January Focus PDF

8/3/2019 January Focus PDF

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Capitol National Bank Celebrating 30 years

A Community Bank Focused on People

Focus.January.2012

A visitor standing in the reception area o CapitolNational Banks headquarters in downtownLansing will notice a ramed photograph o thelate Bob Carr who was the original bank president.Alongside his photo is a quote or which Carr waswidely known among his colleagues at CapitolNational.

Banking always has been, and always will be, apeople business.

In many respects, that declaration by Bob Carrhas always reected the core values o CapitolNational Bank (CNB), which was ormed byLansing area business leaders in 1982 to fll avoid in the market. Capitol Nationals missionwas to meet the needs o small and medium-sized businesses that many elt were not beingmet by the larger bank holding companies.

Fast orward to 2012, as Capitol National Bankcelebrates its 30th anniversary. Capitol NationalBank remains steadast in its mission as a truecommunity bank. Its all about local peopleserving local people.

Thats the tenant o our success, said PaulaD. Cunningham, president and CEO o CapitolNational Bank. We dont look at how manyaccounts weve opened. We emphasize thebuilding o relationships and knowing people bytheir name, not by their account number. We wantto add value to every relationship and we thinkCapitol National does that better than anybody.

Over the past three decades, Capitol Nationalssteadast commitment to its community banking

mission has been most evident in the quality andlongevity o its sta - starting with its leadership.Cunningham is only the third president in bankhistory, ollowing John Smythe, who like Bob Carrwas a long time, respected local banker. Capitol

National has also prided itsel on the act that it isnot only managed daily by local people, but hasalways maintained a local board o directors.

Our board members are local entrepreneurs, andbusiness people who know this community, saidCunningham. They arent just making lendingdecisions based solely on fnancial statements,but they also consider the character o theindividuals involved. It also means that assets thatare coming into our bank are being reinvested inthe Greater Lansing region and not being divertedto other communities.

The commitment to Capitol National Banksmission can be seen throughout the organization,as 20 percent o the banks employees haveremained employed there or at least 25 years.

Its rewarding to come to work every day withpeople who want to make a dierence in the

community, said Ronda Thompson, who hasworked at Capitol National since 1985 and servesas vice president o development. Our customersknow and trust us and we truly enjoy helpingthem succeed.

Like all fnancial institutions, Capitol National Bankhad to fght its way through difcult economictimes in recent years. Cunningham is proud othe act that Capitol National is one o very ew

banks that reused to accept government bailoutunds rom the Troubled Asset Relie Program,instead fghting its way out o the down times in

januaryjanuary2012

what Cunningham reers to as the old ashionedway.

We made tough decisions and reduced sta,says Cunningham. Nothing beats hard work. Iyou work your way into it, you can work your

way out o it. Now, we can see the light at theend o the tunnel, without having to pay back thegovernment.

There are many reasons or optimism as theeconomy starts to improve. Loan requests areincreasing and have been bolstered or CapitolNational by the Small Business Association (SBA)loan programs that are ueling growth or smallbusinesses in the region. Cunningham predicts

CNB will increasingly be involved in collaborationsthat connect one business to another, such as thePure Michigan Connect initiative to which CNBhas committed to providing at least 20 loans toMichigan businesses in the next calendar year.Another example Cunningham cites is the GillespieGroups project to develop the Marshall StreetArmory into a home or area non-profts. CapitolNational was one o fve fnancial institutions thatjoined together to provide fnancing to make thatproject possible.

There is something else that is very unique aboutCapitol National Bank. In 1982, there were eightbanks in Lansing. Today, only one o those banksis still located here with the same name, the samelocation, and some o the same great people

Capitol National Bank.

The rest o the world may have changed.

However, Capitol National Banks ocus on beinga community bank that helps build relationshipsand helps local businesses grow continues to beas strong today as it was 30 years ago.

Capitol National Bank has only had three presidents in its 30-year history. Picture l-r: Bob Carr (1982-1998), John Smythe (1998-2006) and Paula Cunningham (2006-present).

The rest of the world may

have changed. However,

Capitol National Banks focus

on being a community bank

that helps build relationships

and helps local businesses

grow continues to be

as strong today as it

was 30 years ago.

Members o the Capitol National Team shown on the cover include (l-r): Ronda Thompson (back row),Paula Cunningham (seated), Deborah Keyes, David Feldpausch, Lori Garcia(back row), Patty Lloyd-Barnas(seated) and Greg Adkins.


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FcuEditor

Ross Woodstock

PrintingSpartan Printing, Inc.

MailingHot Prospects Direct

CovEr PhotoCourtesy of Trumpie Photography

Tim DamanPresident and CEO

Lansing Regional

Chamber of Commerce

I wl like t tk ll f

memes w elpe te

Cme ejy sccessfl

2011. My est wises t ll

f y f et 2012. Lets

il pess tete!

I there is a word that best captures 2011 or the Lansing Regional

Chamber o Commerce, it might be progress. Each o the Chambers

divisions enjoyed many successes in the past year, and in many

respects laid a oundation or growth on which we ully intend to build

on in 2012.

This past year, the Chamber launched Greater Lansing Progress (GLP),

an issue advocacy campaign created to develop and promote a unifed

vision o progress or our region. GLP ocused on the Lansing City Council

races this past year. Although they didnt win their At-Large Council races,

political newcomers Rory Neuner and Tom Stewart overcame a lack o

name recognition and made an extremely strong showing at the polls.

The City Council races demonstrated that GLP and the Chamber certainly

sent a strong message that the voice o business will be making a largerimpact on the local political scene.

The Chamber made great strides in its international program particularly

with the growth o Port Lansing in the past year. The Michigan Economic

Development Corporation also named the Chamber as one o our

regional host organizations or an exciting new Statewide Trade &

Exporting Program.

Chamber programs enjoyed record attendance during the year, highlighted

by Governor Rick Snyders address to the Lansing Economic Club in

March, which was attended by more than 800 members. Marking its

sixth anniversary in November, the Celebration o Regional Growth has

now recognized 32 companies that have invested more than $1 billion

in our regional economy.

The Chamber intends to keep the momentum going in 2012, starting

with the 100th Annual Dinner in February, which will highlight the history

o this great organization. Our advocacy eorts will ocus on elections

or county commissions, township boards and the state legislature.Another primary goal or the Chamber in the coming year is to provide

greater educational and networking opportunities or small businesses.

I would like to thank all o our members who helped the Chamber enjoy

a successul 2011. My best wishes to all o you or a great 2012. Lets

build on our progress together!

A MessageFrom The President

Focus.January.2012

Building on our Progress

in the New Year

C2AE ..................................4

PHP .....................................5

Sparrow ..............................6

MSUFCU ...........................10

Blue Cross Blue Shield ....12

aee

100th Annual

Dinner o the

Lansing RegionalChamber o

Commerce

Wednesday,

February 22, 2012

5:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m.

Lansing Center

Registration

and Inormation

www.

lansingchamber

.org


3/12

3

News &Events

Focus.January.2012

Wednesday, January 18 STEP(PurE MIChIgan STaTE TradE & ExPorT ProMoTIon) SEMInar,

9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Comstock Inn & Conerence Center, 300 E. Main St, Owosso, MI 48867 Attend-

ees will hear how STEP can assist your business, start or increase your companys exports.

Wednesday, January 18 EaST LanSIng/MErIdIan govErnMEnT rELaTIonS CoMMITTEE, 8 9 a.m. The East Lansing / Meridian Government Relations Committee meets the third Wednesday o

each month to provide a orum or business leaders to discuss important issues aecting East Lansing/

Meridian Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingcham-

ber.org.

Friday, January 27 STEP (PurE MIChIgan STaTE TradE & ExPorT ProMoTIon) SEMInar,

9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Mid-Michigan Community College-Doan Center, 2600 S. Summerton Road,

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. Attendees will hear how STEP can assist your business start or increase your

companys exports.

Wednesday, February 1 dELTa govErnMEnT rELaTIonS CoMMITTEE, 8 9 a.m. Lexington

Lansing Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. The Delta Government Relations Committee

meets the frst Wednesday o each month to provide a orum or business leaders to discuss important

issues aecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@

lansingchamber.org.

Friday, February 3 STEP (PurE MIChIgan STaTE TradE & ExPorT ProMoTIon) SEMInar, 9:00

a.m. 1:30 p.m., Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710. Attend-ees will hear how STEP can assist your business, start or increase your companys exports.

Tuesday, February 7 MEMbEr MIxEr, 5 - 7 p.m., Red Cedar Cae. 1331 East Grand River Ave, East

Lansing, MI 48823. $10 member, $30 non-member. Includes hors doeuvres.

Wednesday, February 15 EaST LanSIng/MErIdIan govErnMEnT rELaTIonS CoMMITTEE, 8

9 a.m. The East Lansing / Meridian Government Relations Committee meets the third Wednesday o

each month to provide a orum or business leaders to discuss important issues aecting East Lansing/

Meridian Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at [email protected].

Thursday, February 16 EConoMIC CLub, 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conerence

Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Catherine Creamer, executive director, ArtPrize. Program begins at

noon; please arrive early or registration & networking. Single tickets $40, or tables o 8 $300 (includes

lunch). Pre-registration is required. To register or this event please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

Wednesday, February 22 annuaL dInnEr, 5:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m., The Lansing Center, 333 East

Michigan Avenue Lansing, MI 48933. This program includes remarks rom the Chambers incomingboard Chair, honors the outgoing Chair and board members, ollowed by the presentation o the Com-

munity Service, Outstanding Small Business and Chamber Legacy Awards. This is also an opportunity

to look back on the past years Ten Over the Next Ten, Celebration o Regional Growth and ATHENA

recipients. To register or this event & view prices, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

Ee c cmpmey f ee ece memep ee:

Bronze Gold Silver Platinum

ChaMbErs oF

CoMMErCE

lEgislativE

dinnEr

Wednesday, March 21Lansing Lexington Hotel

Reception: 5:30 p.m.

Dinner and Program:6:15 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Register atwww.lansingchamber.org

Wednesday, January 4 dELTa gov-

ErnMEnT rELaTIonS CoMMITTEE, 8

9 a.m. Lexington Lansing Hotel, 925 S.

Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. The Delta

Government Relations Committee meets the

frst Wednesday o each month to provide

a orum or business leaders to discuss

important issues aecting Delta Township.To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP

to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingchamber.

org.

Tuesday, January 10 MEMbEr MIxEr,

5 - 7 p.m., Guys & Dolls Hairstyling, Inc.,

418 Frandor Shopping Center, Lansing, MI

48912 $10 member, $30 non-member.

Includes hors doeuvres.

Friday, January 27 EConoMIC CLub,

11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel &

Conerence Center, East Lansing. Speak-

ers: Mark Lange, executive director; Penny

Lewandowski, director o entrepreneurship

development; Edward Lowe Foundation.

Sponsored by Rehmann. Program begins

at noon; please arrive early or registration& networking. Single tickets $40, or tables

o 8 $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registra-

tion is required. To register or this event

please visit www.lansingchamber.org.


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Thank YouRenewing Members

WelcomeNew Members

Focus.January.2012

Please remember to use the member login portion of the Chamber website to keep

your contact information up-to-date. This will ensure that you receive all Chamber

communications in a timely manner. Contact us at 517.487.6340 if you have

any questions or are not receiving our communications.

Accu Distributing, LLC/Quality Vision Construction

Aire Serv o Mid-Michigan

Charter One Bank

EMO Trans, Inc.

EMU Aviation -Eagle Flight Centre

FreshCoat o Lansing

Holiday Inn Express & Suites(Amerilodge Group)

Hope Network

Management ResourcesDevelopment

Monarch Community Bank

Portnoy & Tu, DDS, PC.Family Dentistry

RedHead Design Studio

Sams Club

Siena Capital Management

Vision Collision, LLC

Fishbeck, Thompson,Carr & Huber, Inc.

MBI International

Meiers & LombardiniInsurance Services

Farm Bureau Insurance

Gallagher & Associates CPAs,PLC

Hyundai o Lansing

Preuss PetsSpartan Motors Inc.

Franchino Mold & Engineering

Hedlund Plumbing

Hiring Solutions, LLC

Kingsley Moving Systems

MacIntyre & Cowen ReMax RealEstate Proessionals - Your Home

Sold in 12

Watertown Charter Township

ChamberMilestones

Wed like to oer a special salute

to these great organizations that

reached milestone anniversaries

as Chamber members this month.

Thank you or your continued

support through the years!

Fishbeck, Thompson,Carr & Huber, Inc.

45 years

MBI International25 years

Meiers & LombardiniInsurance Services

15 years

Farm Bureau Insurance5 years

Gallagher & AssociatesCPAs, PLC

5 years

Hyundai of Lansing5 years

Preuss Pets

5 years

Spartan Motors, Inc.5 years


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Membership

Nomination Deadline orAnnual Dinner Awards:

January 13 at 5:00 pm

Robert B. Hughes, an advisor or

Principal Financial Group, has beeninducted into Michigan Insurance

Hall o Fame.

Hughes has been an advisor or

51 years. He has been a membero the Chamber or 35 years andchair o the Chamber Board in 2005

and 2006. He was recognized orhis many years o involvement in

the industry where he has been a

Former Chamber Board Chair Bob HughesInducted into the Michigan Insurance

Hall o Fame

There is still time to submit nominations or the LansingRegional Chambers Community Service and Outstanding Small BusinessAwards. Completed nominations must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday,January 13. Both awards will be presented as part o the Chambers 100thAnnual Dinner program on Wednesday, February 22.

The nominees or the Community Service Award will be evaluated using theollowing criteria: Anoutstandingindividualwhohasgivenoftheirtimeandexpertisein

making the Lansing region a better community; Selectedforaccomplishmentsabove,beyondandoutsidetheirowneld

o endeavor; Personselectedmustdemonstrateexcellence,creativityandinitiativein

their business and proession throughout their entire career, and be osound moral character; and

AdditionalconsiderationwillbegiventonomineeswhoareChamber

members.

The recipient o the Outstanding Small Business Award is a local small businessthat has demonstrated stability, innovation, commitment to community, abilityto overcome challenges and commitment to diversity. Award qualifers: Musthave2-64full-timeequivalentemployees(includingallindependent

contractors); Businessisphysicallylocatedinthetri-countyregion;

Minimumofthreeyearsconductingbusinessasbothalegalandactive

owner; Duringthosethreeyears,thebusinessmusthavebeenlocalforthe

entire period; and Duringthosethreeyears,thebusinessmusthaveremainedinthesame

general industry.

Nominations should be mailed to Lansing Regional Chamber Awards, PO Box14030, Lansing, MI 48912, ax to 517-484-6910 or email [email protected].

staunch proponent or licensing and

legislative and advocacy issues.

Hughes is a past president o the

National Association o Insuranceand Financial Advisors and a lie

member o the Million Dollar RoundTable. He has served on severallocal boards, including: Parkwood

YMCA, Red Cross, chair emerituso Sparrow Specialty Hospital, and

various committees at MSU.


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LRC-PAC Watching Local and State Legislative Races in 2012

Advocacy

Focus.January.2012

election years and has been successul in electing itsendorsed candidates to the state legislatures, LansingCity Council, township, school board and countyofces. For the frst time in 2010, LRC-PAC endorsedcandidates or the county commissions in Eatonand Clinton Counties, as well as Ingham County,

which reects the increased interest in the businesscommunity or electing candidates that embrace a probusiness agenda.

People want growth and they want elected ofcials who will help acilitate growth by enacting publicpolicies that will encourage jobs and investment,said Beltzer.

There have been increasing concerns in recent yearsover roadblocks that have inhibited the regions abilityto move orward. Particularly troubling have beenattempts by some elected ofcials to orce adoption opublic policies that hinder job growth and investment.

O note have been eorts to convince public bodiesto adopt prevailing wage ordinances and ProjectLabor Agreements that have been demonstrated to killimportant developments and jobs. Ingham Countyrecently adopted a so-called Pollution Preventionordinance that imposes costly and duplicative

regulations on businesses that handle hazardousmaterials. Lansing City Council drew widespreadcondemnation or policy votes that threatenedseveral recent proposed projects, and many localmunicipalities continue to provide ewer services tobusinesses and residents while managing inefcientgovernment bureaucracies.

In 2011, the Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce

joined a broad-based community coalition known asGreater Lansing Progress (GLP), which is seeking tochange the nature o public discussion and outcomeo critical issues that aect our region. GLP is the frsto its kind coalition ormed in this region to uniy thecommunity around a common vision o greatness.

Greater Lansing Progress and the LRC-PAC ocusedmuch o their attention in 2011 on the races orLansing City Council and both groups ully expect tosimilar aggressive eorts in several local and state

races in the coming year.

We look orward to working with Greater LansingProgress and candidates throughout the region whoshare our vision o what economic vitality lookslike or our community and are willing to work ondeveloping a plan to achieve it, said Beltzer.

The 2012 election cycle is shaping up as animportant one or local township, county and statelegislative races, and the Lansing Regional Chambero Commerce Political Action Committee (LRC-PAC)intends to be heavily involved in the key races.

Among the races LRC-PAC is monitoring heading into2012 will be those or seats on the Ingham CountyBoard o Commissioners as well as key township

battles including board races in Meridian and DeltaTownships. State legislative battles are o particularimportance next years, as several state lawmakersmust leave their house seats due to term limitsincluding representatives Mark Meadows, Jane Bauerand Barb Byrum.

Its too early to make decisions about races onwhich we will ocus, but there are quite a ew racesand issues that will be o interest to us in 2012,said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC senior vice president or

government relations and public aairs. LRC-PAChas gained considerable traction in recent years and

we ully intend to capitalize on our momentum byensuring that the voice o business has a positiveimpact in this election year.

LRC-PAC has raised its profle the past several


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Board ofDirectors

Focus.January.2012

Nancy McKeague To Lead Chamber Board in 2012

Paula Cunningham to Serve as Chair-Elect

Nancy McKeague o the Michigan Hospital Association has been elected to chairthe 2012 Board o Directors o the Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce.McKeague succeeds Ron Simon o Auto-Owners who will remain on the Boardas past chair. Paula Cunningham o Capitol National Bank will serve as chair-elect in 2012, and will be in line to serve as board chair in 2013.

McKeague and Cunningham will lead the 29-member LRCC Board, whichincludes fve new members in 2012.

OFFiCers (One Year Appointment)

ChaIr oF ThE boardNancy McKeagueMichigan Hospital Association

PaST ChaIrRon SimonAuto-Owners Insurance

ChaIr ELECTPaula CunninghamCapitol National Bank

LEgaL CounSEL

Je HicksHicks & Mullett, PLLC

TrEaSurEr

*Je FineisAndrews Hooper and Pavlik

PrESIdEnTTim DamanLansing Regional

Chamber o Commerce

Mketi &Cmmicti

Joe FordNetvantage Marketing

Itetilbsiess Seices

Jean SchtokalFoster, Swit,Collins & Smith

Meme SeicesDeb MuchmoreMarketingResource Group

gemetreltis

Kevin McKinneyMcKinney & Associates

diVisiOn direCTOrs (One Year Appointment)

aT-LarGe

J 2010 dec 2012

Lon Bohannon, Neogen

Patrick Dean, Dean Transportation

Pat Gillespie, Gillespie Group

Heather Shawa-DeCook, Demmer Corporation

J. Peter Lark, Lansing Board o Water and Light

Dennis Swan, Sparrow Health Systems (2007)

J 2011 dec 2013

John Brown, Jackson National Lie Insurance

Bill Kimble, C2AE

*Sean Kirk, Emergent Biosolutions

Dave Mulder, Meijer, Inc.

Tim Salisbury, PNC Bank

Ryan Vartoogian, Spartan Internet Consulting

J 2012 dec 2014

*David Baker, Farm Bureau Insurance

Melanie Bergeron, Two Men & A Truck

*Leslie Brogan, Comcast

Mark Burnham, Michigan State University

*Steve Reynolds, Accident Fund Insurance Co.

Jason Sanders, Fith Third Bank

LEaP, Ic. b SetBob Trezise

*denotes new board member


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Attorney am hllhas joined the GallagherLaw Firm with ofces inLansing, Detroit, GrandRapids, and Mt. Pleasant.Mr. Holland will ocushis practice on creditorsrights, real estate, and

banking law.

a.J. bs & Cmpy has announced the hir-ing ory gel to its IXN Managed Servicesteam, and Emm We as an administrativeassistant.

COMPANY NEWS

The Lansing law frm oLmis, Ewet, Psley,dis & gtti, P.C. has successully completedthe $18,000,000 refnancing o an apartment

project in Lansing, Michigan, known as CollegeTowne West (ormerly known as Dovers Cross-ing).

McLe helt Pl is among Michigans topworkplaces in 2011, according to i ts employeesand the Detroit Free Press. Detroit Free PressTopWorkplaces recently recognized McLaren HealthPlan in the small employer category.

him Mille Scwtz C LLP againhas been ranked among the nations most promi-nent law frms in several key practice areas byU.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms inits national rankings.

The Michigan Colleges Foundations new web-site, www.michigancolleges.org received a 2011Web Award in Nonproft Excellence rom the Web

Marketing Association. The site, built by Lansing-based Ciesdesi, is also being recognized asa best practice by the Foundation or IndependentHigher Education.

Lansing coin dealerPtick a. helle was sur-prised at the MichiganState Numismatic Society(MSNS) Awards CeremonyNovember 27 in Dearborn,

when he was honored withthe rarely bestowed MSNSPresidents Award. Theaward states that it wasgiven For outstandingcontributions to Numis-

matics and Michigan in particular.

Tey Lsky and Wey Mckey oClwell bk-e hell biW completed a three day NARGreen Designation at the Greater Lansing Asso-ciation o REALTORS. NARs Green Designation isthe only NAR-recognized real estate designationor agents looking to learn about issues o energyefciency and sustainability in the various acetso real estate.

Clk Cstcti announces the hiring o twosta members to assist in the companys proj-ects: becky Timelke is a project engineer onthe Airport Schools 2011 Bond Program. Jy

Pwl will serve as a certifed quality manageron the new Battalion Headquarters project at FortRiley, Kansas.

PEOPLE NEWS

oliet Cllee head ootball coach ric hlkwhas announced his retirement rom coaching,according to an announcement rom athleticdirector Heather Bateman.

MSu Feel Ceit ui

has announced the pro-motion o apil Cles,MSUFCUs executive vicepresident, to the newlycreated position o chieoperating ofcer.

MSu Feel Ceit uihas announced the pro-

motion o S dl,MSUFCUs vice president oadjustments, to the posi-tion o vice president ofnance and adjustments.

Im reil Meicl Cete ofcialsannounced that rick Wit has accepted theposition o president and chie executive ofcer,beginning in late January. Wright brings morethan 30 years o hospital leadership experienceto Ingham Regional, including nearly 15 yearsas a CEO.

becky Wei has returned to Fse TeilccksLansing ofce, as a paralegal in the Trusts andEstates Practice Group, where she works closelywith the trusts and estates attorneys, including

Mlie Te, Mk Kell and Melis Mys-liwiec.

ael Witwe, co-own-er o Ee Ptesipstakes her position onthe Waverly CommunitySchool Board o Educationthis January.

Plee Seice Cmpy is proud to announcethe promotion oJeife Mpy to chie fnan-cial ofcer.

MembersOn The Move

Focus.January.2012

Send your news to

Maeve MacDonald

at mmacdonald@

lansingchamber.org

Pt helle () ecei-

i te Mici Stte

nmismtic Sciety

Pesiets aw

Tey Lsky Wey Mckey

becky Timelke Jy Pwl


9/12

9

MSu Feel Ceit ui was recently recognized as one o the Top Work-

places in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press. MSUFCU placed 10th

in theDetroit Free Press mid-size category which includes companies with 150-499employees.

Thousands o Michigans baby boomers will experience cataract surgery withthe accuracy and precision o laser treatment being oered or the frst time inMichigan by TLC Eyece & Lse Cetes. The Alcon LenSx laser is helpingdefne the uture o laser cataract surgery.

Clk Cstcti employees collected and delivered Christmas gits to 30

deserving children as part o Operation Good Cheer, which is an entirely volun-teer, git-giving program sponsored and coordinated through Child and FamilyServices o Michigan, Inc.

Fse Teilcckhas earned the distinction o being named one o the top nation-ally ranked law frms in the United Statesby LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell.

InternationalTrade

Focus.January.2012

International Air Service Boosting

Passenger Trafc at Capital

Region International Airport

Theavailabilityo directights topopular international vacationdestinations has helped leadto a surge o passenger travel in the past year at Capital Region

International Airport. The partnership between Apple Vacations and SunCountry Airlines has been expanded or the 2012 winter vacation seasonand now eatures ights to Cancun Mexico, Montego Bay Jamaica andPunta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The act that Capital Region International Airport has the only ull servicecustoms operation in the state outside o Detroit combined with our centrallocation makes us extremely attractive or international air service, saidNicole Noll-Williams, director o market development at Capital RegionInternational Airport. Passengers rom throughout Michigan, Indianaand Canada are taking advantage o the exciting vacation opportunitiesand convenience oered by ying Lansing.

The popular international ights will begin ying out o Lansing onDecember 21 and eature three ights a week to Cancun, as well as

weekly ights to Montego Bay and Punta Cana. Inormation about ighttimes and reservations can be made at http://www.applevacations.com/or http://www.suncountry.com/.

The success o international ights combined with the expanded servicebeing oered at Capital Region International Airport by Sun Country

Airlines has helped boost passenger trafc at the airport to monthlyincreases o 30 per cent or more in the past year. Sun Country is oeringnon-stop ights to Washington DC and Minneapolis as well as ourights a week to Orlando.

The service to Washington DC has flled a critical need or our businesscommunity, said Noll-Williams. Minneapolis is also an importantgateway to the west and allows travelers to take advantage o great SunCountry connections to several west coast destinations.

Noll-Williams said the act that airlines have experienced success inLansing is what has led to the increase in ights and destinations atCapital Region International Airport.

Airlines want to know that a community will support their servicebeore oering more destinations, said Noll-Williams. I we wantto continue to add service in Lansing, we need to fll the ights wecurrently have available.

STEP Seminars To Explain New

State Exporting Program

Organizations interested in entering or expanding activity in exportinghave a unique opportunity to gain insight into an innovative new exportprogram through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce (LRCC), MEDC and severaleconomic development partners are collaborating on a series o exportingseminars regarding the Pure Michigan State Export & Trade Promotion(STEP) program, which was launched in October 2011.

The STEP program is intended to assist business in all stages o exporting,including companies that have never exported, but are interested in learningmore, organizations that have exported on occasion and want to increasetheir involvement in oreign markets, and expert exporters seeking to expandvolume and/or enter new markets.

The ollowing dates have been set around the Central Michigan RegionalExport Network to provide companies access to inormation, regardless ogeography:

Jan18,2012OwossoComstockInn&ConferenceCenter 300EMainSt,Owosso,MI48867Web:http://www.sedpweb.org/

BrentJones:989-725-9241e:[email protected]

Jan27,2012:Mt.PleasantMid Michigan Community College - Doan Center

2600S.SummertonRoadWeb:http://www.mmdc.org/

CarolynBennett:989-772-2858e:[email protected]

Feb3,2012SaginawSaginawValleyStateUniversity

7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710 LindseyZion:989-754-8222x234e:[email protected]

Web: http://www.saginawuture.com/For more inormation on the above events, including agendas, venues, orregistration visit www.lansingchamber.org/international-trade. To enroll inthe STEP program visit http://www.michiganadvantage.org/STEP/


10/12

10

EconomicClub

Edward Lowe FoundationExecutives to Kicko

2012 Economic Club Series

Executive director Mark Lange and

director o entrepreneurship Penny

Lewandowski o the Edward Lowe

Foundation will speak at the yearsfrst Economic Club luncheon, which is

scheduled or Friday, January 27.

The Edward Lowe Foundations mission

is to encourage entrepreneurship

by developing inormational and

educational programs and activities to

help support second-stage entrepreneurs

accomplish their business goals. Theoundation also strives to promote a

wider understanding o second-stage

entrepreneurs and the important role

they play in the US economy.

Lange has been with the Edward Lowe

Foundation or 13 years, and has since increased national

recognition or the oundation and is supporting entrepreneurs

in their pursuit or growth and job creation. Prior to joining theoundation, Lange served as the director o the Lundquist Center or

Entrepreneurship at the University o Oregon. During this time, the

Lundquist College o Business was awarded the National Model

MBA Entrepreneurship Program o the Year rom the United States

Association o Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Lewandowski joined the Edward Lowe Foundation in 2005

and ocuses on developing and delivering programs that help

entrepreneurs who are interested in high-sustainable growth.

Previously, she was executive director o the Greater Baltimore

Technology Council Inc. Lewandowski has a variety o leadership

experience in management and has received the prestigious

National Supporter Entrepreneurship Award rom the Kauman

Foundation in 2003.

The January Economic Club Luncheon, sponsored by Rehmann,

will be Friday, January 27 rom 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the

Kellogg Hotel and Conerence Center. Tickets are $40 or $300

or a table o eight. Registration inormation can be completed at

www.lansingchamber.org.

Mark Lange

Penny Lewandowski


11/12

ChamberIn Action

Focus.January.2012

More than 250 people attended the second annual ATHENA Award luncheon, held on December 8at the Kellogg Center. Congratulations to this years ATHENA recipient, Nancy McKeague of the

Michigan Health and Hospital Association. Nancy is most deserving to join a prestigious list ofATHENA honorees in our community.

1982 Dr. MaryLee DavisMichigan State University

1983 Lucille E. Belen(Belens Flowers)

1984 Sister MaryJanice Belen

Diocese o Lansing

1985 Alyson W. SteeleUniorce Stafng Services

1986 Martha MertzMayhood/Mertz

1987 Marcia Jensen SpencerMoore/Jensen Associates, Inc.

1988 Hortense G. Canady, Ph.D.(Lansing Community College)

1989 Mildred Erickson(Michigan State University)

1990 The HonorableDebbie Stabenow

U.S. Senate

1991 Eva Evans, Ph.D.(Lansing School District - Retired)

1992 Patrick D. HanesHanes & Associates

1993 Dawn E. Springer, M.D.Robertson/Springer/Chebli Family Practice

1994 Helen Pratt MickensThomas M. Cooley Law School

1995 Priscilla J. PetersonManagement Recruiters/Ofce

1996 Joan E. BauerMichigan House o Representatives

1997 Marianne E. Samper

Willingham & Cote, P.C.

1998 Sandra DraggooCATA

1999 Suzanne Beekman MillsArts Council O Greater Lansing

2000 Virginia HilbertPTD Technology

2001 Mary Ellen SheetsTwo Men & A Truck

2002 Carol ConnCapitol Fundraising Associates

2003 Theda RuddMichigan State University

2004 Lou Anna K. SimonMichigan State University

2005 Paula CunninghamCapitol National Bank

2006 Sheri JonesWLNS-TV

2007 Paula Blanchard-StonePaula Blanchard Companies

2008 Rachelle Neal

Capitol Research Services

2009 Tiany DowlingM3 - Motion, Marketing & Media

2010 Nell KuhnmuenchGCSI

2011 Nancy McKeagueMichigan Health and Hosp. Assoc.

a: 2010 ATHENA winner Nell Kuhnmuenchcongratulates Nancy McKeague on receivingthe ATHENA Award.b: Nancy McKeague receives the ATHENAaward rom emcee and previous ATHENA

winner Sheri Jones.C: Nancy McKeague and her husband, DavidMcKeague.d: More than 250 attended the secondannual ATHENA Award luncheon held at the

MSU Kellogg Center

E

a

b

C

E: 15 previous ATHENA winners joinedin the celebration honoring this yearsrecipient Nancy McKeague. Pictured l-r:Paula Blanchard-Stone, Helen Mickens,Tiany Dowling, Dr. MaryLee Davis,Marianne Samper, Theda Rudd, MarciaSpencer, Nell Kuhnmuench, NancyMcKeague, Sue Mills, Eva Evans, SheriJones, Paula Cunningham and CarolConn.

d


12/12

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PaidLANSING, MI

PERMIT NO. 622

The Stadium District

500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200

Lansing, MI 48912

Ph. 517.487.6340

lansingchamber.orgAddress Correction Requested

January Focus PDF

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Transcript of January Focus PDF