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Michigan Future Reports Close Links BetweenProsperity and College Success

By: Jane Whittington

Is college worth it? Individuals needto make that decision for themselves andtheir families, but a recent report fromMichigan Future reveal that Michigan’sfuture prosperity depends on the state’sability to prepare, attract and retain col-lege graduates.

Michigan Future, funded byMichigan foundations, is a non-partisan,non-profit organization with a mission“to be a source of new ideas on howMichigan can succeed as a world classcommunity in a knowledge-based econ-omy.”

The goal of Michigan Future is to bea catalyst for recreating Michigan’s pros-perity. Their observation is that “whatmost distinguishes successful stateeconomies is their concentrations of tal-ent, where talent is defined as a combi-nation of knowledge, creativity andentrepreneurship. In a flattening worldwhere work can increasingly be doneanyplace by anybody, the places with thegreatest concentrations of talent win.”

Michigan Future’s work focuses onproviding information and ideas to facil-itate Michigan’s transition to a knowl-edge-based economy; helping Michiganretain and attract recent college gradu-ates; and creating new high schools inDetroit and its inner city suburbs that

prepare low-income and/or minority stu-dents for college success.

In their report, Michigan Futurereported that there were close linksbetween prosperity and college attain-ment. They further stated that“Michigan’s inability to prepare, attractand retain college grads is preventing itfrom increasing prosperity.”

According to Michigan Future,“Michigan’s struggles during the firstdecade of this century and its failure tomake the turn to a knowledge economythat is vital to becoming prosperous ispainfully evident.”

The report continues, “FromJanuary 1990 to July 2012, employmentnationally in knowledge-based rose 34percent compared to 14 percent in therest of the economy….The Americaneconomy has been going through a pro-found structural transformation from anindustrial to a knowledge-based econo-my.”

The data used to prepare this reportwas gathered from the statistical agen-cies of the federal government. Writtenby Michigan Future President Lou Glazerand Don Grimes, senior research special-ist at the University of Michigan’sInstitute for Research on Labor,Employment and the Economy, they con-clude that in the future, knowledge-based industries will continue to be both

where job growth is strongest and aver-age wages the highest.

They write, “What made Michiganprosperous in the past is no longer a pathto prosperity. If Michigan’s economy ofthe future is built on a base of factories,farms, food processing and tourism, wewill be a low prosperity state.”

The report continues, “The worldhas changed fundamentally. We eitheradapt to the changes or we will continueto be poor compared to the nation.”

In the view of the authors, humancapital is the most important asset in thisnew economy. They believe that collegeeducated adults will be essential to pros-perity. They observe that places with ahigh proportion of adults with a bache-lor’s degree or more are more successful.States like Massachusetts, New York and

Connecticut, with higher percentages ofmore highly-educated people, report farhigher earnings than states likeMichigan, which ranks 34th in the num-ber of adults with degrees.

In conclusion, they say, “Michiganhas lagged in its support of the assetsnecessary to develop the knowledge-based economy at the needed scale.Building that economy is going to take along time, and it will require fundamen-tal change. We believe it is the only reli-able path to regain high prosperity.”

More information can be found atwww.michiganfuture.org

Jane Whittington is a freelancewriter and editor who lives in GrandRapids.

GVSU AccountabilityReport

Allendale - At a time when measur-ing performance and results of highereducation are dominating discussion,Grand Valley State University’s annualAccountability Report shows the univer-sity is excelling in key areas. The univer-sity released the report at its November 2Board of Trustees meeting.

The annual report presents factsfrom external sources that show GrandValley is a solid return on investment forstudents, their families and those livingin the state of Michigan. It’s been cited asa national example of how universitiescan prove their value with quantifiableresults.

Here are some highlights from thisyear’s report:

• When compared to all other publicuniversities in Michigan, Grand Valleyranks in the top five for retention; the topfour for graduation rates and is in thetop two for administrative efficiency andproductivity.

• Of recent graduates who areemployed, 84% are working and givingback in Michigan.

• Grand Valley’s tuition remains inthe bottom half of all Michigan publicuniversities.

• Grand Valley receives the loweststate funding per student of any ofMichigan’s public universities.

• The economic impact of GrandValley on Kent, Ottawa and Muskegoncounties is $732 million.

A Legacy in Legal Education: The Thomas M. CooleyLaw School Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence

In hindsight, 1973 would be one ofthe most defining years of our times:U.S. President Richard M. Nixon tookoffice for a second term, the lastAmerican soldier left Vietnam, and theU.S. Supreme Court made its landmarkdecision in Roe v. Wade, overturningstate and federal laws on abortion.

As the Watergate scandal heated upin Washington, D.C., miles away in NewYork City, a ribbon-cutting ceremonyopened the World Trade Center whileAmerican Graffiti dominated the boxoffice, and Elvis Presley’s Hawaiian con-cert drew more than 1 billion televisionviewers around the globe.

In the midst of these headlineevents, another milestone of a far differ-ent nature was in the making right herein Michigan.

In 1973, the Hon. Thomas E.Brennan, then Chief Justice of theMichigan Supreme Court, led a group ofMichigan judges and attorneys in estab-lishing the Thomas M. Cooley LawSchool, which has since grown in sizeand stature to become the nation’slargest accredited law school.

The nation’s largest law schoolarises from modest beginnings

Who would have imagined that theoriginal law school, sitting atop a printshop at 507 S. Grand Avenue in down-town Lansing, would celebrate nearly17,000 graduates worldwide and expandto four campuses across Michigan andone in Florida?

Long known for his bold vision andtenacity, Justice Brennan ensured thatCooley’s programs and approach wouldredefine legal education. The journey

was easier said than done. Numerousroadblocks and challenges only providedfurther fuel for Justice Brennan’s passionto create an alternative approach to thetheory-based legal education that wasstandard among the nation’s law schoolsat the time.

Instead of offering courses taughtexclusively by legal scholars, Cooleybrought real-world legal education to theclassroom by hiring top judges, prosecu-tors and seasoned attorneys for itsexpert faculty. Cooley was the first lawschool to promote year-round educationthrough its three semesters per yearscheduling. Soon Cooley took flexiblescheduling options even further, offeringevening and weekend courses.

As the Cooley approach took hold,prospective students from not onlyMichigan but around the world, tooknotice.

Grand Rapids Campus Celebrates10 Years

Demand for a Cooley educationgrew, and the law school’s leaders begandiscussing the possibility of new campuslocations as early as the 1980s. InSeptember 2002, under the leadership ofCooley’s new president Don LeDuc,Cooley opened its second campus inAuburn Hills, Mich., then housed on thecampus of Oakland University. (Cooleywould, in 2008, move that campus to itsown 130,000-square-foot facility locatedon 67-acres in Auburn Hills). Then inMay 2003, Cooley began offering cours-es to students at Western MichiganUniversity’s downtown Grand Rapidscampus while the law school constructeda new, 100,000-square-foot facility at

111 Commerce St. The five-story facilityis located in the city’s Heartside District,a dynamic urban neighborhood with agrowing community that boasts a thriv-ing business sector and lively arts andentertainment culture.

Cooley’s Ann Arbor campus openedin September 2009, and most recently,Cooley opened its fifth and first out-of-state campus in Riverview (Tampa Bay),Fla. in May 2012.

Cooley’s Grand Rapids campusattracts students from Kalamazoo,Muskegon, and Battle Creek, and thesurrounding Grand Rapids area. And,with a train station within miles from thecampus, a steady number of Chicago res-idents take advantage of the law school’sweekend J.D. program. Students andfaculty members maintain pro-bono andcommunity services projects near thecampus at soup kitchens, missions, cul-tural centers, chambers of commerce,courts, nonprofits, and schools.

The law school’s impact has notgone unnoticed, said George Heartwell,mayor of Grand Rapids.

“Cooley has been a leader in serv-ing as an educational resource not justfor its students and graduates, but forthe community as a whole with free anddiverse legal programming and servicesthat strengthen our character as citi-zens,” he said.

Commitment to its LocalCommunities

Community support is a vital ele-ment of the success of Cooley’s campus-es. Since its inception, Cooley has been apart of Lansing’s – and later GrandRapids’ – revitalization, inspiring new

housing and retail opportunities for stu-dents and faculty, supporting the artsand cultural events and providing ongo-ing contributions in social justice and probono service to the region’s citizens, witha new generation of graduates callingthose cities home.

“Cooley is all about offering thehighest quality legal education experi-ence,” said President LeDuc. “Cooleystresses legal knowledge, practice skills,and professional ethics, concepts that arenow receiving much attention in legaleducation, but have been in place atCooley since its founding. We’re proudof our history and expect more greatthings for our future.”

About Cooley Law School:Founded in 1972, the Thomas M.

Cooley Law School is a private, nonprof-it, independent law school accredited bythe American Bar Association and theHigher Learning Commission. Cooley hasprovided its more than 17,000 graduateswith the practical skills necessary for aseamless transition from academia to thereal world. Cooley offers its Juris Doctorprogram, Joint Degree programs, andMaster of Laws programs three times ayear with enrollment in January, Mayand September. Cooley Law School hascampuses across Michigan in Lansing,Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids and AnnArbor, and its new campus in TampaBay, Florida. Additional informationabout Cooley can be found at cooley.edu.

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5Life-Long Learning

By: Jane Whittington

“The illiterate of the 21st century willnot be those who cannot read and writebut those who cannot learn, unlearn andrelearn.”

This quote from Alvin Toffler ringsespecially true in the current environmentof constant change. In order to find aplace in this new global economy with itsever changing technology, its new ways oflooking at the world and its evolvingunderstanding of all facets of life, we needto be open to change. And the way to dothat is to be dedicated to life-long learn-ing. We can’t graduate from high schoolor college or professional school and thinkthat our days of learning are over. Today’scomplicated world demands of us that wecontinue to learn, change and grow.

And, for adults, life-long learningoffers additional benefits. Life-long learn-ing guru Nancy Merz Nordstrom says,“When you look at the benefits gainedfrom keeping your mind sharp, it’s incred-ible. Life-long learning is like a healthclub for your brain. And an active mindcan stimulate physical activity and keep

your spirits high. It’s an all-around fan-tastic tool for better health.”

In her book Learning Later, LivingGreater: The Secret for Making of Most ofYour After-50 Years, Merz champions life-long learning as a positive lifestyle foroverall personal development and a pri-mary factor for brain health.

Adult learners are considered non-traditional students, those who are notattending college directly after highschool. There are also other factors thathelp define the non-traditional student.Non-traditional students may:

Not enter college in the same calen-dar year in which they complete highschool;

Attend part-time;Work 35 or more hours per week

while enrolled;Be considered financially independ-

ent;Have dependents other than a

spouse (usually children);Be single parents.Today’s “non-traditional” student is

apt to be the norm. The National Centerfor Education Statistics reports that 73

percent of all college students meet one ormore of these criteria!

Whether adults are going to collegefor the first time, returning to complete adegree or taking classes for professionaladvancement or in order to pursue a newcareer, Grand Rapids has colleges anduniversities that can meet all these needs.

Grand Valley State University(GVSU), with just under 25,000 students,is located in Allendale, 12 miles west ofGrand Rapids. Classes are also offered atthe Pew Campus in Grand Rapids, MeijerCampus in Holland and through centers atMuskegon and Traverse City where theypartner with local community colleges.

According to Lisa Miller, Director ofthe Meijer Campus in Holland, “Studentsat GVSU who are over 24 are far morelikely to have started at another institu-tion and bring in transfer credits ratherthan start from scratch.”

She continues, “The primary motiva-tion for most of these students to attendGVSU is for career advancement. Forthose who need re-training or thosewhose skills are no longer marketable, wework with state and federal programs like

No Worker Left Behind(www.gvsu.edu/nwlb) to provide educa-tional and retraining options.”

She adds, “We provide the same levelof high quality services for all studentsand encourage service offices to be cog-nizant of non-traditional student needs.Many of our offices remain open past 5PM and provide online and phone supportservices to accommodate adult/workingstudents.”

Miller reports that the Liberal Studiesmajor is one of the most popular withadult students as it provides flexibility forstudents to craft an individualized inter-disciplinary course of study. She says,“Adult students are also drawn to majorsin the Seidman College of Business,Kirkhof College of Nursing and the Collegeof Health Professions.”

More information can be accessed atwww.gvsu.edu as well as specific infor-mation for adult students atwww.gvsu.edu/nontraditional. GVSU isalso considered a “Military FriendlySchool” and information for veterans canbe found at www.gvsu.edu/veterans.

Continued on page 18

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Legal/Accounting/Consulting BriefsGrand Rapids – U.S. News Media Groupand Best Lawyers released the 2013“Best Law Firms” with Miller Johnsonreceiving high rankings for 34 practiceareas in Grand Rapids Metro area, and 11in Kalamazoo.

Grand Rapids – Warner Norcross &Judd, LLP, welcomed new attorneys:Kelechi E. Adibe, Emily E. Bakeman,Adam J. Benitez, Elinor R. Jordan,Laura Rogers-Raleigh, and MargaretStalker Jozwiak.

Grand Rapids – Jonathan J. Siebers,Attorney with Smith Haughey Rice &Roegge, is the first attorney in Michiganto become a Certified Merger andAcquisition Advisor.

Grand Rapids – U.S. News Best Lawyers®honored four Varnum attorneys as"Lawyer of the Year": Ron DeWaard,Litigation-Banking & Finance; RandallKraker, Litigation-Municipal; JoanSchleef, Banking & Finance Law; andJohn Patrick White, Labor Law-Management.

Grand Rapids – Founder of Peace TalksMediation Services, Robert E. LeeWright, became chairperson ofMichigan’s State Bar Alternative DisputeResolution Section.

Grand Rapids – Amy L. VanDyke,Associate of Mika Meyers Beckett &

Jones PLC, was elected to Spring LakeTownship Planning Board. Amy practicesareas of business law, estate planning,and energy law.

Grand Rapids – Baker Holtz, CPAs andAdvisors, announced Steven D. Struckand Melissa A. Seguin earned their des-ignations as Certified Specialists in EstatePlanning® by National Institute forExcellence in Professional Education,LLC.

Grand Rapids – Miller Johnsonannounced David J. Gass was inductedas a Fellow of the American College ofTrial Lawyers. There are 97 Fellows inMichigan.

Grand Rapids – Smith Haugheyannounced the following Attorneys wereselected for inclusion in 2013 BestLawyers publication "Lawyer of the Year":William W. Jack, Jr. - Personal InjuryLitigation - Defendants; John M. Kruis -Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; E.Thomas McCarthy, Jr. - Personal InjuryLitigation – Plaintiffs; and John R.Oostema - Legal Malpractice Law -Defendants.

Grand Rapids – Matthew L. Wikander,Attorney with Smith Haughey Rice &Roegge, was named 2012 “Up & ComingLawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly,which annually selects only 20 lawyers tohold this title.

Detroit – Miller Canfield announced U.S.News & World Report and Best Lawyersranked the firm among the nation’s bestlaw firms in 2013 edition of “Best LawFirms.” Miller Canfield has more first-tiermetropolitan rankings than any other lawfirm in Michigan, 77 in all, and is the onlyfirm with a first-tier ranking in Michiganin Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law. Inaddition, Miller Canfield has the mostfirst-tier rankings in the U.S. in MunicipalLitigation.

Lansing – Gallagher Law Firm, PLC,Attorney Kate (Fetkenhier) Barnabywas selected as one of twenty “Up &Coming Lawyers” by Michigan LawyersWeekly for 2012.

Detroit – Honigman Miller Schwartzand Cohn, LLP, was the only Michiganlaw firm to be named 50 Best Law Firmsfor Women by Working Mother magazineand Flex-Time Lawyers for the fourthyear.

Holland – Lighthouse Group partneredwith Manistee Abstract & Title to formLighthouse Group—Manistee Abstract& Title Company. Manistee Abstract &Title has served the Manistee communitysince 1947, providing a variety of servic-es including real estate closings, titleinsurance, and title searches.

Grand Rapids – Mika Meyers Beckett &

Jones, PLC, announced Best Lawyersselected James R. Brown as 2013"Lawyer of the Year for Municipal Law",and Larry J. Gardner as 2013 "Lawyer ofthe Year for Oil & Gas Law".

Grand Rapids – Becky Stornant joinedLighthouse Group as Personal InsuranceAccount Executive, and is licensed in life,health, property and casualty insurancewith expertise in personal insurance andrisk management.

Grand Rapids – Rhoades McKeeannounced Attorney Thomas L. Saxewill serve as Chair of the firm’s FamilyLaw Practice Group.

Grand Rapids – Hungerford, Aldrin,Nichols & Carter, PC, was named as2012 Best Accounting Firms to Work.This annual list was created byAccounting Today Magazine and BestCompanies Group.

Grand Rapids – Hilger Hammond, PC,announced Stephen Hilger and AileenLeipprandt were named “SuperLawyers” for 2012, by Super LawyersMagazine.

Grand Rapids – Miller Johnson welcomedSara A. Nicholson as Associate in theKalamazoo office, where she will contin-ue her practice in estate planning andtaxation.

Finance/Insurance/Banking BriefsGrand Rapids – Lake Michigan CreditUnion announced Financial AdvisorNick Venlet is moving from his base inKalamazoo, to Lake MichiganInvestment Services’ Holland office,effective immediately.

Grand Rapids – Lake Michigan CreditUnion announced promotion of ten yearveteran Bethany Stoffers to BranchManager-Byron Center.

Grand Rapids – Partnering with RyanWolthuis at Grand River Bank, and uti-lizing an SBA 504 loan from EconomicDevelopment Foundation, Dr. PaulO’Grady built an orthodontics officeexceeding expectations and deliveringlatest advancements in orthodontic treat-ments.

Grand Rapids – Meemic Insuranceannounced opening of a new location forCuster Insurance Agency, LLC, 515Michigan Street NE, Suite 304.

Grand Rapids – Lake Michigan CreditUnion announced Vice President ofRetail Strategy, Bill Clancy, won theSeptember 2012 “Trailblazer 40 Below”award from Credit Union Times.

Grand Rapids – VanDyk Mortgage Corpheld a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony takingplace at their Grand Rapids office in cele-bration of 25 years. Thomas L. VanDykstarted VanDyk Mortgage Corp July 10th,1987, in Grand Rapids. VanDykMortgage is one of Michigan’s oldest pri-vately held mortgage bankers with morethan 200 employees, and 50 officesnationwide operating in 30 states.

Caledonia – Acrisure Benefits Groupannounced addition of DevanLevandoski as Benefits Consultant totheir Advisory Team.

Muskegon – LeAnne Stewart joinedIndependent Bank, 3251 Henry St., asSenior Mortgage Loan Officer.

Grand Rapids – Business leader Peter M.Perez joined Legacy Trust, locally ownedtrust bank focused on wealth management,and Legacy Trust Holding Company’sBoard of Directors, bringing more than 45years of leadership expertise.

Grandville – Berends Hendricks Stuitwelcomed: Elizabeth Boelens, WellnessCoordinator; Kimberly Byxbe, ClaimsSpecialist; and Laurie Geerling, AccountManger in Commercial Lines Department.

Grand Rapids – Founders Bank & Trust,announced James T. Polonczyk wasappointed to Board of Directors ofFounders Bank & Trust, and FoundersFinancial Corporation.

Lansing - The Small BusinessAssociation of Michigan’s (SBAM) lat-est November 2012 Small BusinessBarometer survey of over 1,000 smallbusiness owners and found that:• Forty percent of small business ownerssaid sales had increased over the past six

months.• Twenty-five percent said profits hadincreased.• Twenty-one percent said they increasedtheir number of employees.Looking forward:• Forty-two percent said they expectsales to increase to the next six months.• Thirty-two percent said they expectprofits to increase.• Twenty-four percent plan to hire moreemployees.Interestingly in this time of relatively

high unemployment, some small busi-nesses complain about their access toqualified personnel. Ten percent rate it as“poor”, 30 percent as “only fair”, 41 per-cent as “pretty good” and twelve percentas “excellent.” “We continue to hear fromsmall business owners that they areflooded with applicants for job openingsbut few of the applicants are qualified,”says Rogers.

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8Senior Living Options

By: Jane Whittington

It’s inevitable, isn’t it? We all getolder, and there comes a time when, eitherfor our parents or ourselves, it’s time toconsider a move to senior housing. Whenthat time comes, we discover that it’s acomplicated subject with many questionsto consider. Where to start?

Let’s begin with basics. What are thechoices for senior housing? Here are theoptions:

Aging in place: Many seniors want tostay in their own homes. There is a widerange of services that can help those whowant to continue to live at home. Thereare numerous home-care businesses inthe Grand Rapids area which can assistseniors who want to remain at home butneed some help with household chores,driving, personal care or other types ofassistance, such as Home Instead andSenior Neighbors, Inc. There are alsoagencies which can advise or assisthomeowners to make their homes “seniorfriendly.”

Continuing Care Retirement

Community (CCRC): a facility where resi-dents are able to move through the levelsof care within one facility.

Independent living: These housingcommunities are designed specifically forseniors. They may also be known asretirement communities, retirementhomes or senior living. This housing isuseful for older adults as it is more com-pact, easier to navigate and includes helpwith outside maintenance. Many of thesecommunities also provide meals, ifdesired, and cleaning services.

Assisted living: This housing optionis for those who need help with some ofthe activities of daily life, including helpwith medication and other personal careservices.

Memory care: This option is for sen-iors who are suffering from some level ofdementia or Alzheimer’s disease.Typically, these are locked units and pro-vide high levels of care and services forresidents.

Nursing care: This is the highestlevel of care for older adults outside of ahospital and is designed for those whoneed nursing care and the other medicalservices. Nursing homes may also be atemporary home for rehabilitation after ahospitalization when it is expected thatthe resident will return to his/her previ-ous home.

Costs vary greatly. Facilities charge amonthly fee, which increases as needsincrease. There are some retirement com-munities which charge a fee upon entryand, at the same time, evaluate the poten-tial occupant’s finances. They then chargeon a monthly basis. However, once a res-ident is in residence, he or she will con-tinue to receive the same level of careeven if the occupant’s resources run outand Medicare or Medicaid becomes theonly source of monies.

Medicare, Medicaid, Long-term CareInsurance and the new Affordable CareAct are complex subjects which, alongwith a potential resident’s own financialcircumstances, need to be explored on anindividual basis.

Adult Well-Being Services in GrandRapids is a valuable resource for thoseconsidering a move to senior housing orfor someone who is considering optionsfor a family member. The Agency beganin Detroit in 1953 as an outreach effort bythe Junior League and has expanded overthe years to cover needs throughoutMichigan. Here in Grand Rapids, as inother areas, they provide informationabout the long term care system for thosecontemplating such a move; advocacy for

those in senior residences; referrals; andeducation for consumers, communitiesand professionals.

The Grand Rapids office, with fouremployees, services 21 counties inWestern Michigan, from the southern bor-der up to Ludington and as far east asIonia. The administrative offices are inDetroit with other branches in Lansingand Flint.

According to Steve Chambers,Program Manager and Long Term CareOmbudsman, “Adult Well-Being Servicescontracts with Area Agencies on Aging inthe communities we serve. The two thingswe do for them are elder abuse preventionand education and long-term careombudsman services. We are advocatesfor any resident in a licensed long-termcare facility. We have four employees herein Grand Rapids.”

He continues, “Another thing we cando is help people make educated decisionsabout their options. While we don’t rate orrecommend specific facilities, we helppeople know what to look for and how tomake the best decisions for themselves ortheir loved ones.”

The four employees make at leastquarterly visits to all of the licensed facil-ities in the 21 counties the agency serves.

Chambers says, “When someonecomes to us for assistance, they are usu-ally in crisis. We sit down with them andtalk about what level of care is mostappropriate. More often than not, we arehaving these discussions with the adultchildren who are concerned about theirparents and want what is best for them.“

He continues, “Once we determinewhat the resident is going to need, theMichigan Department of Human Serviceshas a website which allows people to setparameters and search for a licensed facil-ity.”

Chambers urges those considering aparticular facility to make arrangementfor a tour and also to drop in unan-nounced to take a look at how a facilityfunctions. Most of the facilities in KentCounty are licensed and therefore adhereto certain standards and are subject tocontinual monitoring.

We are fortunate to have a number ofexcellent facilities throughout the area.Many also include rehabilitation programswhere people can go after an accident,injury or illness for onsite care until theyreturn to their homes. Many of their web-sites provide information not only abouttheir facility but also general informationabout choosing a facility and making thetransition. Here are just a few:

Clark Retirement Community: Clarkwas voted best retirement community inGrand Rapids’ Magazine’s 2012 “best of”edition. They have two campuses, one onFranklin Street and one on Keller Lake.Their website also includes a helpful“glossary of terms”. For more informa-tion: www.clarkretirement.org

Beacon Hill: Formerly MichiganChristian Home, Beacon Hill at Eastgate isone of the newer Continuing CareRetirement Communities in the area.Those in independent living receive anadditional benefit as Beacon Hill is withina Renaissance Zone. For more informa-tion: www.beaconhillgr.org

Lifehouse: Lifehouse operates 15assisted living centers and nine skillednursing facilities throughout Michigan,Illinois and California. The one in GrandRapids is Crystal Springs, located in SEGR. For more information: www.crystal-springsassistedliving.com

Maple Creek: Maple Creek providesin-home care, independent apartmentsand cottages, assisted living, memorycare, short term rehabilitation and skillednursing. Under the auspices of LutheranSocial Services, it has provided care since1924 when it was founded as theLutheran Home for the Aged. For moreinformation: www.maplecreek.org

Pilgrim Manor: Pilgrim Manor offersa full ranges of services as needs change.Their connection to the United Church ofChrist gives it a Christian focus althoughall faiths are welcome. For more informa-tion: www.pilgimmanor.org

Holland Home: With three campuses,Fulton, Raybrook and Breton Woods,Holland Home ranks as the 40th largestCCRC in the nation. They have been oper-ating since 1892 when Het Eerste Huis(the first Holland Home) was first occu-pied. For more information: www.hol-landhome.org

Porter Hills: Porter Hills providescommunities (independent living, assist-ed living, memory care and skilled nurs-ing care) as well as at-home services andrehabilitation services. For more informa-tion: www.porterhills.org.

There are many other fine facilities inthe area. For more information aboutlocating one that is right for your situa-tion, seek out the assistance of AdultWell-Being Services and visit Michigan’swebsite where you can search for retire-ment communities atwww.dleg.state.mi.us/brs_afc/sr_afc.asp

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

Publisher: Gary Kralapp

Business DevelopmentSenior Vice President: Diane LaPrezeSenior Vice President: Jim LroyCirculation: Aubrey Day

Contributing Writers: Jane Whittington

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12Construction BriefsWest MI - Signature Associates hasnegotiated:• the lease of 1,797 square feet of indus-trial space located at 3876 East ParisAvenue SE, Kentwood for the tenant,Grand River Signs, Inc.• the lease of 1,800 square feet of indus-trial space located at 3120 S. GettyStreet, Norton Shores for the representedthe landlord, CMJ Properties, LLC, andthe tenant, American Bingo Company.• the sale of a 9,420 square foot retailbuilding located at 2610 AirviewBoulevard, Portage to ANR KalamazooHotel 2, LLC. for the seller, David &Diane Gallivan. The site is near theKalamazoo | Battle Creek InternationalAirport with plans to tear down theexisting structure and build a three-story hotel.

Grand Rapids – Owen-Ames-KimballCo. announced appointment of JeffWeber to position of Director ofOperations overseeing quality control,logistics management, project schedul-ing, and team guidance for the compa-ny’s Michigan operations.

Grand Rapids – AmericanSubcontractors Association, Inc.(ASA), appointed Kent Companies CEOJeffrey VanderLaan, President of ASA’sMichigan chapter, to its National Boardof Directors.

Grand Rapids – Centre for PlasticSurgery announced plans to construct astate-of-the-art facility at 2060 EastParis SE, with anticipated move in dateJune 2013. The Centre, which has beenoperating out of its Michigan Street loca-tion for 25 years, will celebrate its 30thyear of service in 2013. FirstCompanies, which owns and managesthe building, is facilitating the build outwith architect Cox Medendorp Olson.

Traverse City – Wolverine BuildingGroup and architect Concept DesignStudio announced grand opening ofCottage 36 at Grand TraverseCommons, the latest in a series of reno-vations on the former state hospitalcampus. Originally serving as a resi-dence hall for workers at the hospital,Cottage 36 has been renovated with 29affordable housing units featuring mod-ern, energy-efficient amenities withhigh-end and historically accurate fin-ishes.

Grand Rapids – Patriot Realtyannounced additions of new members totheir staff - Audrey Rynberg, Realtor,having over 9 years real estate experi-ence; and Warren Bender, Realtor,bringing over 8 years experience in zon-ing and land use as Brooks Twp. ZoningAdministrator. Alyssa Johnson andWhitney Van Til joined asAdministrative Assistants.

Lansing – Clark Construction awardedPaula Cadwell with the 2012 Charles J.Clark Safety award, an annual awardpresented to the Clark Constructionemployee demonstrating exceptionaldedication and commitment to safety inthe construction industry.

Ann Arbor – Ann Arbor MunicipalCenter was awarded Gold LEED statusby the U.S. Green Building Council.Clark Construction served asConstruction Manager for the project.

Brighton – ASTI Environmental com-pleted their 8,000th project- a Phase IEnvironmental Site Assessment of a fit-ness center in Harper Woods. ASTIEnvironmental is also expanding its eco-logical restoration and habitat manage-ment services. ASTI, Sean Trowbridge,and Paul Rentschler are now approvedby the Michigan Department ofAgriculture as Commercial PesticideApplicators.

Ada – Larry Erhardt, Sr., founder ofErhardt Construction, received theICON Award from Western MichiganChapter of Associated Builders andContractors, which recognizes individu-als having a significant impact on theconstruction industry.

Grand Rapids – Progressive AEannounced American Institute ofArchitects Grand Rapids Chapter recog-nized John Ball Zoo Tree House with a2012 Honor Building Award.

Lansing – Clark Construction Companyannounced the following staff additions:Jacob Carney, Project Engineer; AnneNoble, Marketing Coordinator, andTerry Stewart, Project Engineer.

Grand Rapids – Dave Isabell started atASTI Environmental bringing fouryears of environmental consulting expe-rience with specific expertise in Phase IESAs, Phase II Investigations, Soil Gas

testing, Methane Testing, USTAssessments, Groundwater Monitoringand Property Condition Evaluations.

Lansing – Clark Construction Companyannounced it awarded three of its sub-contractors with Clark’s 2012 TradeContractor Safety Award. Michigan com-panies honored are: Glazing Solutions,Inc., Morrice - recognized for its work atCentral Michigan University EventsCenter; Choice Concrete, Grand Rapids -recognized for its work on CentralMichigan University Events Center; andVentcon, Inc., Allen Park - recognizedfor its work on University of Michigan’sChrysler Arena project.

Ann Arbor – The Center for HealthcareDesign honored Hobbs + BlackAssociates, Inc., for their TucsonMedical Center Pediatric Renovationproject, with the HealthcareEnvironment Award, which recognizesexcellence in new or renovated health-care facility design.

Grand Rapids – LINC CommunityRevitalization Inc. held a ribbon cuttingceremony to begin development of PhaseOne of its Southtown Square projectlocated in the Madison Square neighbor-hood. Together with a $9 million award

General BusinessGrand Rapids – Gilda’s Club, free cancersupport community of adults, children,families and friends, announced appoint-ment of Daryl Vogel as Vice President ofDevelopment for Gilda’s Club GrandRapids.

Grand Rapids – Experience GrandRapids and Kent County LodgingAssociation announced 2012 winners ofthe 5th Annual WAVE Awards, a programrecognizing outstanding service providersin Kent County hospitality industry.Winners include: Dining - Jeff Fenton,Amway Grand Plaza Hotel-Cygnus 27;Lodging - Jenifer Cutter, Amway GrandPlaza Hotel; Nightlife - Kellie Rowland,JW Marriott- Mixology Lounge;Transportation - Doyle Fisher, MetroCab Grand Rapids; Retail/Service -Cherie Jaworowicz, Bokay by EasternFloral; Attractions/Events – AshelyAlexander, West Michigan SportsCommission.

Lansing – City of Lansing and Sault Ste.Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians com-pleted a critical step in their effort to winfederal approval of a casino in downtownLansing. The Tribe completed the agree-ment to purchase city-owned land adja-cent to Lansing Center where the casinowill be built. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero,Sault Tribe Chairperson Aaron Payment,and Bob Liggett - owner of Michigan BigBoy restaurants and former owner ofLansing-based radio station WFMK -signed documents completing transfer ofthe land. Liggett is the main investor inthe project and owns a majority ofLansing Future Development, LLC, theSault Tribe’s partner in the project.

Muskegon – Muskegon LakeshoreChamber of Commerce’s Inclusion andCommunity Awareness Committee annu-ally selects individuals or projects havingmade positive contributions to MuskegonLakeshore and awards them as Agents ofChange. The 2012 Agents of Change andtheir contributions are: Amanda Shunta– bringing cash mobs to Muskegon; EdGarner – economic development initia-tives and promoting unity along theLakeshore; West Michigan UnderwaterPreserve Organization - advocating forMichigan’s 13th Underwater Preserve onWest Michigan Shoreline; Jera Cook andBrett Gilbert – Fatty Lumpkins invest-ment and “Fat Garden Project”; JenniferCross – development, beautification andpromotion of Third Street Corridor indowntown Muskegon; Kathy Evans –Muskegon Lake shoreline restoration andclean-up initiative; 1 in 21 SteeringCommittee – Linda Juarez, John Noling,Ken Krause and Jim Fisher - developingan initiative to make Muskegon thehealthiest County in Michigan by 2021;Andrew Haan - Downtown Muskegondevelopment and beautification; Micheleand Eric Ringelberg, owners of NeXt I.T.- e-Cycle for Charity initiative; and Anneand Allan Dake – revitalization of theMuskegon Heritage Museum.

Grand Rapids – Interphase Interiors,local Haworth dealer, announced NicoleTaylor, a coordinator at the company’sdowntown “MoDiv” space, was promotedto full-time status and added asCommercial Interior Designer.

Trustees Approve Funds for University CenterRenovation Project

Grand Rapids – The Ferris StateUniversity Board of Trustees grantedapproval to proceed with funding todevelop a new University Center duringits regular meeting on Friday, Nov. 2 atthe Federal Building in Grand Rapids.

Board members voted to allocatefunding in the range of $30 million to$35 million toward the final design, tosolicit bids and to negotiate and enterinto contracts required to renovate thefacility that will replace the RankinStudent Center on the Big Rapids cam-pus. The full project also includes dem-olition of nearby Carlisle and Masselinkhalls to provide additional parking forthe new center. Funds also will be usedfor required site work, including reim-bursable costs, university indirect costs,equipment, fixtures and furnishings.

The University Center is a compo-nent of Ferris’ campus master plan.During the last three to four years, theuniversity has worked to build a finan-cial reserve to help fund this project.The balance of funding for the facilitywill be provided through a bond issuewith the debt service to be paid by theuniversity’s general fund. Ferris is com-mitted to the completion of the projectwithout a new fee or tuition increase forstudents.

The UC will provide additional spacefor student organizations to meet andwill offer a mix of food, retail and enter-tainment options to meet the needs ofresidential and commuter students, andthe rest of the university community.

The university completed a vision-ing stage for the planning process whenit received a final report from consult-ants Brailsford and Dunlavey. At theMarch 23 board meeting, authorizationwas granted for the procurement of pro-fessional services for preconstructionplanning. Neumann Smith teamed withdesign partner KSS architects and foodservices consultants Porter Khouw asthe design team for the project.Christman Company was selected to

provide construction management serv-ices. These professional services firmshave collaborated with the UniversityCenter planning committee to develop acomprehensive program statement andproject budget.

The demolition of Carlisle andMasselink halls is expected to begin ineither the spring or summer of 2013,while the renovation project for the UCis expected to begin in May 2013 and becompleted by Aug. 1, 2014.

As part of the project, the universi-ty intends to lease real estate just southof campus in the Big Value Center nearthe Save-A-Lot grocery store onNorthland Drive to serve as a temporaryhome for the campus bookstore for 17to 18 months during the renovation.Some other Rankin Center offices will berelocated temporarily to Helen FerrisHall, and the Center Ice dining facilitywill be reopened for one year to fill thevoid left by the closing of Westview dur-ing the renovation.

In other action, trustees approved:· the FY 2013 general fund operat-

ing budget as submitted and endorsedby the BOT Finance Committee in July.This summer, the budget was projectedbased on information available at thetime. Since the BOT action in July, thestate appropriations amounts have beenfinalized. The only change to the July-approved state appropriations is theaddition of one-time tuition-restraintfunding. Ferris’ 2.59-percent increase,the second lowest among the state’spublic universities, resulted in the uni-versity receiving 14 percent of the $9million tuition-restraint appropriation,or $1,269,300. The university alsoreceived $1,657,100 in performancefunding monies, resulting in a total of$2,926,400 in one-time funding. Ofthat one-time funding, $2.6 million isbeing used for student scholarships.The approved base appropriation toFerris remains at the FY 12 level of$41.3 million;

· the FY14 room and board ratesthat reflect the university’s 1.9-percentincrease from FY13 rates. The Ferrisroom and board rate is $990 per month,based on pricing for the most popularplan choice for Ferris students;

· authorization for Administrationand Finance Vice President Jerry Scoby,or his designee, to proceed with theretention of necessary professionalservices to assist in the development ofa formal program statement, prelimi-nary plans and cost estimates to assistin securing funding and approvalthrough the state of Michigan’s capitaloutlay process for a new HumanServices Building project to serve ashome to the College of Education andHuman Services. The college has beenhoused in Bishop Hall, a former campusresidence hall built in the 1960s;

· The Ferris Foundation’s nomina-tion for new members of its board ofdirectors, Stephanie Leonardos, of Ada,president and CEO of Amerikam, Inc.;Michael R. Bigford, of Big Rapids, pres-ident and CEO of Utility Supply andConstruction Company; and KarlLinebaugh, of Big Rapids, North RegionPresident for Chemical Bank;

· an agreement between the universi-ty and Southwestern Michigan College toprovide admissions, promotional andrecruiting services for a period of threeyears on the SMC campus in Dowagiac;and

· two charter school board appoint-ments, new sites for Kentwood-basedLighthouse Academy and conditionalauthorization for Battle CreekMontessori Academy.

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13

14Family Businesses: Sure and Steady Wins the Race

By: Jane Whittington

We in Grand Rapids are blessed withan abundance of family businesses. Locallyowned and operated, they are committed totheir community and understand theunique needs of their customers. Manyhave called Grand Rapids home for genera-tions and are as much a part of the land-scape as the Grand River, the bridges thatspan it and our tree-lined streets.

The Family Business Alliance (FBA)in Grand Rapids, an independent, not-forprofit organization that partners with theGrand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerceand the Seidman College of Business atGrand Valley State University, exists tostrengthen the profitability, progress andcontinuity of West Michigan’s familybusinesses.

They report that a study in 2003stated that 80 to 90 percent of all busi-nesses in the United States are familyowned. That same study reported thatfamily owned businesses employed 62percent of the workforce in this country.

Family Enterprise USA , a non-profitfounded to educate the public, policymakers and the media about the issuesfacing family businesses and the contri-butions they make, reports that there are5.5 million family businesses in the US,and they generate 57 percent of thenation’s GDP. They further state that fam-ily businesses generate 75 percent of allnew jobs, and, vital to the communities inwhich they do business, 98 percent ofthese companies engage in some form ofphilanthropy.

GVSU is currently doing a study to bereleased in 2013, replicating a 2001 proj-ect. That study reported that 88.8 percentof businesses in West Michigan self-iden-tify as family businesses.

Grand Rapid’s Family BusinessAlliance offers programming to supportfamily owned businesses in the commu-nity, including the Annual FamilyBusiness Forum (held in October), quar-terly workshops, peer mentoring and net-working opportunities for its members.Ellie Frey, Director of the FBA, says, “Wewant family businesses in our communityto succeed, and we exist to help that hap-pen. We currently have 115 members;that is twice the number we had just threeyears ago.”

She continues, “Although I’m theonly employee, we also have interns fromGVSU. Besides input from GVSU and theChamber, we often collaborate with theCenter for Entrepreneurship andInnovation, which is part of GVSU’sSeidman College of Business.”

The FBA facilitates networkingbetween family businesses, promotescommunity, provides referrals to otherorganizations that can assist family busi-nesses and sponsors events on issues rel-evant to its members. Frey says, “Ourquarterly events might focus on topicslike succession, governance, familydynamics within a business or other suchuseful subjects.”

She continues, “We also have agroup of trusted advisors who work withfamily owned businesses to maximizetheir success. “

Frey says, “Family businesses arethe ones most likely to contribute to thecommunities they live in. They’re theones who will take a pay cut before theystart laying off employees, and that’s thekind of businesses we want to succeedand remain in the area.”

She says, “For the most part, familybusinesses are fiscally conservative. Theydon’t typically have a lot of debt, andthey’re more able to ride out downturns inthe economy. Many family businessesactually grew during the recession.”

According to Frey, Grand Rapids hascome to be known as a mecca for familybusinesses. She attributes that to theshared commitment to the family and tothe community that so many of thesebusinesses share, along with their integri-ty, conservative approach and steadinessin the face of change.

For more information: www.fbagr.orgWe’re all familiar with the many large

family businesses that call Grand Rapidshome and that contribute so much to thelocal economy both in the jobs they provideand their philanthropic activities. We can’timagine Grand Rapids without Meijer,Amway, Bissell, Gordon Foods and othersuch businesses with long histories in ourcommunity. But there are also many small-er businesses, growing and succeeding inWest Michigan.

Shuler Books is where we all go formusic, delicious lunches and coffee, ele-gant gifts and, of course, books, books andmore books. An independent and locallyowned operation, they are celebrating their30th anniversary. Besides their three storesin the Grand Rapids area, there are two inLansing. Each location is at least 25,000square feet and stocks over 150,000 titles.During their 30 year run, they have adapt-ed to innovations in technology and nowmaintain a strong online presence throughits website, facebook page, twitter accountand blog.

The bookstore was founded by Billand Cecile Fehsenfeld who met whileworking together at Ulrich’s Books in Ann

Arbor. After graduation, they moved toback to West Michigan and, in 1982,invested their savings and loans from thebank to finance the opening of SchulerBooks. Each location produces its ownunique events, such as author visits,music, story times, book clubs and otherattractions. Schuler’s employs 240.

In 2007, they brought books backdowntown when they purchased the oldRiver Bank Books and opened a store inthe old Steketee’s building.

For more information: www.schuler-books.com

K and R Truck Sales and Repair inHolland was founded by Ed Reitman in1989, and he remains at the helm asowner and President. It began simplyenough as a one-man operation withReitman repairing damaged semis andhas evolved into a business employingclose to 150. Five family members workin the business. According to Robb

Lubbers, Reitman’s son-in-law, “We offerfor sale quality used truck, salvage trucks,Mitsubishi trucks and construction equip-ment. We also do body work and painting,operate a truck wash, provide service andparts, towing and recovery and snowplows for sale. As our website says, we’rea ‘one-stop truck stop.’”

He continues, “In May, we purchasedthe International dealership and havebranches in Grand Rapids, Kalamazooand Muskegon as well as Holland. Withan economy that goes up and down, wefelt it was in our best interests to diversi-fy. If one part of the business dips, anoth-er peaks, so it works out well for us.”

According to Lubbers, “We’re allabout customer service. We take care ofour customers; people buy from people,not companies, and we value the relation-ships we build with our customers.”

Continued on page 16

MerryMerryChristmasChristmas

15Industrial BriefsGrand Rapids – The Right Place, Inc., incollaboration with Michigan EconomicDevelopment Corp. announced approvalof $475,000 in Michigan BusinessDevelopment Program incentives from theMichigan Strategic Fund allowingUndercar Products Group, Inc. (UPG),leading automotive systems and compo-nents manufacturer, to expand itsWyoming operations and increase auto-motive components manufacturing. UPGis investing up to $26 million and gener-ating 150 new jobs, with constructionscheduled for mid-2013, and productionbeginning late 2013.

Allegan – Perrigo announced: CarolynPugh was hired as Associate ProjectManager for the Regulatory Affairs team,supporting sterile ophthalmic and prescrip-tion products for Abbreviated New DrugApplication group; Bhanu Singh washired as SAP Business Analyst, workingwith enterprise software in sales, distri-bution, logistics, Vistex and other appli-cations; Ken Humbarger, Jr. was promot-ed to Cost Analyst for Operations Finance,performing cost analysis of Perrigo’soperational activities with new and cur-rent products; Nathan Klein was hired asProduction Engineer for Allegan’s Plant 5Tablet Mix team, being responsible foroperational problem solving, and workingon cost savings projects; Nicolas Ford waspromoted as Associate Director for QualityAssurance team, being responsible forassuring quality for liquid value stream;Tyler Alexander was hired as TalentAcquisition Consultant, leading recruit-ment efforts for Finance, Accounting, andCustomer Service divisions across the U.S.Kalamazoo – Landscape Formsannounced introduction of the EscofetCollection, cast stone site elements fromthe Barcelona-based company.

Grand Rapids – Rothbury Executive Air,LLC, announced its new fixed-base oper-ation aircraft center at Gerald R. FordInternational Airport and will feature avi-ation fuel from Shell Aviation. The $6.8-million private air center will begin con-struction in spring of 2013 and will openin late 2013.

Allegan – Perrigo announced PerryTruitt was named Corporate Black Belt,Lean Sigma, for the ContinuousImprovement Program Office. Truitt willwork with Perrigo’s global organization tofurther the company’s continuousimprovement culture by providing train-ing and coaching teams in application ofLean Sigma.

Grand Rapids – International AllianceAutoGas network continues its rapidexpansion, adding new fueling partnerCrystal Flash to help more fleets run onpropane autogas. Crystal Flash is the firstAlliance partner based in Michigan andwill help regional fleets switch to propaneautogas, including vehicle conversions,clean fueling, autogas fuel station instal-lation, safety and operational training,and ongoing technical support.

Holland – Barnett Manufacturing Co.added Central States Sales to their grow-ing list of companies selling their PowerDeck brand of delivery van-based electricpallet movers and cargo positioning sys-tems. Central States Sales is responsiblefor sales in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska andKansas.

Grand Rapids – Praxis PackagingSolutions announced expansion of itsColumbus location by adding 6,400square feet to it’s already 30,000 squarefeet of cGMP operational space.

St. Joseph – Hanson Logistics announcedappointments to the company’s Board ofDirectors: Bob Koerner, and Chris Hughes- founder/principal of Sherborn Ventures,LLC, previous board member ofInternational Refrigerated TransportationAssociation, and Atlanta Chamber ofCommerce Logistics Advisory Board.

Holland – Stow Company Inc., a leaderin custom home storage and organiza-tional products, announced FrankNewman was appointed President andChief Executive Officer, effective imme-diately. Newman brings over 25 years ofexperience as a CEO.

Rockford – Wolverine Worldwide wasnamed Company of the Year by leadingindustry trade publication FootwearNews. The prestigious honor, which thepublication awards to the most notewor-thy company in the footwear industry.

Grand Rapids – American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) approvedthe newly developed safety and per-formance standard for educational seat-ing: ANSI/BIFMA X6.1-2012.

Grand Rapids – Lisa C. Young joinedBIFMA International as ChiefMarketing Officer, being responsible fordirecting all branding, marketing, edu-cation, and advocacy related activities.

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16Tax on MI Businesses Raises Costs, Doesn’t

Increase Access to Health CoverageLansing – Noted economist Gary

Wolfram, Ph. D, of Hillsdale College,released a landmark study showing a1980 law that taxes Michigan businessesto subsidize Medigap actually raises pro-duction costs, doesn’t expand healthcareaccess and benefits only a few people whodon’t need the product in the first place.

“While this legislation may have been

well intended, it has unintended conse-quences that result in increased costs onother sectors of the insurance market, inparticular small businesses, with a result-ing drag on Michigan’s economy,”Wolfram said. “This results in higher laborcosts, lower employment, less health carecoverage for non-seniors, and less totaloutput in Michigan. The subsidy is ill-tar-

geted as wealthy seniors, and up until themost recent rate setting, non-resident sen-iors receive the subsidy.”

Wolfram’s study was commissionedby the Small Business Association ofMichigan. Under a 1980 law that governsonly Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michiganand no other health insurer, small busi-nesses covered by Blue Cross Blue Shieldof Michigan are charged a 1-percent “tax”on their premiums to subsidize Medigappremiums for seniors.

The Medigap “tax” costs around$200 million every year for businessesand individuals. With annual premiumcosts today averaging around $9,000,eliminating this subsidy could providehealth insurance for 22,250 employees atsmall businesses.

“Health insurance reforms and relieffrom the burdensome Medigap tax willhelp small businesses by containing costsand providing more certainty in the healthinsurance market,” says SBAM Presidentand CEO Rob Fowler. “For more than 30years, Michigan’s outdated and unfair sys-tem has punished small business owners.”

According to Wolfram’s analysis, theaverage cost of premiums for small busi-nesses covered by Blue Cross Blue Shieldof Michigan per employee has increasedfrom $7,820 in 2007 to $9,068 in 2011 –a 16-percent increase in just four years.

“Does it make sense to requireBCBSM to reduce premiums for a retiredcouple, each of whom receives $45,000per year in pension income, while a singlemother of three children earning $30,000per year pays an unsubsidized rate? “

Wolfram said. “Every dollar of revenuethat is used to fund Medigap subsidiescannot be used to reduce premiums forsmall business owners. As a consequenceemployer-based health insurance premi-ums are higher than they would otherwisebe.”FACT SHEET

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michiganand the Medigap ‘Tax’: A Bitter Pill forMichigan’s Future

Small businesses covered by BlueCross Blue Shield of Michigan are chargeda “tax” on their premiums to subsidizeMedigap premiums for seniors. The fol-lowing are highlights of a study releasedMonday, Nov. 19, 2012, by economicsprofessor Gary Wolfram, Ph. D, HillsdaleCollege, on the effects of the 1980 lawrequiring Blue Cross Blue Shield ofMichigan to subsidize the Medigap policypremiums of senior citizens using 1 per-cent of its earned subscription income.

This Medigap “tax” costs around$200 million every year for businessesand individuals. With annual premiumcosts today averaging around $9,000,eliminating this subsidy could providehealth insurance for 22,250 employees atsmall businesses.

Facts show that subsidizing Medigapis unnecessary: Many seniors may alsoobtain Medicare Advantage plans offeredby competing insurers at lower costs thanthose offered by BCBSM – even after therequired subsidy.

Because the 1-percent “tax” can’t beused to reduce premiums for Michigansmall businesses, employer-based healthinsurance premiums are actually higherthan they otherwise would be. The con-sequences of this include:

Eliminating this subsidy would resultin more health care coverage for workersin Michigan. Instead of reducing premi-ums for senior couples who already havesome form of coverage through anemployer or who live outside Michigan,that money could be used to provide cov-erage for a working mother who otherwisepays an unsubsidized rate.

Eliminating this “tax” would result inhigher Michigan employment. Reducingemployers’ costs in Michigan means thatexisting Michigan companies can producemore, and new firms will be attracted toMichigan because it will cost relatively lessto produce in Michigan, resulting in high-er employment.

Source: Gary Wolfram, Ph.D, “BCBSMMedigap Subsidies: UnintendedConsequences,” November 2012.

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Family BusinessesContinued from page 14

For more information:www.wmitrucks.com and www.kan-drtrucksales.com

Baker Book House has been a land-mark business in Grand Rapids since1939. Herman Baker, who had emigratedfrom Holland at the age of 14 in 1925,worked in his uncle’s bookstore for only ashort time before he decided to go intobusiness for himself. He started a usedbookstore using books from his own per-sonal library and quickly moved into pub-lishing as well. In 1940, the first bookpublished by Baker was Commentary onRevelation, still in print today. Both thebook store and the publishing companyfocus on Christian books.

According to Josh Mosey, MarketingManager, both the retail business and thepublishing business has remained in con-tinuous operation since those early days.Mosey says, “We are in the midst ofremodeling our retail store, and our pub-lication arm is doing well; it is one of the

top five Christian publishing companies inthe world. In our retail store, we employbetween 30 and 35, and in the publishingcompany, our employees number about200 between our facilities in Ada andMinnesota.”

Today Rich Baker, Herman’s son,who is nearing 90, still makes it into theoffice most days and keeps an eye onoperations. His son Dwight is the CEO andPresident and another son, David, worksin the retail store.

Mosey reports that the retail store isrunning several specials for the holidays,especially for the week afterThanksgiving, including Rick Warren’sPurpose of Christmas selling for $5instead of its usual price of $18, leatherbound copy of Jesus Calling for $12instead of its regular $23 and a very pop-ular children’s nativity set for $28.

For more information: www.baker-bookstore.com

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

Communication & IT 17

Communications & ITGrand Rapids – Lambert, Edwards &Associates announced addition of JoeSonheim as Digital Associate in RIP-PLE+AFFECT™. Sonheim will be coun-seling companies on social media, appsand e-commerce activation.

Grand Rapids – Maureen FitzgeraldPenn, proprietor of Penn & InkCommunications - a West Michigan mar-keting firm focused on all facets of com-munications strategy, development andimplementation, was reappointed to a2nd term - 2013 Fund DevelopmentBoard Chair.

Grand Rapids – Maximize TechnologiesLLC, highly skilled technology solutionspartner, added Geoffrey John to theirteam of professionals providing qualityand affordable technology services toregional businesses and non-profits.

Grand Rapids – More than 1,000 physi-cians, in 422 practices across Michigan,joined Michigan Health Connect, anduse Medicity’s iNexx Referrals app toautomate health care referrals forpatients, delivering pertinent patientinformation quickly, completely andsecurely.

Muskegon – Next I.T., a technology com-pany with offices in Grand Rapids,Muskegon and Sturgis, announced EricRingelberg was honored by Corp!Magazine as 2012 Entrepreneur ofDistinction.

Grand Rapids – Service Express, Inc.,leader in providing on-site data centermaintenance, hired Sarah Crookston,Graphic Designer, along with EmilyRosenzweig, Accounting Specialist, tojoin their Grand Rapids team.

Canton – Cellular & More expanded toGrand Rapids area with a new 4,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art facility in Cascade fea-turing the latest emerging devices includ-ing smartphones, tablets, wirelessmodems, mobile hotspots, and HomePhone Connect – a wireless replacementfor a home landline, as well as homeinternet on the largest 4G network.

Northville – DataFactZ, highly special-ized system and data integration compa-ny, is celebrating ten years of service.Since their introduction to the market-place in 2002, the company has grown tobe an international force in data ware-housing.

Troy – Syntel, Inc. announced it enteredinto a System Integration partnershipwith Micro Focus, leading provider ofenterprise application modernization,testing, and management solutions.

Fraser – zipLogix, creator of zipForm®,the real estate industry's leading contractsoftware, announced renewals of its part-

nerships with Texas Association of REAL-TORS® (TAR), and Wisconsin REAL-TORS® Association (WRA), enabling TARand WRA to continually provide theirmembers access to the enhanced zipForm6. Professional electronic forms software,zipForm, is utilized by more real estateagents and brokers than any other solutionacross the industry.

Education BriefsGrand Rapids – E. Miles Wilson, Directorof Philanthropic and Nonprofit Services atGrand Valley State University’sDorothy A. Johnson Center forPhilanthropy, was appointed to serve onState of Michigan’s Community ServiceCommission.

Grand Rapids – Dr. James E. Bultman,President of Hope College, and Dr.Gaylen J. Byker, recently retiredPresident of Calvin College, will be hon-ored at this year’s Dutch-AmericanHeritage Day Celebration for their out-standing community leadership.

Riverview, FL – Thomas M. Cooley LawSchool opened its first campus located out-side of Michigan at Tampa Bay, making thefifth campus for Cooley. Renovationsbegan September 2011, and include a25,000-square-foot law library, 336-seatauditorium, 24 classrooms, parking formore than 500 cars, and can accommodateapproximately 700 students.

Big Rapids – Ferris State UniversityPresident David Eisler was appointed toAmerican Association of State Collegesand Universities’ Board of Directors.Eisler has served as President since July2003. During his presidency, collegeenrollment has grown from approximate-ly 11,800 students to 14,533, and dedica-tion of new facilities including MichiganCollege of Optometry, College ofPharmacy, and Kendall College of Art andDesign in Grand Rapids.

Big Rapids – Carlos Sanchez accepted theposition of Director of Latino Businessand Economic Development Center, a newFerris initiative.

Grand Rapids – Davenport Universityreceived the first annual HigherEducation Excellence in Diversity (HEED)award from INSIGHT Into DiversityMagazine. As a winner of the HEED

award Davenport University will be fea-tured along with 47 other recipients,including three others from Michigan, inINSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’sDecember 2012 issue.

Big Rapids – Ferris State University’sfirst molecular diagnostics scientists willgraduate next year as part of the univer-sity’s effort to meet industry demands forspecialized training in the growing field oflaboratory medicine. The lab is housed inthe Applied Technology Center at GrandRapids Community College, right in theheart of the city’s Medical Mile, whichincludes the Spectrum Health complex,and Van Andel Research Institute.

Grand Rapids – Kendall College of Artand Design of Ferris State Universityreceived first place in the “AdaptiveReuse” category of Grand RapidsDowntown Alliance’s Downtown Awards,a program recognizing exceptionalaccomplishments in downtown.Downtown Alliance is a private, non-profit organization responsible for main-tenance, beautification, marketing, com-munications and advocacy for downtown.

Kentwood – Ross Medical EducationCenter will celebrated opening its newGrand Rapids-area location, 4528 Breton.

Okemos – Michigan Health Council rec-ognized Davenport University for itsefforts to create flexible opportunities tocomplete Health InformationManagement degrees with BuildingMichigan’s Health Care WorkforceEducation and Training Award.

Big Rapids – Room 131 at Ferris StateUniversity’s Interdisciplinary ResourceCenter was transformed into anIntercambio Cultural – a welcoming spaceof cultural exchange for students, faculty,staff and community.

Life-Long Learning Continued from page 5

Grand Rapids Community College(GRCC) is located in downtown GrandRapids. As a community college, it offersassociate degrees as well as a variety ofcertificate programs. Community collegetuition and fees are lower than four-yearinstitutions and are an attractive optionfor area students, both traditional andnon-traditional.

According to Malinda Powers, anemployee of GRCC’s CommunicationsDepartment, “Fifty-five percent of ourstudents are 22 or older. For the past threefall terms, around 23 percent of ‘first timein any college’ students were age 22 or

older. Those entering college as recenthigh school graduates make up about 14percent of our student body. “

She continues, “Our adult studentsare motivated to attend GRCC for manyreasons. Job advancement, increasedearning and career opportunities are keymotivators. There are also those whohave lost a job and are coming to us fortraining and higher education.”

Powers says, “We don’t have anyspecific non-traditional student programsper se. However, since we have such abroad spectrum of learners, we have aninstitutional commitment and culture thatunderstands and responds to that popula-tion’s perspective and unique needs. Also,

for those who are working full-time, ourevening and online course offerings aresuited to adults’ busy schedule and multi-ple commitments.”

According to Powers, the recessionactually boosted enrollment as adultlearners were returning for further train-ing or re-training and traditional studentssaw GRCC as an affordable alternative toa four-year institution. However, as thejob market has improved, the adult stu-dent population has decreased, andGRCC’s average student age has trendedyounger.

Financial aid is a complicated subject,best discussed with financial aid coun-selors at local educational institutions.

Many may be unaware that there is alifetime learning tax credit available tothose who take college classes. It providesa tax credit of 20 percent of tuitionexpenses, with a maximum of $2,000 incredits on the first $10,000 of collegetuition expenses. All accredited collegesand universities, as well as vocationalschools and other post-secondary institu-tions are eligible. You can find more infor-

mation at http://www.irs.gov/publica-tions/p970/ch03.html

Besides GVSU and GRCC, GrandRapids offers other options for the adultlearner:• Ferris State University: www.ferris.edu• Davenport University: www.daven-port.edu• Aquinas College: www.aquinas.edu• Eastern Michigan University:www.emich.edu• Kendall College of Art and Design:www.ferris.edu• Michigan State University: www.msu.edu• Western Michigan University:www.wmich.edu• Cornerstone University: www.corner-stone.edu• Calvin College: www.calvin.edu

To end with another quote, HenryFord said, “Anyone who stops learning isold, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyonewho keeps learning stays young.”

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

Health Care BriefsGrand Rapids – Helen DeVos Children’sHospital Board added new members:Peg Breon - chaired Gala 2006; GreggDeWitt - Data Strategy; Tim and LauraFeagan have one-year appointments -Clear Channel Media & EntertainmentWest Michigan; and WalterPerschbacher - Greenridge Realty'sLake Eastbrook and East Grand Rapidslocations - has a two-year appointment.

Kalamazoo – HealthCare Midwest, andits affiliated components, will joinBronson HealthCare companies as awholly owned subsidiary. Under thisownership model, Healthcare Midwestwill retain its physician-led operationalstructure and CEO Jim McKernan willcontinue as Senior Executive.HealthCare Midwest’s name will changeto Bronson Healthcare Midwest.HealthCare Midwest is a multidiscipli-nary physician group with total work-force of 427.

Okemos – Michigan OsteopathicAssociation awarded $1,000 COREGrants to: Kyle Denison Martin, afourth-year medical student at MichiganState University College of OsteopathicMedicine; Aron Gornowicz, D.O.,Garden City Hospital Sports Medicine;and Derick Asah, President of MSUCOMStudent National Medical Association.

Kalamazoo – Bronson MethodistHospital added another step towardimproving patient experiences by joiningthe American Joint ReplacementRegistry, an independent, not-for-profitdatabase designed to store comprehen-sive data about joint replacement proce-dures. Grand Rapids – Pine Rest begins PhaseTwo of extensive new construction andrenovation incorporating an older adultinpatient unit. The Pine Rest Van Andel- Cook Center for Dementia and GeriatricBehavioral Health is possible by gen-erosity of 349 capital campaign donorscontributing more than $3.2 milliontowards project costs of $4,062,790. It isnamed in honor of the lead donors to theproject: the Foundation of Jay and BettyVan Andel, and a personal gift fromPeter and Pat Cook. Construction of theVan Andel - Cook Center is expected tobe completed in June 2013.

MI – Michigan Health Ministries ofAscension Health created a newstatewide home health and hospice com-pany–Reverence Home Health &Hospice, officially opening January 1,2013. Linda Young, RN, MSN, formerAdministrator of Borgess VNA HomeHealth & Hospice, is the first Presidentof Reverence Home Health & Hospice.

Grand Rapids – Spectrum Health BettyFord Breast Care Services now offersthe new I-125 radioactive seed place-ment procedure prior to breast cancersurgery where a radiologist places a lowdose radioactive seed near the suspi-cious tumor in the patient’s breast.

Grand Rapids – Jeff Bennett was electedto the Board of Spectrum HealthFoundation. Bennett established GrandRapids-based OtterBase, Inc. In addi-tion, current Spectrum HealthFoundation board member DaveyMehney was named Board Chair.

Grand Rapids – Spectrum HealthMedical Group Colon and Rectal SurgeonDonald Kim, MD, is the first inMichigan to use InterStim® Therapy forBowel Control, an implantable devicewhich stimulates sacral nerves, improv-ing or restoring bowel control forpatients with debilitating and stigma-tized conditions of chronic fecal inconti-nence.

Grand Rapids – Carleen Crawford, VicePresident of Marketing andCommunications for Pine RestChristian Mental Health Services, wasinducted into Western MichiganUniversity School of CommunicationsAlumni Academy, and was honored with

College of Arts and Sciences AlumniAchievement Award.

Fremont – Shoreline Vision announcedgrand opening of its new location inFremont located at Gerber-SpectrumHealth Tamarac facility.

Wyoming – Metro Health announcedPediatrician Dr. Kurt J. Meppelinkjoined Metro Health Hudsonville.

Allegan – Allegan General Hospitalreceived an Excellence in Patient Careaward given by outcomes firm StuderGroup®.

Grand Rapids - Alliance for healthannounced winners of West MichiganSalutes Health Heroes: UNSUNG HERO– Suzan Couzens, Calvin CollegeNursing Professor; EVERYDAY HERO –Betty Vreeman, Co-Chairperson ofRegion 8 MI Choice Waiver ProgramConsumer Quality Council; ORGANIZA-TIONAL HERO – Access Health;REGIONAL HERO – Jean Nagelkerk,Grand Valley State University ViceProvost for Health; RISING HERO – SteviRiel, Muskegon Community HealthProject Pharmaceutical AssistanceProgram Manager; and INNOVATIONHERO – Levi Rickert, Native NewsNetwork Editor-in-Chief.

18

19Holiday Sales Expectations Are Optimistic

By: Jane Whittington

In case you haven’t noticed, Christmasis coming! And with Christmas comesshopping. For retailers, the holiday seasonis the best season, the time of year whensales are up and so are profits. While theeconomic downturn that the nation andstate experienced over the past decade wasreal, things are turning around, and that’sgood news for the nation’s retailers.Christmas should be merry and bright forbuyers and sellers alike.

Kiplinger, which offers financialadvice and business forecasts throughtheir magazine, website, newsletter andstore, reports that there is “good newsabout the economy. It should be a relative-ly jolly holiday season this year. Thankslargely to better employment figures andrising consumer confidence, sellers willring up about five percent more in salesthis year than last during the criticalNovember to December period. While that’sslightly slower than the 5.6 percent year-over-year gain of 2011, it’s a whole lot bet-ter than the 10-year average annualincrease of 3.5 percent. All told, retail sales(excluding autos and gasoline) will totalabout $590 million in the last two monthsof the year, contributing to higher fourth-quarter GDP growth. ”

They further report, “The calendar iscause for cheer as well. This year, fromThanksgiving to Christmas Day, shoppers

will have 32 days to tick off their lovedones’ wish lists. This is the longer theseason can be and includes five full week-ends. Each extra day between the twoholidays can add up to $10 billion to finalretail sale tallies.”

Here in Michigan, the MichiganRetailers Association (MRA) also hasgood news. In a late October report, theysay, “Three out of four Michigan retailersexpect to increase sales this holiday sea-son, many by more than five percent,according to the Michigan Retail Index, ajoint project of MRA and the FederalReserve Bank of Chicago.”

MRA President and CEO James P.Hallan says, “Michigan retailers are bull-ish on the holiday season. Their forecastsare the most optimistic in more than adecade.”

The report also says that holiday hir-ing is expected to increase slightly with11 percent of retailers planning toincrease employment, five percent toreduce it, and 84 percent to keep the samelevel as last year.

The National Retail Federation paintsan equally rosy picture. They predict salesin the 2012 holiday season to rise 4.1 per-cent with between 585,000-625,000 newhires for the buying season.

And 75 percent of retail leaders sur-veyed by management consulting firm HayGroup anticipate sales will be higher thanin 2011. They say they plan to start their

holiday shopping promotions even earlierthis year. Half of them say they expect toachieve higher sales without the deep dis-counts promoted during the 2011 season.

Local vendor Ferris Coffee & Nuts isanticipating a bountiful holiday season.Ferris operates both a wholesale operationand a retail store, located at 227 Winter NWin Grand Rapids. According to retail storemanager, Leonne Van Der Velde,“Christmas is our busiest season, andwe’re looking forward to welcoming arecord number of customers to our store.We are offering a wide variety of gift bas-kets, always popular for holiday giving,ranging in price from $20 to $200.”

She continues, “We’re also featuringseveral special incentives, which we arepublicizing through our Facebook page.For instance, the week before Christmas,we have $125 gift cards for only $100.”

Van Der Velde says, “Since we are adestination store, not close to other shop-ping, we notice an uptick in sales whengas prices are low, so we’re hoping theycontinue to go down through the holidayseason. Starting early in November, ourstore is overflowing with baskets andgifts, and we welcome everyone to visit!”

Ferris’ website is www.ferriscoffee.com,but remember, specials are announced onFacebook and in the store itself.

Meijer is local and family-owned andnow operates close to 200 stores inMichigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and

Kentucky. We all know it as the go-to spotfor anything and everything. Every day isbusy at Meijer, but the holiday seasonbrings an even bigger influx of customerslooking to stock up on gifts, ingredientsfor special dishes, clothes for all the par-ties and Christmas and Hanukah decora-tions galore.

Meijer announced in early Novemberthat they would be hiring 12,000 season-able employees for the holidays. Theyalso will be extending their ten cent dis-count on gas purchased with a Meijercredit card from their gas stations throughthe end of the year.

In addition, as an incentive to cus-tomers, they are dropping prices on morethan 400 of the year’s hottest toys bothin-store and online.

According to Christina Fecher,Community Relations Specialist, “We areprivately held so we don’t discuss specificsales forecasts, but we are optimistic thatour customers will take advantage of themany great offers and opportunities weare providing them to save money thisholiday season.”

So don’t hold back on your holidayshopping. Retailers will thank you, andyou’ll be doing your part to strengthen theeconomy!

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

Legal/Accounting/Consulting BriefsGrand Rapids – Warner Norcross &Judd, LLP, was ranked one of “Best LawFirms” by Best Lawyers and U.S. News &World Report. Warner Norcross also has93 attorneys listed in The Best Lawyersin America® 2013 – more than any lawfirm in Grand Rapids, Holland orMuskegon.

Grand Rapids – Richard A. Roane, part-ner with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP,was appointed Co-Chair of the newL e s b i a n - G a y - B i s e x u a l -Transgender/Alternative FamilyCommittee of American Academy ofMatrimonial Lawyers.

Grand Rapids – Smith Haughey Rice &Roegge announced they ranked amongtop law firms in the U.S. according to“Best Law Firms” 2013, published byU.S. News Media Group and BestLawyers. For Grand Rapids, SmithHaughey received first tier ratings in:

Commercial Litigation; Legal MalpracticeLaw – Defendants; Litigation –Construction; Litigation - EminentDomain & Condemnation; Mediation;Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants;and Personal Injury Litigation –Defendants; and second tier rankings inarea of Construction Law.

Grand Rapids – Law firm WarnerNorcross & Judd, LLP, was recognizedas “Go-To Law Firm” by AmericanLawyer Media. Warner Norcross wasnominated by medical device manufactur-er Stryker Corp. as a Go-To Law Firm forpatent prosecution. Recognition on thelist was based on independent research ofseveral factors gathered from Fortune 500Companies’ general counsel.

Grand Rapids – Smith Haughey Rice &Roegge announced Lori L. Gibsonjoined the firm as Chief Operating Officer

to oversee finances, facilities, humanresources, marketing, technology, andbusiness planning for all three of thefirm’s offices.

Detroit – Honigman, Miller, Schwartzand Cohn, LLP, ranked among the top10 Michigan employers in Detroit FreePress 2012 Large Top Workplace catego-ry, for the third consecutive year.Honigman is the only law firm rankedamong 25 companies in the large work-place category, which includes compa-nies with 500 or more employees.

Fremont – H&S Companies announcedJulie Reams, CPA, was appointed toMACPA’s Governmental Accounting &Auditing Task Force, which is made upof MACPA members who work to devel-op three conferences throughout theyear.

Grand Rapids – Michigan LawyersWeekly honored Matthew T. Nelson, apartner with Warner Norcross & JuddLLP, as one of 20 “Up & ComingLawyers” for 2012.

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