Sie sind auf Seite 1von 20

update

1993-2013

Business

September 2013 $2.00

ublication

Cover Story: Mary Free Bed Hospital Inside Features


Health Insurance Acute Care Data Security Office Furniture Design-Build Event Planning

2 Priority Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Preparing for the Affordable Care Act
By Jane Whittington On October 1, open enrollment for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act will become available. While weve all been hearing about what the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare) will and wont mandate and provide, what weve heard may well have been tainted by partisanship. And its unlikely that any among us has read, let alone understood, the over 1,000 pages that comprise the ACA. Under the ACA, coverage will be available to every citizen. States are in the process of setting up healthcare insurance exchanges, to be rolled out October 1, although citizens have until January 1, 2014 to obtain coverage. Some states have set up their own exchanges. Others, like Michigan, will be relying on the federal government to create these exchanges. 60 percent of Americans are covered through their employers, and their coverage should continue. For the most part, their coverage will be unchanged. However, for the nearly 50 million uninsured, coverage will now be required. In June of this year, Michigan Radio, an NPR station, spoke with Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-partisan health policy group, and reported on their findings. Their website is www.kff.org. Pollitz stated that once the exchanges are announced, consumers can look at what is offered. There will also be information about what subsidies will be available for those looking for coverage. She reports, Estimates say the 80 to 90 percent of those who come to the exchanges for insurance will not pay the full price. The exchanges will have navigators who will be available both over the phone and in person. Pollitz says, When Congress passed the ACA, they offered unlimited amounts of money to states that set up their own exchanges but only a limited amount of money for the federal government. Since Michigans exchange is federally-funded (against Governor Snyders recommendation), there may be fewer navigators than other states. Pollitz says, You may have to persist a bit more in Michigan to land in the right place with subsidies. As of the beginning of September, there are nine carriers who will offer products through Michigans healthcare exchanges. This may or may not be the final number. For those who, for whatever reason, choose not to purchase insurance, there will be a fine of $95 (or one percent of taxable income) tacked onto their 2014 tax. Families will be penalized half as much, and theres a cap on how much families can be charged. Penalties are waived for very low income people. For more information about how the ACA will affect Michigans citizens, go to www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7303-12902_35510-263899--,00.html. This is the website for DIFS (Department of Insurance and Financial Services). www.healthcare.gov provides additional information. AARP (www.aarp.org) has many useful tools available on its website, which will be especially helpful to those over 50. Both Priority Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are preparing themselves for the new realities of the Affordable Care Act. Priority Health, founded in 1986, provides group and individual insurance plans. Over 12,000 employers offer Priority Health to their employees and over 600,000 people are covered. Michigan based, there are offices in Farmington Hills, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo and Traverse City as well as the headquarters in Grand Rapids. Priority Health offers PPOs and HMOs both to employers who offer the plans to their employees and to individuals. In terms of the ACA, Marti Lolli, Director, Health Care Reform, says, For people who are currently covered by Priority Health, there will be few if any changes. For those who currently do not have coverage and have never purchased coverage, it will be more complicated. But we have tools available to help make it clear. We have websites, ebooks, webinars, seminarseverything we can think of to explain the ACA and how it affects each individual. Those who are currently covered through their employers should be able to get information about any possible changes to their coverage through their employers. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide information to their employees, but, for those whose coverage is through Priority, there is, as Lolli puts it, a great deal of assistance and information we can offer them. We want them to be able to concentrate on their core business. Lolli says, There is a great deal of concern that employers may drop coverage. But this is not new; employers have been struggling to pay for healthcare coverage over timenot related to the ACA. Costs have just been going up. We dont feel that a lot of employers will choose to drop coverage, but what employees who may face that situation need to know is that they will have options under the provisions of the ACA. We are always available to help people understand what those options are. Large employers (those with 50 or more employees) who do not provide coverage will face penalties starting in 2015. Priority Health supported the expansion of the Medicaid program which was recently approved by Michigans legislature. Before its passage, Lolli said, We are very hopeful for the expansion of Medicaid because there are 500,000 individuals in Michigan who are currently uninsured, and without this expansion, many of them would not get the care they need.

Continued on page 5

Mary Free Bed Hospital: A Community Treasure 4


By Jane Whittington Hope and Freedom. These two words describe the mission of Mary Free Bed. For over 100 years, Mary Free Bed has been offering hope and freedom to people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. It may be a stroke or Parkinsons, cancer or cerebral palsy, something that happened in Iraq or in an automobile accident, debility caused by disease or injury, multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophywhatever the cause, Mary Free Bed exists so that the people they serve can lead their best possible lives. The history of Mary Free Bed is an inspiring story that begins in 1891 when a Grand Rapids lawyer, Moses Taggart, found a small, black purse containing only six pennies. Unable to locate the owner of the purse, Taggart donated the sum to his sister-in-law and others who had recently placed an ad in the paper calling for the establishment of a free bed for indigent patients in the citys Union Benevolent Association Hospital. Motivated by the stories of different Marys in the Bible, those undertaking the task of raising money chose to establish the bed in the name of all the Marys.Within a month, enough money had been raised to sponsor the bed and make it available to those in need. And the small, black purse was passed around among Mary Free Bed fundraisers, returned filled with money and passed on to another. In 1911, the Mary Free Bed Guild was established to oversee the program and increase its membership and thereby those who raised funds. However, the women in the Guild did more than raise money; they actively participated in caring for people by providing transportation, visiting patients at home and in the hospital and arranging for care and comfort. The years that followed were filled with growth and change. In 1920, the Guild saw to the establishment of an orthopedic clinic for children at Blodgett Hospital; a Childrens Convalescent Home was opened in 1930. In 1950, heirs of the Blodgett family donated to the Guild the building which the Convalescent Home had been occupying at 920 Cherry St. By 1976, Mary Free Bed had outgrown their facility and, in what was surely a moving experience in more ways than one, a parade of patients and staff led the way to the new facility at 235 Wealthy, adjacent to St. Marys Hospital. Today, Mary Free Bed is once again expanding and is in the middle of an ambitious building project which will double the size of the existing facility, add patient bed and renovate the current space. There will be ten family rooms added as well as new therapy equipment including robot-assisted walking therapy. It is slated to open in late summer or fall of 2014. A tour through the building is aweinspiring. The determination and partnership of staff and patients toward a common goal is evident, and the difficult work is balanced by the smiles and camaraderie shown by professionals and patients. Despite the circumstances, it is a happy place. Mary Free Bed focuses on rehabilitation, both out-patient and in-patient. As such, it has no emergency room, no ICU and doesnt perform surgery or deliver babies; it is solely for the highest quality rehabilitative care. Of the over 20,000 patients they serve each year, about 12 percent are inpatient while the rest are seen in outpatient clinics. According to Jane Brierley, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Its not unusual for someone to come in as an inpatient, be discharged and receive services in their own home and eventually, when they are able to, come into our outpatient clinic to finish their rehabilitation. Currently, there are 1,051 employees on the main campus with other therapists employed by Mary Free Bed at Metro, St. Marys and Great Lakes Specialty Hospital. Kent Riddle has been CEO for two and a half years and is enthusiastic about the building project and the renovation of the existing facility. Riddle says, Were broadening our programs. Weve recently added cancer rehabilitation, and were talking about a number of other programs we may be adding. We continue to serve more patients from a wider area; for the past two years, our patient population has risen 25 percent each year. We offer specialty services that other facilities simply do not have. He continues, We are the most comprehensive rehabilitation facility in the state, and we can take patients with the most complex problems. Currently, were not able to serve patients on ventilators, but that will be changing. Included in their wide range of therapy equipment is a robotic gait trainer for those patients unable to walk due to spinal cord injury, stroke or other cause. According to Riddle, The only people who cant be helped by this machine are those with totally severed spinal cords. If theres enough spinal cord there, we can retrain neurons to enable injured people to walk. At the beginning, the machine may be doing 100 percent of the work but we can increase the amount of work the patient is doing using the robotics. It has enabled some people to be able to walk out of here when they were unable to walk before. Weve had great outcomes with this machine. Its all about retraining the brain and the spinal cord and relearning skills that were stopped by some kind of trauma. Mary Free Bed has recently completed a program in partnership with Grand Valley State University to work with wounded warriors, those who have suffered brain injuries while serving their country. The hospital frequently works with veterans injured in the line of duty. The hospital has extensive pediatric, orthopedic and amputee programs. They have begun working with cancer patients who have suffered cognitive or physical impairment due to their disease or through treatment of their disease. Mary Free Bed also has a program for those who are afflicted with chronic pain. Along with physical care, the hospital provides both neuropsychological and psychological care. Neuropsychologists deal with those who have suffered cognitive debility as a result of their disease or injury. Patients and families alike are offered psychological help in learning to live with the unforeseen circumstances in which they find themselves. This includes individual counseling as well as support groups. Within the hospital itself are bedrooms, bathrooms, an ATM, stores, a restaurant, kitchens and even a car used to help people learn to adapt to the routines of everyday life. One of the many innovative opportunities at Mary Free Bed is the wheelchair and adaptive sports program. Basketball, hockey, tennis, water and snow skiing and, yes, even scuba diving, rock climbing and skydiving are possible for those who want to participate. This is one of the many ways Mary Free Bed opens up the world for those who had thought their opportunities might be limited. It is important to note that Mary Free Bed accepts all appropriate patients regardless of their healthcare insurance or financial status. From the very beginning, they have been committed to providing care to all who need it. Riddle notes that Mary Free Bed is still governed by the 120 woman guild and junior guild as it has been since the beginning. He says, These women have so much compassion for people with disabilities. Albert Schweitzer once said, The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others. Mary Free Bed is the embodiment of that quotation.

Business

update
ublication

Publisher: Gary Kralapp

Business Development Senior Vice President: Diane LaPreze Senior Vice President: Jim Lroy Circulation: Aubrey Day Contributing Writers: Jane Whittington, Cristina VanWieren, Jim Alton, Tom McGuire, Ryan Camp, Brad Smith, Joshua Coburn Managing Editor: Carol M. Kralapp Associate Editor: Jeremy Martin Printing/Distribution: News Web Printing Accountant: Michael Tawney & Company Legal: Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone
The monthly published Business Update Inc. all rights reserved. No portion can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The management of Business Update Inc. is not responsible for the opinions expressed by its writers or editors. Nor is it responsible for any information contained on any schedule or calendar. We invite editorial suggestions, reader participation, or article submissions. We reserve all rights in communications sent to our editorial staff as unconditionally assigned for publication or any other use Business Update Inc. in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate. All submissions are subjected to our unrestricted right to edit and comment. For further information concerning this publication, or past issues, please write or call:

Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

Quality Office Furniture, at a price you can afford!


Bill Feyen
616-554-0200 billfeyen@exceloffice.com

8742 Bethany Dr SW Byron Center, MI 49315 Phone: (616) 583-1577 Fax: 888-728-0045 Email: prupdate@businessupdate.com

5 Priority Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Preparing for the Affordable Care Act
Continued from page 2 Priority Health currently works with Medicaid in fourteen counties in Michigan, and will continue to operate under the expansion and within the framework of the ACA. When Medicaid clients enroll, they are offered an option of the various plans available. The October rollout of healthcare exchanges will include products from Priority Health. Lolli says, We have been doing exchange simulations with the federal government for over a year and a half. So weve been at the front edge of discussions with the government as to how these exchanges will work. Our products will be available through the public web portal but consumers can also come to us directly for information and assistance. She continues, Coverage will be more affordable to many consumers through subsidies offered by the government. Find more information about Priority Health and the ACA at www.understandinghealthreform.com and at www.priorityhealth.com The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has been offering healthcare coverage throughout the U. S. for 83 years and currently covers over 100 million people. There are 37 local organizations connected by one association. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) is the largest health insurer in Michigan with 4.4 million members (more than 40 percent of the states total population) and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. In March of 2013, BCBSM began a transition process following reform measures modernizing the regulation of Michigans health insurance market. According to Jeffrey Connolly, President, West Michigan Operations & Managed Care, We are transitioning to a mutual company and away from being the insurer of last resort and all of the components within that over the next two to three years. With the Affordable Care Act, there is no longer any need for an insurer of last resort. Ken Dallafior, Executive Vice President/Group Business & Corporate Marketing, says, The driver for that change is to give us the opportunity to fairly and justly compete in the public marketplace. If we had not changed, we would have had no role to play in the new ACA world. Governor Snyder, who signed the legislation, realized that BCBSM is an asset to Michigan, and we would have been out of the game if we didnt change to this new model. Connolly adds, Many of the mandates of the ACA have been part of our company for some time. One good example is guaranteed issue and renewability. We have never turned away customers because of pre-existing conditions. This has put us at somewhat of a disadvantage as other insurers were able to choose who they covered. Now, with the ACA, insurers cant pick and choose who they want to cover. Dallafiro says, Since we have had guaranteed coverage for so long, we know how it works, and that is to our advantage as the ACA goes forward. He continues, ACA compliant products must include essential health benefits like wellness, preventive care for women and children, dental coverage for children and others that are required under the ACA. All insurers will offer this coverage as of 1/1/14. Connolly adds, There are significantly more benefits that all insurers will have to provide. Those currently covered by BCBSM will be contacted in advance of renewal. Dallafior says, We have already started contacting our customers and have been an advisor to our group customers as well as a resource for individuals. BCBSM has a Medicaid product called Blue Cross Complete, and this will continue and will grow following the recent passage of Medicaid expansion legislation in Michigan. Continued on page 8

6 Adult Care a Labyrinth of Services and Challenges


By Cristina VanWieren In your later years of life, when the time comes that you need help with daily living, where will you turn? Many of us will choose to enter an assisted living facility or utilize a home care agency. At some point, you may need the medical care offered in a nursing home setting. West Michigan offers many adult care options and facilities; navigating these can be difficult for seniors and their families. Providers, too, are challenged. Demands of the baby boomers push providers of adult care to strive for services and settings focused on the needs of the whole person. The average age of a resident entering a nursing home is 79 and in the next 10-15 years millions of baby boomers will begin to reach this age. Nursing home residents have significant difficulties with the activities of daily living and require continuous medical care. Fortunately, most nursing home services are medical in nature and are largely covered by Medicare and other insurances. Residents of assisted living facilities those who require help with some daily tasks, but are capable of handling most activities on their own have a greater financial challenge. Medicare does not cover rent and non-medical services, such as meal preparation. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, 54% of AL residents are 85 or older and nearly three-fourths are women. Common services include assistance with bathing, dressing, medication, and meal preparation. In fact the NCAL reports that 87% of AL residents require help with meal preparation. Other AL services, however, are covered. Medicare offsets the cost of services such as preventative care, physical therapy, and regular prescriptions. These key services allow residents to stay in an AL setting longer, avoiding a nursing home stay and maintaining a higher quality of life. Many seniors requiring assistance wish to remain in their own homes. Susan Decker, director of Clark at Home Clark Retirement Communitys Home and Community-based Services business explained Clarks two service lines for inhome care: Private Duty and Certified Health Services. Private Duty, among many other services, provides personal care assistance, transportation, medication management, and foot and ear care. Most of these are not covered by Medicare and are private pay. Like AL, in-home Lutheran. Reverend Becky Ebb-Speese is one chaplain for 300-350 residents, but coordinates volunteers and connects with area churches and pastors for support, among many other duties. Memory care is a growing challenge for providers. Reverend Ebb-Speese has undergone specialized education for working with dementia patients. Its important, she says, to understand each patients religious background. Because the long-term memory of memory-care patients is typically strong, she works to bring them experiences and prayers connected to their own childhood memories. For example, she might use the Lords Prayer, a rosary, or old hymns. Collaboration between organizations is a challenge in the healthcare industry. With pressure on hospitals to control Medicare costs, patients are being discharged more quickly and often must enter into AL, nursing homes, or use the services of a homecare agency. Adult care providers are challenged to provide the best care at the lowest cost. With health care reform and the onset of Accountable Care Organizations, Susan Decker says, it will be challenging for some health care providers to stand alone. Collaboration is key to success. People are living healthier longer. Quality of life in later years means continuing to enjoy a broad range of activities. AL and homecare options provide those with need for assistance the opportunity to continue to live an active and fulfilling lifestyle at least for those who can afford it. The greatest challenge is and will continue to be finding ways to meet the medical, social, and emotional needs of financially limited seniors a challenge faced by government, individuals, and care providers alike. * Based on a double occupancy room, per person costs Source: www.skillednursingfacilities.org Cristina is a high school math teacher and aspiring writer.

care is financially challenging. Certified Health Services are highly regulated by the government and are paid for through Medicare and other insurances. These services include skilled nursing, social work, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Certified Health Services are provided by registered nurses and therapists in the comfort of the patients home. Unlike in a nursing home or assisted living facility, in-home care staff is not easily monitored. When I asked Susan about this she stated unequivocally that staff accountability is a key factor in the success of the company. Clark at Home has several systems in place to monitor staff attendance and quality of job performance. Employees are observed in action by their supervisors, patient surveys are routinely administered, and ongoing training is provided. Another way in which providers meet the needs of seniors is through Continuing Care systems. Facilities like Maple Creek and Clark Retirement Community offer CC options, allowing residents to remain within one system even as their needs change. A resident might begin in an independent living housing option, but later find it necessary to move into AL. If a time comes when the resident needs continuous medical care, they can be transferred to the nursing care facility. All of these are provided on the same campus. Patients in CC facilities age in place, says Reverend Becky-Ebb-Speese, Chaplain at Maple Creek, which impacts residents health and quality of life. Becoming part of a community socialization is not only enjoyable for seniors, but may slow down the memory-loss process. According to a 2008 publication in the American Journal of Public Health, Harvard researchers found evidence that

elderly people in the U.S. who have an active social life may also have a slower rate of memory decline. Most nursing homes and assisted living centers offer a variety of social activities for residents, promoting an atmosphere of fun and community. On the campuses of Clark and Maple Creek, residents take part in field trips, wellness classes, game nights, and yes BINGO. Clarks residents, with the youthfulness of teenagers, even put on a lipdub a few years ago. Check it out at http://www.clarkretirement.org/lipdub.ph p - you wont be disappointed. Catered Living Plus, a popular housing option allowing couples to continue living together, is a relatively new concept and is offered at Maple Creek. Often, one spouse requires assistance with daily living and the other needs help providing that care. Within about a year of becoming available, Catered Living Plus was nearly filled to capacity. While couples may have to move from their home, they can continue to live and function together with the piece of mind that assistance is always nearby. Personalizing care for residents also includes a spiritual aspect. Many adult care systems offer worship services, Bible studies, and one-on-one spiritual support. Maple Creek, a Lutheran institution, provides spiritual care that is respectful to persons of all religious backgrounds. In fact, a majority of its residents are not

Curbside Trash & Waste Services: Trash Cart Yard Waste Cart Recycle Cart 866-669 2047 Jenison, Michigan

7 Employee Benefits Full Circle


By Jim Alton While most of our collective attention is being directed toward the Affordable Care Act and its impact, savvy employers are maximizing the event to discover new ways of providing protection for their employees which, after all, is a primary tenet of any employee benefit strategy. Considering that most, a full 79%, of employers strongly support offering a full compliment of employee benefits, we are seeing a trend away from the traditional model of pre-purchasing benefits to one of managing employee risk. Employers are becoming less concerned about the name of the insurance company on the insurance card and more concerned about discovering logical and sustainable solutions. Nearly all employers have, or will migrate to a high deductible plan design in an effort to harvest premium savings by way of benefit decrements and either reinvest or reserve the savings. The spirit of this design is to strip non-essential benefits while still offering financial protection for our employees. Do we really need bloated, inefficient and overpriced carriers to accomplish our RISK MANAGEMENT objectives? Todays transformational changes in employee benefits are colliding with the objectives of employers and their employees. We should explore all OPPORTUNITIES, some of which have been staring us in the face. Considerations: Self-Funding: considerable misunderstanding of risk due to poor education Captives: exploding as employers are experiencing 20-30% savings Work-site Strategies: quickly evolving products, a competitive landscape and significant communication opportunity Wellness: no cost options that accomplish primary identification objectives Communication Strategies: employees are starving for customized, multimedium annual campaigns that provide clarity Technology: efficient way to drive self service Let us remind ourselves of all the reasons we offer benefits in the first place; to protect our assets (employees), to recruit and retain best in class employees, to get and stay productive, to enhance our cultural brand, and to claim the goodwill derivative of doing the right thing. We are at a Tipping Point as it relates to employee benefit strategies. Let us seek the OPPORTUNITIES that exist to re-engineer our strategies based on OUR OBJECTIVES, NOT THEIRS. Tipping Points have always driven innovation. Let us clear the white board and begin again. Jim Alton is President of Acrisure Benefits Group at 5664 Prairie Creek Drive se, Caledonia, MIU 49316. For more information call 800-748-0351.

Current Business Trends: Slightly Negative


Grand Rapids - The greater Grand Rapids industrial economy is slightly negative, 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 August. The surveys index of business improvement, called new orders, turned modestly negative at -4, down from +7 last month. The production index eased to -6 from +17. The employment index fell to +0 from +21, the lowest reading since January of 2010. The plateauing continues for local industrial groups, said Long. Despite industry predictions to the contrary, 2013 is not turning out to be a boom year for the office furniture business. Most firms are stable and profitable. Long said automotive parts producers are near peak production for the new model year and the recent strong auto sales reports bode well for the future. He said new business will probably not come to the auto parts industry until October or November when the major firms begin assessing the acceptance of their 2014 models. Because of the summer vacation season, many of our industrial distributors came in a little lower than expected, Long said. With September comes a backto-work sentiment for many firms, so distributors will probably see business pick up for September.

8 Construction Briefs
Grand Rapids First tenant of the newly renovated historic Harris Building (111 S. Division), Local Epicurean - organic pasta company from locally sourced ingredients is open for business. Shoppers can also find gourmet pasta sauces, meats, cheeses, and a variety of other unique foods and ingredients. Future plans for the Local Epicurean include a restaurant and teaching kitchen. Developer Harris Lofts, LLC, general contractor Wolverine Building Group, and architect Landmark Design were behind the renovation of the nearly 110-year-old building, a Grand Rapids landmark with a distinctive marquee sign. Grand Rapids Denise Hopkins, owner of ImaginEco Design, announced her new design packages that take exclusivity out of architecture, interior and landscape designs. Her Design Packages start with a 3-hour in-office or in-home personal consultation to discuss planning your interior spaces, color palettes for your homes exterior or interior, or garden makeover. Then youll receive a Design Plan of Action summarizing your personal consultation with samples of recommended materials and colors. Lansing The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan announced its 2013-2014 Officers: President - John Hiltz, OHM Advisors (Livonia); President-Elect - Amy Trahey, Great Lakes Engineering Group, LLC (Lansing); Treasurer - Michael Cooper, Harley Ellis Devereaux (Southfield); National Director - Wally Alix, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (Bloomfield Hills); and Past-President - Keith Swaffar, NTH Consultants, LTD (Detroit). 2013-2014 Board of Directors: Chris Cook, Abonmarche (Benton Harbor); Thomas Deneau, Wightman & Associates, Inc. (Benton Harbor); Steve Gravlin, Wade Trim (Taylor); Sean Kelley, Mannik Smith Group, Inc. (Canton); Mark Kramer, Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (Plymouth); Steve Nichols, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber (Grand Rapids); Stephen Pangori, Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc. ( S h e l b y To w n s h i p ) ; Theresa Petko, AICP, URS (Grand Rapids); Jack Wheatley, R O W E Professional S e r v i c e s Company (Flint); and Robert Rayl, RS Engineering, LLC (Lansing). Kalamazoo CSM Group announced promotion of Ryan Long to Project Director, and will be responsible for overall management direction of existing projects. Kalamazoo Signature Associates, a Cushman and Wakefield Alliance Member, announced Eric Holdorf joined their West Michigan team as Sales Associate. Grand Rapids Signature Associates announced Tyler Johnson joined their West Michigan team as Sales Associate, specializing in office properties. Grand Rapids Progressive AE announced Bryan W. Koehn, AIA, Director of Design, earned Distinguished Architecture Alumni Award from Lawrence Technological University. Kalamazoo - Signature Associates has negotiated the lease of 2,200 square feet of medical office space located at 5136 Lovers Lane, Portage for the tenant, Physicians Toxicology, LLC. Ann Arbor Hobbs + Black Associates, Inc., announced the opening of Tucson Medical Center West Pavilion in Tucson, AZ, a tremendous building program encompassing multiple projects, including construction of a new west hospital, and new five-story parking structure. West Michigan - Signature Associates has negotiated: the lease of 15,000 SF of industrial space located at 5121 East ML Avenue, Kalamazoo for the tenant, Mall City Containers, Inc. the sale of a 6,300 SF industrial building located at 1236 8th Street, Muskegon, Michigan to CMN Enterprises, LLC. for the seller, J. Crew Partnership the lease of 54,000 SF of industrial space located at 1450 E. Laketon, Muskegon for the represented the tenant, Intracity Dispatch, Inc. the sale of an 11,552 SF office building located at 6331 Kenowa Avenue SW, Grandville to Real Estate Management, Inc. for the seller, Auto Club Insurance. Grand Rapids Gains Spohn, experienced in Phase I and II assessments, and asbestos abatement projects, and Lucas Wright, background as a hydrogeologist and drilling assistant, joined ASTIs Western Great Lakes office. Lansing Clark Construction Company was included on a list of top 25 privately held companies in Greater Michigan, as compiled by Crains Detroit Business, and was published in the most recent edition of Crains Magazine.

Priority Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield


Continued from page 5 Connolly says, The state is divided into 13 regions, and there may be different options, carriers and different coverage plans depending on the consumers region. Once the plans are revealed on October 1, there will be web-based enrollees who will be available to guide people through the process of choosing their coverage. Consumers can also go directly to the carriers to receive information and assistance. Connolly adds, We know what were charging, but we wont know what the competition is offering until October 1, just like everyone else. He continues, This is a huge change. It may well be the largest piece of legislation passed since the advent of social security. We are urging people to become more engaged in their own healthcare, educate themselves about their options and make wise choices based on their research. Dallafior wants to make sure people understand that BCBSM is ready to help people through the process, whatever product they ultimately choose. There is much more information at www.healthcarereformbasics.com and www.bcbsm.com Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

9 Custer: Office Furniture and So Much More


By Jane Whittington For close to 30 years, Custer has been offering excellence in the creation of business spaces that combine innovative design, meticulous planning and flawless execution. Well-known as a supplier of office furniture, they have, over the years, evolved into a business that also provides design services, architectural products and office technology. The office of today is far different than it was 30 years ago, but, as the vision of work spaces has changed, Custer has kept pace and is uniquely qualified to bring that vision to life. Dave Custer, President and CEO, says, My first job out of college was working for Steelcase. During my years with them, I worked in several locations, including Atlanta, Nashville and Detroit. During the recession of the early 80s, I was working in Detroit as a regional sales manager at the largest Steelcase dealership in the country. Due to economic conditions, that dealership, along with others throughout the country, closed down. My wife and I wanted to return to our hometown of Grand Rapids, and, in the back of my mind, I had always wanted to become an entrepreneur and start my own business. This was the perfect opportunity, despite economic uncertainty, to start my own company in Grand Rapids. I loved working at Steelcase and this was a way to still work with them but have my own business. Our ties to Steelcase remain strong. He continues, We sell 200 lines of office furnishings, but Steelcase is 70 to 80 percent of our volume. We buy from them and then sell those products to our customers. We sell to companies in West Michigan and into the Upper Peninsula. Their current facility in downtown Grand Rapids was purchased about ten years ago. It had been vacant for some time and was in poor condition. But it gave the Custer organization an opportunity to combine their warehouse, retail store and administrative offices in one location and also to create a work environment that would highlight their own services and products. Today, the building is light and airy, yet it still maintains its historic integrity. Daves three adult sons, Mark, Scott and Todd, work with their father in the business. According to Scott, We helped out with the business while we were growing up, but, after college, our dad wanted us to work for five years outside of the family business in order to get a different perspective. There were no expectations and certainly no mandate that we return to this business, but we all chose to do so. Dave says, Custer isnt just in the business of selling furniture though. We have over 20 graduate designers who will create the entire office environment, complete with furniture and also carpet, window treatments, art, architectural elements like moveable panels, glass walls and everything that goes into making that space not just effective and efficient but a place people will want to work. He continues, Todays employees work differently than those in the past. Theres much more technology involved, more collaboration, people working in groups and sharing ideas. The office of today is open and includes areas where people can work together. Scott adds, We also have to create spaces where technology is accessible. While we dont set up computer systems, we make sure that technology is at everyones fingertips. We have audio-visual experts who can create the accessibility todays workers want and need. According to Mark, We do very little residential work although we can set up home offices for people. Besides business and industry, we work a lot with educational institutions, from kindergartens all the way through universities, and with healthcare facilities. Dave is starting to step back from the day-to-day running of the business, and his sons are assuming more responsibility. According to Mark, We do have job titles, but we all do a little bit of everything, and our roles are evolving as we go forward. He continues, We want people to understand that we are not just a furniture company but much more. As we move forward, we will continue to provide all the products and services that go into creating the workplace of today. Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

10 New Report Provides Solutions to State Public Pension


Four states highlighted for strong public pension reforms; States face an estimated $730 billion to $4.4 trillion in unfunded pension liabilities Washington, D.C. - A new report released today by the American Legislative Exchange Council highlights key states as models of effective pension reform and provides short- and long-term solutions for state pension liabilities, which are estimated to be as high as $4.4 trillion. Nearly 90 percent of public sector employees participate in defined-benefit pension plans, which differ from their private-sector counterparts, whose pensions overwhelmingly consist of 401k-type plans. Due to the market crash of 2008, only 60 percent of public pension plans received their annual required contributions the following year, and even the best funded pension systems were threatened with massive liabilities. There has been a growing movement in the states to abandon definedbenefit pension plans, with their trillions of dollars in unfunded liabilities, and transition to 401k-style plans for new state workers, said Jonathan Williams, director of the American Legislative Exchange Council Center for State Fiscal Reform. Private sector employers shifted into defined-contribution plans years ago. Cities like Detroit and states like California will continue to reap the consequences if governments fail to fundamentally reform their pension systems. The report, Keeping the Promise: State Solutions for Government Pension Reform, highlights Utah, Michigan, Alaska and Rhode Island as examples of states that adopted effective pension reform. Additionally, the report analyzes defined-benefit, defined-contribution and cash-balance plans and presents a range of pension reform solutions and policies that can help state lawmakers balance their budgets while securing retirement funding for Americans. Lawmakers on both side of the aisle know we cannot grow out of this problem, said report author Dan Liljenquist, a former Utah state senator. State policymakers must first recognize the scope and size of the problems with funding states pension plans and understand to fulfill existing pension promises and avoid bankruptcy, essential changes must be made. The report includes a guide to model policies and a series of useful resources designed to help legislatorsespecially new legislatorsnavigate the intricate details of public pension policies. The report also contains a detailed section establishing principles for pension reform. Principles for Pension Reform: Pension reform should remove the risk that states will go functionally bankrupt due to pension obligations Pension reform should make sure that commitments and obligations to current workers are fulfilled Pension plans should be predictable and defined The public (taxpayers) should not bear all the risk of pension plans No pension plan should be exempt from scrutiny Retirement plans should not lock employees into the public sector States face serious consequences if they do not restructure public pensions, said Sen. Liljenquist. In California, cities such as Stockton and San Bernardino declared bankruptcy, and in Illinois, the state was charged by Securities and Exchange Commission for securities fraud. State lawmakers can use this information to reform policies to ensure that upon retirement, their current and future constituents will have the benefits they deserve. To view a copy of the report, please visit www.alec.org/keepingthepromise.

Corporate Investment, Income Growth Needed to Power Full-Steam Recovery


Atlanta, GA Job gains, strong auto sales and a rise in housing starts, offset by poor income growth, consumer caution and ongoing political uncertainty that will continue to hinder corporate investment in coming quarters is fostering a challenging economic recovery, according to Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State Universitys Robinson College of Business. Auto sales, for example, are substantially above an annual rate of 15.0 million for the year, a level at which the forecaster had previously predicted that a strong economic recovery will take hold. But car manufacturers needed to clear out an inventory buildup and consumers responded to the resultant price drops by buying, he says. Thus, the growth in auto sales is not fully indicative of a proper recovery that is gaining steam, but of special circumstances. The other key component of the economic recovery, home prices and housing starts, also comes with an asterisk, Dhawan says, due to a seeming change in the multiplier effect. The effect, which is triggered by new construction, typically cascades from banks to builders to suppliers and finally to buyers, who purchase home accessories for their new residences. The last leg of the multiplier, home goods purchases, appears weaker, Dhawan says. People are now utility shoppers. If you dont give them deals, they will move into their new houses with old goods. The forecaster attributes this restraint in discretionary spending in part to somewhat higher gas prices, but says the cautiousness basically boils down to the second basic lesson of forecasting. Spending is determined by disposable income. Home prices are rising and consumer morale is lifting, but only so far. The sticking point is income growth, says Dhawan. Its running at 3%, half of what it was in 2011. Increasing income growth will require the creation of what Dhawan terms catalyst jobs in the arenas of manufacturing, scientific, corporate, IT and healthcare sectors, a development that will remain in limbo until a palatable Congressional budget deal (anticipated by year-end) is struck and corporations are more willing to invest. In the meantime, exports offer no prospect for an economic quick fix. Although things are not getting any worse in Europe, our largest trading partner is a long way from being able to carry its weight. Dhawan added that China is having trouble jumpstarting its economy, due in no small part to the ongoing recession in Europe that has reduced demand for its products. Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Centers National Report Real GDP grew 1.4% in the first half of 2013 and will grow only 1.6% in the second half, for an annual average of 1.4%. It will expand at 2.1% in 2014 and at a stronger rate of 2.9% in 2015. Private fixed investment will grow by a weak 2.5% in 2013, expand by 4.9% in 2014 and increase by a strong 6.5% in 2015. In the second half of 2013, the economy will add jobs at a monthly rate of 150,000, which will improve to 177,000 new jobs per month in 2014, and rise further to 200,000 jobs per month in 2015. The unemployment rate will finally drop below 7% in late 2015. Housing starts will average 0.962 million units in 2013, rising to 1.144 million units in 2014 and 1.306 million units in 2015. Auto sales will average 15.3 million units in 2013 and 2014, then improve to 15.5 million units in 2015. The 10-year bond rate will rise to 3.3% by mid-2014. It will not cross the 4% threshold during the forecast period (end of 2015).

Accounting Payroll Tax Call us today for courteous, dependable, and rapid assistance (616) 456-4700

Professional services for your Business and Personal needs.


& COMPANY, P.C.

ICHAEL AWNEY INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

A. T

11 I Do: The Business of Weddings


By Jane Whittington Weddings are joyous occasions. The blushing bride, the beaming bridegroom, the proud parents, happy friends and relativesall come together to celebrate the joining of two lives. Who doesnt love a wedding? Romantic, yes, but weddings are also big business. IBISWorld, the worlds largest independent publisher of U.S. industry research, reported in 2013, Recovering disposable incomes are encouraging consumers to boost their spending on wedding festivities, which they held back on during the recession. With average spending on weddings on the rise, the massive $50.6 billion wedding services industry is expected to grow 2.3 percent in the next five years. Every year, XO Group, the creator of the top two wedding websites, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel, releases the results of a survey of 18,000 US couples married each year. In early 2013, they reported their findings. They said, In 2012, wedding budgets are continuing to rise to an all-time high since 2008. Couples are increasingly less concerned with the economy and are comfortable investing more than ever in the oncein-a-lifetime experience of planning their wedding and making it a fabulous experience for their guests. In 2012, they reported that the average wedding budget was $28,427, not including the honeymoon. Couples looking forward to a wedding in the Grand Rapids area have innumerable details to consider in planning the perfect day. Venue A fragrant Victorian garden, a sparkling waterfall, a soaring atrium, a meadow dotted with wildflowersany of these would be a perfect spot for a wedding and reception. Luckily for those of us in Grand Rapids, they are all at one place! Meijer Gardens has become a popular venue for weddings year-round although Annemarie Smartz, Facility Rental Manager, says that June and September are the most popular months. Smartz says, Every year, we hold about 135 wedding related events. Most of our couples will have both their wedding and reception here, and we can do either or both. Our main building has 15 rental spaces, and couples can even choose to rent the entire building. And, of course, we have six beautiful outdoor options, including the most popular, our sculpture garden waterfall. We offer space for an intimate wedding, or we can I hear from my brides as they describe what they want are elegant, fun, simple, memorable and unique. She notes that grooms are becoming more involved in the wedding planning and, in fact, recently worked with a groom who planned the entire wedding, start to finish. VanderMaas says, People and relationships are my passion and planning weddings is something that comes naturally to me. I love what I do and I love my clients. And I love weddings! Flowers Ludemas Floral and Garden has been in Grand Rapids for five generations, and Allison Ludema says, I was raised in the business and have been in the greenhouse ever since I can remember. I started training in the floral department when I was 13 and started wedding work when I was 15. Ludemas now has the main store at 3408 Eastern and has opened a small flower shop in East Hills called New Design Floral. Ludema says, We tend to average about 70-85 weddings a year. We offer everything from a detailed consultation to a personalized plan for each of our clients. This includes all floral needs. We also do the set-up, transport flowers from the wedding to the reception and take care of everything at the end of the event. According to Ludema, This year the popular flowers seem to be those with a lot of texture such as ranunculus and succulents and oversized blossoms such as peonies, English garden roses, hydrangeas and dahlias. She continues, We create something unique for each of our weddings. I love the idea of our brides looking at their wedding pictures years after and knowing that their flowers are not the same as anyone elses. I create flowers that reflect my clients personalities, fit the theme of the wedding and fit into their budget. Creating a plan and a vision for my clients is a magical thing, and I am so lucky to be able to do something that I love!

accommodate up to 650. She continues, We provide the complete package: a bridal dressing area, a tram ride to some of our locations, white garden chairs, an outside sound system for the vows and a reception space. Meijer Gardens brides and grooms can choose to use The Taste of the Gardens Catering or one of three recommended vendors. The Gardens also provides a list of other area professionals who have provided goods and services successfully through the years. A staff of experienced event coordinators works with clients in coordinating all the details. Smartz says, In 2012, we broke ground on The Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, and it is scheduled to open in 2015. It will include waterfalls, scenic bridges and stunning horticulture. It will be a wonderful place for a wedding and will convey the essence of the Japanese traditiontranquility, simplicity and beauty. Catering Marthas Catering partners with Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket Bakery to put together the perfect menu for that special day. According to Jennifer Behrens, assistant catering manager, We can cater up to three weddings on a single day. We provide the serving staff, bartenders, dishes, linens and, of course, all the food and drink for the reception. While most weddings we cater have about 150-200 guests, were happy to do smaller or larger. Weve worked in venues all over town, including St. Cecelias, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and UICA. She continues, We will work with our clients to provide just exactly what they want, or they can choose from the menu items we have found most people like.

Marthas Catering also offers a wide range of wedding cake choices. According to Behrens, Most people choose to have a wedding cake for their guests (the most popular is the Lady in Red, a white cake with a cheesecake center and raspberry mousse), but some brides are going with less conventional choices like cupcakes or mini-desserts. While we do both buffet and plated dinners, another trend weve seen is serving dinner family-style. She adds, Nantucket Bakery is known for great pizza, and we offer the option of a late night pizza delivery to keep the party going! Wedding Planners Aletha VanderMaas founded Pearls Events in 2007 to help brides create the most beautiful wedding and reception possible. She says, I work with vendors to supply table settings and centerpieces. I come up with the design ideas in partnership with my clients and then make it happen using vendors that I know to be excellent at their professions. She continues, Some of my brides have known for years exactly what their weddings will look like, and I help realize that vision. Others come in with no idea what they want, so we work from scratch. I always want a wedding to reflect the couple, so thats what we strive to do. She says, The most common words

Continued on page 14

Toll Free Fax

800-968-8608

modernofficeinteriors.com

616-997-7263

12 Disaster Recover 101 Reducing the Impact of Water-Damage Events


By Tom McGuire Fortunately, most building owners and facility managers will never experience a major catastrophe that appears on CNN or The Weather Channel. Nonetheless, thousands of commercial and industrial buildings each year are damaged by unforeseen events such as a burst water pipe, seepage, fire sprinkler flooding or cascades of water from a rainstorm. These more common events happen without even creating a blip on the media radar. Whenever such an event occurs, the results can be operationally and financially disastrous. Potential risks include destruction of interior structural materials and equipment; files disruption; further damage from humidity; and, if water is not abated quickly, microbial damage. When an incident occurs, two important elements are required a quick response and a professional recovery. Securing a restoration professional will help alleviate what industry insiders call the the disaster after the disaster. Doing so requires careful planning and understanding of factors that include: Having a disaster recovery plan in place Designating first responders Responding quickly to minimize damage Stabilizing and drying the facility The restoration of materials Plan in Advance of Disaster Never underestimate the power of planning. The best insurance against catastrophic loss of vital documents and other materials is to be prepared in advance. Having a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) in place is essential to a successful recovery process, and can limit the extent of damage by defining and prioritizing the recovery steps. A DRP also designates the professional disaster restoration services provider you will summon when an incident occurs. A professional responder will guide you through the development of a recovery plan free of charge. You also can utilize the web to find examples of recovery plans in use by companies like yours. Designate First Response Team First, one cannot manage a disaster recovery by committee. A committee may waste hours trying to make a decision at a time when there is not a second to waste. Select a leader at the company who is both a level-headed decision maker and someone that your team will respect to lead the recovery operation.Then, surround the lead decision maker with a team of first responders who will spring into action to get the job done. Avoid the warm body syndrome of making everyone participate; some people may not want to play a part, or the disaster may have affected their home and they have their own issues to face. Secure pre-loss agreements with expert contractors prior to the event. However, avoid agreements that cost you money, as a reputable restoration company will not charge for this service. With a DRP in place, you will have on speed dial an experienced restoration firm that can get to work immediately. It is a good idea to have relationships with several firms in case a future disaster is widespread and the company you selected cannot respond in time. Also, keep in mind that during a widespread event, key items such as power generators may be difficult to obtain. It is very important for the professional restoration firm you choose in your recovery plan to have the ability to provide power. However, as a backup, be sure to identify a generator company you can contact if needed. Know Insurance Coverage Know your insurance coverage limits. It is your responsibility to mitigate the loss in the first hours. Be sure to document all of the damage by taking pictures and video of the damaged materials. Do not throw anything out without documentation and inventory. Remember, it may be several days before your insurance adjuster arrives, so the critical first steps are your responsibility. Respond Quickly After Event An immediate response is required after a catastrophic event to stabilize the loss and mitigate damage. Activate your team and your professional consultant as soon as possible. Doing so will maximize recovery of all contents such as inventory, machinery, furniture, carpeting, documents and files, and will minimize replacement costs, preserve good indoor air quality and control mold risks. Implement water extraction, if needed, and clean up immediately with your professional responders. It is very important to involve your drying contractor after a water damage event to help assess which items are worth restoration and which are better replaced. For example, replace damaged items that have lower costs associated with replacement. On the other hand, items that are difficult to replace or have a very high replacement cost validate the restoration effort. Stabilize, Dry the Building Your professional restoration partner will recommend the most effective option to stabilize the building by utilizing industrial dehumidifiers and qualified technicians. As stabilization of the building is underway, the document recovery process, as needed, can commence. A restoration expert should provide you with the following services: vacuum freeze drying, desiccant air drying, blast freezing, and comprehensive cleaning. Continued on page 14

SPECIALIZING IN QUALITY ZINC BARREL PLATING

PROCESSES AVAILABLE AT DYNA-PLATE INC.

ISO 9001:2008 Certified


(Barrel Plating Lines O nly)

TRIVALENT CHROMATES - AUTOMOTIVE APPROVED ZINC WITH CLEAR CHROMATE (Flash - .0005 thickness) ZINC WITH YELLOW CHROMATE (Flash - .0005 thickness) ZINC WITH BLACK CHROMATE (.0001 - .0005 thickness) DYE COLORS GREEN, RED & BLUE BAKE FOR HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT
344 Mart SW Grand Rapids MI 49548

P: (616) 452-6763 F: (616) 452-6661 www.dynaplate.com

13 Globally Engaged U.S. Companies Drive Jobs and Investment in Michigan


Business Roundtables State Studies Detail Benefits of Pro-Growth Policies, including Comprehensive Tax Reform, for Michigan Washington Globally engaged U.S. companies are an engine for growth in Michigan, accounting for 56 percent of Michigans private-sector economic output and 51 percent of its private-sector jobs in 2011. Michigans economy includes 831 U.S. companies that operate internationally, competing in global markets on a daily basis for capital and customers. Business Roundtable highlights these and other important facts about the benefits of globally engaged U.S. companies to Michigans economy in a new state-by-state analysis. Globally engaged U.S. companies are a powerful engine for economic growth, supporting jobs and creating economic opportunity all across the United States, said Business Roundtable President John Engler. A more competitive U.S. tax system would help maximize the positive economic benefits of these businesses in Michigan and all 50 states. Drawing from new Business Roundtable research and U.S. government data, the facts and figures highlighted in the Michigan state analysis provide indepth details on the benefits provided by U.S. businesses that operate internationally. In Michigan, globally engaged U.S. companies: Added $192.1 billion to Michigans private-sector economy in 2011; Directly or indirectly supported 2.3 million private-sector jobs; and Paid an average of $76,544 per job in wages, salaries and benefits. Globally engaged U.S. companies operate in a highly competitive global marketplace in which differences in national tax systems can be a decisive factor in where companies choose to invest. A more competitive U.S. corporate tax system can help sustain and expand the critical contributions that these companies make to Michigans state economy, local communities and working families. Approximately 26 percent of globally engaged U.S. companies are classified by the U.S. government as small businesses. Globally engaged U.S. companies both large and small provide significant business to thousands of domestic suppliers, purchasing more than $8.0 trillion in goods and services each year. They create growth and jobs in small- and mediumsized U.S. companies that are part of their global supply networks. For example, the typical globally engaged U.S. company buys more than $3 billion in goods and services from more than 6,000 American small businesses, which represents over 24 percent of its total input purchases.

Industrial Briefs
Allegan Perrigo announced: Brad Lake was hired as a Dispensing Supervisor, and will facilitate efficient and effective dispensing and sampling processes; Claire DeWitt was hired as Talent Acquisition Consultant and will be responsible for managing the transfer process and specialist hiring; Eric Neal was hired as IT Internal Auditor for the Global Internal Audit & Compliance team. Chicago U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Enbridge began a new round of dredging in Michigans Kalamazoo River to clean up oil from the companys July 2010 pipeline spill. The cleanup work is required by EPAs March 2013 administrative order, which requires Enbridge to complete additional dredging by the end of the year above the Ceresco Dam, upstream of Battle Creek and in Morrow Lake Delta. While dredging is underway, 12 miles of the river will be temporarily closed. During the past three years, nearly 190,000 cubic yards of oilcontaminated material, and 1.15 million gallons of oil were recovered from the river. Grand Rapids Crystal Flash announced it acquired C. Barron & Sons, Inc., in Monroe, bringing more than 2,000 new customers, 28 new employees, and four new locations. This transaction is the sixth acquisition for Crystal Flash in the past 18 months, and will allow the company to expand its product lines, customer base, and geographic reach. Family owned and operated for more than 60 years, Barron provides fuel transportation services to retail and commercial customers throughout Michigan and into Northern Ohio, and carries a full line of fuel products, lubricants and diesel exhaust fluids. Belding Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures announced it appointed Dan Stockton, Master Scheduler/ Senior Buyer; additionally Stahlin was selected by Michigan Business & Professional Association as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Places To Work For in West Michigan; finally, Stahlin announced appointment of U of M intern Brain Knoerl as Industrial Engineer. Kalamazoo Graybar, leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products, and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, opened a new branch at 3100 Covington Road, Kalamazoo, serving Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties. Grand Rapids/Rochester Nichols and Rubbermaid Commercial Products, leader in innovative, solutions-based commercial products, announced they will host a BUILT TO LAST demo tour - a mobile road show experience complete with a showroom, stage, and interactive demonstrations - August 21, 2013, at Oakland University, 2200 Squirrel Rd, Rochester, and August 22, 2013, at Michigan Coatings, 3761 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids. Jackson Consumers Energy reported it is eliminating its renewable energy surcharge starting July 2014, subject to approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Last year, Consumers cut its surcharge from 65 cents to 52 cents - a 20% reduction.

Industrial Briefs
Belding Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures, manufacturer of the worlds most frequently specified fiberglass enclosure products, welcomed Doug Hill as Applications Engineer. Grand Rapids The Right Place, Inc. - in collaboration with Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Cascade Township - announced Paris-based Teleperformance, Inc., reached an agreement with all parties and will establish a new customer support center at 2680 Horizon Drive SE, Grand Rapids. With support from Michigan Business Development Program, through a $600,000 performance-based grant, Teleperformance will invest a total of $3.79 million, creating 500 new full-time local positions including customer care agents, supervisors, trainers, and IT specialists. Kalamazoo Landscape Forms will partner with Kojima Signalization and Interiors - a So Paulo-based manufacturer - to import, manufacture and distribute Landscape Forms products in Brazil. Rockford Wolverine Worldwide announced appointment of Jodi K. Watson, Vice President of eCommerce, to President, Consumer Direct, reporting to Blake W. Krueger, Wolverine's Chairman, CEO, and President. Watson will be responsible for direct-to-consumer operations for Wolverine, including stores and eCommerce. Additionally, Wolverine Worldwide announced appointment of Gene McCarthy as President of the Merrell brand, with more than 30 years experience driving brands to accelerated growth around the world. Grand Rapids David Morris, PhD, was named Vice President and Publisher of Zondervan non-fiction trade books. Morris comes to Zondervan after leaving his position of Vice President and Editorial Director for Guideposts Books. Allegan Perrigo announced Michael Burgos was promoted as SAP Business Analyst for the SAP Product Lifecycle Management, providing global SAP Application support for Master Data, Quality Management, Regulatory Affairs, and Sales & Marketing business groups. Grand Rapids Cascade Engineering announced appointment of Judy Bland, Vice President of Manufacturing, and will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of manufacturing for the Cascade Engineering Family of Companies, which comprises 12 business units. Muskegon Action Industrial Supply acquired Reid Safety of Muskegon and Traverse City. Actions family of companies includes two Action locations in Muskegon and Grand Rapids, as well as Safety Products, division of Action Industrial Supply in Holland. The two former Reid Safety locations will join Safety Products Holland location, and will operate as Safety Products. Both Action and Safety Products carry a full line of industrial supplies. Allegan Perrigo announced Amanda Carter was promoted as Operations Management Trainee for the tablet packaging team and David Kissel was hired as Production Engineer. Grand Rapids Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. announced it entered into an agreement to lease 70,000 sq. ft. at a warehouse facility in Carol Stream, Illinois.

14
Grand Rapids PEN American Center announced winners and runners-up of 2013 PEN Literary Awards, the most comprehensive literary awards program in the country: The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau, written by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Amanda Hall, and published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, received a prize of $5,000 for PEN/Steven Kroll Award for Picture Book Writing. Farmington Hills Revolution Lighting Technologies, Inc. acquired Relume Technologies, a Beringea, LLC, portfolio company based in Oxford that manufacturers outdoor LED products, and smart grid control systems for outdoor lighting applications. Beringea first invested in Relume in 2009; the exit is the fourth in five months for the private equity group, which includes Beringeas London, UK affiliate, Beringea, LLP. Grand Rapids DECC Company, coating applicator, made Inc. 500/5000 List of the nations fastest growing private companies, coming in at number 2082, with posted sales growth of 179% over a three year period, and was number 64 out of the top 100 manufacturers on the list.

Disaster Recover 101


Continued from page 12 An experienced provider will quickly identify the best recovery method for a particular material, based on the value of the documents and the level of damage. For example, in the right circumstances, freezing documents can greatly reduce the time and cost of restoration. To prevent further damage, waterdamaged vital documents must be stabilized or frozen as soon as possible. Books must be packed out with the spine down, packed tightly, and stored immediately in temperatures below -20 degrees F. A professional restoration company will provide skilled technicians to manage these processes and provide daily reports documenting the progress and success of the recovery project. Its essential you feel comfortable with their services, and they should be the light at the end of the tunnel of the recovery process. Know Your Expectations Some delicate items, such as paper, will never return to pre-loss condition. Staining may remain on some pages, and there may be a little wrinkling after the drying process is complete. This is a natural result of the drying process and water-damaged paper in general. However, as long as the information is saved, then copies can be made of the originals and the originals can be safely stored until needed. Planning is Key When it comes to the continuity of the business, your top priorities are personnel, business data and the physical building. By developing a few critical plans before a disaster occurs and then by working closely with a drying contractor, you can reduce the interruption to your business, limit costs to only what is necessary, and reduce the potential for more serious problems later. Following the procedures detailed in this article will help building owners, facility managers and others avoid the disaster after the disaster. Tom McGuire is president and managing director of The Solutions Company, LLC, a Florida-based disaster recovery company specializing in professional project management of vital document recovery, structural decontamination and expert project consulting services. For more information on The Solutions Company, visit www.thesolutionscompany.us.com.

I Do: The Business of Weddings


Continued from page 11 Dress Its all about the dress! Popular television shows like Say Yes to the Dress and I Found the Gown reflect the importance brides (and their mothers!) put on the dress. Here in Grand Rapids, Bridal Elegance, locally owned and operated and celebrating its 20th anniversary, has all the latest styles not only for the bride but also for the mother of the bride or groom and bridesmaids. They also sell prom dresses and offer tuxedo rental. Kristin Carlson, owner of Bridal Elegance, says, We have over 1,500 bridal and bridesmaids gowns in our store including a private line of dresses that brides wont find anywhere else. We also offer gowns from Casablanca, Maggie Sottero, Mon Cheri, Justin Alexander and Eddie K. Our most popular style in 2012 was a gown by Symphony Bridal gowns at the store can range from as low as $25 on their sales rack to as high as $3,000 while bridesmaids gowns range from $15 to $300. Carlson points out that dresses should be ordered at least eight or nine months before the wedding. Alterations are done in house. In terms of whats trending for weddings, Carlson says, Strapless is still the most popular, but straps, sleeves and mermaid or fit and flair gowns are expected to increase in popularity. Lace gowns are also going strong; however, current shortages in lace may force the trends in a different direction. Current trends that are not going to go away anytime soon are additions of colorful shoes and belts. She continues, We go to the bridal markets in throughout the country to keep up with the latest fashions and to make sure our brides are seeing the best selection of gowns for their special day. Along with all the details outlined above, brides and grooms have to consider invitations, photographers, music and a myriad of other important decisions. Grand Rapids and West Michigan have wonderful resources available to create a day that fulfills the dreams of any couple!

Jane Whittington is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

Communication & IT
Data Security in the 24/7 World
By Ryan Camp In the next few years, emerging technological and social trends will have far-reaching effects for enterprise security. Due to an era of globalization, outdated boundaries continue to vanish before the unyielding pace of the 24/7 world we live in today. In this new mindset, being in business can translate into something completely different than what it did in the past. For businesses it can mean the sharing of assets and sensitive data with other businesses. The red line between integrated and segregation can also draw a line between opportunity and risk. Today, businesses depend on technology and processes to safeguard that line from dangers so to protect data, their image and privacy. With the development of every piece of new technology, the line can change ever so slightly. With businesses trying to take advantage of these prospects, single-minded people may attempt to exploit vulnerabilities. Subsequently, the probability of evolving technologies symbolizes a fundamental change in how businesses should tackle the associated security risks. Virtualized For years, businesses have been trying to keep pace with changing technology needs by building data centers to provide more energy-efficient infrastructures. For many, scalability and reacting quickly is needed to support the evolution of shared applications, and the expected instability of service demands. Using an open infrastructure that utilizes virtual pools of resources that are connected together gives businesses a simple, quick and platform independent route. Having the capability to outline and standardize groups of resources, cloud computing provides an opportunity to restructure and standardize the security practices within the business. That standardization creates a streamlined process that fuels itself since assets can be managed and allows many virtual assets to become more manageable. New Security Due to the details of running multifaceted, specialized security assets, the need for new security features is necessary, now more than ever. First, a business should choose how much access it wants to retain. Next, the size and difficulty of an environment can deeply effect what security features a business chooses. Some businesses have pretty simple security needs. Then again, some businesses have complex environments that are able to rapidly adjust their setup as needed. Some new ways to assist with security are: Deployable Devices. Devices are growing into a single all-in-one deliverable device that encompasses full installs of OS, software and tools preconfigured to execute various tasks focused on a single area of operation. They are also becoming easier to handle due to smaller physical and virtual forms. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). While many managed services have devoted framework for each customer, SaaS provides many services in which a single device controls a service for different customers, delivering standardized services with minimal configuring. Data today Daily, large amounts of information flow across the internet. A benefit to some, the information bonanza has unfortunately created a nightmare for businesses with the explosion of databases along with an increase in data leaks. This increases the probability for improper use of intellectual data. Businesses can anticipate a continuous push to reduce the risks of breaches. Consequently, this push should put focus on the need for administrative privacy tools with the ability to mask data and where security of data lacks. This focus can emphasize the need for encryption. Data security capabilities deliver a groundwork for business information resources to improve to show the value of data and safeguard ones privacy. Protecting the network The demand to provide high bandwidth applications has shaped a race within businesses to meet growing need for bandwidth. With current bandwidth and traffic hitting extraordinary levels, ISPs have less insight of the traffic traversing their networks. As more encryption and virtualization policies come

15
about, it produces new networks inside the server environment, making oversight become more difficult. Consequently, network security should become more undetectable, due to emerging attacks. Virtualized systems allow the prospect for hosts to commence attacks against other hosts. Battling these attacks will need new intrusive protection tools. Addressing these evolving threats requires an approach based on a highly scalable, cooperating security systems with integrated network, server and endpoint protection technologies. Mobile devices Of all the emerging technologies, mobile devices are a great example of opportunity and risk coming together. With assorted designs and functions, and capable of providing data and other services 24/7, the mobile device has and continues to change the way everyone does business. While devices are becoming the prevalent channel for conducting business and primary means for authentication, they are increasingly subject to the same types of security attacks, but are even less mature at deflecting them. Advances are needed in two crucial areas: mobile and ISP network security. With many devices being open sourced, network environments should be secure and free of exploitation. Since devices are progressively susceptible to malware and other attacks, ISPs should supplement their network security by observing their traffic for threats while upholding peak service levels. If businesses identify and react to these trends, risk can be turned into opportunity. In spite of everything, it's how risk is handled that decides whether or not a business endures in the always changing world. Ryan Camp, Systems Engineer at Trivalent Group, attended Aquinas College for his undergrad studies in Computer Information Systems and received his Masters in Information Assurance from Davenport.

16 Education Briefs
Grand Rapids Grand Valley State Universitys Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy selected Beverly Franks Grant, LMSW, to be its first ever Associate Director, and will serve as the chief operational leader, supporting Executive Director James Edwards in key leadership projects, and maintaining client relationships with local, state and national foundations and organizations. Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Community College Computer Information Systems Professor Cheryl Kautz was awarded two 2013 Blackboard Catalyst awards for Exemplary Course Program from Blackboard Inc., a developer of educational software. Kautz received her first Catalyst Award in 2012. Muskegon Baker College Online will offer two new programs beginning fall 2013: Educational Effectiveness Masters Degree (emphasizes improving student learning in an era of accountability with selection of P-12 education, or higher education), and Political Science Bachelor Degree. Registration is open for classes beginning Thursday, September 26, 2013. Grand Rapids For the second consecutive year, Davenport University was recognized as a Great College to Work For, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Big Rapids Ferris State University welcomes new and returning Bulldogs to campus for fall semester. Returning students will find some changes on campus with construction under way on the new University Center, a $33.9 million project slated for completion in December 2014. Carlisle and Masselink residence halls were demolished, and renovation of the Rankin Student Center began earlier this summer. The Ferris Bookstore and academic and support services, previously housed in Rankin Center, were temporarily relocated to 14265 Northland Drive, across the street from Ferris Racquet and Fitness Center. Westside Caf will open in the former Center Ice dining facility; Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services, and offices for Student Government and Entertainment Unlimited are temporarily located on the terrace level of Helen Ferris Hall; Housing and Residence Life, Transfer Services Center, Veterans Program, First Lady's Attic, and Bulldog Radio are on the halls first floor; and the Torch student newspaper was moved to the Student Recreation Center. Lansing The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by several graduates of Thomas M. Cooley Law School, who claimed the law school misrepresented the percentage of its graduates who obtain legal employment after graduation. The Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that the plaintiffs could not prove Cooleys reported employment statistics were false because the numbers Cooley reported were instead, literally true. East Lansing Leaders at Michigan State University are preparing to feed a hungry world while respecting the environment, training young people for success, keeping Michigan healthy, and helping communities thrive, by embarking on a Whats Now? Whats Next? tour to gather input from residents about future priorities of Michigans premier landgrant institution. Poston is one of four MSU leaders who will be available to talk with residents during the tour, and will be joined by MSU Extension Director Tom Coon; AgBioResearch Director Doug Buhler; and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs for CANR Kelly Millenbah. Albion Kellogg Community College broke ground for at the Eastern Academic Center (EAC), an educational facility expanding this year to accommodate enrollment growth. After the groundbreaking, contractors will begin construction on a 4,608-square-foot addition to the EAC to add classrooms, seminar room, and office space, and is expected to open January 2014, to serve growing numbers of KCC students, and Marshall Public Schools, which operates an alternative high school on the site. The projects general contractor, Walbridge, predicts the work will provide job opportunities for 75 trades workers during construction, with funding for the estimated $1 million project coming from local grants, including a substantial gift from Marshall-based Cronin Foundation, and KCCs voter-approved capital millage. Grand Rapids Brian Miller, Vice President for ITS and CIO at Davenport University, was appointed by Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Director of the U.S. Commerce Departments National Institute of Standards and Technology, to 2013 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications submitted for the Baldrige Award. Grand Rapids After 36 years, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) is merging with Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University; UICA will become a wholly-owned subsidary. Despite its new $8 million home in the heart of Grand Rapids, UICA membership and attendance levels did not reach their potential, and was on a path to closing its doors this fall. UICA sits at the heart of the city, noted Kendall President David Rosen, and provides a hub for all who thrive in the creative environment. Any city that wants to be great needs a UICA. David Eisler, President of Ferris, recognized the value of UICA to Grand Rapids, and the natural affinity between it and Ferris prized art and design school, expressing This merger reflects the commitment of Ferris State University and Kendall College of Art and Design to the arts in West Michigan. The synergy of this new relationship will strengthen the contemporary arts in our region. Donors extraordinary commitment to pay off debt on the new building, and response of the community to UICAs mission, made the merger possible. Grand Rapids Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University announced Max Shangle is resigning from his position as Dean and will become President of Harrington College of Design in Chicago. Allendale Grand Valley State University signed a reverse transfer agreement with Kirtland Community College in Roscommon. Kalamazoo Kellogg Community College (KCC) formally broke ground at Eastern Academic Center, an expanding educational facility accommodating enrollment growth in Albion and Marshall areas. The additional 4,608 sq. ft., which includes three classrooms, a seminar room, and office space, will open in January, with funding coming from local grants, including a $500,000 gift from Marshall-based Cronin Foundation, and KCC's voter-approved capital millage. Allendale Grand Valley State University was named one of the Countrys Greenest Universities by the Sierra Club, largest national grassroots environmental organization, by placing 40th out of 162 schools - highest-ranking Michigan institution on the list - ahead of Princeton and Ohio State Universities. Big Rapids Thirteen Ferris State University students enrolled in Operation Excel Summer Bridge Program, earning 3.0 GPA or higher in the program, were awarded scholarships. The short-term Excel goal is for successful students to address necessary developmental course needs by the first fall semester, helping them become integrated with their program faculty and classmates sooner, and saving at least one semester of enrollment (valued at approximately $10,000 in 2013). Operation Excel initiative was a joint venture of the Developmental Programs department, Mathematics department, and Residential Life under the sponsorship of Retention and Student Success unit in Academic Affairs. Kalamazoo Kellogg Community College announced its Early Childhood Education Program recently received accreditation from National Association for the Education of Young Children. Grand Rapids Calvin College is one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduate education, according to Princeton Review. The education services company features Calvin in their recently published 2014 edition of its annual college guide, "The Best 378 Colleges." Allendale According to The Princeton Review, Grand Valley State University was named one of 155 colleges as Best in the Midwest universities in the annual 2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region in the Midwest. Grand Rapids Aquinas College Alumni Relations Department won 2013 CASE Circle of Excellence Silver Award in the Programming for Special Constituencies category for Aquinas Date Night 2013. Grand Rapids Grand Valley State University announced establishment of W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair, a position focused on community philanthropy within Grand Valleys Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, to honor the legacy of philanthropy and civic investment of W.K. Kellogg, founder of the Kellogg Company and W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek. The chair was established with a $1.5 million gift from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Kellogg Company 25Year Employees Fund.

Want to Support Your Community? Try Shopping!


By Brad Smith Looking for an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon while supporting your community and the economy as a whole? Go shopping. When consumers shop locally, their communities benefit in multiple ways. More money stays in the area, and more local jobs are created. In addition, thriving local economies tend to have stronger infrastructures and lower crime rates. According to Independent We Stand, a movement of independent business owners across the country designed to inform their communities about the importance of shopping locally: Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than chains and Internet retailers. For every $100 spent at an independent business, $68 returns to the local community. At a national chain, that amount drops to $43. Small businesses represent more than 99.7% of all employers and account for 75% of all new jobs. Many small business owners recognize the importance of the Shop Local movement to their business growth. In a recent survey by Constant Contact, Inc., 51 percent of respondents felt that being locally owned and operated is a major reason why customers support their business todayup from the 42 percent who thought it was a major reason five years ago. To that end, consumers might do well to check out their local merchants before buying products online or from a chain store. Many independent businesses will offer competitive pricing or match an online price, saving consumers both shipping charges and delivery time. Local merchants provide personal service and may offer specials to their loyal customers. Get to know the small business owners in your community and you may find yourself in the know for sales and new products before the rest of the crowd. See if your favorite local businesses have Facebook pages, and Like them if they do. Its a great way to learn about new product offerings and sale dates. Many even hold contests with great prizes. Here are seven easy ways to help you start shopping locally: 1. Stop by an independently owned coffee shop for your morning coffee or tea. Often, these places also sell goodies from local bakeries. 2. This summer, stop for ice cream or frozen yogurt at a locally owned shop. Many locally owned shops have specialty flavors unique to them. The owner will appreciate your business and your taste buds will, too. 3. Buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at your neighborhood farmers markets. Many also have freshly baked breads and pastries, local honey, and homemade crafts. 4. Skip the chain restaurants and try a family-owned local eatery or a smaller, independent restaurant. 5. Buy pet food and supplies from independent pet food stores, whose owners are often more knowledgeable and invested in their business than chain store employees, and can help you find the best products for your furry friends. 6. Encourage others to shop local-

17

ly by giving gift cards from local businesses as gifts for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. 7. Keep in mind that while many franchises are national or regional brands, specific locations are often independently owned and, often, they are locally owned. Are you a business owner? Encourage community members to shop locally by providing competitive prices and excellent personal service, and showing your local customers how much you appreciate them. In addition, you can support other local businesses by shopping with them, referring customers and partnering with them to offer specials to the community. Brad Smith, who is currently touring the United States in a Sage-branded RV encouraging people to shop local #SageShopLocal, has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the web consumer, enterprise software, and communication service provider industries, spanning sales and marketing, product management and development, service architecture, and service/support delivery roles.

Lyme Disease Numbers 10 Times Higher than Previously Reported


Southfield - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an estimate of the number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease each year and their new estimate is 10 times higher than previously reported. While the CDCs newest numbers estimate the number of Americans diagnosed with Lyme disease each year is approximately 300,000 people, veterinarians from Michigan Veterinary Specialists, a BluePearl Veterinary Partners hospital, want to remind people that their pets are susceptible to Lyme disease as well. Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that is carried and transmitted by ticks. Lyme disease can cause fatigue, fever, joint pain, kidney damage, lethargy, loss of appetite, neurologic disorders and trouble walking. Lyme disease is treatable, but as with most problems, the sooner it is caught, the better. If left untreated, it is potentially fatal. Here are some things MVS and BluePearl doctors recommend to ensure your pet is protected: Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your pet against Lyme disease. Talk with your veterinarian about the best way to prevent fleas and ticks from latching on to your pet. They may suggest an oral medication where your pet is simply given a pill once a month or they may encourage spot-on medications, medicated shampoos, powders, tick dips or tick collars. Try to keep your pets indoors as much as possible and have your yard and home treated. Inspect your pet for ticks if they have been outside near wooded areas. If a tick is found, take tweezers and remove the tick as close to the body of the pet as possible, trying to get the head of the tick out. Keep an eye on your pet and look out for any changes in behavior. If your pet is not acting right, take him or her to your veterinarian as soon as possible. According to data provided by the CDC, Lyme disease is found throughout the continental U.S. but is found more heavily in the Midwest and eastern U.S. According to the CDC, 96% of Lyme disease cases in the U.S. were reported from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Review of Big Data


that evokes crucial economic, medical and even philosophical questions. This book is so enthusiastic that you might need to take some of the claims with a grain of salt. That said, the pages crackle with energy and describe implications for everyone and every business. If only a tenth of what the authors claim is true, they are describing a fundamental change in the world and they underscore the fact that this is only the beginning of the big data revolution. getAbstract recommends this futurist manifesto to those interested in how technology changes society, in cyberculture or intellectual history, and to those who must deal, one way or another, with big data. Viktor Mayer-Schnberger, Kenneth Cukier. Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. 256 pages. ISBN-13: 9780544002692. getAbstract is the leading provider of business book summaries, with thousands of titles covered. www.getabstract.com

Provided by www.getabstract.com Professor Viktor Mayer-Schnberger and Economist data editor Kenneth Cukier make sweeping claims about big data. The authors describe a tidal wave of data

18 Legal/Accounting/Consulting Briefs
Grand Rapids For the 13th consecutive year, law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP, awarded the following recipients with academic scholarships to assist minority students from Michigan complete their law degree or paralegal studies: Bernadette Walli of Pierson, and Brenda P. Garcia of Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Open to the public, Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., P.C.s, 27th annual Chipping for Charity golf outing will take place Wednesday, September 18, 2013, at Scott Lake Country Club, 911 Hayes NE, Comstock Park, with proceeds benefiting South End Community Outreach Ministries. Grand Rapids Axios, Inc., a 100% employee owned human resource company, is celebrating its 25th year in business. Founded May 1988, Axios had 2012 sales of approximately $100,000,000, and co-employed nearly 2300 full-time, and 4500 part-time people. Axios does business in 14 states, with the majority of its revenue generated in Michigan. Grand Rapids Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., PC, welcomed David R. Oesterle as Staff Accountant. Grand Rapids National Association of Health Underwriters - an organization of health insurance agents, brokers and professionals - installed its 2013-2014 board naming Lighthouse Group Account Executive Denise R. VanPutten, CBC, as National Membership Chair. Grand Rapids Plante Moran Financial Advisors named Certified Financial Planner Amy Butterfield, as Associate, specializing in investment advising, tax planning, business succession and estate planning, trust administration, insurance consulting. Lansing Gallagher Law Firm attorney Jennifer Tichelaar was lead attorney representing a creditor in connection with obtaining a $9,674,057.18 judgment of non-dischargeability in Bankruptcy Court, which involved a failed casino development project in Nevada. Grand Rapids The Right Place announced addition of Eric Icard, Business Development Manager, and will be responsible for business retention, expansion and attraction work. Grand Rapids Plante Moran, PLLC promoted: Ryan W. Bryker, CPA, to Associate; Anthony J. Israels, CPA, to State and Local Tax Manager; Tim VanWingerden, CPA, to Associate; and Paul Weis, to Manager. Grand Rapids Miller Johnson announced Michael B. Quinn and Connie R. Thacker received certification as Family Law Arbitrators by American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Grand Rapids Miller Johnson announced Laurie Murphy was named by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as 2013 Michigan Women in the Law. Grand Rapids Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones, PLC, welcomed two new Attorneys: Philip M. Idema, practices family, business and real estate laws, estate planning, and probate, and David Keyser, practices family, criminal law. Holland Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP, partner Jennifer L. Remondino was appointed to serve as Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Board Member.

Michigan Retailers Sales Projections Remain Strong


Lansing More Michigan retailers expect sales to improve for the next three months, following a jump in their July sales, according to the Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The Indexs future-outlook component rose to its highest level in 10 years during July, while the improvement in current sales was the best in nearly three years. The retail industrys overall performance increased significantly in July and retailers optimism grew even stronger, said James P. Hallan, MRA president and CEO. Consumers were flexing their spending muscles after holding back in June, he said. The question now is whether sales can stay at this higher level or they will return to the roller-coaster pattern weve seen all year, he added. The July Michigan Retail Index found that 53 percent of retailers increased sales over the same month last year, while 31 percent recorded declines and 16 percent saw no change. The results create a seasonally adjusted performance index of 63.9, up from 47.7 in June. A year ago July it was 56.1. The Index gauges the performance of the states overall retail industry, based on monthly surveys conducted by MRA and the Federal Reserve. Index values above 50 generally indicate positive activity; the higher the number, the stronger the activity. Looking forward, 62 percent of retailers expect sales during AugustOctober to increase over the same period last year, while 13 percent project a decrease and 25 percent no change. That puts the seasonally adjusted outlook index at 82.0, up from 79.3 in June and the highest since 88.2 in October 2004. A year ago July it stood at 67.4. At the national level, July retail sales excluding autos, gasoline and building materials rose 0.5 percent, the biggest gain since last December, according to the

Michigan Home Broadband Adoption: More Work To Be Done


Lansing, MI New data released by Connect Michigan today shows that in Michigan not all non-adopters of broadband are of the same mindset. While Michiganders may recognize the value of high-speed Internet access, pricing and the level of digital literacy, significantly impact adoption. Michigan residents still face several barriers to the adoption of broadband at home, said Connect Michigan State Program Manager Eric Frederick. By working to alleviate these barriers, residents, businesses, and communities can experience the benefits of broadband including enhanced education, access to government services, and improved communications. Among the key findings from this report: Nearly three out of ten Michigan residents (29%) do not subscribe to broadband service at home, representing nearly 2.2 million adults in the state. More than three out of ten Michigan adults who do not subscribe to home broadband service (31% or 665,000 adults) still go online, but only from locales outside of their home, such as work or public computing centers at libraries and schools. Among all home broadband nonadopters in Michigan, the biggest share of non-adopters (29%) say that the main reason they do not subscribe to home broadband service is because they do not see enough value in being connected, or they do not consider broadband relevant to their lives. Non-adopters who only access the Internet at public computing centers are the most likely to cite the cost of broadband or the ease of accessing the Internet at locations other than home as the main reasons why they do not subscribe at home. Only one-third (33%), or approximately 976,000 Michiganders who did not subscribe to home broadband service, reported that they would be willing to subscribe to broadband if it were offered at a price that they deemed reasonable. Connect Michigan conducted a survey of 1,201 adult heads of households across the state of Michigan in 2012 as well as a survey with 2,400 non-adopting households in 2011. The studies examined the reasons residents did not subscribe to broadband, which populations in Michigan are less likely to subscribe, and the implications of service pricing.

5 Tips for Becoming an Office All-Star


by Joshua Coburn With competition in the business world running at a faster pace and more competitive than ever, the need for new and creative leadership is rapidly growing. Fulfilling this need has resulted in an influx of new employees penetrating the corporate landscape. Frequently these employees are thrust into management positions untrained and illequipped for leadership. Below are five tips for standing out in the office, all of which have been advantageous for me and the executives Ive modeled myself after in even the most conservative of industries. Because being a leader isnt about who is forced to follow you, its about who fights to be on your team. Be Kind In business you are either moving forward or being left behind. While others are focused on gaining political capital and laying emphasis on their perceived social prominence, or lack thereof, my suggestion is to focus on being kind. I often hear that nice guys finish last, but I am also aware that the best team also always wins. I would rather invest heavily in being kind to others, giving support where it is due, and encouragement when needed in order to create a team of supportive individuals rather than spend the time worrying about gaining positive political capital. Invest in personal capital through actions and political capital through vocation will follow. Give Credit Where Due Throughout our lives we have been trained to work toward gaining the praise of others. On our little league baseball teams it was about the glory of winning the neighborhood pennant, later the splendor of straight A report cards, and as adults the majesty of being promoted to the corner office, all milestones that seem to gain envy from those who surround us. While all the hard work to reach these personal landmarks is commendable the feeling tends to be fleeting and unfulfilling. Fulfillment is found in deeds dedicated to others. Accept credit for the time youve put in, but heap praise upon those who assisted you in realizing your goals. Giving credit where it is due not only lends you credibility, it gives you sincerity. Sincerity affords you a dedicated team, a dedicated team points to success, and success as a team gives way to a fulfilling work life. Make Decisions In that we are looking at the general corporate landscape, it is important to acknowledge that there are decision makers and there are those that fancy themselves decision makers. Those that fancy themselves decision makers often fail to accept the responsibility that comes along with positions of power. The decision maker is not only willing to accept the responsibility that comes with an appointed position, they thrive on both a decisions success and the knowledge gained from failure. Rather than avoiding the issues and the tough questions, hoping bad situations solve themselves, the decision maker considers his options, decides on a solution, and acts upon it. This simple, and seemingly obvious, observation is one many fail to acknowledge or choose to ignore, thus handing over executive positions to non-decision makers. There is no place in business, or leadership, for stagnant indecision. Be a decision maker, connect with other decision makers, and make decisions together. Take Risks A leader is expected to innovate, to create, and to propel business forward. There is only one possible way to achieve all of these feats- taking risks. Leaders will regularly avoid risk when business is good in order to pad a resume (who doesnt want to be able to show massive revenue increases year over year) and enjoy the rich breezes of profit paradise. Sadly, for these individuals, industry runs of massive growth are not sustainable unless the dormant get vigorous, dynamic, and risk ready. At the end of a growth period, when sustainability relies on those that consider themselves decision makers whove naturally become risk averse, we see and experience massive personnel changes within a company. Meanwhile, decision makers willing to take risks, and reap both the reward and the consequence, are poised to climb the proverbial corporate ladder. Never allow for comfortable satisfaction on the job, always eye for excitement and change. Trust Your Instincts Data matters, but your instincts do too. Data is able to expose patterns & trends, to support business models, and provide a business direction. What may be more important is what data is not able to do, and that is show emotion. Passion, excitement, and a love for the game is why we all got into the avenues of business we are in. Those who have the hunger for their business will always be ahead of the curve, sometimes so far ahead that the rest of the world- even your current consumer base- is not even close to reaching the destination youve reached. Data cannot predict the next logical step when the next step for the industry is dictated by cutting edge consumers with the same hunger; a hunger that may not have a next logical step at all. This is when your passion as the ultimate consumer in your market, your knowledge of your customer base, and your instincts for the business congregates. Innovation is created by passion, excitement, and a love for the game. Your gut will guide your next steps when data wont. According to the Meriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of extraordinary (extraordinary) is going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary. The leaders I have modeled myself after in business are extraordinary because they have gone above and beyond what is usual by integrating these five tips into their life. Whether youre a CEO at a Fortune 500 company or taking your first job at the local deli, be confidant in yourself, trust your instincts, and treat others well. Your bold, but kind efforts wont go unnoticed. Soon youll find people joining your adventures in the office, and more importantly, in life. A former ground-breaking body modification artist and small business owner in the Midwest, Joshua Coburn has made the drastic shift to corporate

19

America as the Promotions Specialist at Brownells Inc. During this time period, Coburn also developed the small production company, Provoke Productions, through which he wrote and released his first book, as well as two albums from the regionally successful hard rock band Freaklabel. His second book, 2007s Through the EYES of an Abstract Mind, soon followed and, in 2013, Coburn released Inspiration on Demand, the culmination of a project called #ihelpedchangealife. #ihelpedchangealife was born out of Facebook friends and fans requests for a book of Coburns daily quotes, which he posted on his social media platforms to assist in remedying his own struggles. Today, Coburn actively speaks to junior high and high schools, youth and church groups, college classes, and various state departments on subjects ranging from body modification and tattoo culture to career planning, self-confidence, peer pressure, and self-actualization. He has also been featured on local, national and international television programs. For more information, please visit www.joshuacoburn.com.

Review of Big Data


that evokes crucial economic, medical and even philosophical questions. This book is so enthusiastic that you might need to take some of the claims with a grain of salt. That said, the pages crackle with energy and describe implications for everyone and every business. If only a tenth of what the authors claim is true, they are describing a fundamental change in the world and they underscore the fact that this is only the beginning of the big data revolution. getAbstract recommends this futurist manifesto to those interested in how technology changes society, in cyberculture or intellectual history, and to those who must deal, one way or another, with big data. Viktor Mayer-Schnberger, Kenneth Cukier. Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. 256 pages. ISBN-13: 9780544002692. getAbstract is the leading provider of business book summaries, with thousands of titles covered. www.getabstract.com

Provided by www.getabstract.com Professor Viktor Mayer-Schnberger and Economist data editor Kenneth Cukier make sweeping claims about big data. The authors describe a tidal wave of data

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen