Culligan is deeply concerned about the citizens dealing with the water crisis in Flint, Mich. The local water experts at Culligan of Flint, along with Culligan Men and Women across the country, are working to support residents amidst the lead emergency.

Culligan of Flint, local provider of water quality treatment, will deliver 1,000 faucet mount filters to the Flint Red Cross on behalf of Culligan International today. The filters are certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards to meet adsorption and filtration standards for lead reduction.

The filters are the latest donation in Culligan’s ongoing efforts to support local residents during this time of crisis.

“Our hearts go out to all of the residents of Flint,” said Greg Cornell, General Manager of Culligan of Flint. “We’re doing what we can to help area residents with recent water contaminants and be of service to them.”

Read the full article

Labels: Culligan, Flint, Flint Water Crisis, latest

---

Elliot Spagat, Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The U.S.-Mexico border is one of the world's most fortified international divides. Starting Wednesday, it will also be one of the only that has an airport straddling two countries.

An investor group that includes Chicago billionaire Sam Zell built a sleek terminal in San Diego with a bridge that crosses a razor-wire border fence to Tijuana's decades-old airport. Passengers pay $18 to walk a 390-foot overpass to Tijuana International Airport, a springboard to about 30 Mexican destinations.

Target customers are the estimated 60% of Tijuana airport passengers who come to the United States, about 2.6 million last year. Now they drive about 15 minutes to a congested land crossing, where they wait up to several hours to enter San Diego by car or on foot. The airport bridge is a five-minute walk to a U.S. border inspector.

"It seems so much easier, so liberating," said Daniela Calderon, who flies from Tijuana four times a year to visit family in the central Mexican city of Morelia and has a friend drive her across the border from Riverside, Calif.

Read More

Labels: California Terminal, latest, Mexico

---

Published by: Alexander Alusheff, Lansing State Journal

LANSING – The Greater Lansing region is taking steps to develop its fledgling particle acceleration industry.

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership has created an action plan to attract new businesses to the region that relate to the research conducted at Michigan State University’s National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and the work being done at Niowave and Ionetix.

“We can create the number one particle acceleration industry in North America,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “It’s an attraction strategy to build an industry around the cyclotron and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.”

The FRIB is currently under construction on the MSU campus and is expected to be completed in 2021.

Read More

Labels: latest, LEAP

---

Dart Development is looking for a General Maintenance person to work at their industrial park in Wixom, Michigan. Join a dynamic team where “teamwork and respect for the individual” are part of the company’s mission statement.

The General Maintenance person will maintain the industrial park grounds, assist in reconditioning buildings, monitor vacant space to maintain the highest level of show worthiness, and periodically complete work requests for tenants.

If you are interested in providing excellent service to tenants, vendors and visitors of Wixom Business Center by maintaining clean and attractive grounds, buildings and building systems – then Dart Development invites you to check out the details for this full-time position and apply here.

A qualified candidate must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, have at least one year of personal or professional experience landscaping, lawn care, and plant care experience and the ability to acquire and maintain a chauffeur’s license, and is able to travel up to 10% of the time domestically.

Dart Development is a division within Dart Container Corporation, an equal opportunity employer.

Labels: latest

---

We’ve all heard the mantra that location, location, location is everything in real estate. Is that still the case or are there other factors in play as well? Bob Tresize, Jr., President and CEO of LEAP, Inc., www.purelansing.com shared his ideas on why the Lansing region is performing so strongly with economic development and job creation with Marsha Zimmerman, Marketing Manager for Dart Development www.dartdevelopment.com on the August 27, 2014 edition of Michigan’s Big Show www.mibigshow.com.

LEAP’s 2013 Year End Project Report indicated that they have helped the private sector create 2,105 direct private sector jobs and $466,824,00 in direct investment for the Lansing area in 2013.

“Our Lansing region is one of the hottest economies in the State and country. We’re building Fortune 500 national headquarters, tier one auto suppliers, huge car assembly expansions, one of the world’s leading medical isotope production facilities as well as a plethora of startup and expanding high tech companies,” said Bob Trezise, Jr. President and CEO of LEAP.

A summary of their conversation is included below:

• Bob explained that our geographic location in Lansing, while critically important, is only part of the reason why the Lansing region is successful today.
• Bob felt that Lansing’s success is more about talent. In particular, how does our location attract and maybe more importantly, retain, talent?
• Bob indicated that the millennial generation is looking for a location to live that is walkable, a more urban or downtown environment and nightlife as we are competing internationally for the talent that we need to make our companies succeed.
• Bob explained LEAP’s role in recruiting businesses to the Lansing region, starting with a site search, some times with or in concert with the clients real estate experts, and then working with their partners to try to accommodate customers on their space and building needs. LEAP tries to provide non-biased site recommendations for 2 or 3 sites for the businesses to consider.
• Bob explained that in a competitive global business environment, many times tax incentives are certainly a big factor in the process and can often times represent the tipping point between one site and another when the final decision is made.

Labels: Lansing, latest, LEAP, Michigan Big Show, Pure Lansing

---

There are so many charities with so many great causes. Does your company support any charities or community events, or would you like to become more involved personally? Mitchell Tomlinson, President and CEO of Peckham along with Denise Busley, Founder of Grand Traverse Pie Company, shared their ideas of charitable and philanthropic support with different charities and organizations with Marsha Zimmerman, Marketing Manager for Dart Development on Michigan’s Big Show and during the 9am edition of the Michigan Business Rap on July 16, 2014. A summary of their conversation is included below:

• Mitchell explained that Peckham, a non-profit organization, hires many people with disabilities and they feel it is very important to give back to charities and local community organizations. They have events that support veterans, refugees and youth and are always looking for ways to make their lives just a little bit better.
• Refugees are persons who are being settled in Lansing, and some also have disabilities, and Peckham tries to find out those things and tries to help out with their efforts.
• Peckham specifically seeks out charities and organizations that fit their business model within their company.
• Denise Busley commented that Grand Traverse Pie Company looks at things more along the lines of philanthropy vs. charity, meaning, they look at people and how can they make people better as opposed to simply giving money. GT Pie Co. also believes that being philanthropic, allows their company to make the world a better place.
• Grand Traverse Pie Company is also very focused on youth. Denise has been appointed to Governor Snyder’s Task Force for Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Children, and is very passionate about making a different in children’s lives. “Erin’s Law” was passed in January 2013, and a task force has been developed from this law.
• Denise explained that Grand Traverse Pie Company works with different groups, whether it be from the arts, church or school initiatives; however, she feels that if she targets one bigger initiative, she can give more of herself and make a bigger impact / contribution to make change. GT Pie Co. also gives a lot of product from their stores for different community events.
• In Segment 2, Rachael Sanford from Greater Ingham County Habitat for Humanity added that they really focus on the rural part of Ingham County, and are currently constructing wheelchair ramps in Williamston and Mason, and also working on a roof repair in Dansville.

During the 9AM edition of the Michigan Business Rap, panel experts weighed in on their efforts and beliefs regarding charitable giving and involvement in community events/organizations. A summary of their conversation is included below:

• Phil Tripp, owner of Tripp’s Auto Shop & Collision Centers, feels that it’s so important to give back to the communities and to not only give to charities, but really focus on community participation and making events fun for families. Phil stressed the importance of what his customers truly mean to him, and that’s why he wants to give back to them.
• Steve Klaver, owner of DBI Office Interiors, commented that there is so much need out there, and one of the things they did this year was support a school within the Lansing School District with four new picnic tables and got rid of the old dangerous tables. Also, Haven House in East Lansing had an old beat up basketball hoop that the kids couldn’t enjoy any more, so DBI replaced it with a brand new one and constructed it for them.
• Bob Fish, owner of Biggby Coffee, stated that giving is one of their seven core values, and they believe that “giving is getting.” They have changed the traditional ROI (Return On Investment) to ROI, Return on Involvement. When starting out, Bob didn’t contribute a lot of money; however, he did personally participate as much as he could as a way of giving back. Biggby customers support their stores, and it’s important that Biggby employees get back out and support their customers and communities.
• Kim Laforet, The Laforet Team / Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood, stated that she is proud to work for a company who gives back to the community, so employees are definitely looking to be a part of a company that can make an impact in the community. Kim also mentioned that if you don’t have money to give, then you can always give your time and talents.
• Both Bob Hedlund, owner of Hedlund Plumbing; and Nikali Luke, owner of Simplified Tax and Accounting, said that they have found that they are involved in a lot of “in kind” giving. They have a skill / product that people need, and they are willing and happy to help when needed.
• Nikali Luke also added that if a company sponsors an event by putting their name on a t-shirt or the like, they can claim that as an advertising expense, which will ultimately allow that company to give more.

Labels: Lansing, latest, Michigan Big Show, Michigan Business Rap

---

Are you an employer who is searching for your next super star employee? Or are you a prospective employee needing to know where to look for that career you’ve been going to school for? Toni Griffin, Account Director and Executive Recruiter, Control System Integrators; and Phil Gardner, Executive Director of Michigan State University Career Services, shared their insight and experience with Marsha Zimmerman, Marketing Manager for Dart Development (www.dartdevelopment.com)on Michigan’s Big Show and during the 9 AM edition of the Michigan Business Rap on June 18, 2014. Highlights of the discussion:

• Toni mentioned that when you work with a Recruiter, it’s like working with a matchmaker, in that the Recruiter is challenged with the task of aligning the employee with an employer who is looking for the skills and assets of that employee.
• As a candidate, working with a Recruiter is free, which is an incredible resource to take advantage of. The Recruiter can look at your resume and make any tweaks and changes if needed. A Recruiter can also help you set up a designated email space so all employment emails will go to one place.
• Fees for using a Recruiter for a company/business vary depending on what the company/business is looking for. Recruiters can work with small and large businesses.
• Phil said that the Career Services Department at Michigan State University serves as the interface between the student and the prospective employer. The Career Services Department starts to work with students as early as their freshman year, obtaining background history and working towards the last step, which is to match the student with their next employer.
• The students who have prepared themselves in their four years of college, building skills and competencies, and starting their job search early on, have a tremendous head start upon their graduation. Many times these students will already have been offered a job due to internships, summer work experiences and/or their strong networking abilities over the years.
• Michigan State University works a lot with interns during the student’s college years and helps align the student with an employer who is in need of their skills.
• Useful websites for your job search: LinkedIn, Monster.com and Glassdoor.com. Always keep your resume updated.
• Helpful tip to employees searching for a job – be responsive. Lack of communication, whether verbal or written, will not work to your advantage.

Labels: latest, Michigan Big Show, Michigan Business Rap

---

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners try to tackle bookkeeping and accounting on their own. Tim Lowe (Branch Manager and Mortgage Advisor at Perl Mortgage) and Bob Hedlund (Owner, Hedlund Plumbing), and Scott Daneck (Equanimity Wealth Management) shared some of their experiences during a round table discussion with Marsha Zimmerman (Marketing Manager with Dart Development).

What did they learn? Doing it on your own can translate into many wasted hours and resources. “You can say it was money down the toilet,” said Tim Lowe. Whether you decide to outsource to an accounting firm, or hire in-house help, here are a few things to consider:

1. Make the investment. Hedlund Plumbing has an in-house bookkeeper who works with an external CPA. Lowe reported that he relies on an outside accounting firm. Both Hedlund and Lowe agreed that trusting someone to track financial information and offer guidance on how to navigate tax requirements saves them time and money, while also allowing them to focus on their services. 
2. Do your research. When it comes to accounting firms and financial planners, many are required to meet specific certifications. During a Michigan Business Rap segment, Scott Daneck (Equanimity Wealth Management) talked to Zimmerman about which certifications and titles are important, as well as what to listen for when you’re screening professional services. 
3. Leverage industry-specific software. Many industries have software specific to their trade. Hedlund mentioned that the software used at Hedlund Plumbing helps them track all their inventory. Software tailored specifically for your industry is often more efficient than using several different systems to track necessary financial details. 
4. Learn from others in your field. Trade Associations can be an incredible resources for small business owners. You can network with other business owners outside of your immediate area, and often you can benefit from their experience and lessons learned. 
5. Communicate your goals. Financial people help set you up to achieve those goals. If you’re clear about what you need to do and where you want to go, they can help move the pieces to help get you there. 

Labels: latest, Michigan Big Show, Michigan Business Rap

---

Guests: Bob Hedlund (Hedlund Plumbing), Tim Lowe Perl Mortgage
Topic: Bookkeeping and accounting for small businesses

Labels: Bookkeeping and accounting for small businesses, latest, Michigan Business Rap

---

Guest: Nikali Luke from Simplified Tax Accounting Topic: Pros and Cons of becoming an LLC, and questions small businesses should be asking their financial advisors.

Labels: and questions small businesses should be asking their financial advisors, latest, Michigan Business Rap, Pros and Cons of becoming an LLC

---

The American Advertising Federation's local club has recognized the Dart Development Website as an outstanding example of web design. In a three-tier national competition, known as the American Advertising Awards (formerly the ADDY Awards competition), a panel of judges evaluates all the creative dimensions of the entries in the web design category. AAF honored Rizzi Designs with a Silver ADDY to Rizzi Designs for their remarkable creative design and programming.

"From brand development through implementing this website, it's a real thrill to celebrate the accomplishments of a successful marketing strategy with my team and our client," commented Rochelle Rizzi, President & CEO of Rizzi Designs.

"The site has received may compliments since we launched. Not only does it beautifully showcase our properties, but it also helps you intuitively find a distinctive space for your business. We are quite proud of the design and are pleased to have it recognized by the American Advertising Federation."

The American Advertising Awards are the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, attracting over 40,000 entries every year in local AAF Club competitions.

Labels: latest

---

Guests: Tom Stewart founder of Commonwealth Enterprises and Ken Szymusiak from LEAP
Topic: Business incubator spaces for public and private sectors

Labels: Business incubator spaces for public and private sectors, latest, Michigan Business Rap

---

Topic: Connecting growers with larger commercial buyers who are interested in buying local.

Labels: Connecting growers with larger commercial buyers who are interested in buying local, latest

---

Labels: latest

---

Labels: latest

---

Labels: latest

---

Guests: Morgan Hal – intern/production assistant, Karin Hanson – Career Coordinator from MSU Topic: Internships – what’s changed, and how to connect.

Labels: and how to connect, Internships – what’s changed, Karin Hanson, latest, Morgan Hal

---

Labels: latest

---

Michigan-based business celebrates expansion into new markets across the US

Lansing, MI – Dart Development is launching a new logo and visual look to their brand beginning this month. Beginning with the roll out of a new logo and corporate colors, the full rebrand will also include a new website to launch in July.

As Dart Development expands beyond business parks in Florida, Kentucky, California, and Michigan, the 24-year-old company is unveiling a new look that is versatile for all their offerings. Since their portfolio includes a vast array of projects ranging from fully customizable business suites to premiere condos on Chicago’s Gold Coast, a united brand identity is necessary for recognition and impact across multiple markets.

Marketing Manager Marsha Zimmerman says, “We have a lot to celebrate and recognize from our first 24 years. Our logo and image should reflect what we’ve become and embody what Dart Development will be far into the future. The new brand image is a great representation of the history and prospects of our great organization.”

Since its inception, the team at Dart Development has prided themselves on the difference in service they achieve by providing space solutions that are not just four walls and a roof. These spaces are destinations for the client that desires quality, functionality, value, and dependability; and are solutions that make a positive difference in the success of the tenants’ endeavors.

Dart Development is the real estate investment and development arm of Michigan-based Dart Container Corporation. They hold over 12 million square feet of space throughout the world in support of product growth and over two million rentable square feet of business parks and residential space. Since 1989, Dart Development has specialized in bringing the business community the finest business parks available, giving their tenants the best possible service, and providing a number of options to serve all space needs.

Labels: latest

---

Hope Network Rehabilitation Services

Hope Network is a non-profit Christian organization founded in 1963 to provide a greater level of independence through speciality health community services. Hope Network provides specialized neuro-rehabilitation services to adults and children recovering from brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other disabling conditions. Click to view Michael Patrick Shiels announcement on FOX 47.

Labels: Dart Development Difference, latest

---