The 99th Annual Dinner of the
Lansing Regional Chamber of
march2011
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
99th Annual Dinner
A capacity crowd of more than 700 people enjoyed
a celebratory evening at the 99th Annual Dinner of the
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, which was held
at the Michigan State University Kellogg Center.
The Annual Dinner is always viewed as the premier
networking event in the business community and this year
was no exception. This year’s Annual Dinner featured the
traditional social hour of networking prior to the sit-down
dinner plus an expanded networking opportunity over
drinks and dessert following the awards presentation.
WILX-TV 10 news anchor Jason Colthorp served
as master of ceremonies for the evening. The highlight
of the program was the presentation of annual awards
that recognized outstanding community leaders and
organizations for their contributions to the region.
2010 Community Service Award
Lupe Izzo
Lupe Izzo joins a long list of respected community
leaders that have been recognized with the Community
Service Award, which honors outstanding individuals who
have been an inspiration to the community in both their
profession, and in their efforts toward making the Greater
Lansing region a better community.
“I feel it’s an honor and a privilege to help people,”
said Izzo. “If I can help put an awareness out there that a
need is there others will decide to get involved.”
Lupe began her business career when she joined
Rain Soft Water Treatment Company. She won several
sales and service awards in her role as a marketer before
eventually buying the company, which she successfully ran
for more than 20 years. Lupe was recognized with the
Michigan Minority Business Award in 1990.
Lupe has been a dedicated advocate on behalf of
issues impacting the community. She currently serves
as a volunteer coordinator for the Lansing Food Bank;
a fundraising volunteer for Sparrow Health System; a
volunteer for MSU Safe Place and St. Thomas Aquinas;
a chairperson for Ele’s Place and the United Way; Lupe
has also served as chair of the American Cancer Society’s
Commerce was an inspiring and
energizing evening highlighting
much of what makes this
community great. Now, it’s
time to plan an encore – for the
centennial celebration in 2012!
Coaches for Cancer, a cause for which she has helped the Chamber announced Kositchek’s as the recipient of
raise more than $350,000. the first annual Legacy Award. The Lansing-originated
company, now with owner David Kositchek leading the
2010 Outstanding fourth generation family-owned business, has been serving
Small Business Award the Greater Lansing region since 1865 and a Chamber
member since 1939.
Integrated Strategies/Steve Trecha, Kositchek’s is the essence of what the Chamber
president & CEO defines as a small business and is a part of so much of
Integrated Strategies has more than 25 years of what we recognize as the history of Lansing.
supply chain, strategic sourcing and logistics experience. “We are proof positive that a store can not only
Steve Trecha was one of the original founders and still survive, but flourish in downtown Lansing,” said
serves as president and CEO today. Kositchek. “Just being here and being a service to the
“Integrated Strategies is both humbled and honored community for well over 145 years, I think that’s our
to receive this award,” said Trecha. “It is a recognition of greatest accomplishment.”
our team and how it has worked with clients and helped The 99th Annual Dinner of the Lansing Regional
bring them success.” Chamber of Commerce was an inspiring and energizing
Most recently, Integrated Strategies worked to evening highlighting much of what makes this community
great. Now, it’s time to plan an encore – for the centennial
implement the Michigan Department of Corrections
celebration in 2012!
Supply Chain Transformation, empowering state personnel
to think and operate in a continuous improvement/quality
A capacity crowd of more than 700 packed the MSU Kel-
excellence manner, which, in turn, saved the state $18
logg Center for the celebration at the Chamber’s 99th
million to date, and future projections of more than
Annual Dinner
$60 million. Feedback from state
employees reads 90 percent think the
SCT process brought significant value;
83 percent say the SCT process should
be the standard way of doing business;
and 85 percent say they are satisfied
to very satisfied with the process/
results.
2010 Chamber Legacy
Award
Kositchek’s
This year the Chamber
implemented a new award recognizing
a long-standing Chamber member’s
investment within the organization
and its loyalty to the Greater Lansing
region. It was no surprise when
 2010
March Focus 2011

A Message from the President

The Chamber’s Annual Dinner
Our Members’ Event
August

I wrote last month about the many reasons why our members tell us they place such high value in participating each year
in the Annual Dinner. The fact that the event offers our membership the opportunity to connect with others in the business
community and recognize the outstanding achievements of some of our community leaders are reasons most often cited.
The feedback I received from those in attendance at this year’s Annual Dinner at the MSU Kellogg Center was that the event
struck a good balance between the social aspects of networking and the more formal recognition program.

What is most important to recognize is that for 99 years the Chamber’s Annual Dinner has been about our members
and what is important to them. Every year, our Chamber team works exceptionally hard to tailor the event based on the
feedback from our members. A survey following last year’s dinner prompted us to make several changes, including a
Tim Daman return to the traditional sit-down dinner and expanded networking opportunities. Attendees seemed to appreciate the 8
President and CEO p.m. end to the evening, but I was also pleasantly surprised at the large number of members that stayed for the added post-
event networking over drinks and dessert reception.
Lansing Regional
Chamber of Commerce We will again be surveying members that attended the Annual Dinner and strongly encourage your participation in that
survey. We thought the 99th Annual Dinner was one of the best ever, but it is our intention to make the 100th Annual
Chamber Dinner a truly special evening to remember.

Most of all, thanks to There are many people to thank for making the Annual Dinner such a huge success, including our many sponsors that
our great members. support the program, WILX-TV 10 news anchor Jason Colthorp for his fun and entertaining style of hosting the awards
Because, after all, program and our hard working Chamber team that spent months planning and executing this great event (and now must
start working on next year’s Annual Dinner!).
it’s all about you!
Most of all, thanks to our great members. Because, after all, it’s all about you!

Thank you to our sponsors of the 99th Annual Dinner

of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

2
C a l e n d a r
The Chamber’s address is 500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48912.
MARCH
Wednesday, March 2
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 first Wednesday of each month to provide a forum
for business leaders to discuss important issues affecting
Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP
to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingchamber.org.
Thursday, March 3
Chamber 360, 8 – 9:30 a.m., Lansing Regional Cham-
ber of Commerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E.
Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48912. New, vet-
eran and prospective members are encouraged to attend
Chamber 360 to learn about the full range of Chamber
benefits and how to maximize your investment. Meet our
staff and find out how we are working for you through
business growth and advocacy initiatives, exclusive mem-
ber benefit programs, member exposure, networking and
educational event opportunities. This is a FREE event, but
space is limited. To register for this event please visit www.
lansingchamber.org.
Thursday, March 3
Re-scheduled Economic Club, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30
p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing.
Speaker: Cindy Pasky, founder, president and CEO of
Detroit-based Strategic Staffing Solutions. Sponsored by
Pension Trend. Program begins at noon; please arrive
early for registration & networking. Single tickets $40,
or tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration
is required. To register for this event please visit www.
lansingchamber.org.
Tuesday, March 8
Member Mixer, 5 - 7 p.m., American Flooring, 5100
Marsh Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. *East of the Meridian Mall
- Central Park Place Shopping Center.* $10 member, $30
non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres
Wednesday, March 16
East Lansing / Meridian Government Rela-
tions Committee, 8 – 9 a.m. Walnut Hills Country
Club, 2874 Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. The
East Lansing / Meridian Government Relations Commit-
tee meets the third Wednesday of each month to provide
a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues
affecting East Lansing and Meridian Township. To ensure
adequate seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@
lansingchamber.org.
Wednesday, March 16
2011 Legislative Dinner, Chambers of Commerce
of Michigan Legislative Dinner, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Lexing-
ton Lansing Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI, 48917.
Admission to this event is separate from the
Michigan Chamber Legislative Summit. Tickets:
$85 or $630 for a table of eight. To register or for more
information, contact Jason Green at jgreen@lansingcham-
ber.org or 517-853-6474.
Thursday, March 17
Economic Club, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel
& Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Bill Demmer,
president and CEO of Demmer Corporation. Sponsored
by MSU – CIBER. Program begins at noon; please arrive
early for registration & networking. Single tickets $40, or
tables of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is
required. To register for this event please visit www.lan-
singchamber.org.
Not a member and
interested in becoming one?
Please contact the Lansing
Regional Chamber of
Commerce at 517-487-6340
or visit our website
www.lansingchamber.org
March Focus 2011
Thursday, March 31
Gov. Snyder Addresses Economic Club, 11:30
a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East
Lansing. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for
registration & networking. Single tickets $45, or tables of
eight $350 (includes lunch). Registration will be open on
a first come, first serve basis to Economic Club members
ONLY until March 4; LRCC members from March 4 – March
14; After March 14 tickets will be open to the public. To
register contact Sarah Lackey at 517-853-6457.
A P RIL
Friday, April 8
Accounting Requirements for Federal Con-
tractors, 8- 11 a.m., Lansing Regional Chamber of
Commerce, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI
48912. Designed to assist business people in establishing
an accounting system that will be found acceptable by the
federal government. Kevin Grimes will explain the role of
the Defense Contract Audit Agency. This is a free event, but
space is limited. Please RSVP to Kim Langenberg at 517-
853-6445 or klangenberg@lansingchamber.org
Tuesday, April 12
Member Mixer, 5 - 7 p.m., The Exchange of Lan-
sing, 314 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. $10
member, $30 non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
Thursday, April 14
Economic Club, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel
& Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Roger Curtis,
president, Michigan International Speedway. Sponsored
by Dean Transportation. Program begins at noon; please
arrive early for registration & networking. Single tickets
$40, or table of eight $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registra-
tion is required. To register for this event please visit www.
lansingchamber.org.
Wednesday, April 20
East Lansing / Meridian Government Rela-
tions Committee, 8 – 9 a.m. Walnut Hills Country
Club, 2874 Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. The
East Lansing / Meridian Government Relations Commit-
tee meets the third Wednesday of each month to provide
a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues
affecting East Lansing and Meridian Township. To ensure
adequate seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@
lansingchamber.org.
Event Cost is complimentary for these
enhanced membership levels:
Bronze Gold
Silver Platinum
3
 Lansing Regional
2010
March Focus 2011

Chamber of Commerce
2011 Board of
Directors

Officers
August

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Ron Simon Auto-Owners Insurance Company
PAST CHAIR
Vic Verchereau Farm Bureau Insurance Company
Educational Child Care Center Lehman, Wesley & Associates, Inc. CHAIR ELECT
Day Care Centers Information Technology Services Nancy McKeague Michigan Hospital Association
Ms. Elisabeth Weston, Executive Director Mr. Kevin Wesley, Vice President LEGAL COUNSEL
1715 W. Main Street, Lansing, MI 48915 5123 W St. Joe Hwy, Ste. 202 Jeff Hicks Hicks & Mullett, PLLC
TREASURER
Phone: (517) 485-6825 Fax: (517) 485-6848 Lansing, MI 48917 Michelle Gallagher Gallagher & Associates
www.ec3kids.org Phone: (517) 908-0760 PRESIDENT
www.LehmanWesley.com Tim Daman Lansing Regional Chamber
Elements Diet and Fitness of Okemos
Health Clubs PRA Global Business Development DIVISION DIRECTORS
Mr. Mark Elesser, Owner Business Consultants Int’l Business Services
Jason Sanders Fifth Third Bank
5100 Marsh Road Suite G, Okemos, MI 48864 Ms. Valerie Kozikowski, Managing Director Government Relations
Phone: (517) 347-7945 Fax: (517) 347-7388 6090 Fulton E, Suite D, Ada, MI 49301 Kevin McKinney McKinney & Associates
www.elementsforwomen.com/okemos Phone: (616) 871-2061 Fax: (616) 588-5986 MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
Paula Cunningham Capitol National Bank
www.pra-global.com MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Guys & Dolls Hairstyling, Inc. Steven Hess Accident Fund Insurance Company of America
Beauty Salons Ross Medical Education Center
Ms. Pamela G. Winkler, Owner Education & Training AT-LARGE
418 Frandor Shopping Center Ms. Michelle Harrier, Campus Director Melanie Bergeron Two Men & A Truck International
Lon Bohannon Neogen Corporation
Lansing, MI 48912 4106 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917 John Brown Jackson National Life Insurance Company
Phone: (517) 351-2246 Fax: (517) 339-7989 Phone: (517) 703-9044 Fax: (517) 703-9125 Denyse Ferguson LEAP
www.salonguysanddolls.com www.rossmedicaleducation.com Patrick Dean Dean Transportation
Joe Ford Netvantage Marketing
Pat Gillespie Gillespie Group
H&R Block Stewart Engraving, Inc. Mark Kellogg Fraser Trebilcock
Taxes-Consultants & Reps Plastic Engraving Bill Kimble C2AE
Ms. D. Jean Lodge, Office Manager Ms. Candace J. Watson, President J. Peter Lark Lansing Board of Water and Light
Deborah Muchmore Marketing Resource Group
3961 Marimba Road, Holt, MI 48842 2291 Park Lane, Holt, MI 48842 David Mulder Meijer
Phone: (517) 525-4421 Fax: (517) 694-3403 Phone: (517) 694-6214 Brian Priester LSJ Media
www.hrblock.com Timothy Salisbury PNC Bank
Jean G. Schtokal Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith
Tanz-Mania Tanning Heather Shawa-DeCook Demmer Corporation
LAP Respite Cener Tanning Salons Dennis Swan Sparrow Health Systems
Home Health Care Mr. Douglas Winkler, Owner Ryan Vartoogian Spartan Internet
Steve Webster Michigan State University
Ms. Judy Wagner 418 Frandor Shopping Center
840 E. Mt. Hope Suite 101 Lansing, MI 48912
Lansing, MI 48910 Phone: (517) 351-8269 Fax: (517) 333-2689 FOCUS
Editor
Phone: (517) 372-6671 www.tanzmaniatan.com Ross Woodstock
Printing
Spartan Printing
Mailing
Hot Prospects Direct
Cover Photo

Please remember to use the member login portion of the Courtesy of Trumpie Photography

Chamber website to keep your contact information up-to-date.

Advertisers
CAMW.....................................................................8
This will ensure that you receive all Chamber communications

Lansing State Journal...............................................9
Port Lansing..........................................................10

in a timely manner. Contact us at 517.487.6340 if you have Blue Cross Blue Shield .........................................12

any questions or are not receiving our communications.

4

State Budget Reform to Highlight Discussion at
Annual Chambers of Commerce Legislative Dinner
presented by
The Michigan House & Senate leadership will be
joined by Governor Snyder’s Special Advisor Dick Post-
humus for what promises to be a spirited discussion at
the Annual Chamber’s of Commerce Legislative Dinner
Wednesday, March 16 at the Lexington Lansing Hotel. The
Legislative Dinner, presented by AT&T, is hosted by the Lan-
sing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), and takes
place in conjunction with the Michigan Association of
Chamber Professionals Policy Seminar.
Support for FRIB a Leading Priority
for Capitol Caucus
Tri-county area lawmakers that make up the Capi-
tol Caucus in the state legislature recently assured a
group of Lansing Regional Chamber members that they
are committed to securing needed state support for the
continued development of the planned Facility for Rare
Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. The
FRIB discussion was one of the highlights at the Chamber’s
Mid-Michigan Delegation Breakfast, at which eight local
lawmakers participated.
Lawmakers at the recent Mid-Michigan Delegation Breakfast, sponsored by AT&T, included, l-r: Rep. Joan Bauer, Sen.
Judy Emmons, Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Rick Jones, Rep. Paul Opsommer, Rep. Deb Shaughnessy, Sen. Joe Hune and
moderator Kevin McKinney.
This year’s Legislative Dinner comes in the midst of
the historic debate over Governor Snyder’s sweeping bud-
get and tax reform plan. Invited legislative panelists include:
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, Senate Minor-
ity Leader Gretchen Whitmer, House Speaker Jase Bolger,
House Minority Leader Richard Hammel, and special advi-
sor to the governor, Dick Posthumus. The event will be
moderated by long-time political pundit Tim Skubick.
The 2011 Legislative Dinner begins with a reception at
5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and a panel discussion from
the legislative leaders. Tickets for the Legislative Dinner
are $85 or $630 for a table of eight. To register, contact
Jason Green at jgreen@lansingchamber.org or 517-853-
6474.
FRIB is mainly funded by the federal government;
however, significant state funds are required for parts of
the project. Despite deep budget cuts expected in the state
budget this year, Capitol Caucus Chair Rep. Joan Bauer
indicated local lawmakers are confident that necessary
state funds for FRIB will be forthcoming. To hear more
about what Rep. Bauer had to say about the breakfast,
‘like’ the Chamber on Facebook and view the video from
the event.
March Focus 2011
Stabenow
Initiative Passed,
Cuts Red Tape for
Small Businesses
U.S. Senator
Debbie Stabenow
recently joined
Lansing-area busi-
ness owners at DBI
Office Interiors in
downtown Lansing
to discuss her bipartisan initiative to
repeal a burdensome red tape require-
ment for small businesses. Called the
“1099 requirement,” this IRS regulation
would require small business owners
to file an IRS 1099 form for each ven-
dor from whom they make purchases of
$600 or more. Without Senator Stabe-
now’s amendment to repeal the new
regulation, 1099 filings for 40 million
American businesses would increase an
estimated 2000 percent.
Senator Stabenow said: “My ini-
tiative is a common-sense solution for
business owners, like George Snyder
of DBI Office Interiors, who need to be
focused on creating jobs rather than fill-
ing out paperwork for the IRS. Since last
year, I have worked with my colleagues
on both sides of the aisle to address this
problem.”
5
March Focus 2011

Sun Country Airlines Adjusted Flight Times Offer

Great Connections For New Lansing-
Minneapolis-Wash D.C. Flights
The Capital Region Airport Authority and Sun Coun-
try Airlines announced a new air service schedule to begin
on April 1, 2011 offering non-stop daily service from
Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport (LAN) to
Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The
new schedule will allow for better arrival and departure
times at DCA and more convenient connections at MSP on
Sun Country Airlines westbound flights.
The adjusted daily flight schedule:
• Depart Minneapolis at 6 a.m., arrive in Lan-
sing at 8:20 a.m. (1:25 hours earlier)
• Depart Lansing at 9 a.m., arrive Washington
at 10:30 a.m. (1:25 hours earlier)
• Depart Washington at 11:15 a.m., arrive Lan-
sing at 12:50 p.m. (2:45 hours earlier)
• Depart Lansing at 1:30 p.m., arrive Minne-
apolis at 2:45 p.m. (2:45 hours earlier)
Passengers will be able to connect to Sun Country’s
west coast departures in MSP including Los Angeles (LAX),
San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and other westbound
destinations.
Frequencies
are during peak season
June 16 – September 5 and fewer flights
are available during off-peak months.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
awarded the new air service slots to Sun Country Airlines
for flights from LAN to DCA in early December. Sun Coun-
try will begin service Sunday through Friday, but will add
Saturday flights on May 7, 2011.

Foreign Trade Zone China Creative Space to Establish

Seminars Planned
Throughout Region
Port Lansing/Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 275
wants to help area businesses make inroads for interna-
tional trade. A series of seminars planned for the region
throughout the next two months will educate businesses
on how they can avoid delays and improve efficiencies by
utilizing Port Lansing and FTZ No. 275. The first seminar
is scheduled for March 18th at Daryl’s Downtown in Jack-
son. Subsequent FTZ seminars are planned for:
April 13- MSU Global Business Club
April 26 – Owosso
April 27 – Howell
Specific times, locations and registration informa-
tion are available by calling Brent Case at 517.886.3716
or bcase@craa.com or by visiting www.portlansing.com.
Chinese-American Connection
The Gillespie Group will transform East Lansing’s
Beaumont Apartments into the first China Creative Space.
the Chinese population.
The Gillespie Group hopes to eventually expand the
With nearly 3,000 Chinese college students in the Lansing center into a nationwide network for Chinese students
area that experience many cultural barriers on a daily across the country. The center will also create new ave-
basis, the Chinese Creative Space will give students the nues for collaboration with Sanming and Dalian, Lansing’s
opportunity to collaborate with American and Chinese sister cities, to generate
people in and around university campuses in order to bet- improved and lasting
ter interact with the community. relationships
Of the international students at MSU, 69 percent between the
indicated they were interested in starting a business or cities.
investing in the United States. The China Creative Space will
include information such as banking, investment partner
matching, and insurance to help these students connect
and find the resources needed to become an entrepre-
neur. The space will also include entertainment that these
students are familiar with in order to boost their creative
spirit while having fun. Additional plans for the center
include a Chinese radio studio which will broadcast to
students, cyber space that will connect the students to the
community, as well as travel information geared towards

6

Governor Rick Snyder to Address Economic Club of
Greater Lansing on March 31
Governor Rick Snyder will
be the featured speaker at a
special program of the Lansing
Regional Chamber’s Econom-
ic Club of Greater Lansing on
Thursday, March 31.
“We are honored that
Governor Snyder has agreed to
address the Economic Club of
Governor Rick Snyder Greater Lansing especially dur-
ing this historic period in which his sweeping state budget
and tax reform plan is being discussed throughout Michi-
gan,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO of the Lansing
Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Governor Snyder is expected to discuss his budget
plan submitted to the state legislature in February. The Gov-
ernor’s proposal includes a dramatic restructuring of the
state’s tax system as well as deep cuts in state spending.
The special Economic Club luncheon with Governor
Rick Snyder is an additional program that has been add-
ed to the 2011 Economic Club schedule. Economic Club
members will need to purchase additional tickets in order
Lansing Regional Chamber of
Commerce Member Benefit Pays
Out Dividend
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud
to announce that several members have earned more than
$117,171 in dividends through the Accident Fund Insur-
ance Company of America Workers Compensation Group
Program. Congratulations to our Chamber Members who
participate in the program!
Since the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is
a designated group, our members receive 5 percent up-
front savings on Accident Fund workers compensation
insurance rates. Plus, when the group performs well, par-
ticipating Chamber Members are eligible for dividends.
to attend the program and can
be purchased by contacting
Sarah Lackey at 517-853-6457.
Registration will be open on a
first come, first serve basis to
Economic Club members ONLY
until March 4; LRCC members
from March 4 – March 14; After
March 14 tickets will be open to
the public. Bill Demmer
Governor’s Snyder’s appearance will conclude a busy
month for the Economic Club. Detroit’s woman-owned
Strategic Staffing Solutions president Cindy Pasky will
address the Economic Club on March 3 as her February
luncheon was postponed due to weather conditions. Dem-
mer Corporation CEO, Bill Demmer will be the featured
speaker at the regularly scheduled luncheon on March 17.
The Demmer Corporation has multiple plants across the
mid-Michigan region, and serves aerospace, defense, auto-
motive, transportation and energy customers by providing
world-class engineering and manufacturing solutions.
In January 2011, our Chamber’s group program was
reviewed and it was determined that we earned a 6.0 per-
cent dividend for members that participated in the October
1, 2008 to September 30, 2009 program. The $117,171
in dividends is being paid to nearly 162 participants, so
the average dividend to participating members is over
$740. The group will be reviewed again this same time
next year for another possible dividend distribution. Since
2004 Accident Fund Insurance Company of America has
paid participating Lansing Chamber members dividends in
excess of $1.3 million.
March Focus 2011
Chamber
Milestones
We’d like to offer a special salute to these
great organizations that reached mile-
stone anniversaries as Chamber members
this month. Thank you for your continued
support through the years!
Greater Lansing Association of Realtors.......... 60 years
Yeo & Yeo, PC, CPAs....................................... 30 years
Sparrow Regional
Medical Supply and Pharmacy................ 25 years
Wieland-Davco Corporation........................... 20 years
Mid-Michigan Dermatology, PLLC................... 20 years
Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company.............. 20 years
Hot Prospects Direct, Inc............................... 20 years
Drolett Travel................................................. 20 years
Delhi Café, Ltd................................................ 20 years
T.A. Forsberg, Inc........................................... 15 years
Capitol Fundraising Associates........................ 15 years
Capitol Bedding Co., Inc................................. 15 years
Horizon Investments....................................... 10 years
ZLB Plasma Services......................................... 5 years
Young Automotive Group, Inc.......................... 5 years
The Sterling Group –
Castle Pointe Apartments.......................... 5 years
Sunrise Cleaning and Construction Services...... 5 years
LEGEND The Band............................................ 5 years
Lansing – Mason Area Ambulance.................... 5 years
JB Distributor................................................... 5 years
HC Berger Company......................................... 5 years
Auto Mart, Inc.................................................. 5 years
The American Legion
Department of Michigan........................... 5 years
7
March Focus 2011

Send your news to Aubrey Zimmerman at

azimmerman@lansingchamber.org
PEOPLE NEWS COMPANY NEWS

Event Depot has recently added Lauren Crown to their Lambert, Edwards & Asso- Tina Brookhouse Fitness Studio moved to a new, larg-
staff as an event designer. ciates, Michigan’s top-ranked er location at 162 W. Grand River Avenue in Williamston.
public relations agency and
Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, the state’s largest investor
Davis & Gotting P.C. is pleased relations firm, announced the
to announce that Michael A. appointment of T.J. Bucholz
Holmes has become Of Coun- as director within the firm’s
sel to the firm. Public Affairs practice.

Maner Costerisan is pleased to announce the promo-

Sutton Advisors welcomed a new member to their advis-
ing team, David Eldridge, who will function as their
Wealth Accumulation Operations Specialist.
tions of Timothy H. Adams, CPA, ABV to tax department
head and David B. Caldwell to business solutions and
technology department head. Wood & Sons Corn Bin moved to a NEW location, at 164
W. Grand River Avenue in Williamston.
Maner Costerisan is pleased to announce the promo-
tion of Steve Piesko as a new principal with the firm.

Matthew Smith of East Lan-

sing has joined Canada Dry
Bottling Co. of Lansing as an
area sales representative.

El Indio de Tijuana has a NEW owner and a NEW phone

Capital / Insurance Servic- number. The new owners are Travis and Tawna Johnson
es Corporation is pleased to and their new phone number is 655-2370.
announce the addition of Eric
Palmer to its professional Motion Marketing & Media has launched an elite PR
staff. Eric is an account execu- force, Special Props.
tive in our professional liability
department.

PTD Technology is pleased to announce that Mark Wil-

liams, field services technician, received the prestigious
Employee of the Year award for 2010.

Karen Chaney, Ph.D., and Ronda Miller have been named

associate deans for academic affairs at Olivet College.
The Katranji Hand Center welcomes William Huett-
ner, MD, as its newest surgeon specializing in hand and
wrist surgery.
Employees of Capitol National Bank presented Ele’s
Place with a $3,323 check after a fundraising effort that
has been taking place over the last several months.

8
 WILX and News 10 transforms local television into an

March Focus 2011

array of brilliant, crystal clear pictures and sound. News
10 is the first and only local news to broadcast in High-
Definition.

In an effort to help stimulate the local economy, Capitol

National Bank has announced that it will be seeking $10
million in new loans in 2011.

Michael G. Oliva Michael H. Rhodes Publicom Inc. has won 13 national creative awards in
the 8th Annual Service Industry Advertising Awards com-
petition.

The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau

is proud to announce its Greater Lansing Mobile App won
a first place award and the 2010 Greater Lansing Visitor
Guide won a second place award from the North American
Travel Journalists Association.

Kevin J. Roragen Ted S. Rozeboom The Michigan Chapter of Associated General Contractors
Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, has awarded Clark Construction a 2010 Build Michigan
Davis & Gotting P.C. is Award for construction of the new Suites and Media Cen-
pleased to announce its 2011 ter at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn,
officers and Executive Com- Mich.
mittee. Michael G. Oliva
was elected president of the
firm; Michael H. Rhodes was
elected vice president; Kevin
J. Roragen was elected trea-
Jeffrey L. Green surer; Ted S. Rozeboom was
elected secretary; Jeffrey L. Green was also elected to
the Executive Committee.

Lansing Regional Chamber

of Commerce Promotes
Brent Case to Vice President
of International Business
Services
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) president and CEO Tim Daman named Brent
Case, CPIM, to vice president of International Business Services. Case has served as the director of
Foreign Trade Zone and International Development at the Chamber since July of 2009.
“Brent’s new position is recognition of the importance of our international trade initiatives
in recent years,” said Daman. “Brent’s leadership and collaboration with Capital Region Interna-
tional Airport have been very valuable in the continued growth of the International Trade Center,
Port Lansing and the Foreign Trade Zone.”
Case was initially brought into the LRCC to oversee marketing and development efforts for the
Foreign Trade Zone as well as lead LRCC initiatives in international education and Port Lansing
Development. He was instrumental in working with the Capital Region Airport Authority to create
Port Lansing and establish Foreign Trade Zone No. 275 located at the Capital Region International
Airport.
Case also worked with 11 community organizations to develop the new International Trade
Center (ITC) of Mid-Michigan, located at the LRCC. The ITC is the only location for Michigan
entrepreneurs to contact in order to access and utilize international business information.

9
March Focus 2011
AAA Michigan, Since 1939
Acme Roofing & Siding LLC, Since 2010
Ameri Pro Restoration, LLC, Since 2008
American Cancer Society, Since 1988
American Legion Department of Michigan (The), Since 2006
Auto Mart, Inc., Since 2006
Auto-Owners Insurance Co., Since 1989
Bekum America Corporation, Since 1998
Bobenal Investments, Inc., Since 1999
Boys & Girls Club of Lansing, Since 1987
C4 Global, Inc., Since 2010
Capital Region Community Foundation, Since 1992
Capitol Bancorp LTD, Since 2008
Capitol Bedding Co., Inc., Since 1996
Capitol Fundraising Associates, Since 1996
Care Managers, Inc., Since 1995
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Since 2009
Carwash Express, Since 1997
Castillo & Associates Consultants, Inc., Since 1997
Causeway Bay Hotel & Conference Center, Since 2009
CB Richard Ellis/Martin, Since 1975
Cellular & More, Since 2007
Center for Business Innovation, Inc., Since 1990
Cin-Lan, Inc., Since 1992
Clark Foundation Co., Since 1988
Cohl, Stoker & Toskey, P.C., Since 1988
Comcast, Since 2003
Comerica Bank, Since 1939
Community Mental Health of Clinton, Eaton & Ingham Counties,
Since 1985
Craft Chiropractic Centers, PC, Since 2005
Cristo Rey Community Center, Since 1989
Cutco Retail Store, Since 2010
Darrell’s Market - Bestsellers - The Vault, Since 2009
Dart Bank & Dart Mortgage Company, Since 2004
Davenport University, Since 1979
Dean Trailways of Michigan, Since 1995
Delhi Cafe, Ltd., Since 1991
10
Drolett Travel, Since 1991
Edge Partnerships, LLC, Since 2009
Educational Tours, Inc., Since 2007
EVE, Inc., Since 2009
Executive Pools Inc., Since 2009
Eyde Company (The), Since 1976
Farm Bureau Insurance Company, Since 1995
First Place Bank, Since 2007
G.S. McDowell & Associates, Inc., Since 2000
Gladstone Printing, Since 1985
Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, Since 1954
Grand Traverse Pie Co., Since 2003
Great Lakes Christian College, Since 1995
Great Lakes Express Service, Inc., Since 1993
Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS, Since 1951
Harrison Roadhouse, Since 1989
HC Berger Company, Since 2006
Horizon Investments, LLC, Since 2001
Hot Prospects Direct, Inc., Since 1991
HRU-Technical Resources, Since 1989
Ingham County Economic Dev. Corp., Since 1983
International Tours / GalaxSea Cruises, Since 1985
J.M.E. Consultants, Since 2005
JB Distributor, Since 2006
JMH Cleaning Service, Since 2010
Johnston Consulting, Since 1985
Kositchek’s, Since 1939
LAFCU, Since 1992
Lansing Charter Township, Since 1998
Lansing Housing Commission, Since 1985
Lansing-Mason Area Ambulance, Since 2006
Larry T. Schaefer, Inc., Since 1993
LEGEND The Band, Since 2006
Len’s Carpet Care, Since 2007
Louis Padnos I & M Co., Since 1991
Lumber Town Holt, Since 1953
Main Street Strategies, LLC, Since 2007
Maner Costerisan, CPA, PC, Since 1939
Marsh Pointe, Since 2003
Message Makers, Since 1994
Metzger Realty Co., Inc., Since 1995
Michigan Gastroenterology Institute, Since 2007
Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Co., Since 1954
Michigan Psychotherapy, Since 2009
Michigan State Medical Society, Since 2002
Mid-Michigan Dermatology, PLLC, Since 1991
Myers Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Since 1992
Pace & Partners, Inc., Since 1988
Paramount Coffee, Since 1992
PNC, Since 1938
Polack Corporation (The), Since 2007
Portland Iron & Metal, Inc., Since 2005
PRA Global Business Development, Since 2011
Presort Services, Inc., Since 1987
Prima Civitas Foundation, Since 2009
Qualified Staffing, Since 2004
Romin Iron & Metal Inc., Since 2008
Smith Floral & Greenhouse, Since 1958
Sparrow Regional Medical Supply & Pharmacy, Since 1986
State Bar of Michigan, Since 2008
Stokosa Prosthetic Clinic, Since 1990
Student Book Store, Inc., Since 1972
Sunrise Cleaning And Construction Services, Since 2006
T. A. Forsberg, Inc., Since 1996
The Production Department, Since 2003
The Sterling Group - Castle Pointe Apartments, Since 2006
TLC-Eyecare & Laser Center, Inc., Since 1999
VisionCare Associates, P.C., Since 2000
Voss Insurance Services, Inc., Since 1983
Warren Salvage & Dismantling Corp., Since 2008
Whipple, Harlan L., Since 1989
Wieland-Davco Corporation, Since 1991
Wills Sunfield, LLC, Since 2008
Worksighted, Since 2008
Yeo & Yeo, PC, CPAs, Since 1981
Young Automotive Group, Inc., Since 2006
ZLB Plasma Services, Since 2006
 March Focus 2011
Lansing Regional Chamber
99th Annual Dinner
From start to finish, the Chamber’s
Annual Dinner was an award-winning
evening. The MSU Kellogg Center
provided the perfect venue for an eve-
ning of great fun, networking and an
opportunity to recognize the achieve-
ments of many outstanding community
leaders.

Chamber CEO Tim Daman welcomed the

crowd at the start of the evening

Many thanks to our great Chamber team for making the

Annual Dinner a huge success. Front row l-r: Martha How-
Calvin Jones and ley, Sarah Lackey, Tim Daman, Kristin Beltzer and Tony
Sherrill Freeborough DeLuca. Back row: Jason Green, Peggy Luckhurst, Aubrey
were among those Zimmerman, Cynthia Eiseler
enjoying the festivities

Attendees enjoyed dinner music provided by the talented

members of the Waverly Chamber Orchestra

Program emcee Jason Colthorp

of WILX-TV helped make the
evening fun and enjoyable
PERMIT NO. 622
U.S. POSTAGE

LANSING, MI
PRSRT STD

PAID
500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
The Stadium District

lansingchamber.org
Lansing, MI 48912
Ph. 517.487.6340

Lansing RegionaL
ChambeR of CommeRCe
99th Annual Dinner
Kositchek’s
Chamber Legacy
Award
rategies
Integrated St d
all Business Awar
Outstanding Sm
Lupe Izzo
Community Service Award