$5.00

Vol. I No. VI

$ $$$$$ $ $ $$5.5.5.5.55.555 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000on the town

Elizabeth Brady Marasco

Brady Events

Harry and Tanya Kzirian opened Grand Jewelers in the Grand Ridge Galleria on Holly Road in 2000. Since then, their son and daugh-ter, Andre and Rita, be-came involved in the family business as well.

Grand Jewelers special-izes in a unique style and

creativity in their designs. They are direct importers of diamonds, having the larg-est selection in Genesee County of all shapes, color and clarity. If you cannot catch sight of what you are looking for, Grand Jewel-ers will create something to entice you. They believe in

seeing to every detail so their cus-

with their purchases.If you are looking for a breath-

taking gift for someone special, they feature Pandora, Swarovski and Lladro. The lines of watches available include Longines, Bulova, Citizens and Ice-Watch. There is something for absolutely everyone at Grand Jewelers.

Remounts, repairs, special orders, appraisals, and layaways are just a few of the service features at Grand Jewelers for their patrons. Inter-ested in selling some old gold? They will pay top dollar or turn your old gold into something designed spe-cially for you.

The Kzirian’s have embraced Gen-esee County and are always active in giving back to the community. The next time you are in the area, stop in to say “Hi” and have a look around. You won’t be disappointed!

on the town 3

Dear on the town Reader:

It has been a wonderful year for us at on the town Magazine. The overwhelming support we have gotten from the Flint community has been wonderful. We hope we have given you what you wanted from a local magazine and we will continue to search out and write about the stories, businesses and people that make this area a wonderful place to live and work.

One of the things that make Flint and the

surrounding communities great is the generosity of the

agencies and for those of you who run them or volunteer: A GREAT BIG THANKS.

It’s been a big year for Flint and the country. A lot of negatives but a lot of positives, too. For starters, the announcement that all troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year is pretty good news. Now if we could just come home from Afghanistan! Is world peace too much to ask for?

For this area, the $328 million GM investment in Flint is rally great news. The resurgence of downtown and all of the successful events downtown really have ramped up business on Saginaw Street. The expansion of Bishop Airport, Hurley’s ER, and more vendors at the Flint Farmers’ Market all bode well for our future.

All of at on the town are looking forward to a great 2012. We wish you happy holidays, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Staff at on the town Magazine Marcia McGee

Welcome on the town

MISSION STATEMENTon the town Magazine captures the

positive way our community lives and breathes. Dynamic in scope and editorially

and lifestyle of Genesee County and its’ surrounding areas on a grand scale. All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced without expressed written consent of the publisher.

on the town Magazine is owned and operated by

Link Publishing Group L.L.C.

Director Karen Smith

EditorMarcia McGee

Laura Ulman

Michelle Blaisdell

Nadia AlamahMichael BancroftEdith CampbellMichael Kelly

Lauren E. KenneyTherese Leyton

Pat MroczekCarolyn SniderVerona Terry

Michael G. ThodoroffVagios Young

Karen SmithDebby Molina

Shar Graphics

Debby Molina

Jim Cheek

P.O. Box 320275 Flint Mi 48532 810-407-6828

Fax 810-407-6831

For advertising information call:810-407-0305 or 810-348-7323

To subscribe to “on the town” Magazine: Mail a check or money order for $24.99 for six issues to

P.O. Box 320275, Flint, MI 48532. Make checks payable to Global Marketing and Advertising.

on the town 5

PhotoSpreads

Contents

on the town

6 8

10 12

14

18 2230 34

38 44

16 202635

40

30

34

8

14

Brady Events & MarketingA Combination of Passion & Talent

Holiday Magic Victorian Style

Goodwill Industries of Mid-MichiganDeveloping Potential One Person At A Time

Diplomat PharmacyFrom the Corner Drugstore to National Prominence

Olmstead Associates, Inc. Celebrates 25 Years of Creative Communications

Cooper CommercialOpportunity is Knocking in the Flint Area!

3Sixty Interactive

501I Said Tapas Not Topless

Sherm Mitchell Count of Cool

Genesys Offers New Diagnostic Tool for Cancer and Much More

Holiday HealthAvocados

The Party of the Century

McLaren Club 401

Genesee Regional Business Awards

Tux & Tennies Gala

Grand Blanc Annual Awards

Open the doors to most reception halls or banquet centers and you may notice the vast size but no form or style, color or substance. Then some-one comes in and creates a canvas full of vibrancy, color and excitement, theme and life, and the room and your senses become alive. How does this happen?

The answer comes from the talent, imagination and hard work of Elizabeth Brady Marasco of Brady Events and Marketing. From her studio, Marasco stirs the magic and sprinkles it like so much stardust on event. “I want the guests to walk away from an event – corporate, non-

design,” Marasco noted. “We want to keep people engaged beyond just sitting at tables and listening to music.”

How did Marasco, an event designer and planner, develop her talent in event management? As the sunlight sparked through the hanging crystals and decorations of her studio in Grand Blanc, she explained that it started in her childhood.

Marasco joked, “All my life I’ve been involved in big events. Coming from a very large Irish-Lebanese Catholic family, all of our family gather-ings were big events especially Sunday family dinners.”

Marasco, an Oakland County native, graduated from Marian High School in Birmingham and graduated with honors from Northwood University, earning dual degrees in Business Administration and Marketing and Management, and an associate degree in Automotive Aftermarket Management. Upon graduation, she landed a position with Ford Motor Company in their marketing department.

At Ford, she worked as the lead technical marketing specialist, planning major events, including executive reviews, trade and consumer shows and expos. Her talents in the corporate world were utilized from Boston to California and Detroit to the prestigious Paris Auto Show. She eventually decided to give up the fast paced corporate career life and start a family.

That is when she set her eyes on Genesee County. Marasco shared, “It is a fantastic place to raise family. We are so proud to be a part of such a giving community.” Working from her home in Grand Blanc she started doing the occasional event for those she knew in the area.

Combination of Passion and Talent

by Marcia McGee

Brady Events & Marketing

A

6 on the town

Eventually, her business outgrew her home, so she took the risk of opening her

years under our belt, we have served a variety of clients, ranging from weddings and

Since her early beginning until now, Elizabeth Marasco has been referred to as one of the elite event designers in Mid-Michigan. Her client base has included such local companies as Landaal Packaging, Flint Cultural Center, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Institute of Arts, Old Newsboys, GM, Hurley Foundation, Arab American Heritage Foundation, Crim Fitness Foundation and, for the past two years, has been the rec-ommended designer at Warwick Hills Country Club.

Though much of her work is in Genesee County, her agency works with numerous clients across the state including Dura Automotive, Woodward Dream Cruise and the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester.

One of Brady Event’s recent extravaganzas was the Chevrolet Party of the Century held at the Riverfront Ballroom in downtown Flint. “Working with Linda Moxam from the Cultural Corporation and Tom Wickam from General Motors for this event was such a wonderful experience. They understood my philosophy, that an event gets people to move and be engaged,” said Marasco. “The lighting and colors, sounds and sights should create a living, breathing event.” Upon entering this event guests were

treated to music and entertainment in the

“It’s fun to keep in touch with your inner child,” she explained. “Entertainment like this creates excitement and natural endor-phins that affects us physically and puts us in an overall great mood.”

Elizabeth prides her self in taking a unique approach to planning events. “My job is to listen to the client – hear what they are saying and not saying, even help them understand their needs.” And with 17 years event planning experience, it is clear Marasco knows what it takes to pull off the excellent event. When asked for tricks of trade in planning a perfect event,

have an open mind.” Marasco’s company specializes in wed-

dings. “We love brides!” Brady Events makes it easier for brides to plan their dream day by providing complete event

explained, “One of my biggest thrills is handing a bride her bouquet. I feel fortu-nate to create a backdrop that will linger in a bride’s memory her entire life – and that is an amazing gift to give.”

Marasco said, “The tip of the iceberg is the ten percent that the people see. The other 90 percent is looking at all the details for planning and execution. It is my job to see that it is executed perfectly and with-

goes into every event but we like to make it look easy.

Marasco is very proud of her commit-ment to use local companies and products. If that doesn’t work, she sticks to U.S.-made products whenever possible. “I come from an all-American family. My brother and my step-dad are GM retirees. I take ‘Buy American’ very seriously. I am very diligent in seeking out local suppliers and talent in producing any event. One of my competitors buys their linens from China. My fabric comes from California and I use a Michigan seamstress to sew the linens.

If you miss Marasco at her studio, you will be able to catch her doing her semi-regular spot on ABC 12 News segment. She gives decorating suggestions and ideas on Sunday mornings.

Marasco shared, “I am grateful to be in an occupation I love, with the ability to spend time with my sons and express myself artistically. I am blessed.”

on the town 7

Museum (Whaley Historical House). The grand old Victorian home at 624 E. Kearsley, gives visitors a trip through time during the fes-tive holiday season.

Whaley House was purchased in 1884 by Robert Whaley, presi-

General Motors with names like Billy Durant, Dallas Dort and C.S. Mott. These and other residents (Crapo, Whiting, Bishop, etc) of the Kearsley Street neighborhood played an important role in Flint’s development.

Amid the greens and holly of the holiday season, guests will see Whaley’s desk from Citizens Bank, Mrs. Whaley’s hand-painted china, family clothing and children’s toys,

Christmas tree in the living room laden with old-fashioned orna-mentation. Visiting Whaley will help citizens discover the lasting contributions to the city that these early residents made…with the glamour of holiday glitter.

Today’s house retains its original splendor with stained glass, the smell of candles, and the sounds of tinkling music boxes and creak-

treat for all the senses and all ages in its 18 rooms.

Holiday Magic

by Edith Campbell

Victorian Style

“Our modern times echo many things that were

present when the house was built.” --Andrew Clark

T

8 on the town

All year, museum tours are conducted at Whaley on Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. There is a reading group called History Reads, which is a discussion of books from the Victorian era. In addition to special activities, the house can be rented by small groups for weddings, meetings, memo-rial services and other events. At Christmas each room is decorated

The December schedule features open house from noon to 5 p.m. on three weekends plus New Year’s Day with volunteer docents narrating the Whaley story. There will also be chestnuts roasting, carolers and visits from St. Nick. Admission is $15 for adults, $3 for students and there is no cost to Whaley members.

Director Andrew Clark says that Flint’s depressed economy may be the perfect time for a respite visit to Whaley House.

“Our modern times echo many things that were present when the house was built,” he says. “During the 40 years the Whaleys lived here, Flint evolved from a small lumber milling town to one of the largest automobile manufacturing centers in the world. The Whaleys

introduction of the horseless carriage. There may be lessons for us now, many things are the same, and the same spirit that carried Flint through that era could do it again. It’s a good time for the Whaley story.”

Each month the museum has changing exhibits and classes of historical interest. In the spring and summer there’s blooming signs of yesteryear as curators carefully replicate garden life of the 19th century.

A trip to Whaley House Museum could whet the appetite to visit again and again, to volunteer, to rent the facility for something spe-cial, or to become a member. It is located on the corner of Kearsley Street and Chavez Drive in the Cultural Center. For further informa-tion, visit www.whaleyhouse.com or call 810-471-4714.

on the town 9

10 on the town

Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan’s mission is to assist individuals with bar-riers to employment make the transition to

to employment include physical or men-tal disabilities, illiteracy, substance abuse, inadequate education, ex-felons, and welfare dependency. The ultimate goal is to place individuals in productive employment.

belief that work plays a critical role in our lives and forms the cornerstone of a person’s relationship with others. Through the power and dignity of work, individuals are able to

productive role in society.The organization dates back to 1932 when

the Oak Park Methodist Church established an agency devoted to serving the needs of people with disabilities. Goodwill had already proved successful in Boston. In 1902, Edgar James Helms, a Methodist minister, wanted to help people in the community who were not able to support their families. He conceived the idea of collecting unwanted household goods and hiring unemployed residents to repair and refurbish the items for resale. Income from the resold goods paid the workers’ wages. The system worked, and the Goodwill method of self-help was born.

Goodwill provides pro-grams and services -- at no cost – that teach marketable job skills to individuals who are 16 and older with barriers to employment. Needs are met on a individual basis as to the type of training needed and the length of time

is developed for each person

services, accommodations and outcomes.

In 2010 (last data available), Goodwill served almost 1500 individuals through programs like job training, entrepreneurship assistance, and literacy training. Partnering with a multitude of agencies and businesses, they are able to access the training and the jobs

Goodwill Industries of Mid-MichiganDeveloping Potential One Person At A Time

by Marcia McGee

Goodwill of Mid-Michigan also runs 14 retail thrift stores in nine counties, a recycling center and a fully functioning, licensed kitchen that provides training and employment and serves a hot breakfast and lunch each day. The Goodwill Center on Avrill is in an 83,000 square feet building that is home to administrative operations and the kitchen and recycling center.

In addition to the recycling of clothing and household goods, Goodwill recycles computer equipment, televisions, cardboard, steel, plastic, aluminum, copper, books, belts, purses, shoes, toys, stuffed animals and cell phones. Much of this activity is done in partner-ship with other businesses and organizations that have discovered that doing business with Goodwill makes sense for them and the environment. Computers, cardboard and unusable clothing is baled up and resold to salvagers. In 2010, Goodwill recycled more than 9.3 million pounds of material, including almost 1.3 million pounds of

Donate to Goodwill and shop at their stores. You just might uncover a treasure. It is interesting to note that 85 percent of their revenue to fund its programs is earned through the retail operation.

Kathy Rometty, Community Manager, emphasizes that when you donate to Goodwill of Mid-Michigan, your dollars stay in your area

community is re-spent seven times. It is always a good thing to start charitable giving in your own neighborhood,” she said. Goodwill itself paid over $7 million in wages to 300 employees in 2010.

“We can always use more money, more donations and more partnerships with local businesses,” she said.

So, at the end of the year when you are cleaning out your closets, your attic, your

tax deduction, you are helping those in the community who have a desire to be

The Team at Goodwill

Gary Smith, Rafael Tuner

on the town 11

12 on the town

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy is not your typical corner drugstore - and that’s OK with them. Their locally-based roots are carved in steep “mom-and-pop” values along with that small town, neighborhood sense of family and community which has always been in their vision. Starting out as Ideal Pharmacy, one of their long-time pharmacists, Dale Hagerman, took an opportunity to branch off on his own by trading his shares in the Ideal Pharmacy Company to establish his own drugstore back in the spring of 1975. As coincidence would have it, Dale’s son Phil was graduating from Ferris State University’s nationally renowned pharmacy program and joined his father, loaded with enthusiasm. “While I was growing up,” Phil recalled, “all I ever wanted to do was to work along-side my Dad. My dream became a reality!”

a name for their new venture and, according to Phil, it was actually quite simple. The store was located on Flushing Road and in a strip mall known as Diplomat Plaza – hence, Diplomat Pharmacy.

It was the typical multi-faceted drugstore of those days with varied departments, but over time more and more doctors would call and ask them for “unusual” compound drugs that did not commercially exist. Phil explained that they would stock bulk chemicals and doctors would ask them to make-up a

“If a physician asked me to carry something unusual, we found a way to carry it,” he said, “and more importantly, we did not know how to say no!” They built a repu-tation fairly quickly by carrying medicines other pharmacies did not or by engaging in creative procedures others were not capable of doing.

Another factor that set Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy apart was when many new -

sive compounding around special therapies. As an example, in the early 80s there was a chemical discovered that would help with HIV-related pneumonia complications but no way to deliver it to the patient. Hagerman initially took the chemical com-pound and turned it into a solution. He then rented large machines that would turn it into a mist, making it suitable to administer. “We were always doing innovative things to try and solve a problem for patients that didn’t have an existing solution,” he said with a sense of pride.

From the Corner Drugstore

by Michael G. Thodoroff

“Keeping patients healthier, longer – one patient at a time.”

on the town 13

Throughout the 80s and 90’s, Diplomat became one of the busiest pharmacies in the state. According to Phil, there was a time when they were the largest in terms of prescrip-

a day, all out of one store! This is all matter-of-fact in his eyes as he is simply following Diplomat’s long-time mission of “Keeping patients healthier, longer – one patient at a time.”

During the 90s, new drugs came to market with more complexity but in reality, pre-sented more opportunities to address the unique complicated things. Obviously every-thing that surfaced was more expensive. It made sense to Hagerman to focus on solving problems for patients using those more expensive therapies. Most other drug stores were

while Diplomat was rapidly building a name for themselves around those newer medi-cines and therapies.

By 1991, Phil had taken over as president and CEO and two years later local phar-macist Jeff Rowe joined as senior vice-president of operations. Hagerman realized that their current business model had grown to a point where they could take the company

the Hagerman team consulted many experts and crafted an aggressive but calculated business plan.

In 2003, they started with the basics: building and implementing improved internal processes. In 2005, local pharmacist Steve Chaffee came onboard as senior vice-presi-dent of business development. They also launched two new locations in Grand Rapids and Cleveland, Ohio.

“We opened in Grand Rapids because we had an opportunity to land a contract with a health plan there, but more importantly by adding Grand Rapids we could be within two hours of 80 percent of Michigan’s population,” he reasoned. They chose Cleveland

allowing Diplomat to expand throughout the country. Michigan law recently changed so now prescriptions from any state can be recognized as legal prescriptions in Michigan. Once that happened they moved the Cleveland business back to Flint and Phil proudly proclaimed “… we found jobs for every employee.”

By the end of 2010, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy housed almost 300 employees at Flint’s Great Lakes Technology Centre and plans to expand to 500 by the end of this year. They are coming close to one billion dollars in revenue and, according to Hagerman,

-

in all 50 states! “Our model is to make a difference where others can’t,” Phil mentioned, “but even

though we’ve become a large company, we still in many ways act like a family business in terms of our relationships with employees and how we look at the overall package of running a business. It isn’t just about getting the next sale, it’s about doing things right with patients, physicians and employees.”

Go to www.diplomatpharmacy.com to read about all of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy’s product, services and national locations.

To National Prominence

14 on the town

Olmsted Associates, Inc., is celebrating 25 years in business with a special effort to give back to the community. Founded in 1986 to provide excel-

a full service marketing communications agency employing seven people.

The company has had the pleasure of working with large corporations, many philanthropic and retail organizations across the country, numerous health systems across the state, and businesses

mid-Michigan.

extremely grateful for our amazing clients, creative allies, media colleagues and vendor partners,” stated Karl Olmsted, founder and chief creative thinker. “We truly believe that it takes great clients to be able to generate great work and we’ve enjoyed working with some of the best. That has certainly contributed to some our most creative and effective work.”

to community service, they are celebrating this milestone by focusing on two special pro bono

make a difference in our area. “We believe in the greater Flint community and have selected these organizations because of the good work they do at the grassroots level,” explains April VanGilder, Olmsted Associates account manager.

The communications team at Olmsted Associates has developed a new website for Alternative Veterans Solutions, an organization dedicated to assisting homeless veterans and those at-risk of becoming homeless after returning from active military duty. They are also working on a new brochure for Citizens for Animal Rescue and Emergencies (C.A.R.E.), a volunteer-driven group that helps animals with people problems and people with animal problems. In addition to these two pro bono projects, the agency also works with

on an annual basis.

Olmsted Associates, Inc. Celebrates

Years of Creative Communications

“We were so honored and excited to be chosen for this project,” said Tredale Kennedy, Alternative Veterans Solutions executive director. “Our new website is beautiful and it’s so easy for us make updates on our own. The new website

Thanks to Olmsted Associates for making a difference.”If you or your organization is interested in making a tax-deductible donation

to either of these charitable organizations, please contact Brian Sanderson of Olmsted Associates at 810.232.0070 for more information.

Olmsted Associates, Inc. was established in 1986 to provide clients with creative thinking for communications. Their team of seven communications practitioners has more than 100 years of cumulative experience in helping organizations reach their strategic communications objectives. The agency specializes in organizational branding, strategic communications planning, websites and interactive communications, advertising and media, and print collateral. To learn more, visit www.olmstedassociates.com or www.youtube.com/olmstedassociates.

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16 on the town

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on the town 17

OPPORTUNITYIS

18 on the town

comes to commercial real estate. “We have the greatest industrial real estate opportunities in the -

dence. And he should know. With over 20 years focusing exclusively on the commercial market

Group, Ltd. that exclusively develops and manages commercial real estate primarily in Genesee County and other parts of Michigan.

Cooper not only has accomplished his goal of owning the largest most successful com--

sonal dedication. He is the current chair of the Bishop Airport Authority and a past president of the Boy Scouts’ Tall Pines Council where he currently remains active. On a professional level,

still involved) of the local Board of Realtors. Rounding out his connections with the area, he is heavily engaged with the Genesee Area Regional Chamber of Commerce.

start. Some activity slightly improved in the spring due, in part, to more transactions in leasing. And that’s because leasing is basically easier because there is less risk. He cited an example where a client could sign a three-year lease on a facility as opposed to a twenty-year mortgage. For the next three years, they can work on their operations to see if the business plan is viable.

by Michael G. Thodoroff

“We have the greatest industrial real estate

opportunities in the world, right here in Genesee County

and Flint, Michigan!”--Win Cooper

on the town 19

expand to a new property.By the late summer the market seemed to soften once again.

“However, I think that it has stabilized at a lower level of activity,” he reasoned, “not necessarily regarding prices, but the overall in-terest and activity going on and I would expect that level to continue over this winter.” He goes on to forecast that 2012 should be better partly due to the fact that presidential election years traditionally provide economic encouragement. When we look back on 2012, we will “feel better” as compared to this year. Win heeds caution though, as the looming economic crisis in Europe will have some effect but it’s too early to tell to what extent. The real unknown is how long our interest rates will stay at historical low levels, he notes.

Another positive indicator is the slowly increasing interest in the small industrial buildings. Affectionately known as “mom-and-pop” shops, these small properties faded away due to the exodus of Flint’s one-time heavy industrial prominence and as their buildings became vacant, it left very little demand. Recently, Cooper started to see demand pick up for those types of buildings, again generating smaller industrial kind of deals.

In the local retail market, there are simply not too many stores coming into this area. Let’s face it, the Internet has affected the way we do business on the retail side – enough said! However, Win is seeing a very limited number of new franchises coming into this market along with some “outsiders” (such as Five Guys restaurants) looking to expand here.

presenting great deals for people who are looking to relocate or move into this market, he added. The greatest value prospects are in the industrial piece of the market. That is because leases are cur-rently very cost effective along with some downright phenomenal “buys.” “If you’re in a market to buy a building,” Win exclaimed, “they’re going for half and as compared to some of the other markets in Michigan such as Ann Arbor and Brighton - absolute tremendous savings! And I can honestly tell you that the people we’re doing business with are very happy moving into this community.”

Commercial Group, Ltd., is one of the few commercial companies devoted solely in selling commercial sites or seeks commercial

local business entrepreneur, give them a call at 810-732-6000 and take advantage of some exceptional local commercial real estate prospects.

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20 on the town

22 on the town

Customer-Centricity

to recognize that everything you do has to be focused on your customer, client, donor, member, whatever you call the people that interact with your company or organization. This is important because, online, the competition “is only a click away.” I know you’ve heard it before, however, it’s true. If your customer can’t

imagine.The theory of customer-centered design has been around for

years. However, it hasn’t been until recently that we’ve been taking it seriously. We’re seeing the number of customer touch points increase dramatically as communications between customers and companies happen over more platforms: smart phones, social sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube, and now the proliferation of tablet computers. As these touch points increase, a consistent customer-centric strategy is critical to your online marketing success.

Online Marketing From 30,000’I read an article recently that said business marketing pro-

fessionals are very good at putting together their marketing -

ning is assembled in an ad-hoc fashion. This article went on to theorize that the problem with online marketing is the technology end of things. It scares us, it is an unknown, and it is almost impossible to understand the language! We’re about to change all of that!

Cross-Channel Marketing

marketing efforts. Neither online marketing

your company or organization success. Rather, in today’s market it is critical that you use the marketing tools that will effec-

The key is to make sure that these two major

sync with each other. Use variations of your

and have a call to action that will allow you to measure results. Don’t be afraid to use

to your website, and then look at your

campaigns was the most effective.In a recent online marketing survey

of business marketers, almost half of the respondents (49%) said that a multichannel customer experience was “Very Important” to their company, and another 41% said

that a multichannel customer experience was “Essential.”

It is time to start thinking about your marketing strategy and how online and

business.

3SIXTY Interactive

on the town 23

Top 5 Strategy Points1. Take It All The Way To The End Zone: All too often

we see marketing campaigns that will get your com-pany into the Red Zone but fall just short of getting that touch-down. Think the campaign all the way through, from the customer’s viewpoint.

What is the call to action for your current marketing -

site with your next direct mail send? Are you sending customers to your store, from your email marketing campaigns?

3. Speak In Proper Context: The audiences for the different social platforms are different. You don’t want to talk in the same voice on LinkedIn that you do on Facebook. LinkedIn’s audience is more professional, Facebook is more casual. Use the same voice on both platforms - you’ll only be 50% successful.

4. How Will You Measure Success? Yes, you even have to plan on how to tell if what you’re doing is working.

conversion strategy is working! Measure the actions that support your goals.

5. Plan For Execution: Who, When, How. In a business environment where we all need to do more with less, our time has to be managed better than ever before. Once you have your plan put together, who will do it, when will they do it and how are they going to accom-plish everything that they have to do? You may need help.

digital marketing agency, 3Sixty Interactive. After spending most of his professional career in sales and marketing, most notably the last 15 years in the digital marketing industry, Dale has a keen sense of how to use the online space to help grow business. Dale welcomes your input and questions. You can reach him at dkeipert@3SixtyInteractive.com, by phone at 810.593.0000 or follow his blog at www.3SixtyInteractiveBlog.com.

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26 on the town

28 on the town

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on the town 29

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30 on the town

I have repeated that statement several times to friends after asking them if they wanted to go to the new tapas restaurant downtown. Usually, the response is accompanied by a leer and the odd “hubba-hubba.” My ribs are also sore from the obligatory elbow jab. So, I think a quick explanation of the meaning and experience of tapas is in order before we do a story on 501.

Tapas literally means lid or cover. In earlier days travelers in Spain would stop at inns and taverns to give their horses a break. They also refreshed themselves, usually ordering a beer or a sherry. The glass was always cov-ered with a slice of ham, cheese or bread. Some say it was done to:

dirt in to the drinkThere is also another explana-

tion. Some say King Alfonso XII became sick and his doctor prescribed that he not drink without small portions of food in order to get his strength back. So he decreed that no drink should be served without food.

Food always seems to have one myth or another associated with it. But, what are tapas today?

forms and change from town to town. Many cuisines offer foods meant to appetize. They’re called antipasti, mezes, or hors d’oeuvres. Sometimes they are eaten with a meal.

However, in Spain, eating tapas is a separate dining experience. Spaniards do not eat tapas at home. In fact, the term tapas has come to imply going out, de tapeo means barhopping, or the art of eating while standing. They are served in every bar and cafe in Spain. They are so much a part of the culture and social scene that the Spanish people have invented a word that means to go and eat tapas, the verb tapear.

The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people do not sit down to eat tapas.

Even small villages have clusters of bars with inviting counters -

ing. People walk in, usually in groups, enjoy their tapas and drinks and move on to the next bar, a few steps away. Hey! Just like downtown!

In Spain, dinner is usually served between 9 and 11, with lunch between 1 and 3. This gives Spaniards plenty of time for social-izing, drinking and grazing and no one gets drunk.

Tapas can consist of just about anything. They come in hot or cold varieties and can be mixed and matched according to preference. Hot can

revolves around breads, olives, cheeses, sardines or anchovies. Tapas are great for vegans. They used to be free with your drink, but that went the way of the free lunch. They are still economical though and parties can make a delicious and varied meal by everyone ordering different tapas.

That is exactly what three friends and I did last week at the 501 Restaurant and Bar located downtown at the southwest corner of 1st St. and Saginaw.

501 is a brightly lit and modernly fur-nished eating area accompanied by a cozy bar, where you can order food also. The

walls, high ceilings with bare pipes and electrical wires showing. It reminds you of

quite comfortable, really, and the staff, Vicki Allison, Jamie Vaughn and Harry Williams, were like a Cole Porter tune,

suave sophisticated and charming. The 501 opened in 2009 under the guiding hand of noted local

chef Luis Fernandez. Phil Shaltz, original managing partner, said the 501 was patterned after a New York martini bar. In fact, every third Wednesday of the month they hold a martini social. On the weekend, they feature a Bloody Mary bar and once a month they have a wine affair with a special menu, How civilized.

Good food should always be accompanied by good friends. That was the role of my three friends, the Potters and Sue Donavon. Don and Nancy Potter are proof of the adage that opposites attract.

50II Said TAPAS Not Topless

by Vagios Young

BA R GRILL

Seared Sea Scallops with Spicy Edamame salad garnished with spicy seaweed salad

on the town 31

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Don is understated and inscrutable. Nancy is over the top and obvious. She is known far and wide in the Indian Nations and Casi-nos by her Indian name “Laughing White Woman.” Sue, her sister, keeps it real; she’s our canary in the coalmine.

Now for the food, we ordered: Walnut Chicken Bites: served with condi-

ments and lettuce (meant to be wrapped in the lettuce and eaten as a sandwich).

Moo Shu Duck 501 Style: shredded duck with teriyaki glaze served between two blueberry crepes.

Calamari Fritti: fried strings served with a spicy sauce.

Shitake Mushroom Spring Rolls: fried and served with pickled ginger and seaweed salad.

Beef in Marsala Wine Sauce: served on top of creamed mushroom risotto.

Angus Sliders: three small Angus beef sliders served with provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato.

Lamb Lollipop Chops: served with a chi-michurri sauce and pico de gallo

The meal was a gem, a great combination

taste sensations: salty, sour, sweet, bitter and umami were excellently represented.

There was not one false note. All that was missing from our table was the symbolic cornucopia. We were certainly above the salt.

I was tempted to grab my lamb haunch (chop) wave it over my head and throw it into the thrushes for the dogs, ala Henry VIII.

I felt positively and luxuriously decadent. We made quite a meal of it. I have also used the 501 as a beginning, having cocktails and tapas there and a meal elsewhere. One evening we ended up there for dessert and a nightcap. But, whatever the occasion or however the Tapas are used the place always makes me feel urbane and cultured. I am sure you will agree.

I cannot close without giving kudos to head Chef Derrick Ocenasek, who trained locally as a kitchen manager and sous chef at Bubba’s, Big Easy, Redwood Lodge, and the Wrought Iron Grille. For the last six years he has worked side by side with Luis Fernandez and now runs the back of the house by himself and maintains Luis’ high standards. The front of the house has been managed by the Epoch Restaurant Group since August. Together, they till a gourmet greenhouse in the growing garden of down-town Flint.

32 on the town

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on the town 33

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Icon, Legend, Institution, these words are so overused in today’s hyperbolic reporting of news and entertainment their effect is diluted, but I feel very

A Flint native, he is loved and respected in his home town and has played with such well known artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Errol Garner, Mel Torme and the Ellington Orchestra. He is an internationally

I recall as a younger man when I had the Gaslight Inn, I wanted to project and establish a hip atmo-sphere for the club. I naturally turned to Sherm “The Count of Cool.” I told him, “I trust your taste and judgment. Take charge of the stage and hire whomever you deem appropriate.” Any of you who have worked with musicians know this borders on madness. Not with Sherm. He not only is a great musician, he is a great person. Sherm handled the responsibility with professionalism, propriety and joy, as he does everything.

Sherm was born around 1930 in Scottsville, MI, on the west side of the state near Ludington. His parents moved him to Flint in 1934. He was the youngest of

Schools. He then moved on to Whittier Junior High and Flint Central High School, graduating in 1948.

He grew up during the depression and World War II, so there were not many recreational options for kids. You either played in the streets or sports at school. Sherm had health issues as a youngster, so

Sherm Mitchell

by Vagios Youngsports lost out to music. He can’t ever recall not loving music. He played oboe in the Flint 1st Youth symphony in 1945. He also played trombone in summer bands. They would play at the train station during the war seeing the boys off to the front.

During this time, Sherm was also playing trombone with adults in local big bands, as there were not many adult trombone players around during the war. The trombone is just one of many instruments he taught himself to play. He calls it a gift. He has a good ear and has been playing jazz since then. “I play a variety of instruments and I have never had to

says, “I am just an ordinary man with an extraordinary gift. What comes out of that instrument doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to everyone. You have to share a gift and that’s what I have done all my life.”

Given all that Sherm has done playing music, I think his most impor-tant accomplishment and role is as a guide and teacher to Flint’s music literati and jazz lovers. He is Flint’s “Dean of Jazz,” introducing and guiding many curious novitiates through the intricacies of jazz. I remember in the 60’s, Flint’s working musicians would gather at various after hours places to jam after working their regular gigs. Places like the RG Club and Joe’s Tavern on St. John St., Harold’s on Michigan and the 400 Club. I recall hipsters such as John Sinclair and Mike “Moon” Stevens rubbing shoulders with judges, politicians, numbers runners, gamblers and moi. There was always an appropriate gathering of attractive women also. There weren’t many drugs at that time, but, the smell of the herb was not surprising.

Sherm was always the main draw and the center of attraction. He never disappointed. He is a charming and effective ambassador for the music he loves. When you have Sherm and his music, you have a classic blend of elegance, art and style.

Sherm may be seen and heard at Cynthia Brown’s Vehicle City Ribs, 2324 Ballenger Hwy. Flint. Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.

The Count of Cool“I am just an ordinary man with an

extraordinary gift. What comes out of that instrument doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to everyone. You have to share a gift and that’s what I have done all my life.”

�

34 on the town

Tennies&&G A L AG A L A Sloan Museum

October 14, 2011

Lesley HoweTodd & Danita Beedy Terry Stephens, Julie Parker, Chad Porrit

Tricia & Ron O’Neil

Michael & Valerie Welch, Christie Myers

William Wood, Crystal Demps Maddie McGuire, Betty Dean Robert & Janet Pickell

Pam Murdock, Stephanie K, Tinsi Koske-Olds Marva Johnson, Marcy Garcia

Chris & Lara Massey, Don & Linda LiskeCheryl Hummel, Nora Chahbazi

Linda& John DeCamp, Rebecca SchmidtLynn Radzilowski,

Dr. Cheri Mys-Curtis

Erin Thorpe, Dale Garnett, Pam Brocklehurst Trey Gase

36 on the town

There is an adage that suggests “…if you’ve been in business for over 75 years, then you must be doing something right!” And the

Working primarily with privately held entrepreneurial organizations, they take a unique approach by

Flint, they have endured our area’s historical economic turbulence while maintaining the founder’s reputation for integrity.

Thomas (Tom) Shade, a Lewis & Knopf principal and 32-year em-ployee clearly articulates that the company was founded on the values of its forefather and staunchly maintains that same culture in today’s complicated economic business environment. He can substantiate that fact as his father Richard started with the company back in 1954 so, that’s 57 years

back at the early days through scrapbook writings from the founder, J. Clyde Lewis.

supervise the audit of the sales branches -

pany as a senior public accountant for the Detroit based Richards Audit Company, which was a forerunner of the Deloitte

with the industrial movement future of

Richards. By 1920, he joined his brother Frank as they continued to practice accounting in Flint under the name of the Lewis Audit Company. At the passing of Frank in 1936, Clyde took in Claude Bishop as anew partner, changed the name to Lewis and Bishop and moved into downtown’s Citizen’s Bank build-

with an accounting degree and promptly proceeded to enlist many new clients. However, after he returned to the practice from a tour of

little over a year later that Claude Bishop sadly passed. Clyde Lewis continued as a sole practitioner until 1949 when Knopf obtained his

a partner, Lyle purchased Claude Bishop’s interest from the estate and

In the ensuing years, the company witnessed continued growth in both clients and employees. Clyde Lewis wanted to ensure that

-tics that a good CPA must possess:

- a critical approach to any problem- the ability to subordinate personal desires in order to encour-

age the best thinking and efforts of associates, subordinates and

clients- a broad view of this profession including a width of scope, vi-

sion and perspective- high standards of sound workmanship and honest performance - capacity to make good judgments.

that made Mr. Knopf ahead of his time,” Shade mentioned. Anita Abrol, managing partner and the only female among six cur-

received total support from her counterparts. A native of London England, Anita came to the Flint area with her husband and completed her accounting curriculum at the University of Michigan – Flint. She had job offers

decided on Lewis & Knopf. “When I was

“Lewis and Knopf was the only one that really made me feel comfortable with their environment - a family atmosphere.”

She noted that Lewis & Knopf is a full service accounting and consulting

though they serve a broad range of businesses, they have identi-

among their clients. Because of these -

tries such as auto dealerships, construction businesses, manufacturing entities, as well as medical, dental and legal service providers and

Lewis & Knopf prides itself on the fact that a majority of their

clients came to them on a referral from existing clients. They fully -

tion before they approach an accountant. Once a prospective client decides on Lewis & Knopf, their experienced team immediately goes to work on developing a solid proven business model to get the client up-to-speed to expose what they will truly be dealing with before launching a new business venture. Partner Stephen (Steve) Kidd

your client’s business and personal needs - how these things critically come together in order to successfully impact their business. Also, with a partner relationship throughout the entire process there is the fact of knowing honesty and integrity goes through the whole engage-ment.”

Anita added “It is very critical to understand that when we accept a client we have a vested interest in that client to make them successful. After all, we are investing time and effort too. And we will guarantee what we do!”

by: Michael G. Thodoroff

on the town 37

Burtrum Furs of Grand Blanc, Inc.

810.771.4563 www.burtrumfurs.com

321 East Grand Blanc Rd. Grand Blanc, MI

Since 1937

Estate Furs

We offer repairs, restyles, cleaning, computerized monograms, insurance appraisals, storage and more.

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38 on the town

Genesys now provides the community with a new diagnostic tool that gathers more detailed information about the digestive tract and its surrounding organs than previous techniques. Called endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), this procedure combines traditional endoscopy and ultrasound.

Nathan Landesman, DO, a gastroenterologist who recently joined the medical staff at Genesys, completed a one year fellowship in advanced therapeutic endoscopy in order to bring EUS to patients in this community. Only a handful of hospitals in Michigan are able to offer this advanced technology.

visualize the digestive tract. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs inside the body. By combining these two diagnostic tools into one procedure, Dr. Landesman is able to obtain more accurate information and to detect abnormalities that often cannot be seen

through endoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan, or PET scan.EUS is performed with a special endoscope that has an ultrasound transducer at the

tip. This tool provides information about the layers of the intestinal wall, lymph nodes, and blood vessels, and it is used to obtain tissue samples of suspected tumors.

This outpatient procedure, performed with sedation, takes about 30 minutes to one hour. The patient experience, however, is no different than traditional endoscopy. Dr. Landesman observes the intestinal tract through a TV monitor and the ultrasound image on another monitor.

After the procedure, he will discuss preliminary results with patients before they are discharged.

According to Dr. Landesman, “through EUS, I can assess the depth of certain cancers of the digestive tract and determine if these cancers have spread to adjacent lymph

glands or nearby vital structures.” Another advantage EUS brings is its ability to obtain additional information from abnormal CT scans of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, gallbladder, pancreas, rectum, and chest that previously could be gained only through exploratory surgery.

“I can gather a tremendous amount of information with no radiation and minimal risk to the patient,” he points out. “And patients are relieved to receive preliminary results before they go home.”

Dr. Landesman is available for consultations. To reach him, call 810-603-8400.

Genesys Offers New Diagnostic Tool for Cancer and Much More

by Cindy Ficorelli

“I can gather a tremendous amount of information with

no radiation and minimal risk to the patient,” he

points out. “And patients are relieved to receive

preliminary results before they go home.”

on the town 39

Brady Events & Marketing

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Beautiful Events. Beautiful Price.

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Helping our clients create greater success by leveraging today’s

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Patrick & Nicholas Mannor Jenna Overall, Sheila Zorn Maryanne Tremaine, Vanessa MacDonald

Linda Gibbs, Jamie Weasel(sitting) Kristin Molzon, Kae Eidson

Pete Bade, Patrick Bade, Brooke Clothier(sitting) Ed Abbott, Lois Abbott, Nora Bade Tom Hufton, Lisa Wood, Stacey Webb, Tom Bertschy Cathy Smith

Dr. Scott Smith

Chris Pagan, Scott Knopf, Bonnie Kelley Bill Poma, Jack Schripsema, Dave Donahue Kirk Heath, Mark Kilmer, Leo Solano

Grand BlancWarwick Country Club

40 on the town

on the town 41

Experience the DON FRANCO Difference

2381 East Hill Rd.Grand Blanc810.694.8300 www.donfrancosalon.com

Walk-ins WelcomeConsultations Free

FINANCIAL PLANNING

David ProchazkaFinancial Advisor

Over 30 Years of Experience

Securities offered through Questar Capital, a member FINRA/SIPC

Advisory services through Questar Asset Mgmt a Registered Investment Advisor

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david.prochazka@questarcapital.com

The Biggest Little Bar in Flint

ALL Well Drinks

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ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON AT SCOOTERS

New PatronsCome in and tell me you saw the ad in this magazine and receive $5.00 OFF your tab of $20 or more.

Bikers Christmas Party

Wed. Dec. 7th

Customer Appreciation Night

Thurs. Dec. 22nd

Duelling Pianos with

George Winters

42 on the town

PRINTING

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Servicing Downtown Flint Since 1972

We are located in downtown Flint, Michigan at 134 W. Second Street

(810) 239-0511

Visit our website at www.economyprintandgraphics.com

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We carry the Latest Designers

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on the town 43

(810) 733-0212

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44 on the town

Ambrosia and nectar were the food and drink of the gods. In Greek Mythology the gods ate ambrosia and drank nectar because they were immortal. That dates back a few centuries and today we are always searching for immortal-ity and the magic formula to the fountain of youth.

The avocado is the shining star!!! It is the fountain of youth!

Avocados are excellent fruits to eat and are loaded with nutrition in every bite! They contain many vitamins: Vitamin K, Foliate, B6, Vitamin C, E, Pyridoxine,

Fiber. Avocados are cholesterol-free and sodium-free. Healthy eating starts with good decisions and avocados and healthy eating go hand in hand.

Avocados are also very heart healthy and provide good fats! They have plant- based oils which are natural and better for a healthy diet. They actually lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which clogs the arteries. They contain a monoun-saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat which is the reason we need to eat them. They help the body absorb more fat-soluble nutrients.

Why is it that the fat in avocados lowers cholesterol???

This fruit has more beta-sitosterol – which is an extremely

sitosterol is found the most in avocados, than in any other fruit.

Holiday dining can be exciting and fun. Create ways to use the avocado fruit for nutrition and its green color would look festive!

Enjoy the festive season and dine on Avocados and Nectar! Be nutrition smart and avocado away!!!!!

Happy Holidays! Therese Leyton

Holiday Health

Avocado Bagel SpreadSpread mashed California Avocado and fresh herbs

(cilantro, garlic or basil) on a bagel. Top with a splash of fresh lemon juice and start the day a better way!

Avocados

Avocados or Chream Cheese? Avocados Cream Cheese 2 Tbsps. 2 Tbsps. 2 oz. plain bagel 2oz. plain bagel

Calories 196 257Total Fat 4 grams 11 gramsSaturated Fat 1 gram 6.5 gramsCholesterol 2 milligrams 32 milligramsFiber 2 grams 1 grams

And, it is this Beta-sitosterol that is responsible for reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food. Apparently, Beta-sitosterol has the ability to block the bad LDL cholesterol absorption from the intestine, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels. Thus, it is this great combination of beta-sitosterol and monounsaturated fat that makes avocados so healthy to eat.

So get creative for the holidays and eat avocados. Add avocado to your salads as a great way to add nutrients. Add avocados to your sandwiches, burgers, dips, or just eat them as a snack with apples. Chop them with tomato and onions for a great salsa topping. Substitute avocados for egg yolks and make deviled eggs. Spread them on toast, crackers, and bagels. Guacamole dips are so popular and very pretty for the holidays.

I found nutrition information between avocados and cream cheese and there is a big difference in fat content.

on the town 45

6050 Fenton Rd.Flint, MI 48507810.239.2222

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Located in the Grand Mall

Great Stocking Stuffers!Stop by and get the Buzz