.

doesn’t tax military pay; the state also doesn’t tax social security and railroad benefits.

According to Zillow, the average cost of a home in Michigan statewide is $167,000, with values rising more than eight percent in the past year as of May 2017. Prices are expected to go up around 3.6 percent by 2018. Zillow quoted the average rental rate in the state at $1,095.

“Michigan formerly was a state that did not tax pensions, an advantage enjoyed by retirees here for many years,” said Hornbeck. “AARP strongly opposed the tax, because it negatively impacts people on fixed incomes and retirement decisions had already been made by Michiganders based partly on the longstanding tax-free status of pensions. AARP continues to support legislation that would repeal the pension tax.”

Michigan does, however, have one of the highest property tax rates in the U.S. According to WalletHub, as of May 2017, the state ranked 44th in property taxes, with a rate of an average of 1.78 percent.

FROM THE ARTS TO GOLFING, FUN AWAITS

MICHIGAN INCOME TAX HAS GOOD, BAD ASPECTS

For those who prefer the indoors to the vastness of nature, Michigan is a cultural state. Several cities have museums, art galleries, ballets, musical symphonies and concerts, and various kinds of performing arts. These range from Detroit’s Institute of the Arts to Ann Arbor’s famous Art Fair and Saugatuck’s galleries, the population of retired artists and much more.

Michigan also has a flat personal income tax rate of only 4.25 percent and a sales tax of 6 percent. When it comes to income taxes, military retirees in the state can be happy to know Michigan

However, in 2011, Michigan passed a pension tax, which Hornbeck said AARP strongly opposes.

RETIREMENT REQUIRES PREPARATION All in all, retirement is a big decision that takes prior preparation and planning to do it right no matter where you decide to live, but Michigan is a smart choice. From its recreational offerings to its low cost of living rates, the Great Lakes State is a great place to live.

If you love golfing, then head to Traverse City, considered as one of the best golfing locations in the U.S. or venture over to Grand Blanc, which also has several great courses. In fact, there are over 800 public courses to choose from.

COLD WEATHER CAN BE FUN FOR ALL As seen on Bankrate, Michigan didn’t fare that well when it came to weather. The climate is considered humid-continental, which means it has four seasons with hot summers and cold, snowy winters, especially in the Upper Peninsula. However, one person’s pain is another’s pleasure, and the snow and cold makes it a great state for winter fun like skiing, snowmobiling and, of course, making snowmen. Finishing it all with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a roaring fireplace, what could be more romantic?

COST OF LIVING MOSTLY LOWER IN MICHIGAN

For those who want to save as much of their retirement dollars as they can, Michigan has a lower cost of living rate than many other states. According to statistics listed at michiganbusiness.org, for the last decade, Metro Detroit’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been below the national average.

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VISUAL BREAKDOWN

Virtual Reality Real profits of the virtual world

The technology of today was once upon a time something better suited for the pages of science fiction. In 2017, consumers can strap on a headset or use their mobile device to transport them into an entirely digital world with the help of virtual reality (VR) or bring magic into the real world with augmented reality (AR) experiences. Typically thought of as a mechanism for exploring immersive video games and other forms of media, this growing sector of tech is becoming more than just a fad, as the largest corporations in the world fight to find the most innovative uses for these new tools.

Technology thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the rise and on our minds

92%

VR product revenue is expected to reach

$4.6 BILLION in 2017

of US residents are aware of the term VR By 2018 there will be an estimated

171 MILLION ACTIVE VR USERS The future is in AR and some companies are proving it already

$108 BILLION

VR/AR market

By 2021 AR could become the primary driver of a

SNAPCHAT BOUGHT STARTUP LOOKSERY, the creator of AR facial recognition selfie filters for

$150 MILLION COMPANIES SPEND UPWARDS OF

$100,000 TO $750,000

FOR 24-HOUR PROMOTIONAL FILTERS 20

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Compiled by Adam Lansdell | Graphics by Nikki Nicolaou Sources: Statista, Business Insider, Forbes, Amazon, VentureBeat, TechCrunch, Mashable

VISUAL BREAKDOWN

There are a multitude of VR/AR projects & experiences being created by various industries HEALTH CARE

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATION

SOCIAL & WORKPLACE

3D MODELING OF ANATOMY SURGICAL PROCEDURE SIMULATIONS

LIVE 360Â° CONCERTS ART GALLERY TOURS 3D SCULPTING HOME THEATER SIMULATIONS

MUSEUM TOURS GEOGRAPHIC TOURS CULTURAL EVENT IMMERSION

DIGITAL GATHERINGS VIA AVATARS ONLINE GAMING AR DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT 3D PRESENTATION MODELS

Limited experiences are more practical for consumer purchase

Samsung Gear VR

Google Daydream View

$129

Google Cardboard

$79

$15

A more immersive experience will set you back a couple pennies

Microsoft HoloLens (Developer Tool Only)

$3,000

HTC Vive

$799

Oculus Rift

PlayStation VR

$599

$399

Let the race to the top begin

$4 BILLION INTO STARTUPS WORKING ON VIRTUAL REALITY

AR/VR INVESTMENT INCREASED FROM $700 MILLION IN 2015

TO $1.1 BILLION

in 2016

Since 2010 investors have poured nearly

In 2014 Facebook bought Oculus Rift for

$2 BILLION

Microsoft bought VR startup Magic Leap for

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Brent Forsberg, president of T.A. Forsberg, Inc., a residential and commercial development firm in mid-Michigan. Photo by Erika Hodges

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COVER

RECORD YEAR FOR

DEVELOPMENTS An estimated $1 billion to be invested in Lansing this year BY TERESA J. FRITH

Over the past year or so, the Lansing area has been awash with multiple large development projects that are helping to strengthen its economic health via an estimated $1 - $2 billion in investments. These planned developments are expected to provide muchneeded new jobs and housing, as well as expand and improve businesses and industries and encourage entrepreneurs to look to Michigan for their next location. “Lansing is one of the best spots in the country based on value, opportunity and quality of life and is continuing to get better year-over-year,” said Brent Forsberg, president of T.A. Forsberg, Inc., a residential and commercial development firm in mid-Michigan. He has been an active leader in the real estate industry for over 18 years.

LANSING IS ONE OF THE BEST SPOTS IN THE COUNTRY BASED ON VALUE, OPPORTUNITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AND IS CONTINUING TO GET BETTER YEAR-OVER-YEAR Brent Forsberg, president of T.A. Forsberg, Inc. for families in the covered region and increase revenue for local government and schools.

UPCOMING PROJECTS LEADING LANSING AREA TO INCREASED SUCCESSES

With all the projects already being constructed, as well as those in planning, it’s expected that the best is yet to come.

Trezise listed some of the projects LEAP has been involved with including a $132-million Center City District mixed-use project in downtown East Lansing, developed by Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors, which will significantly upgrade the downtown area into something more competitive with other Big Ten university cities across the Midwest.

“The years 2017 to 2019 have the potential to be the biggest construction years in Lansing area history, investment wise,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). “The projects announced so far range from an agricultural project to manufacturing plants to institutional and mixed-use buildings, and some with hotels.”

Another huge endeavor expected to be completed over the next year or so is the continuation of improvements along Michigan Avenue, such as a $300 million Red Cedar Renaissance project, and the new Arcadia Ales & Smokehouse. The $90 million SkyVue Apartments, a 824-bed wrap-style, mixed-use community built next to Frandor Shopping Center on Michigan Avenue, just opened in August.

LEAP’s mission is to retain, expand and attract business, create more and better paying jobs

Several other planned developments included in the record total are a more than $60 million

“It took us 70 years of slow and sometimes stagnant growth to become who we were 15 years ago, and now our community is vibrant again,” Forsberg said.

Forsberg Okemos Pointe development project along Jolly Road in Meridian Township, Michigan State University’s (MSU) mixeduse village at Harrison and Kalamazoo, discussions on a proposed project to replace the Lansing City Hall and the much anticipated $154 million Park District project in downtown East Lansing, There are also various other projects planned for Delta Township at Canal Road and West Saginaw, Eastwood Towne Center, Charlotte, Mason and other nearby communities across the tri-county area.

AREA INVESTMENTS LEADING TO AN HISTORIC MOMENT FOR REGION “In all, counting the LEAP projects and non-LEAP projects, as well as those that are both unannounced and announced, we could see a historic moment for our region in construction totaling $1.5 - $2 billion in new construction,” said Trezise. He added that all these improvements in the area will help toward “tipping the region toward the big metropolitan city area it deserves and needs to be.” L

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LANSING AREA PROJECTS ELEVATION AT OKEMOS POINTE Okemos T.A. Forsberg Inc. and WestPac

••396 apartment units and a 30,000-square-feet of commercial

space that includes a proposed market and a 100,000-square-foot commercial building ••Construction to begin in early 2018 and is due to open Summer 2018

TEMBO HOMES Lansing T.A. Forsberg, Inc.

••Alternative housing option that helps infill neighborhoods by supporting growth and the businesses in commercial corridors like REO Town

••An attainable home available for people with income that is 80-120 percent of the average income of the area. Rent is $850 per month

PARK DISTRICT East Lansing Convexity Properties

••11-story mixed-used building with two levels of parking ••The building will include a 150-room hotel, retail space, 197 mixed-market rental units and a rooftop terrace

Dymaxion Development

••A rehabilitation of an abandoned building into micro-

lofts that offer a unique culture and experience close to the urban core ••Units offer concrete countertops, hard floors and mosaic tile bathrooms; rent from $625-$1,150

LAKESIDE PRESERVE DeWitt ••357 single-family home lots and detached condo sites ••The master planned community, with many parks and amenities, is at 60 percent completion and home sites are available now

CENTER CITY DISTRICT East Lansing

Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors •• Mixed-use project includes a 12-story market rate rental housing building along East Grand River Avenue on south side of the block; and a 6-story age-restricted, active living rental apartment building that sits atop a parking structure on north side of the block on Albert Avenue •• Target, a Fortune 500 company will anchor the retail portion of the development

PHASE II MARKETPLACE Lansing

“Thanks to groups like MSU, LEAP, the Chamber and others, our area is also a hub for startups and high-tech innovation,” said Forsberg. “Our region is rocking at fostering our local businesses, attracting new ones and helping startups become mature companies.” According to the 2017 Michigan Venture Capital Association Annual Research Report that came out on April 11, MVCA invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the state. Records show that 54 startups netted the state more than $220 million dollars from venture capital investments in 2016, which was a 42 percent increase over the past five years. These and other existing startups in Michigan are bringing in billions of dollars.

LANSING TRANSFORMING INTO A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL

Gillespie Group

••Phase II of Marketplace will include an additional 79

apartments with rooftop access, a riverside patio, dog washing station and a workout room for residents ••Phase II will be completed Spring 2018

SKYVUE Lansing RISE: A Real Estate Company and EdR

••An 824-bed wrap-style, mixed-use community built on

Michigan Avenue next to Frandor Shopping Center, just around the corner from Michigan State University ••SkyVue is open now and offers floor plans in one-, two- and four-bedroom configurations across 9 stories

RIVERWALK MEADOWS Mason T.A. Forsberg, Inc.

••Single-family home community comprised of 118 home sites

connected to regional trails and within walking distance of historic downtown Mason ••Home sites are currently for sale 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

The Gillespie Group also has several projects either going on or in the planning stages. These include their third mixed-use building, which is starting construction this fall and Marketplace, a Phase II mixed-use building to be completed in 2018 along the riverfront. The Gillespie Company also previously publicized a new expansion project in the 2200 block of Michigan Avenue, just east of their Eastown Flats project.

MICHIGAN BECOMING POPULAR STATE FOR STARTUPS

ARTIST AVENUE Lansing

Trezise stressed the importance of all the projects both announced and those that are expected in the future and stressed that the Lansing area needs to “look like a big metropolitan city and region, or we will not be able to keep and attract talent, and then we will not be able to keep and attract the newest kinds of businesses.” He added that LEAP is trying to “create a three-county community of choice to keep and attract the greatest diversity of both people and businesses as possible.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

These projects and others are part of transforming the Lansing area into a better known place in both the state and the country, according to Forsberg. “Lansing’s greatest need is identity and a sense of belonging or inclusion,” said Forsberg. “Projects such as Pat Gillespie’s work in the Stadium District and Scott Gillespie’s projects on the Michigan Avenue corridor are part of that, along with the Dymaxions micro-units on Artist’s Avenue, Eyde’s Knapp’s Centre — a mix of commercial, living and professional offices — offer unique living opportunities not available here 10 years ago.” Many of the ongoing projects were the result of several years of planning by developers.

COVER

Forsberg believes the area is in for a few more good years of growth for several reasons; one reason being that unemployment rates in Lansing are low: 3.8 percent in 2016 compared to a state average of 5 percent that same year. “Developers are needed in the region in part to replace functionally obsolete housing stock that’s no longer habitable from age and lack of upkeep, or disaster i.e. fires, flood[s],” said Forsberg. “Development is also needed in direct correlation to population growth. When we have the growth in jobs higher than the drop in unemployment, we need more housing. Depending on which study you read, the need for our region is between 5,000 to 10,000 units in the next five years, and we will watch this closely.” Forsberg said that their projects are focused on what is known as the ‘missing middle’. This means that they’re working toward a goal to reach an attainable housing market, which would be housing priced at 80 percent to 120 percent of the median income.

Plus, it includes work to build stronger connections between neighborhoods by stitching multimodal transportation plans around traditional, autocentric street designs to foster stronger neighborhoods and allow for more human-scaled development around the downtown core.

Water & Light and MSU in future projects that will look at energy efficiency and neighborhood connections differently in the next few years. They’re also continuously keeping track of upcoming trends going on in the rest of the country via websites like strongtowns.org.

LANSING DEVELOPERS LOOK TO THE FUTURE

“We still have a lot of work to do and issues that can be improved, however, so does every other metropolitan and rural community in the world,” said Forsberg. “I choose to focus on our wins in our messaging. We will continue to improve the quality of life for the entire region by working on the hard issues of poverty, race, mental health and schools, building a trust and a bond at the neighborhood level, and keep improving our community one bootstrap at a time.”

The city of Lansing is reaching new heights, and its planners and developers are looking to maintain growth in the future. Forsberg stated that they’re also working on fostering art, makers groups and other small community businesses within future projects, and that they’re working with the city, Lansing Board of

All in all, things are looking up for the Greater Lansing area in many ways, because of the hard work and dedication of all the people and organizations that are planning and completing the above projects — through these ventures, the area is becoming more vibrant, sought after and successful, both now and into the future.

“The idea comes from Andres Duaney’s 10-minute neighborhood pattern,” said Forsberg. “This is the idea that people are willing to walk five minutes or less to get to services they need for living without getting into their car.”

OPENING SOON NEAR YOU!

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Our Executive Membership is $120.00 per year, earns back a 2% Rebate Check & includes a free household card.

With the cash cards you are welcome to shop on costco.com or any other store until the grand opening!

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Any questions please contact Erin Bullock w01277mbr@costco.com

With a Costco Membership, you can enjoy savings on thousands of high quality, brand name products and services. In addition to offering great products at low warehouse prices, each warehouse offers a variety of convenient member services such as a travel program, pharmacy, and optical department with an independent doctor of optometry, and 24-hour shopping on www.costco.com. Payment for your membership can be made with cash, check, debit card, or Visa credit card only. *Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to the 2% Reward and Executive Membership benefits. See the membership counter or Costco.com for details. We will Refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

Valid through November 12, 2017

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Courtesy photo

IMPRESSION 5 Focusing on collective family approach following FLOW exhibit opening BY MICHELLE DANAJ

After receiving over $558,000 in gift aid, Lansing’s Impression 5 Science Center opened their new exhibit — FLOW: A Water Experience — this past July. According to their website, the two-story-tall exhibit features interactive components such as water shooters, a powerful vortex and a chance to build and test your own sailboat. Director of Communications Laura Zeller is curious to see how “FLOW affects overall summer attendance.” She said, “Creating FLOW required significant building modifications, as well as over a year and a half of ideation, design, onsite fabrication and installation.” 26

The total amount of gift aid donated to the museum was over $558,000, consisting of local sponsors, such as: Rotary Club of Lansing, The Consumers Energy Foundation, PNC and the PNC Grow up Great, The Joe D. Pentecost Foundation and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

engineering challenges in a space packed with real tools. In addition, hands-on exhibits like Chew On This and Throwing Things, which opened in 2015 and 2016, respectively, allow guests to discover oral health in a captivating way, and they experience kinetic and potential energies by throwing, catapulting and launching objects.

FLOW isn’t the only new exhibit Impression 5 has been working on. The Science Center has been doing a lot of remodeling and renovation in the last eight years to “ensure relevance and increase its audience,” according to Zeller. Earlier in the year, the Think Tank opened, where guests innovate amazing things and solve tough

Their new benchmark, “Play | Create | Challenge,” holds them to the standard that “everything [they] create must encourage families to interact with exhibit components in dynamic and interactive ways that rely on playing with science, creating something, and, ultimately, challenging your understanding of science.”

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FEATURE

Impression 5 has always been a favorite destination for school field trips for children in the greater Lansing area, as well as the MidMichigan area — totaling over 375 school trips a year — but the museum wanted to make their components more accessible to families. “We’ve really broadened our focus to include families — so that no matter the age of your children — everyone can participate and interact with exhibits together,” Zeller said. This family-focused approach is being accomplished mainly due to the renovations of the exhibits. “Nearly 85-90 percent of the Science Center’s exhibits have been reimagined and redesigned according to our Play Create Challenge benchmark,” said Zeller, and it has positively affected their membership, as well. “Last fiscal [year] was 2,800 member-families, and today we have over 3,300. It’s an incredible surge, and we’re so thrilled that more and more families see Impression 5 as a place they’re excited and proud to bring their children and friends,” explained Zeller.

Over 700 families were present at a membership night for the debut of FLOW: A Water Experience. Zeller concluded by saying, “We want people to have new experiences and fresh experiences each time … and I think that’s one of the reasons why membership continues to grow, is because it’s not a static experience.” Jack Schripsema, president and CEO of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (GLCVB), said Impression 5 has been a staple for families and school groups living in or visiting the Lansing area because of their hands-on exhibits. In addition, he said that the tourism sector in the greater Lansing region’s economy has grown significantly in the past five years. This is due in part to what Eric Larsen, the director of Impression 5, and all his staff members do to promote their mission of “[facilitating] learners in scientific exploration through hands-on exhibits and participatory educational programming.” Schripsema praised Larsen and his staff at Impression 5 for keeping their exhibits new and inviting, and concluded by saying, “[Impression 5]

is one of the most popular attractions for residents of the Greater Lansing Region as it draws some of the highest attendance numbers during our annual ‘Be A Tourist In Your Own Town’ event.” With new exhibits to engage with and explore, Impression 5 is bound to keep children and families entertained for years to come. “Once you’ve seen an exhibit once, it’s not like it’s over … that really keeps people coming back and shows the value of membership and having this type of asset in greater Lansing,” Zeller said. For more information on FLOW: A Water Experience, or the Impression 5 Science Center, please visit impression5.org/home. Michelle Danaj has a BA in English from Michigan State University. She found her passion in the arts through literature and occasionally likes to get up on stage and become a different person for a few hours. She likes indulging her crafty side by scouring Pinterest for projects.

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FEATURE

TWO CANDIDATES

ENTER THE RING BY ADAM LANSDELL

After a 12-year, historic run, change is coming to Lansing leadership — Nov. 7, 2017 will mark the conclusion of longtime Mayor Virg Bernero’s tenure in office, as two candidates face off for Lansing’s top job. After the general election, the city will welcome either At-Large City Council Member Judi Brown Clarke, Ph.D., or State Rep. Andy Schor as the first new mayor in over a decade.

to run for mayor has left a vacancy in an at-large post. She was unable to run for re-election of her council seat while also undertaking a bid for mayor – she’s putting it all on the line.

ANDY SCHOR

• Currently serving his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing residents of the 68th House District • Minority vice chair, House Schor and Clarke won Committee on Commerce the right to duke it out and Trade; member, House for the job following the ANDY SCHOR JUDI BROWN CLARKE Education Committee; Aug. 8 primary election; member, House Regulatory the two were among Sports Hall of Fame and Michigan State Reform Committee five contenders for city’s top job. Two dozen University Hall of Fame • Ten-year tenure, Ingham County City Council hopefuls pushed the field to a • Bachelor’s degree in clinical audiology and Commissioner record - 29 candidates on the primary ballot. speech science, Michigan State University; • Founding member, Ingham County Land Schor and Clarke were the top vote-getters on master’s degree in education, Michigan State Bank; board member, Tri-County Office of a night that drew low voter turnout. Despite University; doctorate in public policy and Aging and the South Lansing Community the stiff competition, Schor lead the pack with administration, Western Michigan University Development Association a staggering 68 percent of the mayoral votes, • Bachelor’s degree in political science and compared to Clarke’s 23 percent. Since announcing her run, Clarke has stated history, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor her intentions are to focus on making Lansing a Both candidates are hopeful that their experience, destination city, claiming “with full conviction; I Schor hopes to use his political savvy to move credentials and distinguishing characteristics will have no delusions. I have facts, I have a blueprint, Lansing forward. Having held down a position in be enough to win over voters. I have a road map and I’m going to prove it.” the Michigan House of Representatives for three Clarke has also been adamant in noting her terms, Schor has had a role in working with sectors inclusion of influence in many different sectors JUDI BROWN CLARKE of education, commerce and health care. According and industries, from science and technology as to his official campaign website, this candidate the diversity director for the National Science • Diversity director for the National Science represents himself as “a strong advocate for tackling Foundation’s Bio-Computational Evolution in Foundation’s BEACON Center, Michigan the legislative and economic issues affecting the Action Consortium Center at Michigan State State University; advisory board member, region,” and leverages his experience with the University to her work with corporations like the International Advisory Committee for the innerworkings of policy, decision making and tough Joint Institute of Nuclear Astrophysics’ Center Nike, which stem from her time as an Olympic partisan issues as the backbone of his campaign. silver medalist in the 1984 games. Clarke hopes to for the Evolution of the Elements use her experience within these different scenes to • Councilwoman at-large, past president and The election will be held on Nov. 7 to decide the revolutionize the city. vice president, Lansing City Council future of Lansing, yet the current term of office • Five-time national champion and silver won’t end until Dec. 31. There’s still time to This year’s election is quite interesting in the fact medalist in the 400-Meter Hurdles, 1984 reflect on Bernero’s longstanding legacy and begin that it has opened additional City Council positions Olympic Games; Sports Illustrated 1987 anticipating what’s to come for Lansing, as the city that are up for election this year. Clarke’s decision Sportswoman of the Year; member, Michigan enters a new era. 28

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

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Michigan residents. As the walls go up and the doors prepare to open, there are a few things you may not know about the $30-million undertaking. There’s a reason that the site hosting the new warehouse has not been developed until now. The nature of the land itself has proven to be problematic; the soil is not ideal for building as it is not nearly dense enough, and this was the main setback that needed to be addressed during construction. Removing and replacing the soil with an engineered fill is a large and expensive issue. “Both the City of East Lansing and Meridian Township agreed to support the build with brownfield incentives,” said Tim Dempsey, deputy city manager of East Lansing. Nothing could continue until the ground they were working on was secure enough to house the project. There’s also a reason that Costco is the retailer to take on this challenging land development. Even after using incentives to fund the project, the construction was a massive task. Costco’s ability to address issues that the township and city had been facing was vital, specifically with the site development. “Costco has a sophisticated development team, from consultants to contractors, that are able to design and construct solutions,” said Dempsey. The general contractor for the project, Jackson Dean Construction, has been on site since May. They plan to be done in early October and have reported that they are still on schedule. The multi-billion dollar retailer’s arrival has proven to be a great opportunity for the surrounding area, knowing now that the empty site can serve a purpose to the public and local economy.

Photo by Erika Hodges

COSTCO More than just your average build BY NATALIE WINTER

If you are a resident of Meridian Township, East Lansing or the surrounding area, you may have heard of the impending arrival of a new Costco Wholesale Warehouse (Costco), the biggest bigbox retail project for the City since Meijer was constructed in 1983. If not, you still may have 30

noticed the lane closures or 30-acre construction zone at 5800 Saginaw St. It’s not hard to miss; a warehouse that’ll cover 150,000 square feet, 750 parking spaces and a 24-pump gas station is underway. For a site that’s been vacant for over 15 years, the massive project is a win for Mid-

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Construction solutions were not the only motivation to approve Costco’s new site. The economic benefits that the new warehouse will offer are substantial. New jobs specifically are going to have a positive influence on the community; Costco plans to employ 150 people at an average wage of about $23 per hour, providing benefits after six months of employment. The bulk retailer’s property will generate about $41,000 per year in new tax revenue for the City of East Lansing and Meridian Township. The unique nature of the build in both size and employment benefits will serve the economy far more than the empty lot that once was. Perhaps the greatest outcome of this project is the benefit it provides to two neighboring communities. East Lansing and Meridian Township found that the endeavor resulted in a great deal of collaboration and teamwork, as the land is part of an Urban Cooperation Agreement that was established in 2001.

FEATURE

“Although the lot of land is technically in East Lansing, it neighbors Meridian Township residential areas,” Said Mark Kieselbach, director of community planning and development for Meridian Township. The Township still has significant say in what and who occupies the space. This agreement goes over things such as the fact that East Lansing is designated first responder for police, fire and emergency rescue services. The document also includes the agreement of regional tax sharing. Not only will the communities share property tax, but they are sharing the cost of the build. “Meridian Township has had the chance to be a part of the Costco project since the beginning,” says Kieselbach, “This includes sharing the costs of the build based on how East Lansing factors them.”

Tim Dempsey, deputy city manager of East Lansing benefit not only both parties, but the greater Lansing area. If you are a citizen of the greater Lansing area, you finally have a Costco closer than Brighton or Grand Rapids. If that is not reason enough to celebrate, this project has provided several benefits to the community as a whole. Economic benefits and regional collaboration are just a few of the perks you may not notice as you head to the new warehouse in October, but rest assured — this endeavor has prompted considerable

success for both citizens and their government. If you are interested in the build’s progress, visit Jackson Dean’s website where a live video displays the construction site, jacksondean.com/ wip/wipshellcore.htm, for you to stay updated as the opening day gets closer. Natalie Winter is a recent MSU graduate, dedicated Michigander, and aspiring dog owner. She enjoys reading, writing, art and exploring the mitten.

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Meridian Township was involved in both approving the site plan and amending the agreement with East Lansing, including modifications that would allow rezoning. The Urban cooperation agreement did not have the land zoned for commercial use. “This provided a great example of regional cooperation,” Dempsey stated. The retailer now stands to

"COSTCO HAS A SOPHISTICATED DEVELOPMENT TEAM, FROM CONSULTANTS TO CONTRACTORS, THAT ARE ABLE TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT SOLUTIONS"

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Photos by Valerie Suszko

Kelley-Perles-Secchia 30th Anniversary

SPECIAL OLYMPICS GOLF CLASSIC BY ERIKA HODGES

On Aug. 7, 2017, the 30th annual Kelly-PerlesSecchia Special Olympics Golf Classic took place. This event has been celebrating special Olympians with the support of some incredible Michigan State Spartans for three decades and has raised over a million dollars for Special Olympics of Michigan. The golf classic is the biggest source of revenue for the organization and holds a special place in the hearts of the honorary chairpersons, Frank Kelley, George Perles, and Peter Secchia. Local celebrity guests that attend include Mark Dantonio, Tom Izzo and Suzi Merchant. George Perles is the former head coach of the Michigan State Spartan football team. He started this prosperous fundraiser 30 years ago and continues to be a leader for special Olympians in the community. “There is a big impact not only here, but the whole area around this. Everyone appreciates what a great cause this is for those kids and that’s why we do this. That’s why everybody is interested in helping because it is for the right reason,” said Perles. 32

Area Director for Ingham and Eaton County Special Olympics, Anne Goudie, works yearround to make the golf classic a success. She works with a dedicated group of people, many of whom have been part of the program for over 20 years. “We are one of the largest programs in the state of Michigan. We have over 3,600 athletes who participate year-round in 22 different sports. This golf outing is one of the biggest fundraisers we do and it raises up to $75,000 to $100,000 a year, which considering we have $350,000400,000 a year budget, it is a major contributor to our program and allows us to do what we need to do,” said Goudie. In addition to a morning and afternoon golf scramble, the event also features silent and live auctions. Many golf teams are attracted to the event because of the Michigan State celebrity guests, but continue to come every year because they experience the joy of special Olympians. This year the Olympians waited at the 18th hole to give a commemorative 30-year pin to those that participated.

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“We’ve raised well over $1 million dollars and we are working towards $2 million in this next 30 years,” said Bobby Popp, event chairperson and executive director of the Kelly-PerlesSecchia Special Olympics Golf Classic. The golf classic is already well in the works for next year and the Special Olympics of Michigan alongside Michigan State University plan to continue to work with the Lansing Country Club. Goudie stresses the importance of sponsors for an event of this quality. “A lot of people can’t do something of this caliber for this long, hold up this standard of an outing and get this much buy in. I think that speaks much to the quality of the outing,” said Goudie. To donate or learn about how you can help, visit somi.org/area8 or call (517) 887-1175. Erika Hodges is an alumna of MSU and a Production Specialist at M3 Group. She is a proud owner of a rescue cat and dog, Kudos and Higgins. She enjoys traveling and visiting craft breweries.

s or

Building the Future Lansing Community College trains next generation of manufacturers at new center

Manufacturing is in Michigan’s DNA and is the very foundation of our state’s economy. Our industrial sector is not only alive and well in Michigan, it is here to stay. Chuck Hadden President and CEO Michigan Manufacturing Association MANUFACTURING CLUSTER WORKFORCE ANALYSIS  MICHIG AN WORKFORCE DE VELOPMENT AGENCY

SPONSORED

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Just as it evolved from individual skilled artisans producing crafts in the home to the efficient assembly lines of Henry Ford, manufacturing continues to adapt to meet modern technology and consumer needs. Today, the manufacturing industry is seeking workers with technical, communication and problem-solving skills. Manufacturers and educators must work together to prepare the region’s current and future workforces.

3.4 million workers will be needed by U.S. manufacturers during the next decade. According to the National Association of Manufacturers,

Robotics and other modern technologies allow domestic

the manufacturing industry supports an estimated

manufacturers to remain cost-competitive while keeping

17.6 million jobs in the U.S. – about one in six in the

operations in the U.S., helping to halt a decades-long

private sector – with more than 12 million Americans

trend of outsourcing operations to offshore companies.

(or 9 percent of the workforce) directly employed in As robotics grows, the industry finds itself in desperate

manufacturing.

need of well-trained workers. However, as the industry continues to evolve, the growth of robotic automation is driving a shift in the workforce.

Workers with specialized education and skills are vital to the state’s manufacturing success, particularly in

“Whether it is robotics, or whether it’s something that’s

key areas like the auto industry, which relies heavily

dealing with life science or medical devices, there’s no

on engineering talent to innovate new products and

unskilled jobs any longer,” said Rodger Curtis, Director

production processes.

of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economics Development. “Every one of these jobs requires – first of all – a fascination with making things, which we’re very good at here in Michigan, but it also takes some posthigh school degree training. Whether it’s certification, an apprenticeship, an associate’s degree, or whether it’s on-the-job training.

These are well-paying jobs. They’re jobs that have an unlimited potential for advancement both with the career and within education.”

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

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SPONSORED

October 6, 2017

Opening Doors & Minds Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMC) and several local partners will host multiple tours in mid-Michigan to celebrate National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 6. Our goal is to introduce 1,000 K-12 students and school officials to our strong manufacturing community. Students will: n See manufacturing in action n Meet the people who work in the field and hear their passion for their jobs n Learn about educational pathways that lead to good jobs in manufacturing n Explore great careers in the evolving manufacturing sector

Virg Bernero, Mayor

Questions? Contact Michelle Cordano, CAMC Executive Director at mcordano@camw.net or 517-492-5588. 35 L B N . a n s i n g

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CENTER FOR MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE THE 11,000 SQUARE FOOT FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING LAB WILL TRAIN STUDENTS ON THE BEST EQUIPMENT IN THE NATION.

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To help educate this new generation of manufacturing experts, Lansing Community College began development of its Center for Manufacturing Excellence, or CME, in the spring of 2015. An initial grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation allowed the college to purchase new technology and create a space necessary to meet the growing demand for highly skilled automation technicians in the area.

The grant enabled LCC to modify its labs and expand its overall

“This new facility offers cutting-edge lab space to train

learning space at its West Campus from 14,000 square feet

students in a collaborative environment that combines robotics,

to nearly 27,000 square feet – including a new robotics and

hydraulics and automation systems,” LCC Dean of Technical

automation lab.

Careers Mark Cosgrove said.

The building’s sleek and informative schematic design utilizes

The equipment and facility is comparable to those found in

digital displays throughout to tie together the different

some of the largest manufacturing facilities around the globe,

elements of the manufacturing process with interactive tours

which have become increasingly popular as companies use

for students and the community.

robotics to optimize production and stay competitive.

The exterior entrance, for example, features a futuristic robotic

In addition to the specialized robotics labs, the space also

sculpture and glass walls that serve as windows into the high-

includes an open collaboration area, classrooms with views

tech robotics lab.

into the robotics lab, offices for faculty members, a precision machining and CAD lab, and a welding area featuring virtual

The new CME will create qualified workers ready to join

welders.

manufacturers in Michigan and around the globe. More than 82 percent of manufacturers have reported moderate to serious

Students entering any of these programs can choose to get a

shortages of skilled talent – a gap LCC President Dr. Brent

basic certification in less than a year or complete an associate’s

Knight said the new CME will help close.

degree in two years. With high demand for skilled workers in the greater Lansing area and around the nation, students are

“As Michigan’s skilled workers retire, and advances in

often recruited before they even complete these programs.

technology continue, we will depend highly on the specialized workforce,” Dr. Knight said. “In planning for the college’s

Training at LCC helps students better position themselves for a

new Center for Manufacturing Excellence, we assembled

future with a higher quality of work and better compensation.

an advisory board of 35 area industry leaders to ensure incorporation of cutting-edge technical tools and training for

“They are fantastic jobs. You have to be smart, you have to be

in-demand jobs.”

educated, you have to know what you’re doing to work with the kind of equipment that we are,” former CEO of the Michigan

The CME offers training in precision machining; computer

Economic Development Corporation Steve Arwood said. "It is

automated design, or CAD; welding; and robotics; and gives

very high-tech and it will only continue to get more high-tech as

students hands-on experience in a new, state-of-the-art

technology continues to get into this process."

robotics and automation lab. This new high-tech lab brings LCC into the company of an elite few colleges offering a dedicated robotics facility. Students entering this program will train on a flexible manufacturing line, featuring FANUC™ and ABB™ robots.

LEFT: Rendering of LCC’s robotics and automation lab in the Center for Manufacturing Excellence. Program director Sid Mosley and LCC alumnus Miko Noe are pictured in the completed lab on the next page.

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Robotics & Automation // CENTER FOR MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE

ROBOTICS TECHNICIANS EARN $25 AN HOUR OR MORE

It was curiosity, the hallmark of any true learner, that led Miko Noe to begin his career exploration at Michigan Works! in Lansing. He said he wanted to know how to get started in the field of electronics and robotics. And that was how he found Lansing Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technical programs. He began in the Electrical Technology Controls program and quickly moved into learning about robotics and programmable logic controls. Miko now works as a Lead Robotics Technician at KIRCHHOFF Automotive in Lansing while attending LCC.

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

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SPONSORED

You can program a robot to carry out functions that would have often been dangerous. Robotics is the way of the future and I'm excited to be a part of it. Miko Noe LCC alumnus, Lead Robotics Technician at KIRCHHOFF Automotive in Lansing

For more information, visit lcc.edu/cme For questions or facility tours: Jennifer Fenning, Center for Manufacturing Excellence 517-483-1104 | manufacturing@lcc.edu. L

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Stars rise above. Earn the career you want at Lansing Community College, where excellence in education has been the standard since 1957.

Lansing Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The commission can be contacted at ncahlc.org or at 800-621-7440. Its mailing address is 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604. The main campus of LCC is located in downtown Lansing at 422 N. Washington Square and can be contacted at lcc.edu or at 517-483-1957. Lansing Community College does not discriminate against individuals in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion or creed, 4 0 origin GR E A T Efamilial R L status, A N Sdisability, I N G pregnancy, B U S Imarital N E Sstatus, S M ON TH L Yprohibited SbyElaw. P The T Ecollegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s M B Ediscrimination R 2017 national or ancestry, or any other factor and harassment policies are available at lcc.edu/policy.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT CALENDAR

Business Spotlight:

NAI MID-MICHIGAN/TMN COMMERCIAL BY KRISTINE RICHMOND

Every business has a story. For NAI MidMichigan and TMN Commercial, their individual stories began 25 and 35 years ago, respectively, to serve the commercial real estate needs of the greater Lansing area. Their newest story began with a merger in 2013, resulting in growth that has eclipsed the market and made NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial a dramatically larger, more effective commercial real estate expert for its clients. And it all started with friendship and a round of golf. “Jim Vlahakis and I have been friends and golf partners for years long before any merger. We have been friendly competitors dealing with different sides of the commercial real estate business,” said Jeff Shapiro, GRI, principal and managing member of NAI Mid-Michigan/ TMN Commercial. The two men had many discussions over those years on the golf course about the idea of a merger. “All of a sudden, one year, we were having that same conversation and we thought to ourselves, we’ve grown to such a point where we’ve got such a large share of the market in our own areas that, if we did put it together now, we’d have all three legs of the stool, and we would immediately capture a much larger market share than anyone else in the community,” added Shapiro.

“It’s as if you threw a puzzle on the table, and the pieces just went together where their strengths were our weaknesses and our strengths were their weaknesses,” said James Vlahakis, principal, managing member and CEO of NAI of MidMichigan/TMN Commercial. Merger talks began in late 2012, and all documents were completed in 2013. The newly merged company grew very quickly; being full-service has put NAI/TMN a step ahead of its competition. Instead of being segmented into the office, retail or industrial markets, they can now do all three — plus, with TMN’s construction division, they’re able to build projects for clients as well. For NAI/TMN, this tremendous growth hasn’t changed how they conduct business. They remain committed to one-on-one, personalized service to their clients, no matter the size. “We are not a corporate structure. We look at commercial real estate as a person-to-person business relationship,” said Shapiro. “We work with our clients very closely. We listen to what their needs are and try to provide the best possible solutions. Our clients are not all high net worth individuals but small business owners who need our assistance to help them grow. We have 15 real estate advisors with years of experience and a vast network of clients that have worked

with our advisors for many years. Our focus is to help small business owners create wealth for themselves and their families by investing in commercial real estate. That’s who we are.” NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial is a part of NAI Global, the single largest, most powerful global network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms. NAI Global has more than 400 local offices in 55 countries with over 7,000 local market professionals that manage over 425 million square feet of property. As a member of the NAI Global network, NAI/TMN can take advantage of the advertising, referrals, global reach of the network while remaining locally owned and operated. “We developed the tagline, ‘Nice People, Great Results’, as much for ourselves as the public,” said Vlahakis. “As we continue to grow bigger and greater opportunities come our way, we don’t want to forget our beginnings. We stress to our real estate advisors to take the time with each and every client. Today, it could be a small transaction that will turn into a referral that may be a large transaction.” Kristine Richmond is the Public Relations Specialist at M3 Group. She specializes in helping clients tell their stories of changed lives, fiscal success, philanthropic support and more by creating engaging messages that grab customers’ attention and cause them to act. L

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BUSINESS CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2017 SEPTEMBER 5

SEPTEMBER 12

TECH TUESDAY AT THE TIC, EAST LANSING Tech Tuesday is a group of weekly meet ups for developers. They meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Technology Innovation Center in East Lansing. Visit purelansing.com for more information.

EQUAL PAY ACT UPDATE, LANSING The federal Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for equal work based on sex, yet a vast number of employers have different pay rates for employees performing the same work. This 60-minute webinar will dive into how to reconcile any pay differentials you may have to ensure compliance with the Equal Pay Act. This seminar is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. More information can be found by visiting michamber.com.

SEPTEMBER 8 WAKE UP OLD TOWN, OLD TOWN Wake Up Old Town is a free and informal networking opportunity for professionals from all over Lansing. Come together and share your lofty ideas and opportunities to help businesses and Old Town thrive. Wake Up Old Town is held at rotating locations around Old Town. This month the meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Creole, 1218 Turner St. Visit iloveoldtown.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER 13 CONNECTIONS & COFFEE, LANSING Become a more active member in the dynamic business community of Lansing. Connections & Coffee is a free networking breakfast for all local business individuals. Network with a diverse group of professionals, reconnect with friends and find

local resources. This meeting will happen inside the Knapp’s Centre at 300 S. Washington Sq. #200 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Dewpoint offices. To RSVP, please email melissa@m3group.biz. Find more information at lansingbusinessnews.com.

SEPTEMBER 14 MANAGING MILLENNIALS: MENTORING METHODS, LANSING Explore some better ways to create corporate mentoring solutions that can cross-train Millennials and other demographic groups. This 60-minute webinar is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 14 HUMAN RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WITH NEWLY ASSIGNED HR, LANSING Stay up to date on the latest HR legal issues, so that you can be a knowledgeable resource for employees. This seminar is $149 to attend. Register and find more information at pryor.com.

SEPTEMBER 19 CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS, LANSING When faced with a claim of alleged workplace discrimination, harassment or retaliation, a prompt and effective investigation is expected. This half-day seminar will explain what that entails. Cost of attendance is $170 for members and $195 for non-members. Find more information at michamber.com.

SEPTEMBER 19 THE INC STARTUP ACCELERATOR, LANSING Build your launch skills from scratch with personal input from professional coaches. This is an online course but gather with other entrepreneurs in the 300 Room to follow along. The Inc Startup is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit purelansing.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 20 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CAREER WOMEN MONTHLY MEETING, LANSING The NACW is a nonprofit organization devoted to the enhancement of woman’s personal and professional development. Their mission is to create an enriching environment for career women to share, grow and build professional and personal relationships. Lunch meetings are the 2nd 42

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BUSINESS CALENDAR

Wednesday of each month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Urban Beat Event Center. Reserve your luncheon spot as a guest or member by visiting nacwonline.org/chapters/Lansing.aspx.

SEPTEMBER 20 DEVELOPING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, EAST LANSING Learn how to interact, communicate and collaborate successfully with all types of people. Learn to improve relationships with your organization, discover what drives people, identify your strengths and interact with others more effectively. There is a registration fee of $99. Visit pryor.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 23 PMP CLASSROOM TRAINING, LANSING The PMP training course is designed to ensure that you pass the PMP exam on the first try. Our hands-on training approach, entrusted by 52,000 learners, will help you to understand the workings of the 5 process groups and 10 knowledge areas defined by the PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition. Visit eventbrite.com for more information and registration details.

SEPTEMBER 23

SEPTEMBER 28

ITIL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATION TRAINING, LANSING Gain expertise in ITIL Foundation — the most important entry level certification for IT professionals and employees: understand the concepts and terminologies used in ITIL service lifecycle. Cost is $999. Visit eventbrite.com for more information and registration details.

SAFETY & HEALTH PROGRAMS: MIOSHA COMPLIANCE, LANSING An employee health and safety program is the best way for a company to manage its MIOSHA compliance and workplace health and safety issues and reduce the risk of negative consequences. This full-day seminar is $270 for members and $295 for non-members. Registration and more information can be found at michamber.com.

SEPTEMBER 25 PROJECT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP, LANSING Master the art of project planning, communication and scheduling with this informative one-day course. This seminar has a registration fee of $199. Visit pryor.com to find more information.

SEPTEMBER 27 THE HATCHING, LANSING Post your business idea and gain votes. The top five ideas will pitch to a live audience at Lansing Brewing Company. The winning idea will receive $1,000 in seed funding. Visit thehatching.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER 28 16-HOUR HAZQOPER OSHA TRAINING SEMINAR Get certified fast with this 16-hour safety training course required under OSHA 29 CFR1910(e) (q). Workers attending the 16-hour HAZWOPER seminar upgrade will cover health and safety procedures and personal protection during work operations at hazardous material sites. Upon successfully completing this course, workers will be 40-Hour HAZWOPER certified to participate in site clean-up and other related activities. Visit eventbrite.com for more information.

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BY SARAH SPOHN | COURTESY PHOTO

RYAN WERT executive director of REO Town Commercial Association WHEN DID THE REO TOWN COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION START? The original board started in 2001 or 2002. I joined the board in 2006 and became the treasurer in 2007, which was mostly because I was in the neighborhood conveniently and could write checks all the time for festivals. 2013 was the Board of Water and Light (BWL) streetscape, all of Washington was tore up. Medians went in, sidewalks got wider, and that really kind of primed things for new businesses to come in. I think that kind of started the more aggressive revitalization stuff. Around that time, I became president of the commercial association, so we worked with a lot of those entities in making sure the streetscape fulfilled what we all had envisioned, what the business owners wanted and so on. 44

There are milestones that represent different things in my mental history. Some are like when we started big events, and then others are like waves of businesses coming in. So the first wave that kind of set the tone for REO Town was [from] 2003 to 2004. I moved my studio [Elm Street Recording] in, REACH Art Studio moved in, Studio Intrigue Architects moved in and I think Cinnaire moved in. Those are the creative/nonprofit entities that sort of set the tone for a lot of what happened after that.

HOW DIFFERENT WAS REO TOWN WHEN YOU MOVED IN, COMPARED TO ITS CURRENT STATE?

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO REO TOWN?

WHEN DID YOU NOTICE A REAL SHIFT WHEN BUSINESSES STARTED LOOKING FOR REAL ESTATE HERE IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD IN PARTICULAR?

Honestly, it was the cheapest neighborhood I could afford to buy a house in. It was here and the Baker neighborhood; I made an offer on a house in the Baker neighborhood that I did not get. I found a condemned house here that I could afford.

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The commercial district was mostly empty, probably about 20 percent occupancy. There was not really a district in any way. You couldn’t walk down the block, going door to door. We are now kind of in the first wave, businesses leaving out of REO Town because they’ve grown too much.

Pre-streetscape, there were a couple of businesses that started to gain some traction, like the REO Town Pub, which has always

BEHIND THE SCENES

been like our neighborhood hub. That era, which was probably nine months, was really just a lot of businesses trying to weather the storm. And so, the businesses that survived that — kind of started to explode. Then there was a brand new, nice looking street. Around the same time, the BWL plant brought people who were here all day, so restaurants could stay open for lunch.

that occupy them, or landlords and tenants are friends. Everybody here is a little bit grimy and willing to get their hands dirty, and that creates a sense of community as well.

When I first got involved with REO Town, anytime you said ‘REO Town’ to anybody, it was like ‘oh, you mean Old Town right,’ and that was always the thing. It was the first time when the REO Town brand had some recognition. By in large, the Lansing core population at that point started to recognize it as a thing and not just some people throwing dumb words around.

The ongoing joke is: you sold the lie until it became the truth. It started with getting people to come to a festival, and people were like ‘oh, REO Town is super cool, they’ve got all this art going on, and craft beer,’ and it’s like ‘yeah, we do on that one day of the year.’ But if you came down here anytime during the week after, it would be like ‘well the bar might be open.’

Every year, it’s bigger than the last, which is great. But it’s this weird balancing act of figuring out what the pace is to maintain. Obviously, at some point, you can’t keep having bigger years, year after year; so, figuring out where that growth stops and containing the pace is tricky. This year it was Blue Owl Coffee, The Record Lounge and Michigan Creative. I SEE A LOT OF BUSINESSES HERE WORKING TOGETHER AND SUPPORTING EACH OTHER. IT SEEMS LIKE THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD — RESIDENTS AND EMPLOYEES — ARE REALLY SUPPORTIVE. DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY REO TOWN HAS? It started with really rough eras, like during the streetscape; the pub was just trying to stay open. We were playing horseshoe games in the dirt where they had torn out the street. We brought out a charcoal grill and grilled burgers out in the construction to sell them to the construction workers — it was like anything goes. There has always been kind of a sense of camaraderie. I am not a trained nonprofit director. I have no education in economic development or placemaking or anything else that is relevant to what I’m doing. My degree is in recording arts. Having only really been involved here and kind of just having it thrown together, I just assumed that was normal. You get these weird, symbiotic relationships. Other people have kind of identified REO Town as existing on a barter economy. We’re now in the first wave of developers moving in. It’s getting a little bit scary, but, by and large, it’s buildings owned by businesses

IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE REO TOWN TO OUTSIDERS OR EVEN PEOPLE IN LANSING WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT TO THEM?

If you can create this image that there’s fun going on, than that’s the impression they get. Then slowly, businesses move in. I think what we all kind of hoped to have happen, which I think did, was make REO Town a weirdly diverse community. If you look at East Lansing, it’s very much students. In Old Town, it’s more the 40-50 demographic and, right now, we’re able to exist in a space where if you come to an event in the Robin Theatre, you’ll see 60-yearolds next to 20-year-olds, from all across the economic spectrum. WHAT ARE THE NEXT PARTS OF REVITALIZATION IN REO TOWN? So, on the business side, it’s Sleepwalker, Fusion Shows, Wheelhouse Pottery, Pablo’s and the Rusty Nail. Then, in the residential side, T.A. Forsberg has built a tiny house and planning to build six-to-eight more of those in the neighborhood in the next year. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING THROWN INTO YOUR ROLE THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE OTHERWISE KNOWN? Certain things about this role, like we’ve kind of accidentally reinvented the wheel on some stuff. We went through a long, painful process to arrive at a conclusion that is well-known by anyone that knows what they’re talking about. In other ways, we’ve come up with ideas that are unique, have worked really well for us and are unlike other organizations. We joined the Michigan Main Street organization, for example, which is kind of the path that commercial organizations are supposed to take. The more we started having

trainings and stuff; we realized we were completely upside down from what almost every organization at our level was. Most were semi-governmental organizations, chambers of commerce or whatever, and they’re there to learn how to be volunteer-driven community organizations. So that’s been an interesting realization — that most of our struggles are not the same as similar entities’. For people who are trained in this world, you learn philosophies, and we’ve absorbed a lot of that just from being our own community, but also [from] interacting with a lot of other super successful communities like Old Town, and [we] exchange information all the time. A lot of that isn’t really stuff that you learn otherwise. You get it wrong, then you figure out how to do it right, and you think you have it right, and eventually you learn you’re doing it wrong. HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO MODEL REO TOWN AFTER ANOTHER LARGE, SUCCESSFUL CITY LIKE PORTLAND, OR DO YOU FOCUS ON DOING YOUR OWN THING? We are a small part within Lansing’s ecosystem. I think about REO Town because it’s what my brain can fit; it’s what I can think about, but I try to think about it in terms of what it can be. The gold standard is Madison, Wisconsin. I go back to it every time, because it’s a college town and it’s a city capital. It’s an environment where college students, professionals, state reps, moms and dads and everybody else all kind of exist in this shared space. What happens downtown deeply affects us, so I think, to a certain degree. Modeling our entity to be just like those other entities, is a really bad idea and vice versa. We don’t need another Old Town, we don’t need another downtown — we have those. It doesn’t make us better or worse; it’s about taking the infrastructure pieces that are useful without taking the defining characteristics. Public art is a universally good thing, it should be everywhere, but we don’t need another gallery district. We have Old Town and it’s’ great. It’s finding a new way to kind of express that same idea. Downtown has very strict requirements on what a patio looks like for example. We don’t need another one of those. We all exist in one ecosystem, you’ve got to have your plants, your herbivores and your carnivores or the whole system breaks down. This conversation with Ryan Wert has been edited for space and clarity. L

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LEGISLATIVE CORNER

There are two events in September I highly recommend you make room for in your calendar which benefit many in the greater Lansing region: MAN UP! Happy Hour event benefiting the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing Date: Wednesday, Sept. 13 Time: 4:30 – 6:30 PM Location: Unicorn Lounge in Old Town Lansing To purchase tickets, go to tickets. lansingstatejournal.com Women’s Center of Greater Lansing is committed to providing valuable, innovative resources and services in an atmosphere that fosters mutual support, insight and growth for women of all backgrounds and ages as they strive to realize their own unique potential. St. Vincent Catholic Charities Guardian Society Breakfast Date: Wednesday, Sept. 27 Time: 7:30 – 9:00 AM Location: Eagle Eye Golf Club To RSVP, please contact Rhonda Abood at AboodR@STVCC.org by September 20

THE GIFT OF GIVING Making time for those in need with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce BY STEVE JAPINGA

It’s September — the busy season. School is in session, fall sports are back in action and events are quickly filling up our schedules. At the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), we host more than 60 events during the year; from member mixers to our business education series, these events assist our members to connect, increase their visibility and give an extra edge on the competition. In addition, the LRCC’s Economic Club speaker series starts anew this month. The Economic Club features both locally and nationally prominent speakers covering a broad spectrum of business-related topics, ranging from economic trends and business success stories to the latest in management and leadership techniques. September’s Economic Club kicks off with Tom Glick, chief commercial officer for the 46

City Football Group, followed by Michigan State University’s Hockey Coach Danton Cole in October and the prestigious Celebration of Regional Growth Awards in November. We’ll end the year in December with Crain’s Detroit Business Editor and Publisher, Ron Fournier. And if politics and policy is your cup of tea, don’t forget the LRCC legislative dinner in October, featuring U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President and National Political Director Rob Engstrom. If you’re interested in adding any of these events to your schedule, contact Travis Richardson at trichardson@ lansingchamber.org for more information. While we’re all extremely busy attending school functions, football games or even LRCC events, it’s also important to remember the number of events that focus on raising critical resources for those in our community who truly are in need.

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St. Vincent Catholic Charities (STVCC) is a local, charitable nonprofit dedicated to human services in the Mid-Michigan area. STVCC partners with children, families and adults living in crisis, and helps them to find hope and safety so they can transform their lives. I may be personally involved in these great organizations, but there are several other organizations holding events throughout the fall like the two just mentioned. For more events and ways you can get involved, head over to events.lansingstatejournal.com. So, when you’re scheduling your month, make an effort to pencil in at least two events that are focused on giving back to the community. The greater Lansing region continues to be filled with great people and great organizations that go the extra mile to give back. As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Steve Japinga is Director of Government Relations for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for developing and managing the Chamber’s policy priorities as well as monitoring local, state, and federal issues that may impact the business community and the Greater Lansing region. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and lives in Lansing with his wife Katherine and dogs, Charlie and George.

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CHANGE IN SUPPLY This column shows the effects of changing the supply schedule: At each and every price, the quantity supplied increases or decreases, while the demand schedule is unaffected. Only quantity demanded changes by moving along the schedule. Such an increase in supply is shown in Table 1. Table 1 indicates a price differential of $0.50 between rows. The demand schedule remains unchanged, except that two symmetrical quantities are added at the new points A-1 and B-1, where the quantity demanded changes by 5 million gallons per year. But now there are two supply schedules. No. I is the original schedule showing the quantity supplied at 10, 20, 30 for prices $1, $2, $3, respectively, plus two added intermediate positions; and supply schedule II shows supply rising by 5 at each and every price. A new equilibrium is established at a price of $1.50, down from $2 in the original equilibrium, and quantity purchased and sold is at 25, up from 20. Readers who are comfortable with two dimension geometrical presentation need to graph the price on the vertical axis and the quantity on the horizontal axis. While the demand schedule remains unaffected, sloping 48

Table 1

INCREASE IN SUPPLY Point

Price

Quantity Supplied

Quantity Demanded

(Dollars per Gallon)

$1.50

$2.50

downward and to the right, there are now two supply schedules: the prechange, schedule I, and the postchange, schedule II. Schedule II must be to the right of schedule I, showing that at each and every price a greater quantity is supplied. Schedule II might appear below schedule I, but the important feature is that it is to the right of schedule I. Both supply curves slope upward and to the right. Returning now to Table 1 where price declined from $2 to $1.50 per gallon, we ask what happened to total revenue, namely price time quantity. Unlike the case of change in demand, we can’t be sure of the direction of total revenue change, because the price declined while the quantity sold rose. In our case, the new TR — $1.50 × 25 — is $37.50. What determines the

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direction of change in total revenue, which is made up of price multiplied by quantity? It depends on the response of quantity to price change, when both changes are measured in percentage terms. Suppose first that price declines and quantity increases by the same percentage. That means that the rise in quantity is exactly sufficient to offset the decline of price, leaving the total revenue unchanged. If the percentage rise in quantity exceeds the percentage decline in price, total revenue rises. Conversely, if the percentage decline in price exceeds the percentage rise in quantity, total revenue declines. A decline in supply means that at each and every price less is supplied, resulting in a higher

ECONOMY

price and reduced quantity exchanging hands. The effect on total revenue is analytically equivalent to the earlier computation except in reverse. In tackling each problem, the investigator must determine which schedule needs to be shifted and which one experiences a quantity movement along the schedule. And there are many circumstances where both supply and demand shift. Finally, many markets are interrelated so that what happens in a market for one product affects what happens in others. Below are two examples. Effect of a weather freeze in Florida on the price of apples in Europe: The freeze reduces the supply in the market for oranges in Florida, raising price and lowering quantity. The rise in orange prices induces some European consumers to switch to apple consumption — assuming the two products are substitutes in consumption — so demand for apples rises, and both price and quantity rise. Also affected will be markets for orange and apple juices, as well as containers for packaging these products.

In his 1776 book “The Wealth of Nations”, Adam Smith (1723-1790) provides a panoramic view of the market economy where the selfinterest of buyers and sellers forms an invisible hand that guides most resources to where they are needed – a view that prevails to date. Within the productive process itself, Smith singled out one important feature that contributed to the tremendous increase in industrial productivity: specialization of labor.

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

MercForce

PAYROLL + HR + BENEFITS + TIME

Effect on U.S. bread prices of a permanent significant increase in sale of wheat to China: In the wheat market demand rises with the number of consumers raising the price and quantity. In the bread market, supply declines since wheat prices rose, so the price of bread rises and its quantity supplied declines. Effect of a large rise in tailor’s wage rates on the price of suits and ties: The boost in tailor’s wages increase production costs in the suit industry. Supply of suits decline, their price rise and the quantity sold declines. Suits and ties are complementary products in consumption. As fewer suits are purchased the demand for ties declines. Supply of ties also decline because of the rise in tailor wages Effects of anti-pollution Requirements on the Automobile Industry: The restriction required installation of special antipollution equipment on automobiles which in turn raises production costs. As a result supply of cars declines and their price rises. Of course multiple factors of supply and demand affect the auto industry. Foreign exchanges: The price of one currency in terms of another, such as euros per dollars, is determined by the demand for and supply of the foreign currency.

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It’s important to realize that what happens in one market affects many other related marks, albeit in smaller strength. It’s similar to a stone dropped into a tranquil body of water producing concentric waves of declining magnitudes as it moves away from the point of impact. L

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LANSING AT A GLANCE

GREATER LANSING AT A GLANCE Each month, 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.

The regular report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracking the region's job performance.

June ‘17

May ‘17

April ‘17

March ‘17

June '16

Sales

54.5

57.4

53.9

Inventory

54.1

59.5

Prices

53.2

48.4

Marketing/Promotion

60.1

56.8

61.6

55.5

54.7

Hiring Plans Values above 50 generally indicate an increase in activity

June ‘17

May ‘17

April ‘17

March ‘17

June '16

Civilian Labor Force (1)

(P)249.4

(P)249.3

(p)250.0

243.47

Employment (1)

(P)241.0

(P)242.2

(p)240.8

232.7

Unemployment (1)

(P)8.3

(P)7.1

(p)9.2

10.7

Unemployment Rate (2)

(P)3.3

(P)2.9

(p)3.7

4.4

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.

June ‘17

May ‘17

April ‘17

March ‘17

June '16

(P)231.7

(P)237.3

(p)236.0

(p)234.3

226.9

12-month % change

(P)2.1

(P)2.4

(p)1.2

(p)2.1

2.58%

Mining, Logging & Construction (3)

(P)8.1

(P)7.7

(p)7.1

(p)6.7

7.6

12-month % change

(P)6.6

(P)1.3

(p)1.4

(p)3.1

Manufacturing (3)

(P)21.0

(p)20.5

(p)20.4

12-month % change

(P)0.0

(P)12.9

(p)-1.4

(p)2.5

6.60%

Trade, Transportation & Utilities (3)

(P)37.8

(P)37.2

(p)36.7

(p)36.8

36.6

12-month % change

(P)3.3

(P)2.5

(p)0.8

(p)2.5

4.27%

Information (3)

(P)2.9

(p)2.9

Total Nonfarm (3)

12-month % change

(P)-3.3

(p)-3.3

Financial Activities (3)

(P)16.3

(P)16.1

(p)15.9

15.6

12-month % change

(P)4.5

(P)3.9

(p)3.2

(p)1.9

-0.64%

Professional & Business Services (3)

(P)22.0

(P)22.1

(p)22.1

(p)21.9

22.4

12-month % change

(P)-1.8

(P)-3.1

(p)-3.5

(p)-2.7

1.82%

Education & Health Services (3)

(P)32.2

(P)32.5

(p)32.5

(p)32.6

31.6

12-month % change

(P)1.9

(P)1.2

(p)1.9

(p)2.8

3.61%

Leisure & Hospitality (3)

(P)21.1

(P)20.9

(p)20.7

(p)20.3

19.6

12-month % change

(P)7.7

(P)6.1

(p)7.8

(p)9.7

-0.51%

Other Services (3)

(P)10.7

(P)10.6

(p)10.4

10.6

12-month % change

(P)0.9

(P)1.9

(p)2.0

3.92%

Government

(P)59.6

(P)66.3

(p)67.2

(p)66.4

58.9

12-month % change

(P)1.2

(P)0.9

(p)1.2

(p)1.1

1.56%

(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 (R) Revised

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July ‘17

June ‘17

May ‘17

April ‘17

July '16

Spartan Motors

8.95

8.85

8.6

8.25

8.39

General Motors

36.11

34.93

33.93

34.64

30.18

Emergent BioSolutions

36.44

33.91

31.93

29.91

33.39

Neogen

65.18

69.11

63.29

62.33

55.15

Gannett (Lansing State Journal)

9.02

8.72

7.85

8.36

11.89

Gray Broadcasting (WILX)

14.73

13.7

12.05

14.65

9.90

Media General (WLNS)*

65.8

59.8

57.2

49.59

Bank of America

24.26

22.41

23.34

14.28

UPS

110.89

110.59

105.97

107.46

104.95

Home Depot

149.51

153.4

153.51

156.1

135.20

Kroger**

24.43

23.32

29.78

29.65

33.68

Macy's Inc.

23.62

23.24

23.5

29.22

34.12

Wal-Mart Stores

80.15

75.68

78.6

75.18

70.96

*Nexstar acquired Media Genera in January; **Adjusted for stock split

TRI-COUNTY HOUSING STATISTICS: JUNE 2017 Source: Realtor.com research, (Updated: July 24th, 2017)

Ingham

Clinton

Eaton

Homes for sale

1,640

449

674

Homes for rent

216

Median listing price

130,000

$200,000

$150,000

Price per square foot

$76

$91

$76

Median closing price

$120,000

$170,000

$140,000

-23%

-26%

-17%

Median days on market* Percent change*

*Includes only single family homes and condo-townhomes, excludes pending listings

SEPTEMBER 2017

LANSING AT A GLANCE

INGHAM COUNTY WORKPLACES AND WAGES, 4TH QUARTER 2016 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages

Next Month: Clinton County

Number of Workplaces

Dec. '16 Employment

Total 4th quarter wages

Average Weekly Wages

Total, all industries

5,649

109,073

$1,336,513,292

943

Service providing

5,036

92,799

$1,062,387,762

881

Goods producing

613

16,274

$274,125,530

1,296

Natural resources and mining

457

$5,229,416

852

Construction

361

3,891

$69,130,303

1,329 1,303

Manufacturing Trade, transportation, and utilities Information Financial activities Professional and business services

207

11,926

$199,765,811

1,148

21,328

$189,816,199

693

119

1,926

$37,608,604

1,506

579

8,639

$127,769,409

1,140

1,091

15,454

$235,907,056

1,180

Education and health services

760

25,824

$353,789,191

1,053

Leisure and hospitality

611

13,655

$56,336,895

315

Other services

675

5,853

$60,182,616

771

Unclassified

120

$977,792

608

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BURCHAM HILLS, DOBIE ROAD NAME DIRECTOR FOR POSTACUTE NETWORK In its continued effort to collaborate to provide health care services to mid-Michigan, Burcham Hills of East Lansing and the Ingham County Medical Care Facility (Dobie Road) of Okemos announced the creation of a new leadership position that will serve both organizations. Barbara Smith, former director of quality and strategy at Burcham Hills, will assume the role of director of the Post-Acute Network for the two organizations, with responsibility for expanding its engagement with acute care providers on care management strategies. “As the only two not-for-profit providers in the area,” said Pam Ditri, Burcham Hills’ executive director. “We believe that coming together to solve many of the service challenges we both face was a smart move for both organizations.” The shared position is the next step in an effort that began more than a year ago to enhance the quality and value of health care services for mid-Michigan

residents. Collectively, the two organizations offer all levels of care, from independent residential, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing to complex post-acute care. Prior to joining Burcham Hills in 2012, Smith was a project specialist for the nonprofit organization MPRO, where she advanced initiatives to improve quality of care in skilled nursing homes and health care providers across the state. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership and administration from Concordia University; she is also a graduate of the Patient Safety Improvement Corp, sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Dobie Road, established in 1844, is a 236-bed short-term, sub-acute rehabilitation center

with long-term memory care and outpatient therapy, located on Dobie Road. Founded in 1974, Burcham Hills, a nonprofit Life Plan Community, offers quality independent living, assisted living and memory care in the Resident Center at Burcham Hills and shortterm rehabilitation and skilled nursing care in the Center for Health & Rehabilitation at Burcham Hills. Burcham Hills also offers onsite physical, occupational and speech therapy to the public in the outpatient therapy clinic at Burcham Hills.

HOMETOWN TOOL AND DIE COMPANY POISED TO EXPAND The City of Lansing and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) announced the expansion of longtime Lansing tool and metal die manufacturer Cameron Tool, today. Since its formation in 1966, Cameron Tool has grown from its original 2,400-squarefoot, three-employee operation to its current

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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72,000-square-foot, 83-person operation. As a company, Cameron Tool is committed to excellence in design, CAD/CAM programming, construction techniques, tryout and inspection. “I am always eager to support the growth and success of a hometown company like Cameron Tool," said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. "This project is another great example of the City partnering with businesses to create and retain quality jobs, while boosting the health of Lansing’s robust manufacturing sector.” The expansion includes construction of a new addition to the existing building that will house a 1,500-ton press, three new cranes and a new diebuild bay with die-build equipment. Additionally, Cameron Tool will be making structural improvements to their existing building.

The Cameron Tool expansion project requires approval by the Lansing City Council and the State Tax Commission, and will appear on the Council’s July 24 agenda. If approved, the project is expected to be complete in Dec. 2017.

EXIT REALTY’S LEO MAGUIRE OF GRAND LEDGE RECEIVES TWO AWARDS EXIT Realty Select Partners’s Leo Maguire was recently recognized by EXIT Realty International. Maguire was recognized by EXIT Realty International for being No. 4 in Top Agents in Gross Closed Commission and No. 2 in Top Agents in Closed Ends for the month of April.

The total project cost is estimated to be $4,000,000 and will create 10-15 construction jobs and 10-15 new full-time jobs. In addition, the project will include a property tax abatement on the future increase in value resulting from the company’s investment in building improvements.

“Leo has worked hard, and this award is welldeserved recognition,” said Mark Kraushaar, co-owner of EXIT Realty Select Partners. EXIT Realty is a by-invitation-only company focused on the business of real estate. EXIT Realty Select Partners is located at 414 S. Clinton in Grand Ledge, Mich. For more information, call (517) 349-3948 or visit exitselectpartners.com.

GEORGE T. SINAS NAMED “TOP 10” MICHIGAN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY Lansing attorney George T. Sinas has been recognized by Leading Lawyers as one of Michigan’s Top 10 Plaintiffs’ PI Lawyers. He’s one of only two attorneys outside the metro Detroit area to be listed.

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Attorneys named Leading Lawyers are recommended by their peers as being among the best in their practice area. Less than 5 percent of all Michigan attorneys receive the Leading Lawyers distinction. Leading Lawyers has also named Sinas one of Michigan’s Top 10 Consumer Lawyers. The Leading Lawyers designation is one of many honors that Sinas has received throughout his lengthy career. He received Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Lawyer of the Year award in 2013, the Michigan Association for Justice’s Champion of Justice award in 2014 and the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel’s Most Respected Advocate award in 2015.

GRAVES

bicycle accidents. The firm, founded in 1951, also maintains an active family law practice. The firm has offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Chicago.

has been named general contractor for phase I of a renovation of the Ingham County Medical Care Facility (ICMCF) in Okemos, known locally as Dobie Road.

MOORE TROSPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY BREAKS GROUND ON DOBIE ROAD CARE FACILITY ADDITION

Phase I, expected to be completed in May 2018, is the addition of a 61,607-square-foot wing for short-stay rehabilitation and a clinically complex care center. The new wing will offer private rooms with baths, enhanced bariatric services, a therapy gym, an outpatient therapy clinic and therapeutic activities area, as well as fine dining restaurant-style services, a

Moore Trosper Construction Company, a Native American-owned company based in Holt, Mich.

LARKIN

Breaking ground for a new addition at Dobie Road are (from left): Moore Trosper Project Engineer Jett Moore and CEO Harold Moore, ICMCF Administrator and CEO Mark Stevens, Moore Trosper President Ted Moore, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Ingham County Board Members Greta Wu and Kimberly Coleman, and Moore Trosper Senior Project Manager Dave Wright.

WALDMAN Additionally, three other Sinas Dramis partners have been listed as Leading Lawyers:

• James F. Graves: Top 100 Outstate (NonDetroit Metro) Lawyer and Top 100 Consumer Lawyer • Michael E. Larkin: Top 100 Outstate (Non-Detroit Metro) Lawyer and Top 100 Consumer Lawyer • Bryan J. Waldman: Top 100 Leading Lawyer, Top 100 Outstate (Non-Detroit Metro) Lawyer and Top 100 Consumer Lawyer Sinas and the Sinas Dramis Law Firm have also been prominently featured in the June 2017 inaugural issue of Leading Lawyers Magazine – Michigan Edition. An article titled “George Sinas: Family Legacy Bolstered Auto No-Fault Expert” details Sinas’ storied personal injury career and emphasizes his expertise in Michigan Auto No-Fault Law. The article also tells the story of the unbreakable bond between law firm founders Thomas G. Sinas, George’s father, and Lee C. Dramis, as well as highlights the legal legacies of partners Jim Graves, Mike Larkin and Bryan Waldman. The Sinas Dramis Law Firm concentrates its practice on personal injury and wrongful death matters, including claims arising from motor vehicle, motorcycle, semi-truck and L

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beauty shop and spa, office and storage space, a community meeting room and a new driveway and parking lot. Service providers within the wing will be known as the Ingham County Rehabilitation Services Center and Outpatient Therapy Clinic. At the groundbreaking ceremony on June 27, Mark Stevens, ICMCF administrator and CEO, expressed his excitement about

working with Moore Trosper on this important project.

addition that will allow us to better serve our patients and their families.”

“Moore Trosper Construction Company is very committed to our facility and the work we do here,” said Stevens. “They understand our mission and are willing to do what it takes to get the job done well. The professionals at Moore Trosper really sharpened their pencils to help us accomplish a great deal within our new

Moore Trosper President Ted Moore has a long history of involvement with the ICMCF, and said he’s pleased to be chosen to complete a project that means so much to the health and well-being of people from throughout midMichigan communities. “As a former ICMCF Foundation board member for nine years, I can speak firsthand about the great work this organization does for its patients and their families,” said Moore. “I’m extremely proud that Moore Trosper can contribute to the organization’s future success so more people can get the care they need in a patient-centered environment.”

THE SALVATION ARMY – LANSING CAPITAL AREA WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS The Salvation Army – Lansing Capital Area is proud to welcome its new officers, Majors Jim and Pat Irvine. The Irvines have been appointed to lead The Salvation Army – Lansing Capital Area effective July 1, 2017. They succeed Majors Kim and Alan Hellstrom.

SHARED SUCCESS IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE

Now in their 24th year as commissioned officers and ordained pastors of The Salvation Army, the Irvines have served in a variety of assignments throughout the central U.S. including local corps and community centers and administrative positions. Major Pat will serve as the Lansing Citadel Corps and Community Center officer. Major Jim will serve as the Lansing Capital Area coordinator overseeing The Salvation Army’s tri-county service area — Clinton, Eaton and Ingham —

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Fully renovated interior, three story building includes: three bathrooms, seven large offices, reception area, fully furnished, onsite parking available, main floor with ramp from parking lot, security system, basement storage, full size refrigerator, portable dishwasher, microwave, trash collection, landscaping and snow removal.

Fully renovated interior, two story building includes: two full bathrooms, four large offices, two large bullpen or common areas, fully furnished, onsite parking available, building can be separated into two separate spaces with distinct entrances, main floor and second floor access from parking lot, security system, basement storage, two full size refrigerators, second floor dishwasher, trash collection, landscaping and snow removal.

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610 Seymour Ave. Lansing MI 48933

57 L B N . Lisa Allen Kost lisa.kost@cbre-martin.com | T 517.351.2200 | D 517.319.9252 a n s i n g

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in addition to its two Lansing locations at 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave. and 701 W. Jolly Road. While the Irvines have a proven track record in administrative leadership, their hearts and passions are deeply rooted in service to local community ministries.

more information about The Salvation Army Capital Area, visit salansing.org.

The Irvines have three sons: Nathan is the director of youth evangelism and discipleship for The Salvation Army in the Chicago Metropolitan Division and is married to Danielle, doctor of optometry. They’re the proud parents of the Irvine’s first grandchild, Judah Daniel. Jeremy is a recent graduate of Purdue University in criminal justice and is currently employed as a corrections officer in the Pittsburgh area. Chris is a recent graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a degree in biblical studies and is just concluding a summer-long mission trip with The Salvation Army in Costa Rica.

If this is the year your work makes a difference in your community or in this state, you could be the Michigan Journalist of the Year for 2017.

ATTENTION MICHIGAN JOURNALISTS

The Michigan Press Association Foundation is seeking entries for its fourth annual Michigan Journalist of the Year competition. The contest is open to all professional journalists

The Salvation Army – Lansing Capital Area serves the tri-county area by providing numerous individuals and families in need with access to food assistance, personal needs, baby items, haircuts, community meals, utility assistance, mortgage/rent assistance and church events. For

in Michigan. The winner will be announced in May 2018 at the MPA Annual Convention, receiving an $1,000 award. The award is an outgrowth of the MPA Foundation’s commitment to encourage and support professional journalism across Michigan and recognize work of impact at the community or state level. The award will honor an individual journalist whose work had a significant impact, locally or statewide. Journalists may submit a “body of work” published, broadcast or posted from Oct. 1, 2016 to Dec. 1, 2017. For this competition, a body of work may comprise up to six examples of the journalist’s work during the contest period. Each entry must include a cover letter of up to 300 words highlighting the quality and impact of the journalist’s work. Entries may include supporting material to show how the journalist’s work made a difference in the community or across Michigan. Entries may come from news outlets, individual journalists or others acting on their behalf. Entries will be judge by a panel representative

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY BRENDAN DWYER, CTA In 2013 the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) unveiled the Community Champions initiative to recognize local individuals who assist the GLCVB (and its sports division, the Greater Lansing Sports Authority/GLSA) in securing meetings, conventions and sports events for Michigan’s Capital region. Every year groups of all kinds come into town and pump millions into the local economy, benefitting everything from hoteliers to restaurants to retailers to gas stations and more. Obviously, this is an ideal economic scenario but it doesn’t always just happen on its own. The GLCVB and GLSA work alongside local meeting and event venues as well as other hospitality partners to promote Greater Lansing as a great event destination. However, efforts are significantly bolstered when well-connected community-minded individuals see the big picture and then jump in to help. “Our hope for this program is to shed light on the significant efforts being made by

community stakeholders to keep Greater Lansing in the forefront as a potential host-city for meetings and events throughout the year,” said Jack Schripsema, President and CEO of the GLCVB. “This can mean anyone from university professionals with national affiliations to local sports clubs to area religious leaders; If you attend meetings or events because of your hobbies or professional connections, why not host those events and tournaments in Greater Lansing?” Local individuals that are interested in inviting their professional organization, hobbyist club or tournament style sports event to the Greater Lansing area for a future convention or event can contact the GLCVB/GLSA and not only receive free planning assistance with all aspects of the event, but will also receive consideration as a future Community Champion. One of last year’s Community Champions was Scott Dane, Executive Director of the Capital Area Soccer League. Dane was recognized for his role in hosting the

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Capital City Classic, an annual soccer tournament which last year brought in 1,680 athletes making up 140 teams and almost 6,000 spectators from across the Midwest for several days of top competition at Greater Lansing soccer venues. “It’s an honor to be named a Community Champion,” said Scott Dane. “Soccer is a great game that everyone can play so to bring both this sport and the big economic bump that comes with a large tournament to our hometown, makes our involvement with youth soccer a true win-win.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

Ask yourself — Do you belong to a club, team or organization that could host an event in Greater Lansing? If so, contact David Buckenberger at 517-377-1409 or dbuckenberger@lansing.org. Make a difference and be our next Community Champion! Brendan Dwyer is the Manager of Marketing Communications with the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau.

NOTABLE NEWS

of journalism professionals, educators and the MPA Foundation board.

cost effective management and remains on the cutting edge of brain injury rehabilitation.

Entries will be accepted beginning August 1, 2017. The deadline for entering is Dec. 15, 2017.

To learn more about the services available at Origami or make inquiries about this research study, please call Amanda Carr at (517) 4550274. Additional information about Origami can be found online at OrigamiRehab.org.

ORIGAMI PARTNERS WITH MSU IN $150,000 BRAIN INJURY RESEARCH STUDY Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is the clinical site for a two-year Michigan State University (MSU) research study. Funding for the $150,000 study was received through a grant by the American Osteopathic Association and AT Still Foundation. The Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) on Functional Outcomes and Anti-inflammatory Biomarkers in mild-to-moderate Traumatic Brain Injury is led by primary investigator and Origami Medical Director, Rebecca Wyatt, DO. Data collection will begin in September 2017 with plans for it to include 200 cases. Wyatt stated, “The impact of our proposed research lies in our attempt to establish a foundation

for the basis of using OMT procedures to accelerate recovery of patients following mild to moderate brain injury and to find correlations between cognitive functions, biochemical markers, and self-reported assessments of quality of life.” Origami is a nonprofit organization located in Mason offering a continuum of care for individuals who have sustained a brain injury, from residential to community-based and outpatient programs with the resources available to return people to productive and active lives. Origami operates in partnership with the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Peckham Inc. With the support of these partners, Origami generates excellent clinical outcomes with

CITY OF LANSING ANNOUNCES FIRST IMPRESSIONS PROGRAM The City of Lansing, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing are pleased to announce the First Impressions Program. This new program — formerly the Lansing Sense of Place in the Arts Program — offers three types of funding and support to Lansing creatives, artists and arts organizations. The City recently increased arts program funding by $20,000 for a total of $140,000 in support of the arts in Lansing. “A strong investment in arts and culture is key to our economy in today’s world,” said Lansing

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Mayor Virg Bernero. “Placemaking is economic development, and we are committed to it.” The three categories of the First Impressions Program include: Creative Placemaking grants, which fund a variety of specific projects by artists and arts organizations from $1,000 to $20,000; Arts Impact Projects, which provides $75,000 in funds for an individual permanent project/installation; and Programmatic

Support, which is by invitation and provides $45,000 to support arts organizations that meet the required criteria.

in placemaking activity within our region, and this increase in funding for arts and culture will underscores that commitment.”

“We know that intentional strategic placemaking efforts are a driver for attracting new talent and businesses, and for keeping the great talent and businesses we already have, right here,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “The City of Lansing continues to be a true leader

The First Impressions Program works to establish a strong arts-focused community and positive first impression of Lansing — an image that invites tourists, visitors, and potential new residents to the area, and one that creates a sense of place and pride for our current residents. The program provides a variety of opportunities for residents to connect with art and the city, encouraging them to become ambassadors for the region.

HOW AN

Guidelines and eligibility criteria for all categories are available on the funding page of the Arts Council website at Lansingarts.org.

ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS 1. Build your brand 2. Protect your intellectual property

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COLDWELL BANKER HUBBELL BRIARWOOD SALES ASSOCIATES LISTED ON REAL TRENDS REPORT Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood is honored to announce that the following sales associates have been placed on the REAL Trends American’s Best Real Estate Agents report for our local market area. This prestigious ranking

Contact: JOHN W. MASHNI P: 517.371.8257 E: jmashni@fosterswift.com John Mashni has extensive experience in the film, television, publishing, and music industries, and he loves working with creative individuals who have a vision to share and a story to tell. HERNLY

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Coffee? Donut? Business Loan? If you’re a Lansing business leader looking for good conversation, a cup of coffee and the right loan solution, let’s talk. We’re big on business banking expertise. In fact, we can bring you multiple solutions through a number of business banking services—commercial lending is just one. Let’s pick a time and place to talk about your business loan needs. We like to think of it as a good way to get to know each other. You can think of it as a free cup of coffee and new ideas for your business.

Visit ubmich.com or call to set up an appointment at 517-646-9095.

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based on their excellence in real estate sales during the 2016 calendar year. All production numbers are independently verified by a thirdparty to ensure accuracy and report integrity. Individuals by Sides: • Jason VanSickle – No. 47 • Travis Conti – No. 66 • James Kost – No. 145 • Lisa Fata – No. 147 • Shelly Hall – No. 294 • Nancy Petroff – No.294 • Tracey Hernly – No. 294

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Meetings & Conventions

“One of the Best Gaming Properties in the Midwest” Successful Meetings

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At Maner, Schafer will utilize his background in business and tax analysis to help companies maximize their wealth and minimize their tax burden through planning, preparation and compliance at all levels. Schafer previously prepared individual and corporate tax returns, processed different payroll reports, performed monthly bookkeeping and assisted in agreed upon procedures for affordable housing audits. Schafer graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. Schafer enjoys basketball — he played varsity in college for four years — golf, kayaking and spending time with his wife, Courtney.

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To request a Meeting Planner’s Kit or more information: 269.660.5491 | cateringsales@firekc.com | FireKeepersCasino.com/meet

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SCHAFER

“We are excited to welcome Schafer aboard our TRIM

“Best Overall Gaming Resort” • “Best Casino” “Best Hotel” • “Best Overall Dining” “Best Gaming Property: Midwest”

advisory firm based in Lansing, Mich., is COLOR pleased to announce 4/c a new addition to its professional team. Kevin Schafer joins as a LIVE full-time associate in the n/a firm’s tax department.

SEPTEMBER 2017

5/9/17 11:58 AM

NEW BUSINESS COMES TO MASON The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors provided a ribbon cutting on Saturday, July 22, 2017 to celebrate the grand opening of Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage’s new location at 352 W. Columbia in downtown Mason. Assisting Kendra and Trevor Patterson are many family members, friends, community leaders, vendors, customers and supporters.

GREATER LANSING TEAM LANSING FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is proud to announce the 2017 Greater Lansing Team Lansing Foundation Board of Directors: • Thomas M. Collins, chairman, Traverse City Leasing Inc. • Barry Freed, vice chairman, Art Craft Display Inc.

• Bonnie Knutson, secretary/treasurer, Michigan State University • Jack Schripsema, executive director, Greater Lansing CVB • Mayor Virg Bernero, director, City of Lansing • Paula Cunningham, director, AARP Michigan • Pat Gillespie, director, Gillespie Group “We are proud to have such an outstanding and dedicated group of business and community leaders on our Foundation Board,” said GLCVB President and CEO, Jack Schripsema. “I look forward to working with this knowledgeable and dedicated team to advance our mission of regional destination development.”

GRANGER CONSTRUCTION EXPANDS; WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES Granger Construction Company, a national leader in construction management services and headquartered in Lansing, Mich., has announced the opening of a new office in Columbus, Ohio. Granger Construction’s new office, located at 175 S. Third St., will provide pre-construction and construction management, general contracting and design-build services to the greater Columbus market. The new office in central Ohio expands the number of Granger Construction locations, adding to its Michigan offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Novi. The Columbus office will be led by Ohio native and construction industry veteran Jason Woehrle, and the office opened July 10. Granger Construction welcomes the following new employees: Yousif Huballah, project manager: A previous intern with Granger Construction, Huballah worked for MICCO Construction and the

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as they present the 23rd Annual Entrepreneurial Awards Ceremony

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Cocktail Hour starts at 5 p.m. followed by the awards program at 6:30 p.m. Eagle Eye Golf Club, 15500 Chandler Road, Bath Twp

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT GLBMAWARDS.COM glbmawards.com PRESENTED BY:

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University of Michigan’s Architecture Engineering and Construction Division. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in construction management, and he recently completed an MBA from Oakland University. Jason Woehrle, regional director: An Ohio native and graduate of Ohio State University, Woehrle was most recently a project executive for Gilbane Inc., where he was instrumental in securing and leading the $100M expansion of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. James Harding, project manager: Harding comes from Pepper Construction Group in the Chicago area, with significant experience in the health care market. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

PM ENVIRONMENTAL TO CELEBRATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY, LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE PM Environmental Inc. joined a very exclusive group in July – companies that have been in business for over 25 years. Only 20 percent of all companies in the U.S. make it this far. PM Environmental, a full-service environmental consulting firm founded in 1992 by Peter Bosanic and Michael Kulka, has seen an 88 percent growth rate in the last five years and is one of the top 20 environmental due diligence providers in the nation. “We started 25 years ago passing out business cards to small time gas station owners in midMichigan to enter the Michigan Trust Fund for Leaking USTs,” said PM Environmental CoFounder and CEO, Michael Kulka. “Now we call on Fortune 100 companies, from a smoky back office in a mechanics garage to the boardroom.”

As part of the celebration, the company recently launched its new website and is inviting visitors to explore the updated interface and functionality. The new website design relied largely on client input, with the goal of providing users direct access to the information they are seeking and demonstrating the breadth of services PM provides. Along with its updated look, the website has new features, including improved mobile navigation, industry-specific pages, a resources center and more. Visitors to the new page will stay informed of the latest PM Environmental and industry news as well as get useful tips, guides and case studies about PM projects throughout the U.S. The new website is the first in a series of events planned to celebrate a quarter century in business. “We are looking forward to the future,” said Kulka. “The new website, with state of the art technology and a more customer focused portal, will help us continue to lead our industry for the next 25 years.”

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Take our online assessment to work toward a healthier workplace. The Designing Healthy Environments at Work wellness tool is a free, best practices assessment that evaluates worksite wellness, identifies areas of improvement and provides the resources to implement change. Take the assessment today at www.mihealthtools.org/work.

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