Crossroads Summer Festival; Folk/Roots Festival Evening Wows Downtown Ypsilanti
Wednesday, June 30
On Friday, June 25th, the historic downtown of Ypsilanti was treated to live folk/roots music at two different venues; the traditional Crossroads stage on North Washington Street and a short walk away at the more intimate Library Plaza on the 200 block of West Michigan Avenue. Under beautiful skies, the first annual city-wide Crossroads Folk/Roots Festival started at 6:30PM to the tunes of Dave Boutette on the Washington Street stage and Norm DeAngelis at the Library Plaza. The outdoor patios filled early, the Wolverine Grill and Biggies Fine Foods set up food stations, and a dozen vendors were featured in the Open Marketplace. In the walk between the two stages, stores such as Bowerbird Mongo, Studio Glamour Fashion and MIX enjoyed the curious crowds.
The night kept rolling on each stage through a series of musical guests. On the North Washington stage, David Rossiter, Julianne, and Back Forty also entertained the largest most sun-warmed crowd of the young summer, estimated at 450. At the Library Stage, BJ Walraven, Michael Lipson and Eric Moore took their turns after Norm finished his performance to the delighted crowd who were experiencing that venue for the first time. Based upon several glowing comments, the Library stage will see more live music this summer.
With the 10:00PM close of the outdoor stages, several of the Crossroads artists were joined by other musicians as they all moved indoors to perform at the after-glow parties at the Tap Room, Savoy, Corner Brewery, and the Keystone Underground. The Washington St stage was barely empty before the ones & twos began their opening set at the Savoy and several hundred people continued to party until close as the Macpodz closed the show. Dragon Wagon’s Don Sicheneder helped to coordinate local booking of over a dozen acts and also hosted the Underground show. There is also a rumor floating that the recorded performance by David Rossiter, Ryan Racine, and Jennifer Jean Smith was so outstanding that it is being considered for a “Live at Crossroads” release.
This Friday on July 2nd, Crossroads starts at 7:00PM with the continuing saga of the Martin Simmons Band. Hailing originally from Minneapolis, Martin found himself transplanted to the 12th & Clairmont cold streets at an early age only to find retreat and solace in the several instruments which he has learned to master and teach to others. Entertaining on Sax, Strings and Flute, he is a master of Jazz and R&B Keyboards. Martin recorded and toured with several R&R and R&B bands before landing a long-time gig with Martha Reeves. A soulful singer/composer and pianist.
The First Class Band follows at 8:30 PM and plays it all with true fashion and 100% energy that’s good for the soul. This local up and coming Ypsilanti band will immediately engage all of your senses. Come prepared to dance and party!
The Downtown Association of Ypsilanti (DAY) is proud to host Crossroads for a fifth year with a focus on providing a free, safe, fun, family-friendly event. Crossroads is proven to be a great value with good people and a wide variety of things to do. For more information, please visit www.ypsicrossroads.org.
Prepared by Heikk & Wright, Downtown Association of Ypsilanti.
Bodman Named to “Pro Bono Circle of Excellence” by the State Bar of Michigan
Wednesday, June 30
Bodman LLP was recognized by the Pro Bono Initiative of the State Bar of Michigan as a member of the “Pro Bono Circle of Excellence” for 2010 for significantly exceeding voluntary standards set by the State Bar of Michigan.
Those named in the “Pro Bono Circle of Excellence” demonstrated their full compliance with the Voluntary Pro Bono Standard through donations of reduced fee or no-fee work or financial aid donations to legal aid programs.
In 2009, Bodman attorneys, paralegals and summer associates devoted $4,389 hours to pro bono projects, and the firm and its attorneys contributed nearly $128,000 to eligible charities. In addition to pro bono hours, Bodman attorneys devoted more than 1,500 hours to community service projects through service as directors or volunteers with numerous nonprofit organizations.
On average, each attorney recognized in the “Pro Bono Circle of Excellence” has contributed at least 30 hours of counsel or representation to low-income individuals and families or to organizations that provide legal services, or has donated at least $300 to a nonprofit program organized to deliver civil legal services to low-income individuals.
Bodman LLP is one of Michigan’s leading business law firms with more than 140 lawyers and four offices. Bodman has a diverse client base that includes individuals and businesses in a variety of industries, with emphasis on financial services, automotive, real estate and construction, high tech, manufacturing, health care, and other sectors.
The Pro Bono Circle of Excellence recognizes law firms and corporate legal departments that have met the State Bar of Michigan's voluntary pro bono standard which recognizes both hours devoted to pro bono representation and cash donations made to eligible charitable causes. In addition to pro bono hours, Bodman attorneys devoted more than 1,500 hours to community service projects through service as directors or volunteers with numerous nonprofit organizations.
Social Media Talent Grows at re:group
Friday, June 25
Following an extensive search, re:group is happy to announce David Murray has joined the team as Director of Social Web Communications. David has expertise as a digital communications strategist and has been a social media catalyst in the metro Detroit area. He is the founder of the Social Media Club – Detroit Chapter, and earlier this year co-chaired the FutureMidwest Technology Knowledge Conference in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Prior to becoming a part of the re:group team David, developed and maintained social and digital communication strategies for multiple clients, including Fortune 500 companies, government organizations and non-profits.
David brings a wealth of talent and experience to re:group, and will be a valuable asset as the company moves forward into new and better ways to communicate for its clients. As a frequent panelist and speaker, he will be visible in the social media community at events and in online communities across the web. David can be reached at david.murray@regroup.us.
re:group, inc., is a privately held, national brand marketing firm located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that provides integrated brand management, including branding, marketing, design, internet marketing, advertising, SEO, social media, communications and media services as part of an integrated strategy.
Crossroads Summer Festival; Rockin’ Ladies Night with Just Jill and Barbara Payton
Wednesday, June 23
A special Ladies Night was held on Friday, June 18th at the 2010 Ypsilanti Crossroads Summer Festival in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Just Jill, a popular acoustic folk-rock ensemble, opened the sultry evening by entertaining their fan base with originals and covers alike. Displaying their stage-honed skills, Just Jill immediately engaged the Crossroads crowd with their wit and banter and made more than a few new fans as witnessed by the smiles on the faces of both young and old alike as they danced at the front of the stage.
After a brief but informative presentation by Relay For Life spokesperson Colleen Holtzman, Barbara Payton & The Big Boss Trio began the next music set a few minutes earlier than scheduled and were the cool before the storm. Barbara took little time in showing that her voice had completely recovered from the successful surgery for thyroid cancer which necessitated her 2009 Crossroads cancellation. Performing only a few R&R tunes like she sung while touring with Kid Rock and Bob Seger, the repertoire was heavy with blues and a few soul-searching originals in support of her newest release, “Enjoy The View”.
They were a great treat for the rain-shortened 45 minute set.
The rains came around 9:15PM and chased off the crowd estimated at 325 people but the vendors and staff were again well-prepared and shut everything down in a quick and safe manner. Many of the visitors, still wanting more, adjourned to one of the several restaurants and bars in the immediate area. The unique feature of Crossroads is that it is held right in the heart of the Historic Downtown entertainment district which features Savoy, Pub 13, Keystone Underground, and the Tap Room. Within a short walk more can be food and drink can be had at Haabs, J Neil’s Monogolian Grill, Beezey’s, the Wolverine Grill, Abe’s Coney Island and Korey’s Krispy Krunchy Chicken.
This week on June 25th, the music and Open Marketplace start early at 6:30PM and features Crossroads inaugural city-wide Folk/Roots Festival with two stages running concurrently; the traditional stage on North Washington, and a second stage at the Library Plaza on the two hundred block of West Michigan. Eight different groups will be featured including Back Forty, David Rossiter, Julianne and Dave Boutette at the North Washington Stage and BJ Walraven/VIEW, Michael Lipson, Eric Moore and Norm DeAngelis at the Library Stage. AfterGlow parties will follow at Savoy, Tap Room and the Keystone Underground with the Macpodz headlining the Savoy bill.
The Downtown Association of Ypsilanti (DAY) is proud to host Crossroads for a fifth year with a focus on providing a free, safe, fun, family-friendly event. Crossroads is proven to be a great value with good people and a wide variety of things to do. For more information, please visit www.ypsicrossroads.org.
Cleary University Announces Hiring of Micro-Business Incubator Director
Monday, June 21
The National Business Incubation Association reports that there are approximately 1,000 incubators across the country, primarily started by government agencies, universities, foundations and the private sector. This past March, Cleary University officially opened the first incubator of its kind in Livingston County and is pleased to announce the hiring of Stewart Brannen as the first director of the Cleary University Micro-Business Incubator (CUMBI).
“Mr. Brannen has the right combination of skills and experiences to lead the Cleary University incubator,” said Dr. Vince Linder, Provost and Academic Vice President for Cleary University. “He has over 20 years of practical business experience in economic development, banking, business acquisitions, joint-ventures, turnarounds and business plan consulting. Drawing from this diverse background, he is able to guide and motivate entrepreneurs and provide an open and inclusive approach to business and economic development, leading and managing change while being practical at the same time.”
Brannen is presently an instructor in the business management school at Cleary University and is also the president of Stewart Brannen & Associates LLC, a consulting firm. Brannen graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Economics from Laurentian University and later earned his M.B.A. from Lake Superior State University. Since graduating, Stewart has held a number of senior executive positions in the areas of regional economic development, global engineering technology and community banking.
“The CUMBI is perfectly positioned to act as a wonderful catalyst for the entrepreneurial spirit in the greater Livingston County area, and that is exciting,” said Brannen. “For the most part, entrepreneurs just want to be understood and appreciated for what they’ve accomplished or are even thinking about. At whatever business stage they are in—idea or viable opportunity—the CUMBI offers an open and confidential platform for entrepreneurs to experience just that. This fosters a lot of creative energy, and that is what’s exciting to me as director.”
CUMBI tenants are selected through an application process which considers candidate development readiness stage, potential for success and projected area employment and economic impact. Selection committees of Cleary University and community volunteers evaluate applications and select CUMBI tenants. Tenants are expected to not exceed a two-year term in the incubator.
For more information about the CUMBI or to obtain an application, please contact Brannen at sbrannen@my.cleary.edu.
ABOUT THE CUMBI
The goal of the CUMBI is to provide guidance and low-cost assistance to small and start-up enterprises to foster economic development and employment opportunities in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties. The CUMBI occupies part of a 2,500 square foot newly renovated Cleary Welcome Center on the University’s Howell campus. It provides tenant office space for up to five micro-business clients as well as resources such as office furniture, utilities, high-speed internet, video teleconferencing facilities, a conference room, copy and fax services and mentoring and consultation activities.
ABOUT CLEARY UNIVERSITY
Cleary University is an independent, not-for-profit, multi-campus, specialized business university, committed to the betterment of society through the success of its alumni and their employers; to operate as a role model of responsible business practice; to embrace quality management principles, innovation, and an attentive customer focus; and to aspire to a better future.
Our mission is to provide a practical, application-based education, which equips students to advance their careers.
Humane Society of Huron Valley Rescues 40 Animal from Webster Township Home
Friday, June 18
Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV) Animal Cruelty Investigators responded to an anonymous call about five dogs left with no food and water just outside of Dexter in Webster Township. It didn’t take long for the HSHV staff to find out that the home was actually filled with an alarming number of pets, all living in horrendous conditions.
“We plan on submitting charges of animal cruelty,” said Matt Schaecher, HSHV Lead Cruelty Investigator. “This home contained 36 dogs, six exotic birds, and two cats. It appears that this family was illegally breeding the dogs for profit but our investigation is still underway at this time.”
The dogs included 31 Whippets of different age , including many puppies, four Italian Greyhounds, and a Skye Terrier. All the animals are at the Humane Society of Huron Valley where they will undergo health evaluations and be prepared for adoption.
“Thankfully it looks like we will be able to put all of the dogs up for adoption within a few days. These dogs will need some extra training, but Whippets make great family companions and are typically very good with children,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV Executive Director.
“Unfortunately, this situation comes at a time when our shelter was already beyond capacity with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Not only is summer “kitten season”, but it’s also peak time when people start moving and leaving their pets behind. Having enough space and people power to take care of these is an enormous stretch for us right now. But this is our mission. We are here to take care of the animals that need us the most,” adds Hilgendorf.
If you are ready to add an animal to your home, please come visit us today, and make sure you encourage others to always make adoption their first option. Our success at saving these wonderful animals depends on people who are committed to adopting. The HSHV shelter is open daily from noon to 6 pm for adoptions and information about these dogs and all the homeless pets up for adoption can be found on the HSHV web-site at www.hshv.org.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving all of Washtenaw County, Canton, and Plymouth, and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support our community programs. The mission of HSHV is to promote responsible and compassionate care of all animals in our community and stop cruelty against animals. For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org.
Miller Canfield Represents Plymouth Venture Partners II, L.P. in First Close
Friday, June 18
The law firm of Miller Canfield announces that it represented Ann Arbor, Mich.-based venture capital firm Plymouth Management Company in the formation and approximately $16 million first close of its second Fund: Plymouth Venture Partners II, L.P. (PVP II).
The Plymouth Venture Partners team was led by Miller Canfield business and finance attorney and principal, Jeffrey LaBine (Ann Arbor, Mich. office).
“We are please to have played a part in Plymouth Management Company’s continued success in advancing capital availability and funding opportunities for growth-stage companies in Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio,” said LaBine.
Mark Horne, Managing Partner of PVP II added, “The region is under-served in investment capital. We’re focusing on the numerous exciting opportunities in our own back yard.” Horne expects to make a total of 20 investments in PVP II and plans to make two to four of those in 2010.
About Plymouth Venture Partners II, L.P.
Plymouth Venture Partner II L.P. is a general-purpose venture capital firm, financing and adding value to growth stage companies in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. PVP II’s objective is to realize superior returns through the long term appreciation of investments. PVP II generally invests in revenue producing companies with the potential for significant growth through a defined, catalytic event whose achievement will be financed, at least in part, by PVP II. PVP II currently has approximately $16 million under management and expects to raise approximately $30 million by its second close.
About Miller Canfield
The law firm of Miller Canfield offers businesses, governments, nonprofits, individuals and families a broad array of integrated legal and business services in over 55 areas. With Michigan roots for 158 years and a global reach for two decades, the firm has 370 lawyers throughout offices in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, New York, Ohio, Canada, Mexico, Poland and China. For more information, visit www.millercanfield.com.
Greenhills School Announces New Board of Trustees
Thursday, June 17
On Thursday, June 10, Greenhills School elected the following officers to serve for the 2010-11 school year:
President: Kevin Tremper
Vice President: Bonnie Brickett
Treasurer: Jatinder-Bir Sandhu
Secretary: David Huntoon
Steven Gay, Karen Gordon, Hamid Mirafzali and Sally Stegeman Di Carlo were elected to the Board of Trustees to three-year terms expiring June 30, 2013.
Steven Gay is a pulmonary medicine physician and dean of admissions at the University of Michigan Medical School. He holds an M.D. from the University of Illinois and a master’s in biostatistics and clinical study design from U-M. Steve is the father of Chris, a 2009 Greenhills alumnus and A.J., a Greenhills junior.
Karen Gordon is a former Greenhills Parent Organization (GPO) chair and ex-officio member of the board. In addition to her GPO role, Karen has been active auction volunteer and athletic booster at the school. A Michigan State University graduate, she is the parent of two recent alumni, Kelly ’04 and Christopher ’08.
Hamid Mirafzali is founder and owner of Anesthesia Billing Consultants, the largest anesthesiology billing and professional services company in the country. Tony earned an M.B.A. at Western Michigan University and is the parent of Neda, Greenhills Class of 2003, and Leela ‘07.
Sally Stegeman Di Carlo is a Greenhills School Alumnus from the Class of 1978. She is vice president and co-owner of Campus Realty. A graduate of Smith College, she is a former member of the Board of Control of Saginaw Valley State University, appointed by Governor Engler in 2002, and has served on the UMS Advisory Board, the Ann Arbor Historic Streets Organization and as a trustee of the Hoover Institute for War, Revolution & Peace. Along with her parents, Jack (John) and Lois, and brothers Bill ’85 and Tom ‘80, Sally is a member of one of Greenhills’ founding families.
David Canter, Paul Hillegonds, Maria Thompson, and Robert Tisch, were reelected to the Board of Trustees, each to serve second three-year terms, expiring June 30, 2013.
Opened in 1968, Greenhills School is an independent, nondenominational, college preparatory school. Current enrollment consists of 194 students in its middle school (grades 6 to 8) and 260 students in its high school. Greenhills is located on a 30-acre, wooded campus in northeast Ann Arbor. The school’s modern facility features 51 classrooms, a 14,000-volume library, a 480-seat auditorium, and two gymnasiums with adjoining athletic fields and tennis courts. For further details on the information contained in this release, contact Greenhills School at 734-769-4010. Visit its website at www.greenhillsschool.org.
If you haven’t made your reservations for the “Lunch with a Legend: Connie Kalitta”, it’s not too late!
As you might know, Connie Kalitta is a legend in both the racing and business worlds--owning the successful professional drag racing team Kalitta Motorsports and dominant Kalitta Air, his $800 million international air cargo business. Come check out this event celebrating these two worlds hosted by Kalitta Motorsports at its facilities in Ypsilanti Township on Wednesday, June 23 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
The event will kick off with the NHRA press conference promoting the upcoming event in Norwalk, OH featuring Kalitta Motorsports' drivers and Connie Kalitta answering questions from ESPN's Dave Rieff. Upon completion of the conference, the facilities will be open for tours along with interactive displays that even the most novice race fan will enjoy and learn from. Lunch will be provided by local restaurants.
We'll also be celebrating the community which houses both Kalitta Air and Kalitta Motorsports by inviting the areas' top executives from other successful businesses to encourage networking opportunities to help stimulate growth in our area. We will be joined by the MEDC (The Michigan Economic Development Corporation) who will be partnering with Kalitta Motorsports on their Top Fuel Dragster for the Norwalk race event!
Come join us and show your support of your community and your hometown race team. We'd love to have you there!
Kerr Assists with Purchase of Advicoach Franchise
Wednesday, June 16
Kendra Kerr of The Entrepreneur's Source has facilitated the award of Advicoach Franchise to David Waymann, a Dexter resident.
With its Support Center located in Southbury, Connecticut, The Entrepreneur’s Source is the leading independent business ownership consulting company with more than 300 offices in the United States and Canada offering a full range of services to individuals interested in self-employment and companies searching for methods of expansion.
AdviCoach specializes in business coaching, advising, mentoring, training and facilitating strategies to companies at every stage of the business process.
Independence Day Transit Schedule Announced
Tuesday, June 15
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority will not operate regular fixed-route bus service, A-Ride paratransit, or senior taxi services on Sunday, July 4, 2010 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Regular services will resume on Monday, July 5.
AATA administrative offices at 2700 South Industrial Highway will be open on Friday, July 2 and Monday, July 5. The Blake and Ypsilanti Transit Centers will be closed on July 4 and reopen for regular business hours on July 5.
Passengers may take advantage of AATA’s Holiday Ride shared-ride taxi service on July 4 for $5 a person. Seniors and persons with disabilities with an AATA identification card may ride for $2.50. Individuals with go!passes may ride for $1.
The Holiday Ride taxi service operates only within the city limits of Ann Arbor. To schedule a Holiday Ride trip, call 734.528.5432.
Bus route, schedule and detour information is available at 734.996.0400 or on AATA’s Web Site at www.TheRide.org.
DFCU Financial and MidWest Financial Credit Union to Merge
Tuesday, June 15
DFCU Financial, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, and MidWest Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, have filed an application with the State of Michigan’s Office of Financial & Insurance Regulation (OFIR) to merge the two credit unions.
After the merger, the new organization will assume the DFCU Financial name and will serve more than 218,000 members with 25 full-service branches and approximately 530 employees. It will have $2.9 billion in assets, remaining the largest credit union in Michigan and one of the largest in the nation.
The newly created credit union will benefit from geographic market diversification through the expanded branch network, expanded products and services, continued commitment to community initiatives, increased membership growth opportunities, and proven financial strength, leadership and operating performance. The management team will be led by current DFCU Financial President and CEO Mark Shobe.
“The merger of DFCU Financial and MidWest Financial will provide superior value to all members due to our similar member focus, brand, combined financial strength, enhanced member convenience, unique annual patronage dividend, and preferred employer emphasis, “ said Dr. Robert Chapman, chairperson of the DFCU Financial Board of Directors. “DFCU Financial is pleased to extend its strong financial position and Special Patronage Dividend to a wider population of members in Michigan at a time when it is most needed.”
Richard Nowakowski, chairperson of the MidWest Financial Board of Directors, added, “We’re very excited about this merger opportunity. Partnering with Michigan’s largest credit union will provide our members with enhanced benefits and employees with greater opportunities. Both MidWest Financial and DFCU Financial are dedicated to making the merger transition a positive experience for all involved.”
About DFCU Financial
DFCU Financial, headquartered in Dearborn, is Michigan’s largest credit union with $2.7 billion in assets. For four consecutive years, DFCU Financial has issued the largest dividend in the history of credit unions of more than $70 million. The credit union continually reinvests in its membership with new branches; a no-interest, no-payment Career Transition Program; and financial literacy education for all ages. DFCU Financial currently operates 12 full-service branches in Detroit, three branches in Lansing, and five in the greater Grand Rapids area. Anyone can join DFCU Financial. To find out how, call 888.336.2700 or visit www.dfcufinancial.com.
About MidWest Financial Credit Union
MidWest Financial Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It serves the Ann Arbor Area community, University of Michigan Health System employees, and local business partners. MidWest Financial has approximately 16,000 members and more than $181 million in assets. For more information about MidWest Financial, please call 734.769.4621 or visit mwfcu.org.
Rock Guitarist & Producer Ivan Kral to Appear Along with Documentary Film on 70s Punk Mecca
Thursday, June 10
The Michigan Theater is teaming up with the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County to present a very special event for rock music fan on Thursday, July 29.
The centerpiece of the evening is a screening of BLANK GENERATION, a film documenting the ascendency of punk rock in New York in the late 1970s. The film includes ultra-rare footage of the Ramones, Talking Heads, Blondie, Patti Smith, Richard Hell & the Voidoids, Television and others performing at legendary nightclub CBGB. Show time is 7:00 PM.
Filmmaker Ivan Kral, who played guitar, bass and keyboards with the Patti Smith Group for its first four albums, and co-wrote many of the group’s early songs, will introduce the film and answer questions from the audience afterwards. Kral, a native of Prague, Czechoslovakia, went on to write, record and tour with Iggy Pop, John Cale, John Waite and many others, and continues to produce and perform in his home country.
Prior to the film screening, the Shelter Association will host a fundraising reception in the Michigan Theater’s Grand Foyer from 5:30-6:30 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the filmmaker and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. All attendees will receive a complimentary poster commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Second Chance nightclub and featuring the name of all the major artists that appeared at the club during its history, several of whom appear in the BLANK GENERATION film. The reception requires separate tickets, which will be sold directly through the Shelter Association’s Development Office.
Tickets for the BLANK GENERATION screening only are $10 and $7 for Michigan Theater members, available in advance at ticketweb.com and at the door. The first 100 people through the door will receive a complimentary Second Chance 35th Anniversary commemorative poster.
Tickets for the pre-show reception are $50. A limited number of Host Committee tickets are $150 and include reserved seating and an autographed BLANK GENERATION poster. Both are available by contacting Diana Neering at 734-662-2829 ext. 224 or neeringd@ewashtenaw.org.
The screening and poster purchases help the SAWC continue their life-saving work. During these difficult economic times, the Shelter Association offers a wide array of services, in one central location all year long. The Temporary Residential Program offers intensive help in finding affordable housing and sustainable income, as well as, temporary housing during the process. The Shelter’s Non-residential Program offers a full free health clinic, housing and employment assistance, as well as access to showers and laundry facilities to anyone experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County.
For more than 27 years the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County has provided temporary shelter and supportive services for nearly 1,500 community individuals a year. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that remains committed to ending homelessness one person at a time. To learn more visit www.annarborshelter.org.
About the Michigan Theater
Now celebrating its 83rd year, the Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s not-for-profit historic center for fine film and performing arts. Saved from the wrecking ball in 1979 by a group of concerned citizens, the Theater has gone on to win numerous awards for its restoration, its programming and its role in the community. It was named the nation’s Outstanding Historic Theater in 2006 and was designated an official venue of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. The theater is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street, across the street from Borders Books and Music. Please visit the theater’s website at http://michtheater.org. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.
TDS Offers Tips for Reducing Exposure to PBX Phone System Fraud
Wednesday, June 9
TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS) warns business owners of a serious issue facing those who own and operate their own phone systems. Voice mail and toll fraud is on the rise as hackers use corporate phone systems to find an open road to major telecom networks.
A private branch exchange telephone system, or PBX, is a phone system owned and operated by a private company. It is then connected with telephone lines purchased from a local telecom provider. TDS has been marketing PBX systems to its business customers for more than twenty years and is reminding businesses that security measures must be taken to prevent fraud.
Voice mail and long distance toll fraud are the most prevalent threats to businesses using a PBX. Hackers gain access to the phone system in order to place long distance calls directly from the business customer’s lines, those charges are then billed and could be costly.
Although no system is 100 percent protected, TDS suggests that all businesses with a PBX take the following steps to help prevent PBX hacking and encourage you to contact your local provider to discuss other preventive actions:
• Confirm no default or unchanged factory passwords exist in the PBX and/or voicemail system.
• Check that no unauthorized or additional passwords exist in the system.
• If your company does not need international calling, TDS recommends using international call blocking in the PBX and at the local/long distance switch.
• Delete or lock all unused mailboxes.
• Require all employees to change their voice mailbox passwords to 6- or 8-digit non-trivial passwords. This includes administrative, general delivery and system manager mailboxes.
• Educate your employees on the importance of strong passwords and maintenance.
“By following these suggestions, along with other modifications you can make with your PBX supplier, you can make a significant difference in the security of your PBX systems,” said Tom Canfield, vice president of commercial marketing and product development at TDS. “In an era plagued with fraudulent and opportunistic people, basic prevention measures can really pay off.”
Unauthorized access to a system is usually gained through voice mail menus protected with simple passwords (1111, 2222, 1234, etc.) or unchanged factory default passwords. Once in the system, hackers use system commands to gain dial tone and place calls that appear just like any other call originating from the business. Good password management policy and practice is a strong protection step.
Many savvy hackers also know the default passwords used by switch vendors. PBX hacking can occur when the PBX vendor, or the customer, fails to change these default passwords during initial installation. “While we work directly with our customers who purchase a PBX from us to take the necessary precautions, we also have business customers with existing PBX equipment from other vendors that could pose a security threat,” says Canfield.
Only customers can differentiate legitimate calls from fraudulent ones. Carriers, like TDS, do not have access or permission to stop calls from happening. Each carrier must pay a portion of the call that is handled by them, so when a call is placed to an international location the domestic carrier must pay the foreign carrier, regardless of any claim of fraud. Those charges are then passed back to the customer by the local carrier. Unfortunately, a large telephone bill could be your first warning.
“Business customers are responsible for protecting their own PBX equipment from fraudulent use. Thankfully, some basic security measures can help prevent hacking of their equipment,” adds Canfield. “While we normally help set up these security settings with TDS PBX customers, many companies who already own equipment from other vendors need to pay attention to new threats to protect their lines.”
TDS Telecommunications Corp. markets communication services to business and residential customers in 30 states through its brands TDS Telecom® and TDS Metrocom®. With 1.1 million access line equivalents in service, TDS Telecommunications Corp. connects customers to phone, broadband, and digital television service in hundreds of rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities. TDS Telecommunications Corp. is the eighth-largest wire line company in the nation; employing approximately 2,600 people. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wis. Visit www.tdstelecom.com and www.tdsbusiness.com for more information.
TDS Telecommunications Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS, TDS.S] Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a Fortune 500® company, provides wireless, local and long-distance telephone and broadband services to nearly 7.3 million customers in 36 states through TDS Telecommunications Corp. and U.S. Cellular® [NYSE: USM], its 82-percent owned wireless subsidiary. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems employed 12,400 employees as of Dec. 31, 2009. Visit www.teldta.com for more information.
Local Boy Scout Office Program Center Suffers Catastrophic Water Damage
Monday, June 7
The Service and Program Center of the Great Sauk Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America on Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor, endured devastating water damage as over 12 – 24 inches of water accumulated in the office during the serve inclement weather that rocked communities all over Southeastern Michigan. Thirty adult and youth scout volunteers worked diligently throughout the day on Sunday attempting to clean and salvage what little they could. The deepest appreciation goes to Chris Gorski and his team from Washovia in Adrian, MI, the emergency cleaning services and restoration firm which responded immediately and with great generosity. Currently, the damage is estimated to be a near total loss with complete destruction and water inundation of all computers, servers, most paper files, floor covering and walls.
The Great Sauk Trail Council currently serves over 9,000 youth and 4,000 adults in communities across 7 counties in Southeastern Michigan. The Scout Center will be temporarily closed due to the extensive water damage but the dedicated Scout Volunteers and Field Professionals will continue to serve their communities, supporting program and assisting with community clean up. Although office functions may be impaired for sometime, there will be no significant interruptions in program. The Jackson Scout Service Center at Camp Teetonkah will be open with extended hours and GSTC’s three Scout Camps will still be open for service in the interim.
The local scouts desperately need assistance however, to continue to serve the community and return operations to full strength. Contributions to the local Scout clean up effort can be made on the internet at GSTCFlood.Kintera.org. Please call 734-971-7100 ext 215 to donate supplies. Please visit the GSTC website regularly for further updates and a needed materials and supplies list. Community help and support are appreciated and will ensure Scouting in the Great Sauk Trail Council can return to full strength.
Car Accident Attorney Dave Christensen Wins Ann Arbor Area Trial
Monday, June 7
Attorney David E. Christensen, partner at Michigan Auto Law, obtained a trial win for an Ann Arbor area auto accident victim with head, neck and back injuries. Dave’s Washtenaw County car accident case was against our client’s insurance company, USAA, as well as the at-fault driver.
The accident occurred on Ecorse Road in Ypsilanti, when the at-fault driver pulled out from a side-street and crashed into our client. Our client sustained serious personal injuries including herniated discs in his neck and lower back that both required surgery, and a closed-head injury.
The at-fault driver only had $25,000 in auto insurance coverage, but our client’s damages and medical bills greatly exceeded that amount. Fortunately, our client had purchased underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) from USAA. UIM provides extra insurance when the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to fully compensate you in the event of a crash. Since the jury agreed the car accident did cause the personal injuries, USAA was ordered to pay the total of the plaintiff’s policy limits and all of his No-Fault benefits.
To learn more about underinsured/uninsured motorists coverage and car accident legal advice for local Ann Arbor drivers visit the Ann Arbor Auto Accident Resource Center.
About David E. Christensen:
Ann Arbor resident David E. Christensen is a Michigan Auto Law partner and an executive board member of the Michigan Association for Justice. He is vice chair of the State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section, and is a recognized expert on closed-head and psychiatric injury cases.
About Michigan Auto Law:
Michigan Auto Law is a third-generation law firm with 19 lawyers specializing in helping people who have been seriously injured or killed in car, truck and motorcycle accidents throughout Michigan. Our Ann Arbor Car Accident Lawyer office is located at 320 N. Main Street, Ste 101. The firm also has offices in Detroit, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights to serve clients throughout Michigan. For more information or to talk to an attorney about your legal rights in an auto accident, contact us at 1-800-777-0028.
Humane Society of Huron Valley Rescues 18 Dogs from Home in Ypsilanti Township
Friday, June 4
An anonymous call about a foul smell coming from a home led the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s Animal Cruelty Investigators to a home in Ypsilanti Township on Tuesday, June 1st, where 21 dogs were found living in cramped and filthy conditions with a couple and a infant child.
“The caller believed the home might have contained deceased animals,” said Matt Schaecher, HSHV Lead Cruelty Investigator. “Upon inspection, we found 21 dogs. Some of the dogs were dehydrated, and several were pregnant. Three dogs were allowed to stay with the family but the other 18 have been brought to HSHV. ”
“The majority of the dogs are small dogs,” said Schaecher. “We have Chihuahua’s, Yorkshire terrier mixes, and Shih Tzu mixes, Basset Hounds, Dachshund mixes and others that will need new homes. Some of these dogs will need to go to experienced dog owners because they have not been given proper training or care. Our staff is still evaluating the health and condition of the dogs but many should be available for adoption by tomorrow.”
The home has since been condemned and child protective services will be investigating the situation. “This is a reminder of the many ways in which animal cruelty and child abuse and neglect intersect. The parents in this situation chose to have this many animals in their home but clearly could not manage their care. As such, the conditions of the home became a health threat to everyone living there, but particularly to the infant. It is not responsible parenting,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV Executive Director.
The HSHV shelter is open daily from noon to 6 pm for adoptions and information about these dogs and all the homeless pets up for adoption can be found on the HSHV web-site at www.hshv.org.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving all of Washtenaw County, Canton, and Plymouth, and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support our community programs. The mission of HSHV is to promote responsible and compassionate care of all animals in our community and stop cruelty against animals. For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org.
RE/MAX Platinum launches groundbreaking online venture
Friday, June 4
A groundbreaking real estate website — www.remaxplatinumonline.com — launches today, positioning one of the largest realty firms in Michigan to better serve its customers by providing them access to the best that technology has to offer.
RE/MAX Platinum Online is a robust, highly interactive website that has been under development for several months; it brings together the public, Realtors and information in a way that’s not been done before in an effort to serve customers well and generate business. Rather than just being able to view listings and get mortgage rates, visitors to RE/MAX Platinum Online will also find a wealth of information, trend stories, personality profiles and agent blogs, as well as the ability to network, share information, meet people, and ask questions and get answers regarding real estate-related items.
The trail-blazing website is characteristic of the RE/MAX Platinum business strategy that has made it the dominant local real estate firm: superior customer service, a well-supported sales team, cutting-edge tools and a vision.
Four offices located in Livingston, Genesee, Oakland and Washtenaw counties serve all of Southeast Michigan. RE/MAX Platinum was created in the fall of 2008 through the merger of the Michigan Group Realtors, which had been voted the No. 1 real estate firm for eight years in a row by the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, and RE/MAX Platinum, which was ranked 16th in the “Crain’s Book of Lists” with 2007 revenue of $149 million.
At the time of the merger, the Michigan Group, owned by Joe DeKroub, was the largest single-site real estate company in the state. It merged with the RE/MAX Platinum office, owned by Dan Callan and Will Steinmetz, the other major real estate player in the area, with offices in Hartland, Fenton, downtown Brighton and downtown Howell. Consolidating the services of the community’s two largest realty companies created a real estate powerhouse with the ability to increase services to customers at a time when other firms were cutting theirs.
Upon the merger, DeKroub became the Managing Partner and CEO of RE/MAX Platinum. The Michigan Group name was changed and the new RE/MAX Platinum office emerged with more than 150 licensed sales associates and domination of the local market. After the merger, RE/MAX Platinum opened another office in Ann Arbor..
Prior to the merger, the Michigan Group had 150 agents. Now there are still 150 agents; however, with the merger they were able to keep and train the highest quality of agents to better service the public, while at the same time seeing an increase of over $20,000 average annual income per agent. All that during a depressed market!
RE/MAX Platinum was raised and operates on the philosophy of the upside-down triangle, with the business owners at the bottom and the agents and customers at the top, where superior service reigns. At the real estate powerhouse, everything agents and customers need to buy and sell real estate is available in-house, from companies for mortgages and title insurance, etc., to resident experts on short sales and foreclosures. The company has also made a huge commitment to making good use of the tools that digital technology offers, and even has its very own IT director on staff.
During this social media explosion with Facebook, Twitter and the like, DeKroub sees great energy and potential in cyberspace for reaching out and communicating with the public.
“We’re heading fast into the future,” DeKroub said, “and we’re dedicated to using the tools and technology that are available to best serve our agents and clients.”
Cabrio Properties President Joins Light the Night As Corporate Walk Chair
Friday, June 4
Jason Costello, President and Co-Founder of Cabrio Properties, an Ann Arbor based full service real estate company, has been selected as the 2010 Light The Night Corporate Walk Chair for Ann Arbor by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Costello will host a corporate kickoff for area business leaders on Wednesday, May 19, at Weber’s Inn (3050 Jackson Rd.) in Ann Arbor where guests can learn more about how local businesses can get involved. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. The kickoff program will run from 8 to 9 a.m. The event is free to all guests and reservations are required. To register for the corporate kickoff, contact Stephanie Holland, Light The Night Coordinator, at (248) 581-3898 or by email at Stephanie.holland@lls.org.
LLS’s Light The Night Walk is an annual fundraising event held to pay tribute and bring help and hope to people battling blood cancer. Walk evenings are filled with inspiration. Carrying illuminated balloons, hundreds of walkers – men, women and children – form a community of caring, bringing light to the dark world of cancer. Last year, the Ann Arbor Walk raised over $70,000 during the Light The Night campaign. All donations raised support life-saving cancer research, patient financial aid and a variety of patient services.
“The corporate kickoff breakfast that I’m hosting at Weber’s Inn is a great opportunity for business and community leaders to learn about the Light the Night event, meet the LLS staff and of course have the chance to meet the very people that this event benefits most, patients and survivors of blood cancers,” says Costello. “There is nothing more fulfilling for business leaders than to pursue a cause that makes a difference while providing an opportunity to expand their network of resources.”
The Corporate Walk Chair recruits businesses to join the Light The Night Walk through a variety of opportunities and Costello is more than qualified to lead this effort during this tough economic time. Cabrio Properties is a full-service real estate company providing property management, condominium management, leasing, advisory services, and also development and acquisition services. They offer the highest standard of property management services, and represent some of the finest real estate in Ann Arbor.
“I think it is especially important to support the Light The Night Walk this year because the work of LLS is never done. Research must be funded and patients must be supported. So much progress in cancer research has been made in the last decade and some of that progress is undoubtedly threatened by the economic downturn,” says Costello. “It is during these tough times that we need to dig deep into our financial and intellectual resources in order to continue the trend of success that LLS and the Light The Night Walk has enjoyed over the last several years.”
Costello brings more than just his business experience to the table for this Light The Night Walk event. He is also active in the Ann Arbor community, is a board member of the Washtenaw Affordable Housing Corporation and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
Costello also brings previous Light The Night Walk experience with him as he makes his journey into being the Corporate Walk Chair. He started participating with the Light The Night Walk in 2008, so this year’s Walk will be his third anniversary with the event. Cabrio Properties has been a sponsor of the Ann Arbor Light the Night Walk for the last two years.
The Ann Arbor Light The Night Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 2 at the DTE Edison Center in downtown Ann Arbor. In 2009, the Michigan Chapter raised over $568,000 through five Michigan Walks and is looking to exceed last year’s success. The Michigan Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will host five Light The Night Walks throughout the state in September and October. For more information or to register, please contact The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (248) 581-3941 or visit www.lightthenight.org/mi.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®, headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., with chapters throughout the United States and Canada, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
A2YChamber Member, Insert Catchy Headlines, Featured in Crain’s Detroit
Tuesday, June 2
“We are very proud that Josephine Nicholas, one of our very own Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Members was featured in Crain’s Detroit Business,” says Cheryl O’Brien, Director of Membership at the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber.
Josephine recently joined the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, and says, “Media exposure is about true connection to the community; and, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber is the perfect environment to make the connections necessary to grow your business while increasing your standing in the community. I look forward to meeting new friends, and re-connecting with old ones.”
“There are many companies and organizations in our community that are doing some great things, but they are losing potential clients because they are not taking the time to tell media outlets about their efforts,” continued Josephine, who runs her own Ann Arbor based PR Agency, Insert Catchy Headlines, and specializes in mapping out individualized media campaigns for her clients.
Josephine’s clients have been featured in local media outlets like the Ann Arbor News, Ann Arbor Observer, Detroit Free Press, Fox 2 News, ABC News, and many local radio stations. Josephine’s clients are also regularly featured in national media outlets across the country.
“It is important to recognize that the media outlets do have a desire to tell your story – once they understand why it’s important to their audience,” says Josephine. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as making a phone call to talk about the good thing your company is doing, and sometimes it’s about establishing a relationship with the reporter. As a media relations expert, I am familiar with what works, and what doesn’t – and, the thrill I achieve each time I get my clients the media exposure they deserve never goes away.”
Insert Catchy Headlines offers Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber members exclusive offers and on July 13 Josephine is giving a seminar titled “Five Steps to Get the Media Exposure You Deserve.”
About Josephine Nicholas: Josephine runs her own PR Agency, icheadlines.com. She specializes in mapping out individualized media campaigns, and offers a comprehensive array of services to handle the diverse PR needs of her clients. Her clients have appeared regularly as local media experts. Josephine’s clients have also appeared in other national and local media outlets, including, but not limited to, MSNBC, Fox Business News, CNN, and NPR; in the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, NY Times, Washington Post, Financial Advisor Magazine, Financial Planner Magazine, CPA Magazine, and various entertainment and lifestyle outlets. Josephine is the "heart" of all the Nicholas family businesses, which include the CMPS Institute, CMPSInstitute.org, the first and most widely recognized mortgage planning training and certification organization. She provides the team with dynamic, friendly, efficient, and time-sensitive results. Josephine is passionate about giving back to others, and, together with siblings Gibran, Jaad, and Jihan, runs Party with a Purpose, the Nicholas family’s non-profit arm. After a long, hard day at work, Josephine uses baking and playing piano as her stress-relief! Josephine can be reached at josephine@icheadlines.com.
TheRide Installs Energy Management Control System System will provide cost savings up to 20 percent
Tuesday, June 2
The installation of an energy management control system at three Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) facilities is expected to produce substantial cost-savings over the previous system, up to 20 percent.
“As a cost-conscious organization, TheRide actively seeks new and innovative ways to reduce costs, as well as improve efficiencies,” said Terry Black, maintenance manager for TheRide. “This new energy management control system will allow us to save up to 20 percent in operational costs.”
The energy management system, a programmable Johnson Controls Metasys system, allows timed control of the temperatures throughout TheRide’s main office and at its Blake and Ypsilanti transit center facilities.
This new system will allow TheRide to control the heating, cooling and lighting schedules throughout the day and night, as well as automatically control the temperatures and lighting in different areas of each building.
The old energy management system could not effectively vary the temperature when building spaces were unoccupied, leading to significant losses of energy. TheRide anticipates savings in reduced natural gas usage and maintenance costs, and expects to recover its $78,000 investment in the new system in two years.
About TheRide
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) was chartered in 1969 by the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, as a special-purpose unit of government. TheRide is supported through local, state and federal funds, and fare box revenues. TheRide operates 26 public transit routes, paratransit services, carpool-vanpool matching and other transportation services to facilitate mobility throughout the urbanized areas of Washtenaw County.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Challenge Will be Back for Round Three
Tuesday, June 1
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's Win by Losing challenge has had two exciting rounds of weight-loss competition within the past year.
Competitors across the great state of Michigan have discovered the benefits of "losing." Not only have they achieved healthier lifestyles but they have also earned well-deserved bragging rights. After all, this is a competition!
I'm thrilled to officially announce that the challenge will be back for round three. The next round of competition is scheduled to begin August 30, so make sure to mark your calendar and get your team ready to earn those bragging rights.
Win by Losing is a weight-loss challenge that encourages you and your employees to take that first step toward adopting a healthier lifestyle. The competition is part of the Blues initiative to go "green" – all communications from us will be sent through weekly e-mails and updates will be on the official Win by Losing website.
We're happy to offer this challenge to our customers and we hope you join us in the fight to lose those unwanted pounds.
Stay tuned for upcoming e-mails from the Blues about the Win by Losing fall 2010 competition, including how to register.
In the meantime, take advantage of the dieting tips available on the Win by Losing Web page and the online health coaching tools found by logging in to Member Secured Services on bcbsm.com . Not only will you see results but you'll have a head start on the competition.
We're excited for our groups to get in the game and look forward to seeing who will walk away with the ultimate bragging rights and the trophy.
Huron Valley Ambulance honored Jude Huetteman, Malloy, Inc. and two local life savers at annual EMS awards
Tuesday, June 1
Huron Valley Ambulance recently honored several local residents, including Jude Huetteman, and Malloy, Inc. of Ann Arbor at their Annual Emergency Medical Services Recognition Awards Dinner on May 19.
The HVA Board of Trustees bestowed their highest award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, on Jude Huetteman of Ann Arbor. An HVA Board member for nineteen years, Huetteman devoted her life to health care advocacy, trying to bring health care access and cost effective health care to those in need for most of her professional life. Huetteman also paid special attention to how HVA served the poor, the elderly, and its employees. HVA President and CEO Dale Berry says the following about her: “She has always been a supporter of HVA and made our employees her top priority while she served on the Board. She made sure our employees had a high quality work life, including implementing tuition assistance and a retirement health care plan for employees.” Huetteman’s five children, spouses and grandchildren flew in from all over the U.S. to see her accept the award.
HVA presented their Heart Safe Organization Award to Malloy, Inc. of Ann Arbor. This award, which HVA created in 2008, recognizes businesses or other organizations that have met the following criteria for creating a “heart safe” environment:
• automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all buildings
• staff trained in CPR/AEDs in all buildings
• regularly practiced cardiac emergency response plan in place
Malloy is a 200,000 sq. ft. book manufacturing facility with about 280 employees on Jackson Road in Ann Arbor. In 1998, mechanical engineer Terri Roggenkamp, who accepted the award, started a first response team at Malloy with the help of the HVA Center for EMS Education, who did their training. The teams have functioned during all three shifts, Monday through Saturday, every week, since then. In addition, Roggenkamp has made sure the teams have received regular training updates from HVA. They have a total of 24 employees on the teams and their participation has been voluntary. Roggenkamp also started a Safety Committee that meets every six weeks and discusses ways to make the plant safer. She says they have never had to use the AED but are glad it is there.
HVA also honored local residents with Life Saving Awards for their heroism in two other rescues.
Dr. David Brown, a University of Michigan plastic surgeon and an Ann Arbor resident, along with bystander Joe Gill of Erie, received an award for the following rescue:
On March 30, 2010, while driving on I-94 in Ann Arbor, both men saw a van in front of them go off the road with no signals or brakelights. They stopped their cars and went down an embankment to where the van was sitting in a drainage pond. They could see the driver of the van slumped over into the passenger seat. When the driver opened the car door to get out, she went under the water. The two of them waded into the water to help her. Then Brown, Gill and other bystanders cared for the woman until paramedics arrived. These awards recognized them for caring enough to stop and help in a situation that could have ended much more tragically.
Another Life Saving Award went to Sergeant Chris Proudlock, an officer with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Police Department and an Ypsilanti resident, who performed the following rescue:
On May 21, 2009, he rescued Nancy Stratos and her two dogs from the rain-swollen current of the Huron River at Hudson Mills Metropark near Dexter. Nancy had followed one of her dogs into the river after noticing that he was struggling. Suddenly, all three of them were in the water, fighting the strong undercurrent. When Proudlock first saw them, Nancy was holding on to a dead tree with one hand and her two dogs with the other. He had difficulty navigating the swirling water, being slammed into the tree as he approached. After pulling both dogs out on to the tree, he spotted three men in a riverboat and yelled for help. When they arrived, he was able to put Nancy and her dogs aboard and then finally himself. This award recognized Proudlock for his courage and quick actions.
HVA also presented awards to employees for professional achievement and safe driving. The awards dinner took place during National Emergency Medical Services Week, which honors EMS providers who deliver emergency care nationwide 24/7.
Huron Valley Ambulance is the nationally accredited, nonprofit community ambulance service covering Washtenaw, western Wayne and southwest Oakland counties.
CAR Selects DesignHub to Create Marketing Materials for 2010 Management Briefing Seminars
Tuesday, June 1
DesignHub, Inc., a creative services and marketing firm based in Saline, will provide the Ann Arbor-based Center for Automotive Research (CAR) with a coordinated set of marketing materials for CAR’s 45th annual Management Briefing Seminars (MBS), to be held August 2-5, 2010 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, MI.
CAR has selected DesignHub to produce brochures, mailers, ads for print and online media, conference signage, PowerPoint templates for presentations, and the cover and tabs for the session book for MBS 2010 attendees’ day-to-day reference during the event.
The Management Briefing Seminars are widely recognized as the automotive industry’s premier executive conference. This year over 1,000 industry leaders are expected to gather at MBS to share strategies and insights, and attend educational sessions on topics of urgent concern to global automakers and automotive suppliers.
About DesignHub
DesignHub is a creative services and marketing firm that works with clients on website design and development, brand development, brochures, annual reports, newsletters, advertising, public relations, direct marketing, search engine marketing, integrated social media, packaging designs, signage, and exhibits, as well as marketing strategies and plans. The company was founded in 1999.
Principals of DesignHub include: Karen Ragland, business manager and account executive; Ted Chesky, creative director and graphic designer; and Chris Kochmanski, marketing strategist, account executive, and copywriter. The firm has on-staff and freelance professionals for graphic design and Web site design and development.
In addition to the Center for Automotive Research, DesignHub’s clients include Advanced Photonix Inc., Aluminum Supply Co., American Aqua, Bemis Farms Childcare, Berry & Associates, Center for Information Management (CIM), Center for Student Studies (CSS), Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation, Chelsea Lumber, Chizek Custom Builders, Chrysler LLC, Corporate F.A.C.T.S., Daniels and Zermack Associates, Daycroft Montessori School, Dexter Research Center, Dimensional Engineering, Electrocon International, Evangelical Homes of Michigan, The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, Hardwood Solutions, Homeowner Services of America (HSA), INSTALL Michigan, JCG Associates, JPRA Architects, Lamaze Family Center of Ann Arbor, LatitudeLearning.com, Marshall Sales Inc., McMullen Company, Metropolitan Building Services, Motawi Tileworks, OptiMetrics Inc., PTC, Packaging and Shipping Specialists (P.A.S.S.), Peters Building Co., Phoenix Contractors, Power Wellness, Program for Automotive Labor and Education (PALE), Rand Construction, Renewal Ministries, City of Saline, Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, Saline District Library, Saline Parks and Recreation Department, Samson Senior Properties, SignGraphix, Sircon, Solution Recovery Services (SRS), Sun Engineering, Survey Sciences Group (SSG), the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and Vinylife Hose Co.
Downtown Transit Center Contract Awarded to DLZ Michigan
Tuesday, June 1
The contract for architectural and engineering services needed to construct a new transit center for the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) has been awarded to DLZ Michigan, a Lansing-based firm.
According to TheRide’s Manager of Maintenance, Terry Black, the firm will design the new center and will work with a construction firm that will be selected through TheRide’s usual bid proposal process.
The new transit center will replace the current Blake Transit Center, located at 331 South Fourth Avenue in downtown Ann Arbor. Design work will begin in June, with construction expected to be completed in about 20 months.
“We are excited to be working with DLZ Michigan to achieve what we hope will be a destination point for our riders and a landmark facility for the community,” Black said.
“Construction of the new downtown transit center will enhance our long-term vision to provide transit service throughout Washtenaw County.”
DLZ was one of 15 firms that competed for the project and received the award after oral presentations by the top three bidders. An evaluation team made up of representatives of TheRide, the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor made a unanimous decision in favor of DLZ, Black said.
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) was chartered in 1969 by the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, as a not-for-profit unit of government. AATA operates the local public transit system for the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area, enabling the area’s residents to reach their destinations at reasonable cost, and offers the region efficient, environmentally sound transportation alternatives. For more information, please visit www.TheRide.org.
