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2 2012 West MI College Roundup: Summer Edition

By: Jeremy Martin With the heart of summer upon us, most college students have left their school year lodgings to take on new challenges; their alma maters immediately showing signs of peaceful serenity not known during the academic season. But just because the majority of 20 somethings have migrated away doesnt mean the schools themselves arent busy with projects and activities of their own. Below you will find a few of the exciting things happening on, and the news emanating from area campuses this summer: School: Albion College Location: Albion -The Stockwell Library renovation project will include the Newell Center for Teaching and Learning which will, according to Albion College, encourage faculty to test advanced systems and software for use in teaching and further develop their expertise with the new technologies available. School: Aquinas College Location: Grand Rapids - The Beginning of phase II of the Aquinas College Sports and Fitness Center is beginning. The construction will provide space for; a 200-meter NCAA certified track, basketball and volleyball courts, multi-sport practice facilities and more. Ground will officially be broken on The Alksnis Center this fall. - In celebration of last years 125th anniversary of the colleges founding, Aquinas has decided to create 125 new endowed scholarships, allowing more students, more access to the college. Individuals and families have the opportunity of donating funds for an endowment in their name. School: Calvin College Location: Grand Rapids The Synod of the Christian Reformed Church of North America voted to ratify Michael Le Roy as the 10th president of Calvin College. - 71 high school students from 23 different states, plus China and South Korea graduated from Calvin's Entrada Scholars program, a merit-based grant program that brings exceptional ethnic minority high school students for a month-long summer college immersion experience. Calvin College received a $375,622 State grant to further their work in the Plaster Creek Watershed. In 2012, the Department of Environmental Quality awarded $3 million in water quality grants to support lake and stream projects in 13 communities. Calvin College students, Emily Pope, Lauren Manck, and Ryan DeVries, now graduates, were awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships from the Institute of International Education in 2012. School: Central Michigan University Location: Mt. Pleasant - CMU in conjunction with Michigan Technical University will offer a doctor of physical therapy program which will be taught via distance learning software in both Mt. Pleasant and Marquette. Registration for classes begins next summer with courses beginning in June of 2014. The initial class of 12 will earn their degrees through CMU. School: Ferris State University Location: Big Rapids - The FSU Board of Trustees have approved its 2012-13 general fund operating budget of $190.3 million, which includes a projected $41.3 million in funding from the state of Michigan. Trustees have already approved a 201213 tuition rate increase of 2.59 percent. - The board also approved Phase II of its Housing Investment Plan to help maintain the quality of facilities for residence hall students. Initial plans call for the university to utilize available housing maintenance and repair funds and planned Capital Renewal and Deferred Maintenance program funds. - Beyond residents halls, the school will also be renovating its tennis courts at the Racquet and Fitness Center. The cost will not exceed $301,000. - THE FSU board has also approved an extension of President David L. Eisler's contract for one-year, which takes him through June 30, 2017. Continued on page 7

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Davenport University to Launch Three New Graduate Programs in College of Health Professions
Grand Rapids Davenport University recently announced that it is developing three new graduate degree programs for its College of Health Professions a Master of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and the Universitys first doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. We are excited to be developing these three new programs to help Davenport students get where the world is going in health professions, Dr. Linda Rinker, Executive Vice President for Academics and Provost said. Market research indicates continued job growth in these areas, which make them appealing programs for prospective students. The announcement follows approval by Davenports Board of Trustees to pursue development of these programs, subject to accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and other accreditation bodies. An inclusive process involving the Universitys deans, faculty and curriculum committee was followed to recommend these programs for launch over the next 18 months. The Master of Science in Nursing program is scheduled to launch with its first class of students during the Fall semester of 2012, followed by the future launches of the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs. Our decision to create Davenports first doctoral program for Physical Therapy was driven by market research indicating that a doctorate will soon be required in this growing field of practice, Dr. Richard Pappas, President said. This is consistent with our mission to prepare people and organizations to excel in the knowledge-driven environment of the 21st century. Founded in 1866, Davenport is a private, non-profit university with eleven campuses across Michigan and online courses serving an enrollment of nearly 13,000 students. With tuition among the lowest of all private universities in the state, Davenport provides high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience and more than 40 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs

Finance, Insurance & Banking

The the New OnLine Finance Banking Insurance Publication brought to you by Business Update Publications and will be released the final Thursday of each month. Features, columns and press releases that are industry related, current and timely. To have your news included or to submit articles for potential inclusion reply to prupdate@businessupdate.com. For sponsorship and advertising contact diane@businessupdate.com or jim@businessupdate.com.

Education Briefs
Grand Rapids Battle Creek Kellogg Community College will celebrate 50 years of nursing education with a Nursing Alumni Picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The event will commemorate the admission of the 50th class of students to Kellogg Community Colleges RN Program this fall, and will take place on the lawn on the north side of the colleges Battle Creek campus, located at 450 North Ave. Battle Creek Kellogg Community College was fully reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as voted by The Institutional Actions Council of the HLC. Battle Creek Kellogg Community College will be among the first colleges in the State to host the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VetSuccess on Campus program, beginning this fall. The VetSuccess program is designed to assist veterans as they transition from military to civilian life. Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Community College alumnus Eric Greinke received an honorable mention for the 2012 Allen Ginsberg Awards.

Celebrating Diversity
By Jane Whittington Diversity and inclusion are American values. Except for Native Americans, we all came from somewhere else. Whether our heritage is German, Asian, African or Irish, we are all Americans, and we recognize that while differences can sometimes divide us, they ultimately make us stronger as a nation, a culture and a marketplace. Organizations, businesses and other groups throughout the Grand Rapids region strive to maintain diversity. Although Proposition 2, which became law in 2006, bans the use of affirmative action programs to provide preferential treatment of minorities by race, gender or religion, there are programs, strategies and initiatives in place that seek to achieve and maintain the ideals of diversity and inclusion that we value. Here are a few of them: The Office of Workplace Diversity for the City of Grand Rapids is led by Patti Caudill, Diversity and Inclusion Manager. According to Caudill, We look at the question of diversity holistically, not just in terms of race and gender. It is also important to consider age, city residency and veteran status. In looking at vendors for construction and/or goods and services, we follow the Sustainability Plan as established by the City Commission, which values social justice, economic development and environmental stewardship. Under this plan, we offer incentives to vendors who fall within this framework. Our policy is lowest bid, best bid, but we extend a discount, with a maximum of five percent and not to exceed a certain dollar amount, to vendors who meet certain criteria. Supplier diversity is important to us. She adds, We are interesting in sustaining small businesses, particularly the smaller of the small, micro local businesses. By focusing on small business enterprise, we see the entire community benefit. Caudill continues, In terms of our hiring policies, we try to maintain diversity within the letter of the law by casting the net wide and advertising our available positions in all media sources, not only in the Press and other city newspapers but also in publications and other media appealing to the Hispanic, African-American and other minority populations. The City of Grand Rapids produces an annual report on workforce diversity, which is available online. Kent County has a Diversity and Inclusion Management Plan developed by the Cultural Insight Council, established in January of 2001 and sponsored by the County Administrator/Controllers Office. Its vision is to have a culture where employees understand, value and sustain diversity and inclusion. According to Human Resources Manager for Employee Relations and Diversity Darius Quinn, The Plan has four goals. Goal one is to create a culture of inclusion by promoting leadership engagement. I meet with all newly hired or transferred department directors, managers and supervisors within their first 60 days on the job to talk with them about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We also offer training in inclusiveness for Kent County leaders through a training program called Maximizing Productivity through Inclusion. We also incorporate diversity and inclusion competencies into the performance evaluation process. He continues, Our second goal is to promote cultural understanding among our employees. We do this through enhanced diversity training to employees, hosting brown bag luncheons quarterly on cultural awareness (we average 150 attendees at these luncheons), and by promoting cultural insight though various means. Goal number three is to promote and encourage workforce diversity by developing outreach plans to encourage diverse applicants, broadening recruitment sources and using interview questions which help us hire employees who possess the same values as the organization. The recruitment team works on diversity and inclusion with the Cultural Insight Council. Quinn says, Our fourth goal is to ensure that the public receives services in a culturally sensitive way. Our aim is to provide quality services while recognizing cultural differences. The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is hosting its third annual Minority Business Expo on August 16; it is open to any business which is 51 percent or more minority owned. With about forty exhibitors, it draws other business owners as well as organizations that are looking for minority vendors. The Chambers Vice President of Inclusion and Community Leadership is Sonya Hughes, one of 28 Chamber employees. Besides the upcoming Minority Business Expo, the Chamber annually surveys area businesses for information including questions of diversity. Continued on page 6

6 Legal/Accounting Briefs
Grand Rapids For 12 consecutive years, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP has awarded academic scholarships to minority students who are completing their legal studies by providing monetary assistance to help cover educational costs associated with a law degree or paralegal studies. The 2012 recipients are Jaime L. Cagle of Muskegon, Paralegal/Legal Assistant Scholarship, and Thomas O. Huynh of Shelby Township, Law School Scholarship. Grand Rapids Jason R. Sebolt, an attorney with Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, was elected President of the Michigan Society of Healthcare Risk Management, serving the organization in a number of capacities over the past few years. Grand Rapids Hilary Smith of H&S Companies earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant, joining dozens of talented Certified Public Accountants within the H&S Companies ranks. Grand Rapids H&S Companies announced they have launched a new division called Brewers Professional Alliance, teaming up with the professionals at Parmenter OToole and White Insurance Agency to create the ultimate resource for those in the craft brew industry. Grand Rapids - Rhoades McKee Attorney and Shareholder, Patrick R. Drueke and John M. Lichtenberg, has been nominated to become a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. Lansing Gov. Rick Snyder appointed Varnum attorney Barbra Homier to the Michigan Board and attorney Carl Ver Beek to a four-year term on the Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Grand Rapids - Jeremy Mertens, Gallagher & Associates CPA's, PLC, has been admitted into the Michigan State Bar. Mertens provides professional services in the areas of tax planning, research, and compliance. Grand Rapids Plante Moran, PLLC, promoted two staff members to Associates: Tyler Keizer, a certified public accountant specializing in financial institutions and employee benefit plans, and Sarah Wolters, a certified public accountant specializing in tax compliance and planning for real estate developers as well as in construction and service organizations and their owners. Grand Rapids - The Grand Rapids Bar Association has been honored as a Diversity Champion by Corp! magazine for its Managing Partners Diversity Collaborative action plan. Grand Rapids L. Roland Bud Roegge, attorney with Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, was awarded the prestigious Champion of Justice Award from the State Bar of Michigan. Grand Rapids Price Heneveld LLP welcomed Amanda Misch, who earned her Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University in 2011. Grand Rapids H&S Companies announced they joined the Governmental Audit Quality Center, a voluntary membership opportunity offered through the AICPA and promotes the importance of quality governmental audits. Grand Rapids Rhoades McKee announced Mary L. Tabin was named to lead the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Rhoades McKee PC.

Celebrating Diversity
Continued from page 5 According to Hughes, We offer many different programs aimed at increasing diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness. One of the experiences we sponsor is a cultural tour of Grand Rapids, in conjunction with the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which highlights the ethnic diversity in our area. The next halfday tour will be August 14 and will end with a networking reception at the Amway Grand Hotel. Our Inside Grand Rapids program is a two and a half day intensive introduction to the community, ideal for emerging leaders or newcomers to the community. She continues, Our MAP (Multiracial Area Professional) group is a network of professionals of all races who help welcome people and celebrate racial diversity within the community. This group assists employers to recruit, retain and connect professionals of color to Grand Rapids. They also offer programs for the larger community to share, teach and connect. Hughes says, Our Institute for Healing Racism was established in 1997 and is a two-day learning experiment dealing with the effects of racism both professionally and personally. We offer nine sessions each year which are open to community and bring together different ages, races, genders, religions and cultures to learn together. These are just a few of the programs which the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce offers. More information is available on their website at www.grandrapids.org. The Grand Rapids Community College Woodrick Diversity Learning Center is well-known in the community for its many events promoting diversity. According to Tamber Bustance, Manager of Diversity Development Services, The Center presents the Diversity Lecture Series once a year, which brings in four or five speakers who share insights on multicultural issues. We also have, since 1983, presented the Giants Award, given annually to African-American organizations or individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards shaping the history and quality of life in Grand Rapids. For 14 years, we have sponsored the Latino Youth Conference, open to all students but presenting topics of particular interest to Latino young people. Other annual events are the Martin Luther King celebration and a Salute to Women. She continues, Within our Department we have an Institute for Healing Racism, a two-day workshop which we offer six or seven times a year for the community. We also provide training for area groups, organizations and businesses, which we can customize for that particular entity. More information is available at their website at www.cms.grcc.edu/dlc Obviously, Grand Rapids values and honors diversity and inclusion, not only in word but in deed. These are only a few of the many organizations which help to further the cause of greater understanding. Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

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7 2012 West MI College Roundup: Summer Edition

Continued from page 2 The extension gives Eisler a 2.5 percent salary increase, the same percentage increase faculty and the administration received. - Future pharmacists who want to get their degree from Ferris State Universitys College of Pharmacy can apply early for admission through the PharmCAS Early Decision Program. The program offers students the opportunity to apply early and have a decision up to three months sooner than the traditional application process for the same entering class. It is a binding option and applicants may only apply to one participating school. - In Fall 2011, Ferris State University publicly launched its Entrepreneurship Institute. The institute will: act as a resource center for aggregating and disseminating information related to entrepreneurship, develop a curriculum that meets the needs of both potential and existing entrepreneurs and create an entrepreneurial incubator that hosts entrepreneurs and facilitates their success. Ferris State University was awarded a $397,000 grant from State of Michigans Department of Human Services to fuel its efforts to help former foster care students in need, achieve success. The three-year Youth in Transition grant will be used to hire a life coach for the Ferris Youth Initiative, a scholarship, and mentoring program. School: Grand Valley State Location: Allendale Gov. Rick Snyder signed the capital outlay bill in Detroit, giving approval for Grand Valley State Universitys proposed science lab, classroom and office building. The building was the universitys No. 1 priority in its request for funding. The $55 million dollar facility will receive $30 million from the state with construction beginning in 2013, and a targeted move-in date of fall 2015. Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Grand Valley State University have agreed to establish a cooperative program of premedical/medical education by which Grand Rapids Community College students who transfer as undergraduate premedical students to GVSU will have the opportunity to be granted an early assurance of admission to MSU College of HumanMedicine. In addition to GRCC and GVSU, eleven other colleges and universities, including Michigan State University, participate with the Early Assurance Program with GRCC being the first community college to be part of that Program agreement. - Grand Valley State Annis Water Resources Institute researchers Bopi Biddanda, and Ryan Thum have reportedly been given $56,000 by the Water Initiative to use while collaborating with their peers at MSU. Continued on page 9

cooley.edu

Cooley Law School graduates lead in

Legal Justice

Hon. Jane Markey Michigan Court of Appeals

Judge Jane Markey has participated in excess of 5,000 decisions and ruled on every type of case, from murder, to contracts, to tax law, to divorce. She is widely known throughout the state - bench, bar, and litigants alike - as smart, prepared, courteous, consistent, and impartial. She is highly respected both professionally and personally. Her nearly 22 years on the bench, including four on the Grand Rapids District Court, have taught her how to build consensus and collegiality among judges with differing viewpoints.An incisive intellect, excellent command of the law, wit, and pleasant demeanor are her trademarks.

Cooley Law School Graduates Lead. Cooley stresses legal knowledge,practice skills,and professional ethics,concepts that are now receiving much attention in legal education, but have been in place at Cooley since its founding in 1972. Learn about Cooley Law School at cooley.edu
Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualified applicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that a law school shall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. ICG.0812.038.AD

SCAN & LEARN MORE

8 Health Care Briefs

Kalamazoo Bronson Colon & Rectal Surgery welcomed new physician, Edward Itawi, MD. Dr. Itawi joins Michael Chen, MD, FACS, FASCRS, and Physician Assistant, Courtney Converse, in providing comprehensive colon and rectal surgical care. Wyoming Metro Health Community Clinic food pantry received a $50,000 grant from Walmart Foundation State Giving Program its first ever from the retailer. Originally, the grant application requested a $25,000 grant, which the clinic anticipated would only allow them to provide assistance to 708 children and 390 adults. Grand Rapids Spectrum Health announced it hired Reda Girgis, MD, to serve as medical director for its lung transplant program. Dr. Girgis comes from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and started last week as a member of the Spectrum Health Medical Group. Kalamazoo Bronson LakeView Neurobehavioral Health welcomed new staff member, Lisa Turner-Woodruff, ANP-BC, who will be working with older geropsychology patients, including those with dementia and memory problems. Paw Paw Bronson LakeView Neurobehavioral Health is making it easier for people to get information and care they need by implementing a one call phone number to access both the inpatient and outpatient services. Patients, their families, and referral sources can also speak to a nurse to help decide whether the patient would be best served by inpatient hospital care or outpatient care. Grand Rapids - Spectrum Health has been ranked among the best hospitals in the nation in two medical specialties by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Hospitals 2012-13 rankings. Kalamazoo Bronson Family Medicine Portage welcomes Cesar Udani, MD. Udani completed his residency in family medicine at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint. He received his medical degree from Far Eastern University. Wyoming Metro Health Hospital announced that Pamela Carlson has been promoted to director of quality and patient safety. Wyoming Metro Health Hospital's Metro Care program has received the 2012 Ludwig Community Benefit Award from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, which includes $3,000 to help sustain this successful program. Kalamazoo Thirty InTouch Stryker smart beds were recently added to the Borgess Neurologic Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Surgical Unit, Cardiac Care Unit and Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit. The language translation function doesnt eliminate the need for translators in every situation, but it helps communication by providing a list of frequent requests. Grand Rapids The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, selected The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Marys Health Care who was awarded $950,000 to continue their participation in the National Community Cancer Centers Program network for the next two years. Grand Rapids Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital announced it has been selected to participate in Best Fed Beginnings, a first-of-its-kind national effort to significantly improve breastfeeding rates in states where rates are currently the lowest. Wyoming Metro Health Hospital Foundation announced Sue Gifford joined as Special Gifts Officer, being responsible for increasing philanthropic support for Metro Health by seeking special and planned gifts. Grand Rapids R. Blake TenBarge joined Hospice of Michigan as Marketing Representative for the Southwest region. His duties include developing and maintaining professional relationships between HOM and its referral sources in the Southwest.

Advantage Health Largest Ambulatory Medical Office

Grand Rapids Construction of Advantage Healths largest ambulatory medical office, at 245 Cherry Street SE, is near completion. The 85,000 square-feet (including 52,000 square feet of new construction and 15,000 square feet of renovations on three floors), three-story ambulatory medical office. includes the following practices: Advantage Health/Saint Marys offices: The Dermatology Center Downtown Family Medicine and Pediatrics Downtown OB/GYN The Sleep Disorders Center at St Marys Neuro-Opthalmology Center Also housed within 245 Cherry: Hand Surgery Centre Advent Physical Therapy Western Michigan Surgical Specialists Urology Associates The new addition more than doubles the size of the buildings original footprint and features a new drive up canopy and signature rotunda with a barrier-free drop-off area and entrance for patients. New exam rooms and patient hospitality areas received modern finishes and unique clerestory windows, which allow natural light into all of the office spaces. This project was developed by Highpoint Real Estate & Development of Grand Rapids, Mich. Integrated Architecture of Grand Rapids, Mich. served as architects for the project; Elzinga & Volkers of Holland, Mich. served as general contractor. The property is managed by Property Resources Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich.

State-of-The-Art Sleep Study Facility

Grand Rapids Patients at The Sleep Disorders Center at Saint Marys Health Care have hope for a better nights sleep, thanks to its new state-ofthe-art facility. Opening July 25, and located in the newly renovated building at 245 Cherry Street SE, the facility is the most comprehensive center of its kind in West Michigan, addressing the growing demand for the treatment of conditions that interrupt sleep. The facility is located directly across the street from The Hauenstein Neuroscience Center. The facility features 14 sleep study rooms, each equipped with private bath with shower, and two rooms are specially designed for bariatric patients. The sleep study area also includes two suites, so that caregivers and/or parents can stay with patients who need assistance during their stay. The state-of-the-art facility offers a restful, hotel-like atmosphere; equipped with high-end mattresses, flat screen televisions, cable service, fan and self adjusting temperature. Since many patients go to work directly from the sleep study, continental breakfast is offered in the morning. If the patient prefers, a Mercy Health Partners DME store is conveniently located inside the facility, offering a complete selection of sleep aids, such as C-PAP machines for patients suffering from obstructed sleep apnea. In addition, the Sleep Disorders Center offers a donor program based on availability for patients who have no insurance or who are underinsured. The facility staffs several board certified sleep physicians specializing in a variety of other disciplines, including pulmonary, critical care, medicine, pediatrics and neurology. Also on the team are technicians, medical assistants and a PhD specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep medicine. Saint Marys is the only hospital to offer cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep disorder in West Michigan.

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9 2012 West MI College Roundup: Summer Edition

Continued from page 7 Biddanda plans to work with MSU undergraduate students in studying the inner workings of the Muskegon Lake ecosystem. Data will also come from from Grand Valleys Muskegon Lake Observation buoy. He also plans to research how and why the lake releases gases certain gasses during the hot summer months. Thums focus will be on Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that can exhibit resistance to certain herbicides. Thum and those at MSU will test whether unique mutations in a gene they have identified causes the plant to be resistant. - GVSU Executive Chef Paul Mixa will be joining a team of chefs that will prepare food for Olympic Athletes this summer in London, England. Mixa will be in London from mid-July through mid-September. - Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas and Muskegon Community College President Dale Nesbary signed a transfer agreement between the two institutions. School: Hope College Location: Holland - Division III Hope College will be getting a series of facelifts this summer including the installation of artificial turf inside Holland Municipal Stadium, the home of Flying Dutchmen football. The stadium which has been owned by the city of Holland since 1979 will also officially pass into the hands of the college. -A residential village is under construction along 11th and 12th streets and Lincoln Ave. Beginning in the fall of 2013 60 students will live in the minineighborhood that will be built in a U shape using Flemish style architecture. According to Hope College two of the units will be duplexes housing 10 students on each side, and two will be single structures housing 10 students each. The overall complex will be coeducational, but each of the six units will be single-gender, housing either men or women. - On June 4th the college officially welcomed the edition of the VandePoelHeeringa Stadium Courts, the campuss primary tennis facility. According to the college the 12court facility has been developed as a resource not only for the college but for the community. In addition to providing a new home for the colleges intercollegiate tennis program, and hosting programs like the Tennis Academy and the USTA qualifier camps, it will also be available between such activities to those simply looking for a place to play a game themselves. The facility cost $2.159 million to build and includes elevated seating for spectators and an officials shelter. Funding was from private donors as well as a grant from the USTA. School: Kalamazoo College Location: Kalamazoo - Emilia Ward has been appointed head coach of the first womens varsity lacrosse team in the Colleges history. Womens lacrosse will continue to compete as a club sport in 2012-13 before taking the field as a varsity sport in the spring of the 2013-14 academic year. - Mike Ott was introduced as Kalamazoo College's head baseball coach on Thursday, June 14, 2012. Ott comes to Kalamazoo College from Holland Christian High School (Mich.) where he served as head varsity baseball coach the past eight seasons. - the Kalamazoo City Commission approved an amended version of Kalamazoo Colleges Institutional Campus rezoning application at its Monday, June 18, meeting in the City Commission chambers. This allows the school to move forward with its purposed 10-year campus plan. School: Thomas Cooley Law School Location: Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School will hold a special dedication and formal unveiling of a bronze casting of the schools namesake, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Thomas M. Cooley. Local sculptor and artist Matt Large will attend the dedication ceremony. School: Western Michigan University Location: Kalamazoo -Western Michigan University School of Medicine has decided on a name for its future home. The W.E. Upjohn Campus, named in honor of the founder of The Upjohn Co. will be located downtown Kalamazoo. -Western Michigan University's Sunseeker solar race team competed in the American Solar Challenge cross-country race which began Saturday, July 14. Cars needed to pass a number of technical inspections and dynamic tests in order to qualify. Cars must complete 105 laps on a 1.6-mile track in a single day or 160 laps over two days. In addition, drivers must complete a minimum of 25 laps to qualify as a driver for the cross-country event. -The transition of the Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies to the Western Michigan University School of Medicine is complete. -University officials announced the creation of the 16,000 square foot, $18 million Legacy Collections Center which will house the schools archives. Currently located in the corner of a gymnasium in East Hall, the archives will move into the state-of-the-art building on Oakland drive as early as next fall. - A new program developed as part of a collaboration among Western Michigan University and five other state universities will make it easier for businesses to take advantage of much needed technical expertise and other resources within the university partner network. The Instant Innovation Program has been developed as part of MCRN--the Michigan Corporate Relations Network-a collaboration of six public universities connecting businesses with university resources to help drive innovation and commercialization. By taking part in the Instant Innovation program, businesses have access to a facilitated brainstorming session in which a company works with a carefully selected, strategic collection of technical experts from at least two MCRN university partners to investigate the company's significant technical challenges and to identify potential solutions. A session can lead to the generation of new ideas and thinking, solve significant and persistent problems and potentially lead to new, commercial offerings and other revenue or cost reduction opportunities for the participating company.

10 Extreme Downpours on the Rise in Michigan Despite Drought

Michigan Less than three months after a major rainstorm in Flint led to nearly four feet of water on the roadways and flooding of area businesses and homes, a new Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center report confirms that extreme rainstorms are happening 37 percent more frequently in Michigan since 1948. As the old saying goes, when it rains, it pours especially in recent years as bigger storms have hit Michigan more often, said Nic Clark, Michigan campaigns director for Clean Water Action, which joined the center in announcing the release of the report. We need to heed scientists warnings that this dangerous trend is linked to climate change, and do everything we can to cut carbon pollution today. Based on an analysis of state data from the National Climatic Data Center, the new report found that heavy downpours that used to happen once every 12 months on average in Michigan now happen every 8.8 months on average. Moreover, the biggest storms are getting bigger. The largest annual storms in Michigan now produce 12 percent more precipitation, on average, than they did 65 years ago. The largest annual storms nationwide now produce 10 percent more precipitation, on average, than they did 65 years ago. Scientists have concluded that the rise in the frequency and severity of heavy rainstorms and snowstorms is linked to global warming. Warming increases evaporation and enables the atmosphere to hold more water, providing more fuel for extreme rainstorms, said Nathan Willcox, federal global warming program director for Environment America. At the same time, however, that evaporation increases soil dryness. Moreover, scientists expect that periods with relatively little precipitation will tend to mark the periods between heavy rainstorms. As a result, droughts are likely to become more frequent and severe in some regions of the United States. Currently, more than half of the lower United States is suffering through prolonged drought, aggravated by the fact that the last six months have been the hottest January-June period on record. Nic Clark with Clean Water Action pointed to the rainstorm that hit Michigan in June of 2011 as an illustration of what more extreme rainstorms could mean for the state. That storm dumped six inches of rain, on average, over a 12 hour period. The storm waters swamped homes and roadways and some rescuers in Lansing were even deployed to evacuate people. The new Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center report, When It Rains, It Pours: Global Warming and the Increase in Extreme Precipitation from 1948 to 2011, examines trends in the frequency of and the total amount of precipitation produced by extreme rain and snow storms across the contiguous United States from 1948 to 2011. Using data from 3,700 weather stations and a methodology originally developed by scientists at the National Climatic Data Center and the Illinois State Water Survey, the report identifies storms with the greatest 24-hour precipitation totals at each weather station, and analyzes when those storms occurred. The report also examines trends in the amount of precipitation produced by the largest annual storm at each weather station. Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center and Clean Water Action highlighted two proposals from the Obama administration fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks and the first ever carbon pollution standards for new power plants as critical steps toward meeting these pollution reduction targets.

Communication/IT Briefs
Grand Rapids The Iserv Co. announced today it has been acquired by Bostonbased 382 Communications. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 382 Communications offers voice, data, and network services to communications service providers and enterprise clients in the U.S. and internationally. The company said the acquisition of Iserv was a natural fit with their overall corporate strategy of developing emerging broadband markets across the country. Kalamazoo HealthCare Midwest introduced Patient Portion Pricer (PPP), an innovated new feature of HealthCare Midwests patient-friendly billing process. With their existing billing procedure called MPay, patient credit cards are swiped on the date of service for any balance owed after insurance payment. By adding PPP, patients can now pay any out-of-pocket costs by cash, check, immediate credit/debit card, or with MPays delayed authorization. Lansing Center for Business Innovation (CBI) welcomed new members Lena Eli, CBIs newest Dispatch Specialist, John Loveall, a Partner Care Center Specialist, and Ekaterina Harris, an Inside Partner Manager. Lansing - AT&T announced the expansion of its mobile Internet network along US 127 from Jackson to Lansing. Holland Code Blue Corporation announced it hired David Fleming as Marketing Manager who will be responsible for championing the Code Blue brand and product lines in print, online and through media. Grand Rapids Following the successful completion of a Phase I grant in 2011, the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) awarded DornerWorks a Phase II grant worth $750,000, with a potential option that would extend the grant to a total of $1M. SPAWAR focuses on information dominance for the Navy by funding continued research and development at DornerWorks to develop an embedded ARINC 653 open-source hypervisor, a virtualization technology that allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single computer and isolates each software application from the others running on the same computer, providing reliability, security, and safety against intentional attacks from malware such as software viruses.

Review of Mobilize
book for that. Mobile marketing specialist Rana June Sobhany stresses that building a killer app comes first; selling it by applying solid marketing principles comes second. Apples App Store is less than three years old, and app developers have the tricky task of marketing in a new, evolving medium. Sobhany who has been on the frontlines since the beginning helpfully draws on her own experiences to create a roadmap to success. She also provides firsthand, useful accounts from bloggers, tech journalists and, especially, successful app developers themselves. And, she supplies worksheet templates for positioning, strategic planning, publicity and metrics. getAbstract recommends this excellent resource to developers, designers and marketers poised to enter the app frontier. Rana June Sobhany. Mobilize: Strategies for Success from the Frontlines of the App Revolution. Vanguard Press, 2011. 256 pages. List Price: $17.95. ISBN13: 978-1593156459 . getAbstract is the leading provider of business book summaries, with thousands of titles covered. www.getabstract.com

By Rolf getAbstract

Dobelli,

Chairman,

No offense to app developers, but theyre not the most marketing savvy bunch. Thats OK because now theres a

11 Employment Facts, Figures and the Future

By: Jane Whittington Listen to one radio station, and its all doom and gloom. Unemployment is up! Good jobs just arent there! Then read the newspaper, and pundits are saying things are getting better; the future is rosy! Employers are looking for workers! Its hard to know just whats happening. But there are people who can sort it all out. The best place for the most current and unbiased reporting is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are the government entity charged with keeping track of all the facts and figures, and they tell it straight without any spin doctors or political interpretations. On July 6, they released their Employment Situation Summary, which is released each month and reports on the previous months figures. They report that, Non-farm employment continues to edge up with 80,000 jobs last month and the unemployment figures remained unchanged at 8.2 percent. Professional and business services added jobs while employment in other major industries changed little. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also breaks these numbers down. They report, Unemployment rates for African-Americans edged up to 14.4 percent. Rates for adult men (7.8 percent), adult women (7.4 percent), teens (23.7 percent), Caucasians (7.4 percent) and Hispanics (11 percent) showed little or no change for June. They further say, In June, professional and business services added 47,000 jobs, motor vehicles and parts added 7,000 jobs, fabricated metal products added 9,000 jobs, healthcare added 13,000 jobs and wholesale trades added 9,000 jobs. Comparatively speaking, Michigan is right in the middle with an unemployment rate of 8.5 percent for May. Neighboring states report similar numbers with Illinois rate at 8.6, Indiana at 7.9, Ohio at 7.3 and Wisconsin at 6.8. For May, the highest unemployment rate in the country was Nevada at 11.6 and Rhode Island at 11. And the lowest unemployment rate in the US? That would be North Dakota with only 3 percent unemployment. For the year 2011, unemployment rates declined in 48 states and rose in two plus the District of Columbia. In 2008, Michigans unemployment rate was 7.6 percent but rose to 13.6 percent in 2009. It has declined steadily but slowly since then. The Department of Numbers (www.departmentofnumbers.com) reports that, for June, the unemployment rate in Grand Rapids/Wyoming was 6.7 percent. Michigan Works! Association has been providing services and support to employers and employees alike since 1987. Michigan Works! not only links employers and employees, it also offers workshops on relevant topics like resume building, interviewing, career exploration, job counseling, computer skills, job search techniques and others. According to Jane Kreha, Michigan Works! Kent and Allegan County Marketing and Communications, On average, about 100,000 people come through our Service Centers each year. Over the past year, we have seen a small decrease in numbers. There are two centers in Grand Rapids, one in Allegan and one in Sparta. They partner with other regional organizations to provide some services and, as Kreha says, There is something going on every day of interest to people looking for work. Our calendar is online and can be easily accessed that way. From July 30-August 3, Michigan Works! is holding a special event titled Ready Now! in partnership with The Right Place, The GR Chamber of Commerce and Kent ISD. The week-long employability program is designed to match a pool of job seekers with area employers with open manufacturing positions. This program will prepare participants for a successful job search. Ten or more leading area employers will be taking part, and those who complete the program will have the opportunity to interview with at least two of the participating employers. EmploymentGroup (www.employmentgroup.com/) has, since 1958, been providing and delivering staffing and managed service to clients. EmploymentGroup specializes in recruiting, training and placing quality temporary or permanent employees in administrative, professional, technical and light industrial positions. According to President and CEO Mark Lancaster, So far in 2012, we have placed over 500 employees; for 2011, that figure was 1,384. He continues, Our numbers have been relatively flat this year despite expectations that the economy is in recovery. However, we currently have 93 open positions, and we are finding there is real strength in the IT sector. Some of that growth is in the healthcare field as the industry works to respond to the Affordable Care Act and increased government reporting. We are also seeing available jobs within healthcare in staffing assisted living facilities and hospitals. Lancaster reports, We dont, as they say in the employment industry, post and pray. We have robust recruiting efforts including job fairs and work closely with agencies like Michigan Works! as we seek out well-qualified employees. He adds, Our goal every single day is to help people succeed. Its very motivating to know that what we do makes a difference in peoples lives. Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

Review of The Boomer Retirement Time Bomb

boomers likely will want to remain in the workforce, either to earn money or to stay active, or both. While this will help ease the looming labor shortage, it also poses certain problems for companies that tend to see older workers as too expensive, too demanding or, simply, too old. Professors Donald L. Venneberg and Barbara Welss Eversole tackle this issue head on, but unfortunately their book reads too much like the academic research papers, statistics and surveys they often cite. While you might not expect a book about age demographics and workplace practices to be a page-turner, this research reveals an important story that will determine Americas future. getAbstract considers this significant reading for human resources professionals and innovative CEOs who want to bring seasoned, talented people back on board and keep them working. By Rolf getAbstract Dobelli, Chairman, Donald L. Venneberg and Barbara Eversole. The Boomer Retirement Time Bomb: How Companies Can Avoid the Fallout from the Coming Skills Shortage. Praeger, 2010. 147 pages. List Price: $34.95. ISBN-13: 978-0313375385. getAbstract is the leading provider of business book summaries, with thousands of titles covered. www.getabstract.com

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The graying of America is a not a new topic, but it is getting increasing attention now that the first baby boomers have filed for Medicare and are eligible for Social Security. Their sheer number 76 million dictate that, as in so many other spheres, they will make an impact, for better or worse, on work and retirement. Many

12 Finance/Insurance Briefs
Grand Rapids - Edward Jones announced that it plans to hire 60 people over the next several months as it looks to expand its presence throughout Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. In the past five years, Edward Jones has experienced dramatic growth for its expert financial services. Grand Rapids The Right Place, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Works! of Kent and Allegan Counties announced the launch of a week-long employability program for job seekers in West Michigan. The ReadyNOW! program will take place from July 30 August 3 at Kent ISD Kent Career Technical Center. Brighton LifeSecure Insurance Company announced that its individual long-term care insurance (LTCI) and its multi-life worksite LTCI program, OMTM (One-for-Many LTC), are now available to residents and agents in California. Grand Rapids Larri Luthy joined Lighthouse Group as a Benefits Account Manager. Larris expertise is in new business sales and implementation, and claims resolution. Lansing - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Energy Department will award new funding to 104 small businesses nationwide. Niowave Inc will receive two $1 million grants, East Lansing-based NamesforLife LLC one $1million grant and Ann Arbor-based Arbor Photonics one $1 million grant. Detroit and Grand Rapids A group of Michigan venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and investment bankers launched RelayFund, Inc., the first equitybased crowdfunding website started in Michigan. It is one of the first websites in the nation that will link small investors with startup operators under the provisions of the new federal JOBS (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) Act, which allows online micro-investments for startup business and creates a platform for private equity for the masses. RelayFund is the creation of investment banking firm Hartwick Capital and investor relations firm Lambert, Edwards & Associates. Grand Rapids Allison Hamman joined Lighthouse Group as a Choice Business Unit Account Executive and has both her Property & Casualty Licenses for Ohio Resident and Michigan Non-Resident. Caledonia The Acrisure Benefits Group announced the addition of Sara Tountas as Director of Legal Compliance. Sara comes from Miller Johnson law firm, where she practiced as an employee benefits attorney for seven years. Grand Haven Cindy Paulson joined Lighthouse Group team as Title Customer Service Representative. Holland Macatawa Bank announced the promotion of Adam Kruis to Commercial Lender working out of Holland. Macatawa Bank also announced the promotion of Tyler Burke to Commercial Lender working out of Grand Rapids. Grandville Josh Grysen joins Lighthouse Group as a Title Marketing Representative. Josh graduated from Davenport University with his BBA in Marketing and since then received his Michigan Real Estate Salesperson License. Chicago, IL Glencoe Capital, LLC announced it sold its investment IT systems advisory business, System Development Integration, LLC, to LLR Partners, Inc., and Monument Capital Group, LLC.

$13.9 Million in Rebate Checks

Lansing - Michigan Consumers for Healthcare (MCH), the states strongest voice for matters related to healthcare consumers, is pleased to announce that health insurance companies will be reimbursing Michigan consumers and businesses $13.9 million dollars because they spent too much money on administrative costs, advertising and corporate profit instead of direct medical care. Health insurance companies owe a total of $1.1 billion to 12.8 billion consumers and businesses throughout the country. A provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that health insurers must offer refunds if they do not spend enough of consumers' premium dollars on actual heath care. This new requirement is based on a figure called the medical-loss ratio, or MLR, which is another way of saying that insurers must pay their fair share back to their consumers and patients, rather than reap outrageous profits from the sick and dying. The MCH coalition, which comprises more than 155 member organizations, was a key voice advocating for Michigan consumers to receive these rebates (the state of Michigan had applied for a waiver from this rule). Insurance plans must pay a minimum percentage of premium dollars toward health care expenses and quality improvement activities, limiting the amount spent on administrative and marketing costs and bonuses for company executives. Under the law, large group plans must spend at least 85 percent of their premium dollars on health care and quality improvement activities; for small group plans, the requirement is 80 percent. If a health insurer fails to spend enough on actual health care costs, it must give back the difference to its customers.

Whats Hot on the Employment Horizon?

By: Jane Whittington The State of Michigan has a Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, similar to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (www.milmi.org/) with information about statewide employment. One of the pieces of information it offers is a listing of Michigans Hot Jobs: tomorrows high-demand, high-wage jobs through 2018. The top ten are: registered nurses; customer service representatives; truck drivers; accountants and auditors; elementary school teachers; licensed practical nurses; industrial engineers; computer systems analysts; human resources, training and labor relation specialists; network systems and data communications analysts. The Wall Street Journal, in 2011, predicted the following jobs will offer the best paying opportunities nation-wide from 2008-2018: registered nurses; accountants and auditors; management analysts; computer applications software engineers; physicians and surgeons; computer systems analysts; market research analysts; civil engineers; dental hygienists; personal financial advisors. Public Radios Marketplace offers a tool called Future-Jobs-O-Matic! on their website: www.publicradio.org/marketplace_iframes/future-jobs/index.php. It helps you pick a profession using a variety of measures. According to this site, careers adding the most jobs include home health aides, waiters, registered nurses, administrative assistant and teachers. Careers losing the most jobs include machine setters, farmers, order clerks, mail sorters and file clerks. The lowest paying jobs include waiters, gaming dealers, cashiers, agricultural product sorters and child care workers. The highest paying jobs include physicians and surgeons, dentists, engineering managers, podiatrists and information systems managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also has a vast data bank of information about various occupations at www.bls.gov. Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

13 Skills and Experiences Are Irrelevant When Hiring

By Brad Remillard Just to clarify, the word is irrelevant. It doesnt read not important. There is a difference between something being relevant and being important. Of course, having the right skills and experiences are important to performing the job, just not relevant when hiring. Skills and experiences are simply the tools one brings to the job. It is ones ability to use these tools effectively that counts. Just because you have a hammer and saw in your garage, doesnt make you a fine finish carpenter. Since most people have been taught interviewing is about the candidates skills and experiences, the interviewer tends to ask a lot of questions about their past. For example, What have you done in this area? or Have you ever done _____? Those trained in behavioral interviewing will take those same questions and convert them into asking for an example such as, Give me an example where you have done X or Tell me about a time when you had X as an issue. All of this may be good to know, but the fact is you really dont care about any of this. When a candidate shows up on Monday morning, you no longer care about all the things they have done. You only care about one thing, whether or not they can do the job you are hiring them to do. That is all you really care about. Nothing else matters anymore. They may have the best skills and all the right experiences, but if they cant effectively apply them to do your job, then you really dont care about their skills and experiences. Have you ever hired a person that had all the right skills and experiences? They interviewed well, had all the right answers, their resume read like the job description, and after you hired them they fell flat on their face? This has happened to just about everyone who has ever hired. Why does this happen? Its usually because the persons skills and experiences are not primary indicators of their ability to do your job. These are at best secondary indicators and more often than not, misleading indicators. Yet, these are the indicators that most hiring managers rely on. Instead, focus the interview on the primary reason for interviewing which is, Can they do your job? The key to successful hiring is having a methodology that puts the candidate in the job BEFORE you hire them. It is not about determining if the candidate has the right tools. It is about determining if they can use those tools effectively to get your job done. This is why behavioral interviewing often falls short. Behavioral interviewing was once a quantum leap forward in how interviewing was performed; however, it too has run its course. Great interviewing is more than getting examples of the past. It is about doing your job. The tag line for behavioral interviewing, past performance is an indicator of future performance isnt always the case. A good hiring methodology shifts the focus from the persons skills and experiences to how they will use these to do your job. If they cant use these effectively in your company and your position, then they may be a great person but they arent the right candidate. This is why a person with all of the right skills and experiences often falls flat on their face. So how do you put the candidate in the job BEFORE you hire the person? Stop asking questions that start with have, what, have you, tell me about a time when, etc. These are all fine to know but they should be used for probing after the example and not for the example. That is a huge difference. The famous, who, what, when, where and why questions are for probing deep and not for opening questions. How questions should be used for the opening question. One of the biggest challenges facing hiring managers is getting them to shift to asking How questions. After that you can then begin probing with the five Ws. For example, How would you decrease costs by 10%? How would you increase gross margins by X%? How would you go about implementing a complete systems upgrade of our ERP system? How would you increase market share in your territory? Then probe deeply with the five Ws. Now the interviewer is shifting the interview from skills and experiences to having the candidate explain how they would apply these to do the job. If the candidate cant apply their skills and experiences in the new job, then one has to question whether or not they are the right person regardless of skills and experiences. The reason most hiring processes fail is because it is easy for a candidate to talk about their skills and experiences. Some might even embellish in this area. It is significantly different to explain how they would apply those skills and experiences in your company, with your culture, your resources, your budget constraints and all the aspects that make your company unique from the company they are leaving or just left. Brad Remillard is a speaker, author and trainer with more than thirty years of experience in hiring and recruiting. Brad is also the co-founder of IMPACT HIRING SOLUTIONS and co-author of, Youre NOT the Person I Hired: A CEOs Guide to Hiring Top Talent. For more information please visit www.bradremillard.com.

14 Construction/Real Estate Briefs

Holland Elzinga & Volkers Professional Services announces the promotion of James Sheely as National Sales Director. Grand Rapids Progressive AE announced that Tom Kingshott, CPD, joined the firm as a Senior Mechanical Technician. Kevin Mersman, P.E., joined the firm as a Mechanical Engineer. Lansing The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan has announced Keith Swaffer, PE, of NTH Consultants, LTD (Detroit) as its 2012-2013 President. Holland - Redmon Heating & Cooling, Inc. was recently honored at the Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems annual dealer meeting with a Tier 2 Medal of Excellence Award. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has won the award. Brighton ASTIs Director of Resource Assessment and Management Group, Dianne Martin, was appointed to ASTIs Board of Directors. Ms. Martin was responsible for completing difficult Wetlands and Ecological Restoration projects including a multi-year Coastal Wetland Restoration project in Macomb County where 500 acres of marshland had dried up due to development and invasive species growth. Grand Rapids - Signature Associates has negotiated: the sale of a 134,079 square foot industrial building located at 13370 Barry, Holland for the buyer, HDN Holdings, LLC. the lease of 6,500 square feet of office space located at 1725 E. Sherman Boulevard, Muskegon for the tenant, KOS Services, DBA Dental Dreams. the sale of a 2,754 square foot retail building located at 562 & 572 Portage, Kalamazoo for the buyer, The Home Bar. The Home Bar has been in business for over 30 years and is moving next door to a larger building with a much larger parking lot. the lease of 2,000 square feet of retail space located at 4774 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon for the landlord, Livingston Howell Properties, LLC, and the tenant, Day Care. the lease of 4,550 square feet of retail space located at 2492 Henry, Muskegon for the tenant, Use It Again. Kentwood - Wolverine Building Group announced the completion and opening of Lady Janes and Luvs at 2830 Broadmoor Ave. a mens hair salon. Grand Rapids GMB Architecture + Engineering, Inc. (GMBae) health care, corporate and K-12 education sectors, announced it acquired Visbeen Associates, Inc., to expand each firms capabilities and ability to reach a wider range of clients. The acquisition allows GMBae to leverage its institutional design and engineering experience with that of a nationally recognized architectural firm specializing in residential design. Grand Rapids-based Visbeen Associates is a national boutique architecture firm specializing in full-service architectural and interior design services for the residential and retail markets. Grand Rapids Kent Companies Inc. achieved their highest ranking in company history in Concrete Construction Magazines CC100 List for 2011, an industry survey that ranks the top concrete contractors by total revenue. Kent Companies also celebrate 55 years in business. Grand Rapids - Commercial Real Estate Change-Ups handled by Olga Hallstedt of Results! the purchase of 2031 Calvin, SE, Grand Rapids - A manufacturing facility of ~ 52,000 SF on July 11th by Arbor Gage. the lease by Grand Rapids OB/GYN will be relocating its medical practice to ~3,700 Square feet at 5060 Cascade Road, SE Grand Rapids in October 2012. Network Solutions of Grand Rapids, Inc., has opened an office in the Bullseye Building located at 4880-36th Street, SE. the lease by MorningStar Health, a national integrated disability and absence management provider, employs 21 people where they continue to grow (adding 4 jobs this year and 4 more in the next 2 years) and will be relocating to American Seating Park. the lease for the landlord to Twisted RC, a Radio-controlled cars and parts company, is opened for business in their new 12,000 square foot complex at 4790 Alpine, NW, Grand Rapids. the lease for the landlord to REV Business Solutions, a purveyor of printing, promotional products, and merchant services, joins Spaulding Office Park at 979 Spaulding. They started in 2007 and have now grown to more than 10 employees. Holland - Elzinga & Volkers hired Kent Thomsen as Regional Sales Representative. Grand Rapids CWD Real Estate Investment appointed Terri Springstead, an industry veteran with 17 years of financial experience in real estate, as CFO. Sue Palmitier joined CWD as an accounting manager. Michigan/Cincinnati, OH The Board of Directors of Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. announced the following promotions of Senior Engineers: Ryan R. Eversole, P.E., Structural Department; Daniel J. Fredricks, P.E., Civil Engineering Department; Carl J. Otte, P.E., manual drafter; Kyle A. Patrick, P.E., Civil Department; Steven D. Teitsma, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, Civil Department; and Jonathon D. Yonkers, P.E., LEED AP, Mechanical Department. Lansing - Clark Construction Company recently completed construction of a 10,000 square-foot bingo room addition last month at FireKeepers Casino located near Battle Creek. Clark Construction is the construction manager for the new 242-resort style room hotel expected to open this Fall, adjacent to the casino. Lansing Clark Construction Company was selected as Construction Manager for a 60,000-square-foot facility at Dow Kokams Midland Battery Park, which will house production of advanced energy storage packs that will provide a casing for Dow Kokam's lithium-ion cells and battery management systems, with production scheduled for early 2013. Dow Kokam is a joint venture of the Dow Chemical Co., TK Advanced Battery, LLC based in Lees Summit, Missouri and Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault, a French company.

15 Arcadia Brewing Company Breaks Ground

By: Jeremy Martin Kalamazoo-On Thursday July 12th Tim Surprise-founder and president of Arcadia Brewing Company-broke ground on a 30,000 square foot brewing facility and restaurant on the East bank of the Kalamazoo River. The structure, which was designed by Tower-Pinkster and will be built by American Village Builders, will house a fully automated packaging line, a brew house with the capabilities of making up to 50,000 barrels per year and a 15,000 square foot office loft. Were contributing to one of the great things in Michigan, and thats the beer culture here. Our contribution has gotten to the point where we need to grow, Surprise said. And grow they are. The current barrel capacity of Arcadias flagship Battle Creek location stands around the 10,000 barrel mark which has forced the Southwest Michigan beer giant to expand its operation back to its original hometown. Beyond just producing and packaging brands such as Sky High Rye and Hopmouth, the facility will also have a full restaurant, tap room and beer garden. All of which will overlook the Kalamazoo River. Surprise sees this not just in business terms but also as a major step on his own personal life journey. It really began for me back in upstate new York forty years ago, growing up on the Hudson river where I learned to hunt and fish on a river that ultimately became polluted not unlike what happened here in Kalamazoo, and the effort that is continuing today on the Hudson river is in progress here in this community and throughout the state, Surprise said, referencing the Kalamazoo River oil spill and the cleanup efforts that continue. Taking another leap forward today is pretty exciting. An official groundbreaking ceremony featuring; Surprise and Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell as well as members of First National Bank, TowerPinkster, American Village Builders, Treystar and other members of the Arcadia finance and design team was proceeded by a press conferences attended by area media, politicians and local business people. Many of those in attendance lended a hand, or more often than not, money to make certain the project got off the ground. Hopewell mentioned that many familiar faces in the Kalamazoo lending community were on site, and that a project of this nature would have trouble being completed without their support. But Hopewell thanked more than just those with money, he thanked everyone involved for sharing a vision of an area of town that had fallen on hard times. The Mayor explained that the neighborhood, recently christened Rivers Edge, had become a classic case of urban plight and decay, and despite a river trail running along the Kalamazoo just west of the new facility, very little had been done to refurbish the area. That is until recently. Were next to a rose park honoring those who have served our country, we cross the river and we find one of the best bakeries you can find anywhere, a food co-op that is prepared to sell you any local fair that you want, you find an ambulance company that has served this community for twenty years and has probably served some of our family members, Hopewell said. He then proclaimed that Arcadia Brewing Company would be the anchor tying all of these, and all future business and residents to the neighborhood. We want to Integrate into a community of customers and retailers, just as we have been for sixteen years a beer supplier to them, we now want to be a local neighbor, Surprise said. Time and again, Surprise alluded to the new project, which was made possible by a $1 Million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, as being the next leg in a fruitful journey for both him and Arcadia Brewing Company; a journey that began in Kalamazoo before transitioning to Battle Creek in 1996. When youre looking at a property that has such amazing potential but has remained vacant for a number of yearscoming back full circle sixteen years later feels pretty special, Surprise said.

Current Business Trends: Slightly Lower

Grand Rapids - For the first time since April 2009, the greater Grand Rapids industrial economy has slid into the minus column, according to the results of a monthly survey compiled by Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. The survey results are based on data collected during the last two weeks of July. The surveys index of business improvement, called new orders, came in at -6, down from +9. The production index also flipped negative to -5, down from +6. Employment remained positive at +18, but not as robust as the +25 in June. It is not a surprise to find that automotive parts suppliers are not sailing as high as they were a few months ago, said Long. Although July is a traditionally slow month for automotive, the September-October production schedules do not look as positive as they were once projected to be. As for the office furniture business, conditions are soft for some firms, but most are stable. Long said the GDP estimate of 1.5 percent for the second quarter of 2012, down from a revised growth rate of 2 percent in the first quarter, was big news. By comparison, our average growth rate for the 2004-2009 time period was 3.95 percent. Our current rate of growth is well below where we need to improve the unemployment situation and to fully recover from the Great Recession, he said. Long added that the local economy could dance back and forth across the zero growth line for several quarters before finally resuming a slow recovery. He said the local economy will be affected by the actions taken by Congress as the election draws near.

16 The Semi and Fleet Truck Industry, Growing More efficient Every Year
By: Jeremy Martin They may be larger, a little louder and a little less steady on icy roads, but tractor trailers and larger fleet vehicles actually have a great deal in common with their smaller, non-commercial automobile brethren. Aside from creating vehicles that can withstand racking up hundreds of thousands of miles, and hauling loads that range from boxes of cupcakes to gallons and gallons of liquids-flammable and otherwise-makers of fleet trucks and semis often deal with the same issues that makers of smaller personal cars deal with; namely fuel efficiency, emission standards, increasing demand for higher power and of course luxury and comfort. One major difference between cars and larger fleet trucks of course is what they run on. While most personal cars rely on smaller cylinder engines that can run a variety of unleaded gasolines, your larger variety of high performance trucks will most assuredly be taking in diesel to power its way across the country. According to the National Petroleum Council, more than 80% of the nations goods are moved across the highway using diesel power. "There is a reason today that diesel powers the overwhelming majority of the nation's commercial trucking, school, and transit bus fleets," Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum said. "Diesel's unmatched combination of availability, safety, energy-efficiency, and economical operation and performance has made it the technology of choice, but it is also the environmental performance and prospects for even greater energy efficiency that make it the technology of choice for the future. A great deal of that energy efficiency has to do with todays high-tech biodiesel engines that are being produced. More and more, so called clean diesel engines are finding their way under the hoods of large scale trucking operations and they are allowing owners and operators to tally more miles and haul larger loads while burning less fuel. But thats not to say that the industry standard has been set for good, in fact researchers are continually looking for ways to make trucking a more efficient endeavor. A recent National Petroleum council report states that Diesel engines will remain the powertrain of choice for HD vehicles for decades to come because of their power and efficiency. There are, however, opportunities to improve the technology. Significant fuel economy improvements in diesel powered trucks are possible. Indeed, the fuel economy (mpg) for new Class 7&8 HD vehicles, which consume more than 70% of the fuel in the trucking fleet, could be doubled." And its not just fuel efficiency that is on the rise, right here in Michigan lawmakers and activists have successfully lobbied to increase the legal size of semi-trucks and trailers that haul goods across our state. Senate Bill SB582, sponsored by Escanaba Senator Tom Casperson was signed into law by the Lt. Governor Brian Calley this past July. The new law will according to Casperson grant a 15%-20% reduction in costs for moving goods around the state. The safety of fellow motorists will also increase as drivers can now look forward to dealing with up to 15% fewer semi-trucks on the states highways. Several companies are already working towards future standards, one of which is Thermo King, a Minnesota based maker of temperature control systems for semi and fleet trucks. The company which has an outlet in Byron Center is currently launching a new trailer temperature control platform that will meet all 2013 EPA tier IV standards for cooling and emissions. The innovative precedent platform and new truck and APU solutions provide our customers with peace of mind that they have met regulatory requirements while delivering leading performance, significant fuel savings and lower life cycle costs-all tested under real world conditions, Ray Pittard, President of Thermo King North America said. Thermo King will offer units that have software that can be customized or enhanced to meet specific operating profiles. Livonia based Roush Cleantech is also getting in on the lower emissions action by creating a line of liquid propane autogas fuel systems that will be installed in 100 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo Vans. The vans were commissioned by German founded world-wide shipping company DHL Express. The first of these vehicles are already seeing road action in Texas, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and California. The DHL website explained that DHL each vehicle would bring carbon emission savings compared to conventional equivalents of more than 22,587 pounds a year. Along with carbon dioxide emission cuts, the cleaner running engines produce up to 60% less carbon monoxide and 20% less nitrogen oxide pollutants, virtually eliminating particulate matter. DHL said that these new vehicles came about based on customer demand for greener, more eco-friendly delivery fleets. Initiatives like our all green fleet in Manhattan and this propane autogas fleet not only lower our DHL carbon footprint, but are a smart, clean and cost-effective choice for our business, Ian Clough chief executive of DHL said But not all upgrades to vans and trucks are done based to improve fuel efficiency or to save money; some are done for flashier reasons Companies such as Grand Rapids Ridin High Inc. aim to trick out trucks with the latest chrome and leather fashions. From customized stainless steel truck parts to our electric wiper conversion kits, Ridin' High has everything you need to stop traffic, the companys website proclaims. Chrome bumper logos, custom made grills, interior and exterior lights and more give drivers a sense of freedom and ownership over the vehicles that stock options do not offer. Whether its looking to gain more fuel efficiency, attempting to make driving safer or just blinging-out the ride, the trucking and fleet vehicle industry mirrors the standard car industry in nearly every aspect, save for the fact that its products tend to be much larger.

Finance, Insurance & Banking

The the New OnLine Finance Banking Insurance Publication brought to you by Business Update Publications and will be released the final Thursday of each month. Features, columns and press releases that are industry related, current and timely. To have your news included or to submit articles for potential inclusion reply to prupdate@businessupdate.com. For sponsorship and advertising contact diane@businessupdate.com or jim@businessupdate.com.

18 All You Need to Know About GSA Contracts

By: Josh Ladick History and General Details The General Services Administration (GSA) was established by Harry Truman in 1949 and was originally a consolidation of six sub-agencies to streamline federal procurement. Since then, the GSA has taken on important directives such as Emergency Preparedness, Real Property Management, Policy Oversight, Government Charge Cards, many electronic government initiatives, and more recently the GSA has put a heavy focus on sustainability. There are currently 40 GSA and VA/FSS Schedules, which are industrybased and include a variety of product offerings such as Medical Equipment, Security, Information Technology, Construction and Vehicles. GSA Contracts also offer services to federal buyers such as Accounting, Engineering, Environmental and Scientific Services, just to name a few. There are nine Acquisition Centers located across the country; each one oversees the award and administration of a group of GSA Schedules. All Federal Agencies use the GSA to purchase products and services. Although the military has other contracting mechanisms, the GSA is among the most used and is growing rapidly in popularity. In addition to the Federal Government, some Indian reservations, non-profits, and a few other entities have authorization to buy from the GSA. State, County and even City entities can purchase select items from the GSA, including Security and IT products and services through the Cooperative Purchasing program. A GSA Contractor enjoys the benefits of access to a private bidding system called E-Buy, posting of products and services to a federal e-commerce website entitled GSA Advantage, and a large advantage over non-GSA companies in any competitive bidding process. Acquiring and Maintaining a GSA Contract A GSA Contract is a long-term mechanism for federal buyers to purchase directly from contractors, while cutting out a large portion of the bidding process and paperwork involved. Contractor requirements to get a GSA Contract include at least 2 years of corporate experience, adequate financial systems to track GSA sales, experience and past sales related to the GSA Schedule, Financial solvency, Compliance with the Trade Agreement Act, and Wage Determination factors. There is an intensive process to get a GSA Contract which involves schedule placement, registrations, document preparation, Terms and Conditions considerations, past performance reviews, a financial review, and pricing negotiations. Document preparation is a very technical part of the process, and there are many hidden details involved. Somewhere around 90% of document submissions are rejected because of major deficiencies. Even though the process to submit and acquire a GSA Contract is nearly free, many companies opt to consult or hire a specialist to complete the process on their behalf. The prices for these services generally range from $5,000 to $15,000 (and sometimes higher). This may seem like a large expense, but the cost of doing it in-house will likely be more and without an adequate understanding of the legal aspects of the contract you are opening your company up to the liability of non-compliance. Additionally, many companies are man-handled in pricing negotiations, leaving them with a GSA Contract that binds them to prices with a razor-thin margin. Maintaining a GSA Contract After a GSA Contract is awarded, a contractor will have a 5 year License to Hunt in the federal market, with 3 options to renew so, in effect a 20 year contract. Every GSA Contract holder has an assigned Contracting Officer (CO) to review the offer package. This CO will be the long-term point of contact once a GSA Contract is awarded. After a contractor is awarded a GSA Contract, they must meet a minimum sales requirement of $25,000 annually and comply with the terms of the contract, or their contract may be in danger of revocation. Maintaining a GSA Contract is very important. As prices change or products become discontinued a GSA Contract must adjust accordingly. This is because products and prices are posted publicly, and federal buyers can buy directly from GSA Advantage. There is a quick and easy process to modify a GSA Contract, where a small document package is submitted to a Contracting Officer, outlining the updates and changes to be made, which usually only takes a couple of weeks for final approval. Acquiring and maintaining a GSA Contract is no simple feat, but the rewards often outweigh the costs. Any company willing to work hard and learn to navigate the bidding process can benefit from a GSA Contract, and will gain access to the largest customer on the planet, the United States Government. Josh Ladick is the President of GSA Focus, Inc. and has over 6 years of experience acquiring and maintaining GSA Contracts daily. GSA Focus works on GSA Contracts exclusively, and has proven processes to get a GSA Contract quickly, effectively, and affordably, offering their GSA Contract services for a flat fee. Josh can be reached at (760) 550-9320 or josh@gsafocus.com.

Encourage Teens to Learn Their Rights and Stay Safe on the Job this Summer
Des Plaines, IL - With summer in full swing, and many teens working a summer job, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) reminds young workers about the importance of staying safe at on the job. Whether it be landscaping, bagging groceries or working at the local store, teens must be aware of any on the job safety risks, what training is available, their rights as an employee and what job tasks that by law they are not allowed to perform. Earning their own money, making new friends, gaining valuable work experience and just having fun are a few of the many positive reasons for a teenager to enter the workforce. However, young people should not lose sight of their own safety, whether they are working in a restaurant, as a life guard, in retail or on a paper route. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a U.S. teen is injured on the job every nine minutes. In 2010, 88 teens between the ages of 13 and 19 were killed on the job, and in 2009, more than 26,500 between the ages of 15 and 17 sustained injuries serious enough to send them to the emergency room. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that some of the most common causes of recent teen workplace fatalities include; collision between vehicles or mobile equipment, being struck by a vehicle, being struck by a falling object, accidents with running equipment or machinery and assaults or other violent acts. By federal law employers must; provide a safe and healthy place to work, provide needed safety gear such as ear plugs, gloves, safety glasses and clothing, provide safety training using words employees can understand and inform employees about hazards on a jobsite. Young workers also have their own responsibilities, which include; asking their supervisor about safety training and learning about dangers before starting a job or a new task, reporting safety and health hazards to their supervisor, staying alert and working safely, not taking shortcuts and looking out for fellow workers.

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19 Industrial Briefs
Grand Rapids - The Right Place., Inc. in collaboration with The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced the approval of $550,000 in Michigan Business Development Program incentives from the Michigan Strategic Fund that will enable two West Michigans employers to move forward on $12.4 million in local expansions that will generate 106 new jobs for the area over the next three years. ArcticAx US Ltd $220,000 incentive from the MEDC for $1.9m new site in Grand Rapids; 28 new local jobs projected over three years The incentive will allow ArcticAx to proceed with the build-out of a new bio-life science startup lab at American Seating Park in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids The American National Standards Institute approved the new edition of ANSI/BIFMA X5.9 Storage Units. Copies of the new edition test standards are available from BIFMA immediately. The BIFMA File/Storage Subcommittee worked diligently to revise this new edition of ANSI/BIFMA X5.9 with changes to unit loads, drawer cycles, door drop cycles, numerous test clarifications for consistency, and several changes that harmonize with other BIFMA standards. Kalamazoo Landscape Forms announced The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, awarded Landscape Forms a 2012 Green GOOD DESIGN Award for Alcott lighting designed by Robert A M Stern Designs. Alcott is 12-foot pedestrian light featuring LED technology that delivers energy efficiency, high performance, longevity and economy. Rolling Meadows, IL Greg Grocholski, CISA, Chief Audit Executive at Dow Chemical Company in Midland, was promoted as International President of ISACAa nonprofit association serving more than 100,000 IT governance, assurance, risk and security professionals in 180 countries. Lansing Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. announced that the Company's recently opened private laboratory has significantly increased Kraig's ability to generate its proprietary Monster Silk(TM) production platform silkworms, a new recombinant spider silk based fiber with potentially broad applications for consumers and industry in the multi-billion dollar marketplace for textiles and performance polymers. Allegan - Perrigo announced that Nicole Jenkins has been promoted to Associate Project Manager for the International Regulatory Affairs team. rand Rapids Valley City Linen, Michigans largest family owned linen service for more than 75 years, invested $700,000 to install state of the art Continuous Batch Washer with PulseFlow technology which will conserve close to 8 million gallons of water and 76,000 THERMS per YEAR, enabling the company to further reduce its carbon footprint. Milnor Corp. introduced the revolutionary PulseFlow Technology tunnel in December 2011. Grand Rapids - BIFMA introduced Chuck Saylor, Founder and CEO of izzy+ as the new BIFMA president. Also, BIFMA announced the election of three new Directors; Bret Ackerman of Indiana Furniture, Michael Keilhauer of Keilhauer, and Greg Moore, Moore Co. Allegan Perrigo announced Kim Shriver was promoted to Director Global Change Management for the Global Human Resources team. Perrigo also announced Rebecca Herrington was promoted to Manager - U.S. Talent Acquisition for the Human Resources team. Quality Edge, Inc. $310,000 incentive from the MEDC for $10.5m local expansion; 78 new local jobs projected over three years The incentive will allow Quality Edge, Inc. to expand its Walker operations and produce a new metal roofing product line that is set to launch nationwide in the spring of 2013. Allegan - Perrigo announced Chris Hildebrand has been hired as Insulin Infusion Set Product Manager for the Diabetes Care team. Rick Beam has been promoted to Distribution Operations Manager. Sandra Larson has been hired as International Logistics Compliance Analyst. Tom Wight has been hired as Business Process Architect for the Information Technology and Services team. Grand Haven Tony Silva joined Atlas Ergonomics as Director of Ergonomics Services. Green Bay Pro Chemicals LLC announces the acquisition of Chaska Chemical Company, Inc. of Savage MN in a recent transaction between the two companies. Lansing Rodger Kershner, an inhouse counsel for CMS Energy Corporation, was named co-chair of the Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs Business Leadership Group which seeks to strengthen Michigans renewable energy standard to 25 percent by 2025. Charlotte Spartan Motors, Inc.s Utilimaster subsidiary received an additional order as UPS announced an additional order for 150 new vehicles for its revolutionary Reach walk-in van. The Reach advantages including greater maneuverability, improved ingress and egress, nearly 1000 lbs. lower weight, and improved fuel efficiency of up to 40% through the use of advanced, lightweight composites/recycled materials, all combined with great looks.

Foreign-Trade Zones Outpace US Economy

Battle Creek According to The Impact of Foreign-Trade Zones on the 50 States and Puerto Rico, released in June by the National Association of ForeignTrade Zones, the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program plays an important role in national, state and local economic development. Outpacing the United States economy, exports from Foreign-Trade Zones increased by 23 percent over fiscal year 2009, totaling $34.8 billion in 2010. By comparison, total goods exported from the United States increased 16 percent during the same period from the year before. Michigan ranked 13th in value of merchandise received into FTZs with $8,464.8 million; 14th for number of firms served (50); and 14th for number of persons employed in FTZs (9,811). The ports of Battle Creek, Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids supported active FTZ users in Michigan. Ranking second in Michigan for FTZ activity, Battle Creek FTZ users exported $44.7 million and employed 3,616 persons. Exports from Battle Creeks FTZ increased 1.3 percent over 2009. The Detroit FTZ, with 43 active firms, accounted for $323.3 million in exports and employed 5,910. Throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, there are 163 active FTZs and 263 active manufacturing subzones. Collectively, FTZs employed 320,000 workers in direct zone activities in 2010, experiencing a small decline similar to trends in the overall labor market during the same period. Users of the FTZ program in 2010 included small and medium-sized enterprises as well as Fortune 500 and international corporations operating in the United States. Major industry sectors manufacturing in FTZs were automotive, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, machinery and equipment.

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7 Steps To Being A Better Listener

by Joe Takash Listening is as far from a passive activity as anything I can imagine. By being a passive hearer, you may take in some words but give nothing back. Listening requires thought and effort. It means you must work at listening with you head and heart and not just your ears. And it means learning how to respond to what is being said so that youre listening communicates things your relationship partner needs to hear. Here are seven steps to take in order to gain listening wisdom: 1. Practice silence. As the previous sections sins suggested, remaining quiet can be a challenge. Youre going to feel compelled to interrupt, to finish sentences and to add your two cents. It takes discipline to remain silent. Make a conscious effort to say nothing until youre sure your relationship partner has finished his thought. This is easier written than done. Therefore, try practicing it at home before you do it at work. With a spouse or a friend, force yourself to stay silent during a conversation until theyre done speaking. In many ways, its more difficult to do this with someone you know well, since conversations are often filled with frequent interruptions by both parties. By practicing silence in a personal relationship, though, you learn the discipline of knowing when to be silent in a professional one. 2. Eliminate distractions. Shut the door, turn off your cell phone, dont glance at the computer for email. If appropriateif your relationship partner has communicated that he feels this meeting is importantclear your schedule and tell him that he has all time he needs to make his points. Similarly, dont bring up tangential or unrelated topics. You want the other person to feel youve done everything possible to make 100% listening possible. 3. Focus your attention. This means you cant daydream, dwell on how youre going to respond or tune out the other person. Giving your boss or customer your undivided attention is just thata gift. Reflect on what shes trying to tell youconsider the literal meaning and also read between the lines. Dont allow a ringing phone, a conversation going on outside the office or anything else distract you. People are remarkably sensitive to another individuals attentionor lack thereof. They can somehow tell if youre only listening at 50%. Give them 100% if you value the relationship and the results it can produce. 4. Show non-verbal attentiveness. We communicate most of our messages without opening our mouths. Its not enough just to listen attentively; you need to demonstrate this attentiveness. Three easy ways to do so are: nod; make eye contact; smile. Shifting uneasily in your seat or glancing around as if youre waiting for the police to arrest you are not ways to communicate your attentiveness. Impassive, immobile listeners seem bored. Use your eyes and body language to convey that youre anything but bored. 5. Use the repeat principle. Paraphrase what you thought the other person said. For instance: If Im hearing correctly, youre telling me that By asking your relationship partner to repeat what you believe is an important point, youre demonstrating that you want to listen better. Requesting clarification communicates your desire to know exactly what is meant. Now, you cant over-use this technique. If you do, youll come off as inattentive or hardof-hearing. Wait until you really arent clear on what hes saying. Or wait until the other person says something where hes placed a lot of emphasiseither through his tone of voice or because he tells you, This is important. This gives you the opening you need to apply the repeat principle. 6. Empathize. Empathy is essential for resultsproducing relationships, and its especially crucial in listening. You have 101 ways to communicate your empathy, not all of them verbal. A knowing look, a nod of your head, a sighthese gestures can communicate you get it faster and more empathically than a long-winded speech. Dont try to overempathizeyou dont have to make a melodramatic show of how youre relating to what a client or manager is telling you. Sometimes, empathy can be expressed by relating your own experience relative to what your relationship partner has described. Sometimes, a simple, Believe me, I know what youre going through with Jim, will get the job

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done. Empathy really is nothing more than showing you have listened with your heart as well as your head. 7. Ask good questions. Have you ever been in an audience when the speaker asks, Does anyone have any questions? and no one responds? Its as if he never spoke at allor no one paid any attention to what he said. If you dont ask any questions during a conversationor if you just ask perfunctory questionsyoure going to create the same effect. So dont be shy about asking a few good questions. Even one good question may be enough to show that youve listened intently. If youve ever listened to a press conference, you know what I mean. Typically, a politician or pro sports coach is asked a bunch of inane questions, and then one member of the media asks the question that really sheds light on a situation. You want to ask that good question. Maybe your boss has just told you that he cant stand his own boss and doesnt know how to deal with his unreasonable requests; that he cant sleep nights, that hes spending too much work time trying to placate his boss then get real work done. So your good question might be: Can you talk to the CEO or someone in management and ask them to intervene? A good question demonstrates youve followed the logic of the conversation and are thinking about possible solutions/actions. Thats the mark of a perceptive listener. LISTEN WITH THE SELFLESS ATTITUDE OF A SAINT To be a superior listener, you must temporarily forsake ego. To reap the full relationship benefits of being a good listener, youre going to have to forget about YOU. Obviously, you do have an ego and you cant disappear entirely nor should you. But being able to do so at key times in a conversation will increase your value to this other person. Joe Takash is the author of the newly released Results Through Relationships: Building Trust, Performance and Profit Through People, as well as a sought-after media resource and keynote speaker. Results Through Relationships can be purchased at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and ordered through any major bookseller. www.JoeTakash.com

Facebook & Your Business: The Anatomy of an Effective Facebook Post

By: Seth Lieberman, CEO Pangea Media/ SnapApp An effective Facebook strategy for your businessone that achieves your goals of education, engagement, lead generation or feedback, requires thoughtful planning. Cover and profile photos, tabs and favorite apps, milestones and more must all be considered in order to maximize all that Facebooks new Timeline layout offers. Below are seven things to think about when crafting that perfect post. Figment, an online community for writers to share and connect with other writers, has a great Facebook page that I have used to illustrate a few key points. Audience Ill state the obvious here: your company Facebook page is not your personal page! Depending on your personal Facebook usage this can mean a lot of things: post with more restraint, post more frequently, keep in mind a more general audience, etc. Who is your business Facebook audience? More importantly, who do you want that audience to be? Remember to speak to them when you are posting for your company Facebook page. Voice and Tone Related to the above, the voice of your Facebook page should reflect the image you are trying to project. Unlike your personal network, your Facebook fans may not know you (e.g. your business personal) very well. Therefore, as they meet you via Facebook, and get to know you, how do you want them to characterize you/ your business? Humorous? Quirky? Serious? All of the above? Keep in mind that the Facebook culture leans toward the more casual, so make sure you are not coming across as too stiff. Figments About section accomplishes two goals: first it states who the page is for (audience) and second, it captures Figments voice and tone: a bit humorous, a bit fun, a bit self-deprecating. Content Your posts shouldnt solely be promotional material about your company and products. Everything you put out should offer engaging value to your fans. News, humor, entertainment and insider insights grab your audiences attention and motivate them to return for more. Simply pouring out post after post of advertising copy will mean losing fans and readership people want to be engaged with the material, not spammed. Content that leads people to interact on your page is particularly powerful. You can use your posts to drive fans to quizzes like personality tests, surveys, and Facebook sweepstakes that are in your Favorite Apps/ tabs slots. This type of content is also an important way to get Likes, Shares, and more. Also, be positivedont trash talk your competitors-- no one likes a negative Nellie. Figment is using is Tabs/ Favorite Apps slots to add in content: contests, quizzes, photos and more. Its Could you Catch a Killer? quiz is one of dozens of quizzes that Figment creates and publishes to its page on a regular basis in order to drive interaction and give visitors a reason to explore the site and come back regularly. It is also a clever way to promote products such as the book I Hunt Killers. Context Post as part of a series, or to announce an offline event, or in response to customer feedback. That greater context gives people a reason to keep coming back to your page looking for the next piece of information and means you can catch them up on what you have been doing in the interim After posting the quiz as a tab, Figment adds it to the News Feed. Visitors who take the Could you Catch a killer? quiz can continue to engage with the quiz/ book and others via comments and posts on the site Timing The best time to post to Facebook is a matter of much debate; in general, however, think about who you are trying to reach and when they are most likely to be spending time catching up on their Facebook activity. The best posts go live when your fans have time to read and digest them and- hopefullyreact. Chances are this is not when they are hard at work, but rather during lunch time, evenings, weekends. Experiment and see what makes the most sense for your page. Figment makes sure to post frequently on its page often times several times a daythis is a great way to stay top of mind with the Figment audience.

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Interaction Drive interaction with your Facebook posts by asking for advice, opinions or related stories. Each time a customer responds to your post, he signs up to get a bump from you every time somebody else responds. That kind of conversation gets real results in social media. Personality tests and surveys, where people can share their opinions and results are effective ways to get interaction and information that you can really use! To get things started, dont be afraid to prime the pump by having a friend, employee or loyal customer be the first to comment. n this example, Figment comes right out and asks for participating: Share your six word story now! Responsiveness Once people have responded to your initial post, make your own comment to keep the conversation going. Now that individuals can private message your company, there is a huge opportunity to really engage in a dialog. Make sure that you are not letting your Facebook page go unattended. For better or for worse, most of us have come to expected immediate results online. Seth Lieberman is the CEO of Pangea Media/ SnapApp. Under Seths leadership Pangea Medias platforms have facilitated 300+ million customer engagements. Seth has 15 years of experience in online advertising, customer acquisition, lead generation and customer engagement.

General Business Briefs

Grand Rapids Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc. announced third Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified retail store in Cascade Township. The build-out with Pinnacle Construction Group followed LEED commissioned components. Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women joined the ranks of only six other Michigan nonprofits, as a Small Business Administration intermediary microlender. Microloans range from $1,000 to $50,000 and are available to business owners in the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Newaygo, Montcalm, Ionia, Barry, Allegan, or Kalamazoo. Grand Rapids/Lansing Cooper & Partners announced that Karen Surdenik was named Managing Partner of the Worksite Wellness Consulting firm. Allendale Bill Holsinger-Robinson, Principal at BHR Consulting, was named the Meijer Endowed Honors Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a two-year position in which he will teach a course and work closely with students on leadership and innovation projects for the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University. Marshall Local, state and federal agencies responding to the Enbridge oil spill announced that an additional 34 miles of the Kalamazoo River and the entire 2 miles of Morrow Lake are now open for recreational use. Part of the area referred to as the Morrow Lake Delta is still closed and will be identified by buoys. Those using the river should follow buoy restrictions for their own safety and the safety of workers still conducting cleanup. Grand Rapids The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce announced the addition of Kim Boyer-McLaughlin to its staff as Director of Inclusion and Community Leadership, and will be responsible for the facilitation and dayto-day management of the Chambers Center for Community Leadership. Grand Rapids Steelcase Foundation announced a new President, Julie Ridenour, with nearly 20 years experience in development for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Acme Grand Traverse Resort and Spa announced Kelly Jo Bowman joined the Resort as a National Sales Manager, representing the Resort in many State and National Associations. Grand Rapids Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc., was one of 64 grant recipients being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labors Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, receiving a continuing grant just over $208,000. The grants will provide approximately 8,600 veterans nationally with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. Lansing For 50 years, Holt has been the home of leading automotive repair and maintenance experts in midMichigan. Beginning as Holt Auto Supply Inc. in November 1963, the flourishing family business saw the benefits of expansion and joined the CARQUEST group in 1976. Since then, the company has grown into CARQUEST - The Parts Place, a family-owned business with eight locations, a machine shop and a repair facility serving the greater Lansing area. Grandville Bob Brown of Plato's Closet in Grandville received a Sales Excellence Award at the company's recent annual conference held in St. Pete Beach, FL. Holland and Zeeland The voting members for both the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Zeeland Chamber of Commerce overwhelmingly approved the Plan of Merger at their respective Special Member Meetings to become an integrated Chamber known as the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce beginning operations September 1, 2012. Battle Creek Arcadia Brewing Company announced the construction of a new facility on Kalamazoo's downtown riverfront a $5.4 million investment in developing a mixed-use facility that is to include a packaging microbrewery, office space, riverfront pub/eatery, and a riverfront beer garden. Grand Rapids Salvation Armys Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Division appointed Stephen Sundquist as a Planned Giving Advisor. Grand Rapids - Moonlight Graphics has relocated to 3144 Broadmoor Ave SW, Grand Rapids. Flint Repocast.com has decided to make a new home in Flint. Currently, Repocast.com has their Main Headquarters in Byron Center, as well as a location in Ortonville.

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Holland Chuck Reid, co-owner of CityFlatsHotel announced the opening of a banquet facility adjacent to the downtown Grand Rapids location. The facility will be available to host weddings, special events and corporate meetings as of September 2012. Grand Rapids The Grand Rapids South TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise, located at 1575 Gezon Parkway SW in Wyoming, has been officially certified as a ProMover by the industrys trade group, the American Moving & Storage Association. Lansing - The 2012 Michigan Womens Hall of Fame honorees in the Contemporary Category are: Dr. Gladys Beckwith - Lansing, pioneered the field of womens studiesteaching the first courses offered in Michigan and founding the Michigan Womens Studies Association. Patricia Caruso - Sault Ste. Marie, the first woman director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray - Grand Rapids, developed a nature center at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Judith Karandjeff - Lansing, dedicated to advancing womens rights in Michigan. Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing, an African American womens organization created in 1962. Serena Williams - Saginaw, one of tenniss all-time greatest players. The 2012 Michigan Womens Hall of Fame honorees in the Historical Category are: Dr. L. Anna Ballard (1848-1934) Lansing, first woman medical physician. Eva McCall Hamilton (1871-1948) Grand Rapids, first woman elected to the Michigan Legislature in 1920. Mary E. McCoy (1846-1923) - Detroit, a leading African American clubwoman. Birmingham Gas Station TV (GSTV) has teamed with Chevrolet to create a first-of-its-kind content integration experience for viewers at the pump. The GSTV experience combines web content from Chevy's "Under the Blue Arch" campaign with exclusive Chevy-integrated weather forecasts from AccuWeather. Grand Rapids Robinettes Apple Haus and Winery announced the release of two new wines - Royal Raspberry Spumante, and Bills Special Hard Cider creating a product list that now includes 21 wines, ciders, and meads since opening in 2006.

Communication & IT
Todays Technology is Getting Smarter
By Daniel Burrus Most people agree that our technology is getting smarter, but most dont realize just how smart. Sure, they know their smart phones have GPS capability and their smart appliances are capable of improving efficiency, but thats just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, smart technology is around us every day. From surveillance cameras to clothing, todays smart technology is watching us, helping us, and getting smarter because of us. Smart Video As an example, lets look at in-store surveillance cameras. In the past, the video quality of those cameras was poor. Most of us can remember watching the nightly news and seeing blurry footage of a robbery and not being able to make anything out. Today we have two things taking place that alleviate that scenario. 1) We have software that can clean up the video footage so we can see the detail. 2) We have inexpensive cameras that can replace those old, bigger cameras, and that can give us full 1080P HD video resolution at a low cost. Now you might be thinking, So, what? That just means the police will be able to better identify who was robbing a store. Actually, its a much bigger deal than that. With todays smart technology, companies are tapping into these video streams and, using high-speed computer analytics, are doing shopping analyses within the store, based on the security camera footage. In other words, security cameras are able to expose a wealth of sales and marketing data. We can see customer movements, what products they stop in front of, and how often they stop in front of them. We can see if that display at the end of the counter is working or not. At the end of each evening, we can get a report on all the traffic patterns in the store without having to watch all the video because its all automated. The report can show where delays are taking place in the store, where the lines are building up, where people are spending most of the time in the store, where people are not going in the store, what products are the hottest, and which aisles are being browsed and for how long. And thats just information from inside the store! When you take the camera outside the store, its uses are even more amazing. Smart Audio Increasingly, were using cameras outside to analyze traffic patterns and to look at high-crime areas. The nation that is most advanced in this practice is Great Britain. They have cameras all over their cities and towns capturing the video of 24/7 life and using high-speed analytics to analyze traffic flows, people movement, crime, etc. But it doesnt stop at video footage; theyre also capturing the audio. That means after a video has been recorded, they can do an audio zoom and listen to the conversation that is happening at an intersection, for example. You might think, Who is going to listen to all of those conversations? The answer: No one. Since its digital audio, you can search the audio content for keywords and pull up the conversations that are specific to the phrases youre searching for. This is already happening in Great Britain. Now the question is, will it only be used there, or will other countries, including our own, start using this smart technology in the future? The answer is, of course we will be using it here and in other countries as well. So while seeing is believing, seeing and hearing something is undeniable. Smart Technology You Can Wear Realize that smart technology isnt always about something you hold in your hand or a device you intentionally manipulate. Now, even the clothes you wear can have a technological component. For example, there already is a product called The Helmet Hero. With it, you can take a helmet, such as a bicycle, ski, or motorcycle helmet, and mount a small high-definition camera on it that can record as HD video or capture still photography. Thanks to an SD card, you can record up to 2? hours on a single charge. Additionally, since one of the hard trends of technology is the ability to make things smaller and smaller, you can create high-quality video or still camera pictures from a very small lens thats clipped to or embedded in your sunglasses, and then upload it directly to Facebook or other social media platforms. So, for example, if youre walking on the beach or hiking a mountain, you can have that feed go directly to your video Facebook page. While this might sound great, the newest wearable technology goes even beyond all this. For example, Adidas has created an intelligent football boot that can upload performance data, including your maximum speed, minimum speed, the number of sprints you took, the distance you took for each sprint, the distance you went at a high-intensity level, etc. In other words, theyve created a true training device that keeps track of your entire training regimen. They started with football, but it will surely spread to other sports. Going a little further, the US military has developed smart underwear. It looks just like normal underwear, but it has micro sensors that can monitor respiration, heart rate, body posture, and skin temperature. Now we can really see whats happening with troops in the field. And since all the data can be transmitted wirelessly, we can monitor the well-being of all of the people in real time. If someone has a problem or has been wounded, we already have body monitors on them in their underwear. Now lets take that to the next level. If this technology works for the military, couldnt intelligent underwear work for professional sports too? Of course. It can track hydration levels, heart rate, and other things to help coaches determine when to pull someone from the field. Going even further, smart underwear has a medical application too. People who are having a medical problem and who need to be monitored over time can wear the smart underwear and the data can be instantly streamed to the doctors office for analysis. Currently you have to wear expensive monitors and report to the doctors office to get the information from the monitor read. Its both costly and time consuming. But with the smart underwear, its quick and much less expensive. The Next Generation of Smart Heres the really exciting part of all this: You may remember the old Star Trek

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television series, where they wore a little piece of jewelry on their shirt that they would touch to communicate with people in other parts of the ship or those who beamed down to a foreboding planet. If you think about Apples Siri, youll see that were actually beyond that piece of science fiction right now. With Siri, we have an ultra-intelligent electronic agent with us at all times. Currently, we need the smart phone to use Siri, but soon we wont. Imagine wearing a piece of jewelry that you touch to activate. You might say, Read my voicemails, and then respond to them. You can do that now with Siri, so why not just make it a piece of jewelry rather than phone? We dont need to have that whole big phone with a touch screen to do this. Imagine walking around hands-free and running your day: Whats my next appointment? Write an email. Read my messages. Where is the nearest Starbucks? Yes, thats what were going to see soon rather than needing a full smart phone. When you have no screen and use voice input only, you could, in reality, have a device small enough to be a Star Trek-like communicator, only better. Smartness at Your Fingertips As our processing power, bandwidth, and storage continue to expand, we will definitely see more and more smart technologies in our life. From cameras to clothes, the wealth of information that can be gleaned, stored, and transmitted will grow exponentially, giving us access to new and usable knowledge that can enhance both business and life. The key question for you is: How can you and your company work smarter with these