SUZY MERCHANT 2018 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD - Lansing Regional Chamber
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • DECEMBER 2018
SUZY MERCHANT
2018 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD
IN THIS ISSUE
2018 ATHENAPOWERLINK RECIPIENT:
LESLIE E. AULD
FOCUS ON SMALL BUSINESS:
TRADE NETWORK
LRC-PAC ENDORSED CANDIDATES SCORE
ELECTION SUCCESS
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER
The Growing Impact of ATHENA and Women
in Leadership
WHEN MARTHA MERTZ STARTED THE ATHENA AWARD in Lansing, Michigan in 1982, she was the only woman on the Lansing Regional
Chamber’s Board of Directors. It is a great source of community pride to witness not only the growth of ATHENA, now recognized
in more than 500 communities in eight counties, but to also witness the increasing prominence of women in leadership in business,
education and government throughout the Lansing region.
Last year’s ATHENA Leadership recipient, April Clobes is completing her term as the chair of the Lansing Regional Chamber. I am
proud to share that April is the ninth woman to chair the Chamber’s board and the fourth in the past ten years, a board that currently
TIM DAMAN includes 13 outstanding women business leaders.
President and CEO
Lansing Regional The list of ATHENA recipient’s in our region since 1982 is a Who’s Who of outstanding business community and education leaders
Chamber of Commerce who have excelled in in their commitment to mentoring others and in their service to the community. I can’t think of a more deserving
individual to be recognized as the 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient than MSU basketball coach Suzy Merchant. Her win-
loss record as a coach speaks for itself. Her work in building up student athletes and preparing them for success after basketball is even
more impressive. So too, was her effort, along with many supporters in the community to create the empowHER Leadership Retreat
which is helping girls in fifth through ninth grades embrace their strengths and differences, build their self-confidence and participate
in service projects that demonstrate the importance of giving back to their community.
It is equally pleasing to see the continued growth of the ATHENAPowerLink® (APL) program in which a local woman owned
business owner gets support of a panel of mentors to help her address critical business needs for sustained growth. Congratulations to
Kellie Johnson of Kellie’s Consignments who is wrapping up her year in the APL program, and a special welcome to our 2019 APL
recipient, Leslie Auld of Therapy Today. A big congratulations to 2013 APL recipient Jill Marlan, owner Peak Performance Physical
Therapy for her recent recognition from Ernst and Young as a 2018 Entrepreneurial Winning Women award.
The growing number of women who won elected positions was the big story on election night. Congratulations to East Lansing’s
Gretchen Whitmer, elected as the Governor of our great state. We look forward to working with the Governor-Elect over the next
four years. Our Capitol Caucus will also take on a decidedly female look next year, as well. Congratulations to Angela Witwer, a
valued Chamber member from Edge|Publicom, elected to the state house. Other first-time
It is equally pleasing to see the continued growth of the state representatives elected include Julie Brixie, Sarah Anthony and Kara Hope.
ATHENAPowerLink® (APL) program in which a local
A couple final notes as we close out 2018. Earlier this year, the Lansing Regional Chamber
woman owned business owner gets support of a panel completed a comprehensive strategic plan. As part of this process, we are asking your help
of mentors to help her address critical business needs in establishing our 2019 priorities by completing the Chamber Member Survey that was
distributed electronically last month. Keep an eye on your inbox for further communications
for sustained growth. and opportunities to complete the survey.
Finally, we are celebrating this holiday season by moving into our newly renovated offices. We appreciate your patience and understanding
as we worked remotely over the past four months. We are looking forward to our new space and to also inviting our members to
experience our facility in early 2019.
On behalf of the Lansing Regional Chamber team, our best wishes to you for a great finish to 2018 and a Happy Holiday season. n
TRANSPORTATION
ABOUT THE
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Leadership Circle members are proven
business and community leaders. We
value their commitment and applaud
their efforts to strengthen our region
with their leadership and appreciate
the important role they play in
advancing our organization.
2 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
DON’T MISS!
2018 Board of Directors ANNUAL DINNER
Date: February 26, 2019
Officers Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Board Chair Legal Counsel Tickets: lansingchamber.org/events
April Clobes / MSU Federal Steve Owen / Foster, Swift, Collins
Credit Union & Smith, P.C.
Past Chair Treasurer TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 / HOLIDAY MEMBER MIXER 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., La Fille Gallery, 336 E
Deb Muchmore / Deb Muchmore Jeff Fineis / Andrews Hooper
Consulting Pavlik PLC
Michigan Avenue, Lansing. Join us for holiday cheer, art and more at our annual Holiday Member
Chair Elect President
Mixer! No cost to attend for members ($15/non-members). Includes hors d’oeuvres.
Patrick Dean / Dean Transportation Tim Daman / Lansing Regional
Chamber of Commerce TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 / ATHENA AWARDS 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Kellogg Hotel and Conference
Center, East Lansing. 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient: Suzy Merchant, Head Coach,
Division Directors MSU Women’s Basketball. The ATHENA Award celebrates individuals who strive towards the
highest levels of professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and
Marketing and Government Relations
Communications Matt Resch / Resch Strategies
energy to their community and who pave pathways for other women to follow. Join us as we welcome
Lisa O’Connor / Edge Publicom Member Services
the newest member of the ATHENA Award legacy! Program begins at noon. Please arrive early
Regional Initiatives Michelle Massey / Dewpoint for registration and networking. $55/member ticket, $75/non-member ticket or $425/table of eight
Steve Notar Donato / General Motors (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 / LANSING ECONOMIC CLUB 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Kellogg Hotel and
At-Large Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Lisa Corless, President and CEO, AF Group. Learn
Lauren Aitch / Our Own Products Van Martin / Martin Commercial more about leadership and how to strengthen your team for a strong tomorrow. Program begins at
David Baker / Farm Bureau Properties
noon. Please arrive early for registration and networking. $55/member ticket, $75/non-member ticket
Insurance Company Tonia Olson / Granger
or $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required.
Denise Droscha / Two Men & Steve Quinlan / Neogen
A Truck Joe Ruth / Sparrow
David Ferguson / Ferguson
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 / CHAMBER UNIVERSITY: GENERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Dr. Kathleen Wilbur / Michigan
Development State University
Location: Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Speaker: Kenneth Levine Ph.D., Professor,
Glenn Granger / Granger Bill Woodbury / Auto-Owners Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences. No generation is single
Construction Insurance, Co. monolithic group of people who all behave exactly the same way. So why are we so hung up on
Wendy Hamilton / TechSmith Mike Zamaira / Niowave generations in the first place? It’s actually important to consider what makes them tick because this is
Teri Hull / Dart Container Kevin Zielke / AF Group the first time in history that five distinct generations are side-by-side in the workplace simultaneously.
Casey Kandow / McLaren Greater David Zyble / Jackson National Life
Lansing
Learning about people’s different identity markers can be a helpful way to better interact with each
Insurance
other. And members of each generation do have traits that differentiate them — a combination of
characteristics largely based on the circumstances in which each cohort came of age.
Board Partnerships
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 / EAST LANSING AND MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE 8 a.m.
LEAP, Inc. Lansing Black Chamber
Bob Trezise / LEAP, Inc. of Commerce – 9 a.m. Location: Plante Moran, 1111 E Michigan Avenue, East Lansing. The East Lansing and
Grand River Connection Dr. Alane Laws-Barker / Sparrow Meridian Township Business Roundtable meets the third Wednesday of each month to provide a
Katherine Japinga / Michigan State Greater Lansing Hispanic forum for business leaders to discuss important issues impacting East Lansing and Meridian Township.
Senate Chamber To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Steve Japinga at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org.
ATHENA WIN Jose Yanez / Full Circle Financial
Planning
Jenn Sturdy / PNC Bank TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 / MEMBER MIXER 5 p.m. 7 p.m. Finley’s Grill & Smoke House, 7433 W.
Saginaw Hwy, Lansing. No charge for Chamber members ($15/non-members). Includes drinks
FOCUS and hors d’oeuvres.
Editors Cover Story Photography
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 / DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Location: TBD.
Ross Woodstock Trumpie Photography
Eric Dimoff The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month to provide a
Photography
Design Hanna VonAchen forum for business leaders to discuss important issues impacting Delta Township. To ensure adequate
Tandem Studios Mailing seating, please RSVP to Steve Japinga at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org.
Printing BRD Printing, Inc.
BRD Printing, Inc. TUESDAY, JANUARY 29 / LANSING ECONOMIC CLUB 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Kellogg Hotel and Conference
Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Dr. Richard Pappas, President, Davenport University. Program begins
at noon. Please arrive early for registration and networking. $55/member ticket, $75/non-member
STAY CONNECTED. STAY SOCIAL. ticket or $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required. n
facebook.com/LansingChamber
twitter.com/LansingChamber
@LansingRegionalChamber
2 0 1 8 For more information about Chamber events, tickets or sponsorships, contact
Ashlee Willis at michiganpremierevents@lansingchamber.org.
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce LRCC EVENTS
LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 3
THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS
Abood Law Firm Lake Trust Credit Union-
Adna Technologies Lake Lansing Branch CHAMBER MILESTONES
Agate Software, Inc. Lake Trust Credit Union-
Okemos Branch We’d like to offer a special salute to these great organizations that reached
American Fifth Spirits milestone anniversaries as Chamber members this month. Thank you for
Lake Trust Credit Union-
APCO, Inc. South Lansing Branch your continued support through the years!
Boji Group Lake Trust Credit Union-
Cannaisseur West Saginaw Branch LAKE TRUST CREDIT COMCAST SPOTLIGHT BIGGBY COFFEE #206
Lake Trust Credit Union- UNION 15 Years 10 Years
Capital Honda
Capitol Branch 35 Years
Capital Steel & Wire, Inc. T.H. EIFERT, LLC KELLEY CAWTHORNE
Lake Trust Credit Union- PLAYMAKERS MECHANICAL 10 Years
Coolidge Place Townhomes Dimondale Branch 30 Years CONTRACTORS
Country Creek Property STAYBRIDGE SUITES
Lambert & Co. 15 Years
Preservation LANSING RADIOLOGY LANSING - OKEMOS
M P C Cashway Lumber, Inc. ASSOCIATES, P.C. UNIVERSITY QUALITY 10 Years
CS Tax & Bookkeeping
Maloney Carpet Company 30 Years INN CORPORATE OFFICE
Cypress Home Care, Inc. 10 Years
Michigan Association of ZEEB ANIMAL HOSPITAL INTERIORS
Dart, Papesh & Co., Inc. Broadcasters 5 Years
20 Years TRITERRA
Davies Project for Mid-Michigan Michigan Legislative Consultants 10 Years
Children, The LANSING GLASS CO.
Murawski’s Tax Service, Inc. 20 Years
Duane Vernon
NCG Eastwood Cinema
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce members have unparalleled access
Marriott-Eastwood Old Town Marquee
to their company and staff profiles on the LRCC website. To access and
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan On The Spot Engraving update this information at any point, visit lansingchamber.org and enter your
Great Lakes Christian Homes Outdoor Expressions username and password. If you have not yet logged into the site, please follow
Landscaping LLC the simple password reset instructions. Call 517-487-6340 with any questions.
Greater Lansing United Nations
Assn.-USA Paradise Funeral Chapel
Administrative Center
Green Peak Industries
Potter Park Zoological Society
H&R Electrical Contractors
Salvation Army - Lansing
Habitat for Humanity Capital Capitol Area, The
Region
Shaklee
Holt & Dimondale Agency
Talecris Plasma Resources
i2Integration
T-Mobile
Impact Solutions
Trade Network Inc.
Kendall Electric
Waggoner Financial Group, The
Kentwood Office Furniture
Wal-Mart-Towne Center Blvd.
Lake Trust Credit Union-
Dewitt Branch Washington Avenue Advisors
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
2GEN INVESTMENT MICHIGAN WOMEN WOODWORTH
2383 Graystone Dr. FORWARD COMMERCIAL
Okemos, MI 48864 PO Box 1335 REAL ESTATE
517-580-4175 Okemos, MI 48805 4277 Okemos Rd.,
517-763-2397 x200 Suite 200
AEROTEK, INC. Okemos, MI 48864
2501 N. Coolidge Rd., RECRUITMENT 517-679-8633
Suite 203 MANAGEMENT Emily Fox
East Lansing, MI 48823 CONSULTANTS, LLC Your host for
517-381-3326 321 West Lake
the capital region
Lansing Road
EDWARD JONES East Lansing, MI 48823
1995 N. Cedar St. 517-999-5410
Holt, MI 48842 Hear election news
517-694-3262
90.5 FM • 105.1 FM & analysis every morning
AM 870 • wkar.org
4 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018
FOCUS ON SMALL BUSINESS
Trade Network: ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’
BY SOPHIA CHARBONEAU, KOLT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
EVAN KAY SPENDS HIS SPARE TIME UNLIKE MOST. Kay has website made for $5000, the printing
made a goal to reach the summit of the highest mountain company could pay cash or they could
in each of the 50 states in the United States. This goal takes barter for the new website instead.
a plethora of motivation and dedication. These qualities The printing company would only pay
illustrate that Kay’s work ethic soars above most. And it’s $2,000 dollars out of pocket, if the
through these qualities that make his company, Trade margin of the print job is 60%.
Network successful.
Kay “Even once when the 12 percent
Trade Network is located on 3721 W Michigan Ave in commission is added, the printing
Lansing MI. It is here where Kay and his team help small businesses save money company is still able to get a new
through networked, business to business bartering. Trade Network currently is website for only $2,600 cash out of pocket,” said Kay. “The web designer is
helping over 1,000 Michigan businesses save money. happy as they received a new customer that might not have gone with them
in the first place.”
Trade Network was started by Kay’s father, Gary, in 1991. Being born in the
greater Lansing area, as Kay grew up, he was able to see Trade Network grow Trade Network is free to join and helps business save on day-to-day business
up as well. Kay’s sense of adventure sparked as he traveled to Virginia to attend expenses and also on client’s personal aspirations as well. Kay mentioned that
college. It was there that Kay earned his degree in Business. But not even the some of his favorite trading situations are when Trade Network has helped
great Blue Ridge mountains could keep this Michigander away for too long. start-up businesses become successful or when they helped clients save $10,000
Kay traveled back to Michigan to run his father’s trade business. Kay gave an on their wedding. Situations like these provide a positive impact on Kay’s
example of what a typical situation at Trade Network may look like: business. It’s Kay’s love for the city of Lansing and small business, like Trade
Network that sets apart Trade Network from the rest.
“A printing company joins Trade Network. Trade Network brings customers who
pay full price in trade dollars who might normally shop at their competitors,” “There are so many challenges that small businesses face every day, we love
said Kay. “The printing company can spend their trade dollars on employee giving people a leg up,” said Kay.
benefits (Christmas party, supplemental medical, etc.) new equipment,
construction, and maintenance cost, phone service parking lot resurfacing, and The future is bright for Kay and Trade Network. Kay and his team are
they can even use their trade dollars to cover executive travel expenses. “ continually looking for new ways to grow and make their business better. Kay
mentioned one of his latest projects that he and his team are working on is the
When Trade Network members spend their trade dollars there is 12 percent development of an app for his company.
commission for Evan and his team. Continuing with the printing company
example, Kay explained that if the printing company decided to get a new Celebrating its 27th year in business, nothing is stopping Trade Network from
What’s your plan?
BRAND FORWARD WITH PUBLIC RELATIONS
• Gain awareness through earned media
• Stay top of mind with your target audience
• Manage your reputation
group 517.203.3333
www.m3group.biz
LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 5
VOICE OF BUSINESS
LRCC calls on Newly Elected Leaders to Embrace Bipartisan
Regional Collaboration
A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF CANDIDATES supported CLINTON COUNTY COMMISSION
by the Lansing Regional Chamber Political Action
Committee (LRC-PAC) enjoyed election victories Kam Washburn – 1st District (Republican)
in the November General Election. The Lansing David Pohl – 2nd District (Republican)
Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) called on Bruce DeLong – 3rd District (Republican)
election night winners to take a bipartisan, collaborative Ken Mitchell – 4th District (Republican)
approach in tackling the critical issues for the state and Bob Showers – 5th District (Republican)
the Greater Lansing region. Adam Stacey – 7th District (Republican)
“Our region and state have made tremendous progress. Now it’s time to accelerate our EATON COUNTY COMMISSION
success,” said Steve Japinga, LRCC vice president government affairs. “Our elected
officials must work collaboratively with our region’s business leaders, entrepreneurs Blake Mulder – 2nd District (Republican)
and job creators on the priorities that impact our region’s ability to grow, thrive and
prosper. Together, we will build a stronger community and a more vibrant region.” INGHAM COUNTY COMMISSION
18 candidates receiving LRC-PAC endorsements were successful on election night, Vic Celentino – 1st District (Democrat)
including: Randy Maiville – 6th District (Republican)
Mark Polsdofer – 12th District (Democrat)
U.S. CONGRESS Randy Schafer – 13th District (Republican)
John Moolenaar (MI-04) (Republican) “We extend our congratulations to Governor-Elect Gretchen Whitmer and offer
Tim Walberg (MI-07) (Republican) our best wishes in her efforts to lead our state forward towards continued growth,”
said Japinga. “We look forward to working with the new governor and our state
STATE SENATE legislature, especially our representatives in the Capital Caucus on critical issues
including education and workforce development, infrastructure, maintaining a
Tom Barrett – 24th Senate Seat (Republican) positive business and regulatory environment in order to encourage continued
Curtis Hertel, Jr. – 23rd Senate Seat (Democrat) investment and job creation in our state. It is our sincere hope that our continued
emphasis for a stronger regional vision will allow us to establish a clear direction for
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the future of our community and the Lansing region.” n
Sarah Anthony – 68th House Seat (Democrat)
Julie Brixie – 69th House Seat (Democrat)
Graham Filler – 93rd House Seat (Republican)
We’ve got plans to cover all of yours.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network offers the complete
insurance solution to protect the overall health and well-being of your employees.
For more information, please call your Blue Cross contracted agent or visit us
online at bcbsm.com/employers.
GROUP HEALTH PLANS | SPECIALTY BENEFITS | BCBSM.COM/EMPLOYERS
MICHIGAN
DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
R084166
6 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018
#LOVELANSING
Lansing Ignite FC Unveiled Nate Miller Named First
as USL League One Founding Lansing Ignite Head Coach
Member
Lansing Ignite Vice President and General Manager Jeremy
Sampson announced the hiring of veteran collegiate and
Premier Development League (PDL) coach Nate Miller as
the first head coach in the club’s history.
USL LEAGUE ONE OFFICIALLY WELCOMED LANSING Miller, 32, has served as the head coach of the Spring Arbor
IGNITE FC as a founding member of the new University men’s soccer program since 2013 as well as the
professional league, which will kick off play in 2019. head coach and general manager of Lansing United, a Miller
Led by Majority Owner Tom Dickson, President former member of the PDL, North America’s premier pre-
Nick Grueser and Vice President and General professional soccer.
Manager Jeremy Sampson, LIFC becomes the only
professional outdoor soccer team in Michigan. “It is an honor to be selected as Lansing Ignite’s inaugural Head Coach,” said
Miller. “I am looking forward to working with this strong ownership group
The Lansing-East Lansing market boasts a population who has a proven track record of building a successful sports franchise here in
of approximately 500,000 and is a center for education Lansing. We are bringing elite professional soccer back to Michigan, and I am
and government in the state. The capital of Michigan, prepared to do that at the highest level.”
Lansing is home to Michigan State University and
Davenport University, as well as the headquarters for In 2018, Miller led the Spring Arbor Cougars to one of the most successful
major companies, including Fortune 500 company Auto-Owners Insurance, seasons in program history and was named the 2018 Crossroads League Coach
Accident Fund, Delta Dental Jackson and two major General Motors plants. of the Year. Over six seasons, he has accumulated an overall record of 86-32-
15 and won both the Crossroads League regular season title and tournament
“With the Lansing Ignite Football Club, the City of Lansing’s second professional championship. As head coach and general manager for Lansing United, Miller
franchise, we’re putting the Capital City on the map in the national sports led the team to an overall record of 20-13-12. n
landscape,” said Owner Dickson. “A little over two decades ago, the nation saw
how great of a sports city this is, drawing over a million fans in the Lansing
Lugnuts’ first two record-setting seasons and going strong ever since. The soccer
fans of Mid Michigan – kids, families, Lansing United, backed by The Ransom
– have shown that there’s a huge appetite for the sport in the region.”
Dickson has been one of the preeminent entrepreneurs in the business of
sports for the last two decades, launching his first professional sports team in
1996 – the Class-A Lansing Lugnuts – and spearheading the development and
construction of the team’s home stadium, Cooley Law School Stadium, which
will serve as Ignite FC’s home venue. A former Entrepreneur of the Year in
Michigan, Dickson has additionally been responsible for the development of
more than $150 million worth of new minor league ballparks in Dayton and
Eastlake, Ohio, Joliet, Illinois, and Gary, Indiana, and serves as the Chair of
Minor League Baseball Enterprises and is on the Board of Directors for Minor
League Baseball. Since 2005, Dickson has also served as the Chief Executive
Officer of Professional Sports Catering, the fastest growing concessionaire in
baseball, operating at over 30 ballparks around the country.
“This is really exciting,” said Dickson. “For the first time in nearly 40 years, we’re
bringing a professional outdoor soccer team back to the state of Michigan, and
Donate.
we’re going to turn the Capital City into the capital of soccer.”
“Over the last five years, soccer in Lansing has seen tremendous growth,”
Sampson added, “This is a tremendous step for the area and for Michigan as a Donations to the LCC Foundation
whole, becoming the only current city in the state to have a professional team.”
EDUCATE students, providing the talent
“We’ve already seen the enthusiasm building,” said Grueser. “We can’t wait to see and skills that ELEVATE our community.
it in full force. Cooley Law School Stadium is going to be filled every weekend
next year, whether for soccer or baseball.”
LIFC will make major announcements in the upcoming weeks and months, Donate. Educate. Elevate.
including coaching staff additions, player signings, partnerships and more. To lcc.edu/elevate
stay up to date on the latest developments for Ignite FC, visit LansingIgnite.
com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. n
LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 7
FOCUS ON TALENT
Leslie Auld Selected as 2019 ATHENAPowerlink Recipient
LESLIE AULD, OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF THERAPY the need arises so that no one ever finds themselves alone with a difficult
TODAY COUNSELING & CONSULTING has been named the problem but instead finds a caring and highly skilled therapist available
recipient of the 2019 ATHENAPowerlink award. She today.
will be recognized by the Lansing Regional Chamber of
Commerce at the annual ATHENA Awards luncheon on “The ATHENA PowerLink program has been an invaluable resource for
Thursday, December 6. women business owners in Greater Lansing, helping grow their business
and enhance their leadership and management skills,” said Auld. “I’m
As the APL recipient, Auld will be connected to a panel Auld honored to join fellow women business leaders and hope to continue the
of expert mentors who will provide consulting to her legacy they have established in the community.”
regarding business growth strategies over the next 12 months. Since 2006,
APL has helped women business owners in the Lansing region grow their APL is a national business mentoring program connecting women-owned
sales, business and personal net income, the number of employees in the businesses with a skilled advisory panel that provides strategic consultation
business, and enhance their leadership and management skills. services for one year. The consulting services are valued at over more than
$25,000.
As a Licensed therapist and social worker, Auld has been passionately
helping people find their inner wisdom and move through challenging Women business owners seeking mentoring support through APL program
times in their lives for 29 years. Auld founded Therapy Today Counseling must meet the following criteria:
& Consulting in East Lansing after 15 years in a solo private practice when
she came to realize the tremendous need for greater access to therapy in • 51 percent of the business is owned and actively managed by a woman
the Lansing area. Auld noted that she was receiving several calls per day or women
from people desperate to get help who could not access an appointment for • At least two years in operation
several weeks and from this, the idea for Therapy Today came to life. • At least two full-time employees, including the applicant
• At least $250,000 in annual gross revenues for manufacturing or retail
Recognizing that quick access to therapy has a significant impact on results, business; or at least $100,000 in annual gross revenues for a service
Therapy Today is committed to minimizing the wait for an appointment business
and offers those in need same day appointments. Being very familiar with • Clearly defined business objectives and specific reasons for seeking an
the experience of therapists providing care, Auld also sought to create a Advisory Panel.
therapy practice environment in which the therapist’s needs for clinical and
administrative support were all so thoroughly met that they could be free The advisory panel is a group of business professionals who volunteer their
to focus on providing the highest level of care to each and every person time to work one-on-one with the business owner for one year. This group of
in need without distraction. The Therapy Today mission is to provide this experts assists in the development and implementation of the entrepreneur’s
community and other Michigan communities with a place to go whenever business plan and strategic goals. n
HELPING OUR CLIENTS
MAKE COMMUNITIES BETTER.
2018 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Awardee
517.702.0470 Brownfield Development | Environmental Consulting | Natural Resources triterra.us
8 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018
FOCUS ON TALENT
Government Day at Leadership Lansing
NOVEMBER WAS GOVERNMENT
DAY AT LEADERSHIP LANSING.
A week after a major statewide
election leading to major
changes in state government
was the perfect time for the
44 participants in this year’s
Leadership Lansing cohort. A
panel of lobbyists talked about
the role that their industry
plays in shaping public
policy. The panel, moderated
by Deb Muchmore of
Deb Muchmore Consulting,
included Chris Harkins of
Jackson National, Deidra
Wilson of McLaren Health
Care and Evie Sweeney
of Muchmore, Harrington,
Smalley and Associates. The lobbyists provided some insight on what to A panel of local elected officials provided insights into the commitment it takes
expect during the lame duck session of the legislature and in the early months to run for and hold elective office. The panel was moderated by Tonia Olson
of the new administration of Governor-Elect Gretchen Whitmer. from Granger and included, Jody Washington, Lansing City Councilmember,
Bryan Crenshaw, Ingham County Commissioner and State Representative-Elect
Following a tour of the State Capitol, participants were privileged to Graham Filler.
spend an hour with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor who answered a variety
of questions from the group and talked about some of his priorities for the A number of guest speakers, including Mayor Schor, encouraged participants
city including a focus on neighborhoods and strengthening all of the major to be engaged in local government through service on a variety of volunteer
corridors in the city. boards. n
Michigan State University Takes Home Coveted GCEC
Prize for Outstanding Contributions to Venture Creation
2018’s Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers Recognizes Michigan
State University as Entrepreneurial Hub
IN OCTOBER, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — represented by the MSU Hosted by DePaul University and Illinois Institute of Technology, the
Hatch, and MSU Undergraduate Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2018 GCEC conference was held on October 18th through the 20th in
and Spartan Innovations — received 2018’s Global Consortium of Chicago. The annual event focuses on entrepreneurial ecosystems across
Entrepreneurship Center’s (GCEC) prestigious prize for Outstanding the nation that support starting and building businesses.
Contributions to Venture Creation. Competing against nationally
recognized entrepreneurship centers, Michigan State’s program took Lori Fischer, Spartan Innovations’ program and student manager, served
center stage with Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship. GCEC’s annual as lead for a panel on student perspective and leadership. She was joined
awards showcase and celebrate the very best of university entrepreneurship, by student startup founders, Bri Makaric (BRITE Bites), Bailey Paxton
recognizing top entrepreneurship programs in seven categories. (AgileCare Solutions), Ashton Keys (Ninety6), and Katie Musial, director
of outreach for MSU’s student organization, Women in Entrepreneurship.
“This award is six years in the making,” said Paul Jaques, director of “At Spartan Innovations, we are committed to providing our student and
student and community engagement at Spartan Innovations. “Our faculty entrepreneurs with the mentorship and financial support they
team is laser-focused on creating value-driven academic programming, need to thrive.”
collaborative incubation spaces, and a summer business accelerator — all
of which cultivates a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at Michigan State The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and
University that serves our students, faculty, and researchers committed to Innovation received GCEC’s 2017 award for Outstanding Contribution
creating new ventures.” to Venture Creation. n
LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 9
FOCUS ON TALENT
ATHENA PowerLink Recipients Continue Successful Journey
2006: KATHY VALENTINE 2008: ANGELIA MCGARRY
“The PowerLink represents the opportunity for women in “I wish more women were given the same opportunity
business to have leverage to reach the next steps economically and could experience the quality and value of mentoring
and to experience that next step in leadership and vision provided by the ATHENA PowerLink Board.”
through interaction with the panel of expert advisors.” - Angelia McGarry
- Kathy Valentine
Angelia McGarry won the ATHENA PowerLink award
One could say that Kathy Valentine has a green thumb. Valentine owns a business in the year 2008. Her business, Carolan & McGarry is dedicated to servicethe
called The Plant Professionals, which features premier interior plantscape design accounting, tax and consulting needs of their clients. After winning the award in
and maintenance. Since receiving the ATHENA PowerLink award in 2006, 2008, McGarry spent the year with the ATHENA PowerLink panelists to help her
Valentine’s company has prospered. Through receiving this award, Valentine and her business reach the fullest potential. McGarry’s future is bright. One day, she
has been able to reach out far into to the greater Lansing business community, dreams of owning her very own CPA firm.
where she has gained knowledge from professional advisors and has been able to
strengthen her business practices, especially in human resources and marketing. 2009: LINDA HUNDT
As an active ATHENA PowerLink governing body member, Valentine is looking
forward to moving into the next phase of which is bringing up the next generation “Winning this coveted award truly marked a pivotal moment in my
of women and men in leadership. career; as the credence that the committee and community had in me
translated to a new-found confidence in myself, to strive and be all
2007: DR. MARCY STREET that I could be, as an entrepreneur.” - Linda Hundt
“I have developed a trusted team of friends, colleagues, Doctor’s Linda Hundt owns Sweetie-licious bakery where their
Approach team members and other professionals that will mission, “is to celebrate love, tradition and people through good food; to make our
tell me the truth and give good advice, who understand the friends (customers) feel revered; to offered delicious, homemade pies, baked goods,
healthcare industry and all the changes that we are facing.” preserves and comfort foods, specialty merchandise and cooking classes in a happy
- Dr. Marcy Street loving and nostalgic ambience; to honor tradition by means of honoring our elderly
through community service projects and contributions.” Since the creation of her
Dr. Marcy Street, a dermatologist and Mohs skin cancer surgeon, the owner company in 2002, her business has grown into a retail space located in Dewitt, MI.
of Doctor’s Approach Dermatology and Laser Center, won the ATHENA Hundt is passionate about what she does and it comes through in her baking!
PowerLink award in 2007. Dr. Street’s team size has increased from 10 to 30 over
the past 11 years including three medical aestheticians instead of one. Doctor’s 2010: ROCHELLE RIZZI
Approach has moved into a 12,000 square foot building allowing her team to
provide the latest in dermatologic treatment and technology. Doctor’s Approach “My ATHENA PowerLink advisors gave me the confidence to
Dermatology has also opened two new satellite offices throughout Mid-Michigan. challenge myself to ask the tough questions and hone in on my
The Doctor’s Approach team has developed dramatically as well. The team often personal and professional vision.” - Rochelle Rizzi
attends workshops and meetings to help strengthen their skills. Through all of
this success, she has learned to keep calm under pressure by taking time to grow Rochelle Rizzi isn’t afraid of taking chances. Since winning
spiritually and practice the art of meditation. She has developed a Spirit Team the ATHENA PowerLink Award in 2010, Rizzi has grown
and takes time to appreciate her employees for all the hard work they do, which not only as an entrepreneur, but personally as well. Receiving the ATHENA
has resulted in the employees wanting to make a career at Doctor’s Approach PowerLink recognition provided a critical juncture for Rizzi to hold tight to her
Dermatology and Laser Center. core values and make some difficult decisions; beyond self, familial feelings, and
relationships. She began to invest in her businesses, and her life, in a different way.
2007: DR. SUE MAURER Rizzi has taken her business consultancy to a new level as she continues to journey
towards her “vrai nord” (true north) with some exciting new developments focused
“Their commitment to excellence has earned Care Connections the on communications, creativity, and culture for other entrepreneurs.
trust and respect of their clients and community, and the recognition
of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce as the 2007 ATHENA 2011: HEIDI BRUMBACH
Business Award Winner.” - Dr. Sue Maurer
“We are a team of passionate professionals who like chocolate, coffee,
Dr. Sue Maurer owns the business, Care Connections. This beaches, laughing and happy clients. We like the sounds of hands
company delivers customized home care. Care Connections is also family run clapping and cameras snapping. We like to push buttons and Make
business. This business is ran by Dr. Maurer, Andrea Miller who is a RN BSN, Waves.” - Heidi Brumbach
and their mother Dolores who is a retired nurse. Care Connections, “was founded
on the core belief that a home agency care should consistently deliver first-rate, in Since winning the ATHENA PowerLink Award in 2011,
home care that is provided by experienced, health care professionals and is tailored Heidi Brumbach business, Technisch Creative has been absolutely flourishing.
to the unique individualized needs of the client.” - Dr. Sue Maurer Technisch Creative is a company that offers creative development, production
10 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018FOCUS ON TALENT
management and audio visual production. Brumbach’s team of professionals are 2017: COURTNEY MAKI LARVADAIN
passionate about the work they are doing for their clients. It has been through
this team’s passion that Technisch Creative was able to open a brand new office in “Creating meaningful relationships with the panelists and
Orlando, FL. By opening this office it has increased Technisch Creative’s national Board was by far one of the best personal growth factors for me.”
presence and lead to contracts around the world and has increased their revenue by - Courtney Maki Larvadain
300%. The future is bright for Technisch Creative.
Courtney Maki Larvadain was the ATHENA PowerLink
2012: JANE MITCHELL award recipient in 2017. Larvadain credits the ATHENA
Panel as Glow Social Media, her business, had their best year to date. It was
“It really means a lot to me that I was given the opportunity through the helpful and professional panelists of the ATHENA Organization, that
to be the recipient of this mentoring program. I have been Glow Social Media was able to move from Larvadian’s hometown of Lansing, MI
able to give back to the program by being on the Governing to Metro Detroit. Larvadain now sits on the boards for the Detroit Chapters of
Body to help it continue to be a strong and vibrant program.” Women in Digital and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She
- Jane Mitchell looks forward to giving back and supporting other women, while continue to grow
personally as a black, female entrepreneur.
Since winning the ATHENA PowerLink award in 2012, Jane Mitchell’s business,
Jungle Jane’s Promotions, has been thriving. Mitchell’s sales have been up 250%. 2018: KELLIE JOHNSON
With this increase, Mitchell has been able to add an additional staff person and
is able to focus her attention on her business rather just working in her business. “APL is a true POWER TEAM at your disposal for an entire year!
Mitchell now resides as the Co-Chairman of the PowerLink Governing body Having the support of professionals that have been through the
and like her company’s sales, she has help take the already successful ATHENA trenches is priceless.” - Kellie Johnson
PowerLink Organization, to the next level. Through her role as Co-Chairman
she has been given the opportunity to help other women gain their next level of Kellie Johnson, owner of Kellie’s Consignments, is the most
potential in the business world. recent ATHENA PowerLink award. Johnson appreciates how
much the ATHENA organization has impacted her life. Johnson mentioned that
2013: JILL MARLAN she has loved being able to bounce new ideas and filter old ones with experienced
professionals. Johnson’s business is in its prime and it makes Johnson happy to
“I am thankful, honored and truly blessed by my team and so many know that her business is healthy, growing and sustainable for many years to come.
more that have kicked, pulled, pushed and many days dragged me to Johnson is excited to share her experiences with the next winner and give back. n
continue to reach for the stars!” - Jill Marlan
Jill Marlan, the owner of Peak Performance Physical Therapy,
is a Board Certified licensed Physical Therapist and is also
the chair of the ATHENA PowerLink Committee. Peak Performance Physical
Therapy was recognized with 10 other companies across the United States and
Canada’s in front of 1800 of the top CEOs as being one of the top 3% of all small
business. The company’s success recently led to Jill’s decision to open a second
location. Jill was also selected as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Winning Women
of the year for 2018! Marlan won the ATHENA PowerLink award in 2013 and her
dedication to physical therapy holds true with the accomplishments she has achieved.
2016: BARB KREJCIK
“It’s a beautiful thing to see the APL panels full of successful people
in our community so committed to helping others achieve their
objectives and goals.” - Barb Krejcik
Barb Krejcik has grown professionally and personally alongside
her company, North Winds Heating and Cooling Inc. and
has has nothing but good words to say about the APL Organization. Since 2016,
Krejcik has been able to launch a new software for North Winds, ultimately reaching
the goal of enhancing their client experience and has also been able to expand her
North Winds family and hire new members to her team. She mentioned that the
confidence, support and training that she gained through being the recipient of this
award has helped her pushed past her aspirations. It was through her hardwork
and dedication that Krejcik recently was the recipient of the Greater Lansing
Entrepreneurial Leadership Award.
Photo courtesy Greater Lansing Business Monthly.
LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 11Suzy Merchant
2018 ATHENA LEADERSHIP
AWARD RECIPIENT
The empowHER leadership retreat provides attendees
the tools to handle life’s challenges, build self-esteem
and confidence, and create a community of support.
s a basketball coach, Suzy Merchant has enjoyed great success of her job, she’ll tell you it is all about the relationships with the players.
A throughout her career. Entering her 12th season as head coach
of the MSU women’s basketball program, Merchant has proven
to be one of the best coaches in Michigan State history and a
force in the Big Ten Conference. Through her first 11 seasons,
Merchant has brought the Spartan program to the upper echelon at the Big
Ten and national level. The Spartans have finished third or better in the
Big Ten in eight of the last 11 seasons, and her conference record of 118-68
“It is an awesome responsibility to be their second mom and help guide
them through some challenging situations and celebrate their successes,”
said Merchant. “There are a lot of changes that go on in college between
the ages of 18 and 22 and a lot of choices that young people can make. As
coaches, our job is to do the best we can to support them and develop them
as people.”
(63.4%) is in the top-12 career winning percentage in the 34-year history of
the Big Ten and is the third-highest percentage among active coaches. The Suzy Merchant has been widely lauded for her work as a coach, leader and
Spartans have won at least 20 games in nine of her 10 seasons. Through her mentor on and off-the-court and has been recognized for that work by
first 11 seasons at MSU, 39 Spartans have earned All-Big Ten recognition being named the recipient of the 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award, a
and 53 have been named Academic All-Big Ten. recognition that caught her by surprise.
There is no question that Division I college coaches are judged on wins and “I have certainly appreciated what ATHENA is all about and am truly
losses. However, if you ask Suzy Merchant what is the most rewarding part honored and humbled,” said Merchant.
12 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018Suzy has been generous with her
time serving as a keynote speaker
and emcee at charitable events.
Work
safer,
smarter,
together.
Suzy is the creator and founder of the empowHER leadership retreat. This is a grassroots initiative aimed
5%
Up-front savings on
at reaching young girls at the right time to give them the skills to take on personal and professional workers’ compensation
challenges in their lives. Girls in fourth through ninth grades attend the retreat.
premiums and potential
The inspiration behind empowHER is a young woman Suzy was recruiting three years ago. April was to earn a dividend.
born on April 28, 1998, in Pittsburgh. Family, friends and teammates have countless memories of how
April made them laugh and brightened their day, whether she was clowning around with basketball
friends, playing practical jokes on her sisters or spending time with her family. April was an amazing As a member of the Lansing Regional
girl with a powerful spirit who, tragically, chose to end her life. Chamber of Commerce, you can take
“I was very shaken up about it because I had built a relationship with April and her family and being a advantage of savings on premiums,
mom, I couldn’t even imagine what that was like,” said Merchant. “I could never let it go. I wanted to do loss prevention tools, convenient
something, and I felt I was in a position where if I could help just one girl make a better choice, whether billing options, the potential to earn
it was academically or socially, I felt I had the calling to do it.”
dividends, and more. So join us
With Suzy’s vision in hand and with the whole-hearted support of April’s parents Amy and Tim, a and see how we make workers’
small committee of volunteers embarked on launching the first empowHER retreat in 2016. Through
compensation work for you.
the generous support of several organizations and businesses in the community and the time and
dedication of the leadership committee working alongside Suzy, the first retreat was a success, hosting
150 girls for a two-day retreat. The following year the committee was able to meet Suzy’s goal to double
attendance, and 300 girls participated in the 2017 retreat. In the third year, empowHER welcomed 450
girls, selling out in one week. An important factor for Suzy was to ensure the retreat was affordable to
all girls in the community. The registration fee is a mere $25, although the cost to run the event is $200
per attendee. Each year, about 100 girls attend the retreat at no charge. The full cost of the retreat is
covered by sponsorships and community grants.
With support and education in the interactive workshops, empowHER girls embrace their strengths
and differences, build their self-confidence and participate in service projects that demonstrate the
importance of giving back to their community. Suzy’s vision for the empowHER leadership retreat is
to provide attendees the tools to handle life’s challenges, build self-esteem and confidence and create a
community of support. Suzy’s goal is to literally save lives.
“It is a very powerful weekend. I think when you change young girls lives and let them think about things FIND AN AGENT NEAR YOU.
in a different way and for them to know that there are so many other girls that have the same questions
and concerns that there is power in numbers,” said Merchant. “When you know you’re not alone you AccidentFund.com/Groups
feel that you can get through anything.”
Suzy is quick to credit a large group of community supporters and the event’s organizing committee for
the success of empowHER. Kristin St. Marie, formally of the MSU Broad School of Business, has also
been a driving force since the beginning.
“Suzy’s vision and passion for this event will have an impact on these young girls’ lives for many years
to come,” said St. Marie, now with Carlisle Companies in Scottsdale Arizona. “It is our dream to build
this event beyond MSU and the Lansing community and help bring this concept to a national platform.”
LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 13450 girls fifth through ninth grade attended the third annual empowHER leadership retreat in April. Suzy’s vision includes taking the program national.
Suzy’s leadership in the community has also extended to many other charitable Whether it is wins on the basketball court or empowering young people to win
endeavors, including as a keynote speaker at numerous events, serving as in life, Suzy Merchant is building a legacy that will have a lasting impact.
spokesperson and model for the Hidden Key Fashion Show, being involved
with the MSU Children’s Health Initiative and serving as emcee for Sparrow’s “I believe Suzy has had a tremendous impact on many women (and men) in
Dapper Dads fundraising event. The importance of community service was part our community through her speaking engagements, sharing her leadership
of her upbringing, growing up in Traverse City. Suzy’s father was an educator philosophy, serving as a role model and giving back to others through her
and her mother was also involved in education. Community was always volunteerism and community outreach,” said St. Marie. “She is a true treasure
important in their family. for MSU and the greater Lansing community.”
“I am not a product of my environment; I am a product of the people in my “To me it has always been about the relationships with the players. It is about
environment,” said Merchant. “To have influential people who believed in a building relationships and the Spartan family that is so strong and so connected
bigger and better vision for myself and inspired me every day, I felt it was my and so united,” said Merchant. “It doesn’t matter how many years go by, this is
responsibility to continue that tradition.” home to them. I want the players to know that during their time here, it wasn’t
just about basketball that they were honored, they were appreciate and they
Suzy likes to say that on her day job she has 15 daughters and when she goes were valued.”
home, it is a house full of boys, husband Gary Rakan and sons Tyler and Brady.
Suzy Merchant was honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award at the
“I am thankful for the opportunity here at Michigan State because my boys are annual ATHENA Awards luncheon on Thursday, December 6 at the MSU
growing up in an environment that teaches a lot of strong values, hard work, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. n
determination and team work,” said Merchant. “They’ve grown up cheering for
girls and women which is a powerful blessing, for sure.”
January SAME best in
2019 class service.
SAME talented
team.
The “new”
Martin
Commercial
Properties.
14 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018DIVERITY AND INCLUSION
Consumers Energy is Reflecting the Diversity of the
Communities it Serves
BY PATTI POPPE, CONSUMERS ENERGY
GROWING UP AS THE DAUGHTER OF A CONSUMERS of opportunities here in Michigan. No one’s path to personal fulfillment
ENERGY EMPLOYEE, I had a good idea of the professional should be blocked because of their gender, their race or their ethnicity – and
possibilities that could be available to me with this or other we recognize we have a role to play in making that a reality.
large businesses here in Michigan. But not every young
girl has that same opportunity. Not every person of color, So, what are we doing at Consumers Energy? We treat diversity and inclusion
or LGBTQ person, has the same access to pursue their seriously as we try to develop a talent pipeline in Michigan that produces
dreams. Not even all of our veterans who’ve served their people who can and want to work for us. Consumers Energy sustains seven
country honorably make an easy transition to the civilian Poppe Employee Resource Groups that offer opportunities for people of different
workforce. backgrounds, including LGBTQ individuals, military veterans and even
workers from different generations who want to understand each other
I try to remember that every day when we make decisions at Consumers better. Women make up 40 percent of our board of director positions, and
Energy. Our efforts to build a strong company depend entirely on a talented half of our officer team are women and people of color.
workforce that is united by a single purpose. But that workforce has to
reflect the diversity of the Michigan communities we serve – and give all We also are looking outside of our organization for ideas. In August, we
people, no matter their background, the opportunity to excel. hosted a Diversity and Inclusion Summit for over 200 guests from companies
across Michigan. We talked about what we’re doing, and individuals shared
I’m encouraged to see Consumers Energy and many Michigan companies their personal stories about doors being opened, and doors being shut, in
open their eyes to the value of workplace diversity and inclusion. A workplace the workplace. I had the honor of talking on stage with Alicia Boler Davis,
filled with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, opinions and ideas is not merely executive vice president of global manufacturing at General Motors, about
a nice-to-do – several Michigan companies see it’s a business imperative. our shared and unique experiences.
There are sound business reasons for taking a stand. Companies in the top We listened, we learned and we appreciated the work we still have to do.
quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have Still, we came away stronger in our commitment to promoting a diverse,
financial returns above industry medians. And gender diverse companies inclusive workplace for the good of our company, our customers and our
are 15 percent more likely to outperform their respective national industry communities.
medians.
Every perspective should be respected. n
Giving everyone a seat at the table gives every good idea a chance to flourish.
It creates a culture of opportunity that can extend beyond our walls – and Patti Poppe is president and chief executive officer of Consumers Energy,
throughout our state, encouraging the next generation to take advantage Michigan’s largest energy provider.
LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 15MEMBER NEWS
CBRE and CBRE|Martin to End
Affiliate Relationship in Grand Rapids
and Lansing at End of 2018
CBRE, INC. AND CBRE|MARTIN announced a “CBRE thanks Van Martin and the firm’s
mutual decision not to renew their affiliate professionals for their dedication and efforts in
agreement covering operations in Grand Rapids serving clients,” said John Latessa, President,
and Lansing, Michigan. CBRE|Martin offices Midwest Region, CBRE. “We wish them continued
in those markets will remain CBRE affiliates success.”
through the end of 2018 at which time the local
firms will drop the CBRE branding and change “Our organization is and has always been a private,
its operating name to Martin Commercial family-owned company. All of our operations
Properties, which is the existing legal entity. and support services are completely independent,
so this transition will have minimal impact on
CBRE and CBRE|Martin have had a positive, our clients or the way we do business,” said Van
long-standing relationship, and both firms expect Martin, Chairman and CEO, Martin Commercial
that relationship to continue. The two firms will Properties. “We appreciate the 20-year partnership
continue to collaborate to serve clients on current with CBRE. Going forward we remain committed
assignments in progress and expect to work to best in class service to our clients and employees,
together on a non-exclusive basis on certain new and we look forward to our next chapter.”
assignments in the Grand Rapids and Lansing
markets going forward. CBRE has a wholly-owned office in Detroit,
Michigan. n
MSUFCU Named a Top Five Workplace by Become a business
Detroit Free Press for Fourth Consecutive Year member today!
• Business checking and savings
MSU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION “At MSUFCU, our employees
• Business VISA® credit card options
(MSUFCU) is honored to be are passionate about working
named a Top Workplace for together to fulfill our mission • SBA-guaranteed business loans
2018 by the Detroit Free Press. of helping members and
The Credit Union has been employees achieve their • Treasury management/ACH
named as a Top Workplace dreams,” said Silvia Dimma,
each year since 2012, and MSUFCU’s Chief Human • Business lines of credit
has placed in the top five workplaces in the large Resources Officer. “We provide an environment
workplace category every year since 2014. that fosters communication and collaboration to Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur
ensure our employees develop and are empowered. or a generations-old shop, CASE Credit
To be considered for a Top Workplace We are honored by this recognition as it Union has a business solution for you.
recognition, MSUFCU employees participated underscores our commitment to our employees.”
in an anonymous survey administered by Call 517.393.7710, visit casecu.org
the Detroit Free Press covering seven areas, MSUFCU CEO April Clobes was one of three
or stop into one of our seven branch
including organizational health factors that leaders named by the Free Press as a recipient
measure how well employees are working of the 2018 Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces locations for more information.
together toward a common cause. These Leadership Award.
include alignment, effectiveness, connection,
manager evaluation, employee engagement, “We have a family atmosphere and culture. We
organization’s leader, and overall benefits. have an open door culture,” Clobes told the Free
Press. “I think I am approachable. I’ve worked at
Our service. Your success.
In all, 244 organizations, with a combined this organization for 22 years. I see myself as that
110,993 employees, participated in the survey. 24-year-old who walked in the door 22 years ago. Federally Insured by NCUA
This year, 151 Michigan employers earned the I work for the credit union and we’re all here to Equal Opportunity Lender casecu.org
Top Workplaces list recognition. take care of our members.” n
16 FOCUS / DECEMBER 2018You can also read
