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Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co. PC (EHTC) 4 Not your typical CPA Firm.
Grand Rapids Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., P.C. (EHTC) was established in 1977 by Dennis M. Echelbarger. His passion for public accounting and community outreach has made EHTC what it is today. His ambition was to know people on a more personal level. His drive was the everyday challenge of resolving issues for individuals, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, while building long term relationships. Dennis found his abilities to help others reach their full potential very rewarding. EHTC has grown and evolved to become one of the most successful local multi-service accounting firms in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The firm is a recognized leader in the business community, as well as a participant in professional organizations and volunteerism. That success is based upon being large enough to serve a diverse clientele, while remaining small enough to pay personalized attention to each customer. This year EHTC celebrates 35 years of business. More importantly, we are celebrating 35 years of giving back to our community by helping businesses strive through hard economic times, individuals gain control of their finances and plan for the future, while raising money to help support local charities Dennis Echelbarger, founder of EHTC said. This year also marks EHTCs 26th Annual Chipping for Charity Golf Outing. In the last 25 years, EHTC has raised over $200,000 for local charities. This years outing is scheduled for September 19, and the recipient is Hospice of Michigans James B. Fahner M.D. Pediatric Hospice Care Program. Many employees spend additional time volunteering for organizations such as teaching a Personal Finance Class at Grand Rapids Womens Resource Center or serving on Boards and committees for organizations such as Gerontology Network, Kent Medical Foundation, and American Cancer Society. Currently, Mr. Echelbarger is assisting Governor Snyder by serving on the Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity. The Commission aims to reduce the causes and effects of poverty and help foster self-sufficiency for low-income Michigan residents. The secret to EHTCs success relies strongly on the firms core values: Work/Life Balance and Family, Teamwork, Communication, Integrity and Trust, Innovation and Flexibility, Exceeding Clients Expectations, Relationships, Opportunity, Profitability, Accountability and Responsibility. EHTC shareholders motivate employees to reach their full potential through continuing education, working together as a team, experiencing life, and helping customers do the same. EHTC is not your typical accounting firm. Shareholder History Prior to EHTC, Dennis Echelbarger spent eleven years as an employee and partner in another local CPA firm, and two years as the Chief Financial Officer of a large Grand Rapids based distributor. Originally, he planned to remain a sole practitioner. He hired Diane L. Friar, CPA/ABV/CFF as his receptionist/secretary two weeks after opening his office. (Diane became the first staff person to rise to shareholder status in 1985.) The firm's first location was on 36th Street in Grand Rapids and Mr. Echelbargers first partner was added in 1978. Subsequently, new partners replaced him. They are no longer with the firm, but the name EHTC still thrives. Since inception, the firm has focused on the needs of mid-size businesses, and offered tax planning and preparation, audit and accounting services, forensic accounting, business valuation, litigation support, and business consulting. The belief was to offer one-on-one customer services and concentrate on building winning relationships. As the firm's clients became more successful, the business grew and so did the number of team members. Robin M. Stoner, CPA/MST joined the firm as an administrative assistant in 1985. She became a shareholder in. David G. Echelbarger, CPA joined the firm as a staff accountant in the Audit and Accounting Department in 1986. Following his father's entrepreneurial spirit, David founded EHTC's Technology Solutions Division in 1986. In 1994, a strategic decision was made to collaborate with a select group of software vendors, including Microsoft Corporation. EHTC Technology Solutions was initially formed to support the sales and marketing of this software and related solutions. Since then, it has evolved into a business technology consulting practice with many unique aspects. Efforts are no longer simply focused on the sales and support of specific software but include services such as data integration between systems, custom-developed software solutions, and in-depth expertise with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. EHTC moved to its new and current office at 5136 Cascade Rd in 2000. Dave Echelbarger, CPA became a shareholder in 2004. Robert E. Milanowski was a subcontracted consultant for EHTC Technology Solutions for over ten years before becoming our newest shareholder in 2005. To discover more about Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co. PC (EHTC) and their 35 years of business, log onto www.ehtc.com or call (616) 575-3482.
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industry in this case, various food and agriculture industries. That $91.4 billion is a 51.9 percent increase from 2004, as indicated by a previous study conducted in 2006. Then the food and agriculture sector was determined to be valued at $60.1 billion. An interim study in 2009 showed an increase in value to $71.3 billion. The newest study shows that the food and agriculture system is on a consistent growth trend. Youd be hard-pressed to find another business sector that has pulled through the recession with those kinds of numbers in just six years, said Chris Peterson, director of the MSU Product Center.
Finance/Insurance Briefs
Grand Rapids A survey of professionals who attended Changing World of HR seminar at Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, found that one of the top priorities of West Michigan human resources and benefits managers, was filling full-time positions with nearly 73 percent planning to increase hiring of full-time employees within the coming 12 months, while 35 percent planned to increase hiring of part-time workers. Approximately 66 percent of survey respondents said that hiring college interns would remain unchanged on a year-over-year basis, while slightly under half said they planned to increase hiring of new college graduates. Grand Rapids Rodney D. Martin, the Diversity Partner with the law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, received the prestigious President's Award from the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Lansing Michigan companies in the advanced and renewable energy sector unveiled a benchmark study on the economic and jobs impact of residential and commercial energy efficiency products in Michigan. The study, conducted by The Hill Group based in Carnegie, Pa., found that the manufacture of these products has the potential to impact more than $2 billion annually on Michigan, supporting more than 9,000 jobs, and producing more than $71 million in local and State tax revenues. Energy efficiency is an important and growing sector in the advanced energy industry and currently supports jobs throughout Michigan, said Ed Clemente, president of the Energy Innovation Business Council. This report tells the story of Michigans energy efficiency manufacturers and shines a light on their economic contributions to our State. Muskegon Lighthouse Group of Muskegon announced the hiring of Becky Reynolds as a Title Settlement Officer with over 20 years of experience as Settlement Closing Agent and Title Insurance Examiner. Grand Rapids Jason Marvin, a certified public account and partner with Plante Moran, PLLC since 2009, was inducted into Grand Valley State University Accounting Hall of Fame. Grand Rapids Miller Johnson welcomed Isidore U. Okoro, Director of Information Technology (IT), and Jessica M. Fields, Library Information Services Manager, as part of the firms administrative team. Muskegon Anthony J. Kolenic Jr., a partner with the law firm Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, has been elected chair of the Great Lakes Area Tax Exempt-Government Entities Liaison Council. West Michigan Peg Lutz, CFP, CDFA, and Paul Singer - owners of Divorce Financial Consultants, LLC, recently attended a divorce conference in TN through the Institute Financial Analyst. of Divorce Muskegon Toni Strait joined Lighthouse Group in their Muskegon office as a Personal Lines Account Manager. Grand Rapids Sarah Riley Howard, a partner with the law firm Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, has been elected to the Grand Rapids Bar Association's board of trustees.
By Rolf getAbstract
Dobelli,
Chairman,
Some motivational authors claim that their books, with their snappy covers and glowing recommendations, can change
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10 Construction Briefs
Kalamazoo CSM Group welcomed John Garay to the team as a Construction Manager working on their Food and Beverage team. Grand Rapids Integrated Architecture hired Michael VanSchelven as a Senior Designer. Lansing Swartz Creek Community Schools held a groundbreaking event to mark the beginning of construction for their high schools new 45,000-squarefoot performing arts center, for which Clark Construction will be the project manager. The cost of this project is estimated at $13.6 million, with an estimated completion date in August 2013. Kalamazoo CSM Group hired Receptionist, Sarah Lettow, and Monroe Brown intern, Andrew Dobbs as a fulltime Project Engineer to their team. Holland Elzinga & Volkers Professional Services announced the addition of Mike Huizen as National Sales Representative, the promotion of Jamie Schippa to Accounts Payable Clerk, and the addition of Jenna Cassity as Accounting Assistant. South Haven A major expansion is underway at South Haven Family Campground with special attractions, and will nearly double the offerings and amenities currently at the campground, which sits on 50 acres just a mile from the Kal Haven Trail and 5.5 miles east of the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Currently, the campground offers 37 sites, five cabins and one cottage, as well as a camp store, restroom facilities, dump station, laundry facilities, game room, Triple K Raceway and Camp Grounds Espresso Bar and Caf. Allegan Nick Grigsby, owner of Mr. Electric of Allegan, Ottawa and Van Buren Counties, completed the highly regarded Eaton Certified Electrical Vehicle Training along with his service professional David Passmore. Kalamazoo CSM Group announced Lindsay Mukans was selected as Monroe Brown Construction Management Intern for the upcoming summer. Lansing Clark Construction announced the addition of 12 students to assist in the companys upcoming projects through internships: John Bort, a student at Michigan State University; Jacob Carney, a graduate of Ferris State University; Darcy Christian, a recent graduate of Michigan State University; Kenneth Hall, a graduate of Michigan State University; Jonathon Irby, a student at Northern Michigan University; Alex Kimble, a student at Central Michigan University; Lindsay Kneale, a student at the University of Michigan; Alex Newman, a student at Ferris State University; Courtney Parks, a junior at Ferris State University; Adam Pathfinder, a student at Michigan State University; Terry Stewart, a graduate of Central Michigan University; and Haley Wright, a student at Mason High School. Kalamazoo Tara Nisenson joined CSM Group in their Kalamazoo office as Human Resources Manager. Comstock Park Three members of the DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Team Bill Wolf, Jayne Wolf and Pam Schlosser, recently attended the national Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Chicago. West Michign - First Companies, Inc. announces: the lease of 10,460 SF industrial property at 7425 Clyde Park SE, Ste. G, Byron Center to tenant Supreme Great Lakes for landlord First Baker LLC. the least of 3,205 SF industrial propery at 4282 Brockton Dr. SE, Ste. B, Grand Rapids to tenant Excel Systems Group Inc. for landlord Steve Marcusse. the least of 4000 SF industrial property at 3420 Broadmoor SE, Ste. 6, Grand Rapids to tenant Hoffman Lawn Care for landlord Core Realty Holdings Management, LLC. Byron Center Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. announced construction commencement at Byron Center Public Schools including major renovations to Brown Elementary, the high school, Marshall Elementary and Nickels Intermediate. The project is funded as part of the $23.6 million bond, passed by voters in November 2011, with TowerPinkster as project architect and a completion date in August 2014. Wyoming Dave Van Houten, owner of Home Works Corporation, was selected by Remodeling Magazine as one of its Remodeling Big50, and is one of only two Michigan-based professional remodelers to be recognized. Mt. Pleasant The City of Mt. Pleasant will begin its first stage of the redevelopment of more than 300 acres of land purchased from the State of Michigan in 2011, and has elected to remarket and repurpose remaining machinery, equipment and other assets through online auctions utilizing Orbitbid.com, scheduled to begin May 14, and continue through the first week in June. Kentwood - First Companies, Inc negoiated a least of 5,463 SF industrial property at 4101 40th Street, Ste. 1, Kentwood, MI 49512 for tenant, Sentinel Technologies Inc. for landlord, Laser One LLC. Wyoming Dave Van Houten, owner of HWC-Home Works Corporation, was selected by Remodeling magazine as one of its Remodeling Big50. Mid West Allen Edwin Homes has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency with a 2012 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. Lansing Clark Construction presented Jacki Hilgendorf, project manager for the St. Johns Public Schools, with the John M. Clark Service Award during the companys annual meeting/safety seminar at the Clark Construction Headquarters in Lansing. Grand Rapids - First Companies, Inc. announces the lease of 67,375 SF industrial property at 4741 Talon CT, Grand Rapids to tenant Corium International for landlord 4741 Talon Court, LLC.
11 Tapestry Square will bring new Housing and Retail to Grand Rapids South East Side
We are creating a setting that will support our rigorous academic expectations," Brian Cloyd, chair of the UPrep board and vice president of global corporations for Steelcase said. From a construction and design standpoint, this building is going to be an example and model for future education buildings." Once complete, the building will accommodate upwards of 500 students and should be fully functional by the fall of 2013. An 11th grade class is expected to be the first group of students in the building, as they will begin studying on site this fall. "This is a great example of how the schools and the community partners can come together to do great things to advance the learning of children," interim Grand Rapids Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal said. "I am excited for the students and staff members to have this opportunity." Bradford said that the overall construction of the neighborhood will be completed in several segments. He mentioned that phase one which includes two mixed use buildings along Wealthy Street between Sheldon and LaGrave avenues is nearly complete. The next phase will involve the restoration of a 97 year old apartment building located at 528 Sheldon Avenue. The structure will be remodeled and modernized to fit the needs of todays consumer. It is not yet clear when the neighborhood will be fully completed but Bradford said that demand has already been high for the residential units and that ICCF has received several letters of inquiry from prospective retail tenants.
Property Assessments Phase I Environmental Site Assessments BEAs and Due Care Plans Permits & Regulations Environmental Process & Treatment Design Underground Storage Tank Management Stormwater Management Plans Field Engineering & Technical Support Regulatory Reporting
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Construction Briefs
West Michigan - Signature Associates has negotiated: the sale of a 3,992 square foot industrial building located at 1302 S. West Silver Lake Road, Traverse City for the seller, TC Group I, Inc. and the buyer, Grasshopper, LLC. the lease of 29,000 square feet of office space located at Bridgewater Place, 333 Bridge Street NW for the tenant, Willis of Michigan, Inc. totaling 8,800 square feet and also just recently completed a lease with New York Life Insurance Company totaling 20,000 square feet. Willis Insurance is moving downtown from a suburban building and New York Life is doubling its current presence downtown. Holland Elzinga & Volkers received recognition as one of only 12 Elite Category Winners from the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, which is the third time in the last four years the company has earned an Elite designation.
Grand Rapids - Signature Associates has negotiated: the lease of 2,250 square feet of retail space located at 311 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids for the landlord, Marogil Family, LLC and the tenant, CHZ Enterprises (The Cheese Lady). the lease of 15,000 square feet of industrial space located at 750 E. Ellis Road, Muskegon, to Morris Motor Sports, LLC. for the landlord, H & E Realty, LLC. the lease of 1,500 square feet of retail space located at 4775 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon to Direct Line Communications, Inc. for the landlord, Livingston Howell Properties, LLC.
Kalamazoo CSM Group welcomes the Adam Jones. Adam will be working on our education team as a Project Manager. Muskegon The staff of the Muskegon branch of the Social Security Administration announced they are moving to a new building at 340 Morris in downtown Muskegon. Wolverine Building Group and Landmark Design, both of Grand Rapids, worked together on the 10,800 square foot facility and adjacent parking lot which will provide
office space for more than 30 employees. Norton Shores Encore Seating Restorations recently received special recognition from the Historic Hawaii Foundation for the restoration of seating at Paschoal Hall, which was built in 1916 to serve as a gathering place in Kalaupapa National Historic Park district. Grandville JDH Engineering, Inc. announced Jason Shingledecker received the Young Structural Engineer of the Year award, given by the Structural Engineers Association of Michigan.
Kalamazoo CSM Group announced Amanda Mason was awarded the New Leader Award by the National Association of Women in Construction, and also welcomed Kelsey Cox as the new Business Development and Marketing Intern for the upcoming summer.
Industrial Briefs
Rockford Wolverine Worldwide announced that it, along with Blum Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Collective Brands, Inc.s Performance + Lifestyle Group, adding to Wolverine's existing portfolio, which is led by Merrell, Hush Puppies, Wolverine, Sebago and Caterpillar Footwear. Allegan Perrigo, announced two hires - Robert Michaud as Head of Consumer Healthcare Pricing, and Scott Shcroeder as Corporate Environmental Health and Safety Engineer. Grand Rapids - MedDirect, Inc. will receive a $750,000 Michigan Business Development Program incentive and proposing to invest up to $2.1 million and create up to 300 new jobs over the next three years. Amway will receive $1.6 million incentive from the MEDC for $81 million local expansion creating 200 new local jobs projected over three years. Amway will proceed with the construction of their new manufacturing facility for its NUTRILITE brand. The expansion will create 50 jobs at start-up and 200 total over a three-year period. Center Manufacturing, Inc. was approved to receive a $300,000 incentive from the MEDC for $1 million local expansion and create up to 100 new local jobs projected over three years. The incentive will allow Center Manufacturing, Inc. to expand its product offerings and increase production of components for Honda Power Sports. Jackson The Michigan Manufacturer Association presented Chrysler Group LLC, Amigo Mobility International, Automatic Spring Products Corporation, Eagle Alloy, Inc., Anderson Global, and Full Spectrum Solutions, Inc. with the prestigious John G. Thodis Award. Grand Rapids A new FedEx Freight facility located at 5454 52nd Street SE, Grand Rapids held a grand opening June 7th. The center will serve as a local pickup and delivery facility to provide needed capacity and growth opportunity for the Grand Rapids marketplace by handling increased shipments from surrounding centers. Walker Tubelite, Inc. named Steve Mikkelson to the newly created position of Quality Manager working closely with Tubelites production and executive management teams. Grand Rapids After registering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Safe Quality Food Institute, as well as obtaining experience in Kosher certification, Praxis Packaging Solutions has expanded on its Culture of Quality by registering their satellite facility in Columbus, OH with the Environmental Protection Agency which will allow Praxis to offer additional flexibility in the types of products they can package while appealing to a broader customer base.
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Industrial Briefs
Portage, IN Anthony Kuk joined the Ports of Indiana as port director for the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor located in Portage, Ind. replacing Peter Laman. Zeeland Gentex Corporation is providing a rearview-mirror-integrated display for the all-new Mazda CX-5, sold in Japan, which allows the vehicle to meet unique Japanese safety requirements while enhancing vehicle styling. Holland Chef Container, LLC announced the award of a five (5) year contract for the collection of single stream recycling in City of Plainwell located in Allegan County, and will provide the residents of the city with new Single Stream 96-gallon curbside carts to replace the aging and outdated current 18-gallon source separated collection bins. Grand Rapids Start Garden announced the results from the fifth week of submissions to startgarden.com. The idea selected by the Start Garden team for funding was Regular Coffee founder Kurt Stauffer of Rowsters Coffee on Wealthy Street, wants to innovate on a delivery service. The idea selected by the most endorsements from visitors was Design a Dream Shannon Gales, who runs Vue Design, a custom wedding dress shop, has an idea to make custom dresses more affordable and designable by the customer by breaking the dress down into parts which can be mixed, matched and sewn together. Grand Rapids Magnum Powder Coating began a 6,000 SF expansion May 21, of production and warehouse space, with a completion goal of mid August 2012.
Industrial Briefs
Chicago, IL Enjoy Life Foods announced the promotion of Ken Harris to Chairmen of the Board. Lansing The Where Development Begins Co-op (comprised of DeWitt Township, the City of DeWitt, Bath Township, and Watertown Township) presented Granger with a Creating Entrepreneurial Communities Award in the Contributing to the Community Category. Comstock Township Midlink Business Park announced that Kenco, a leading provider of value-added distribution, public warehousing, transportation services and intelligent information technology, is expanding its existing operations at Midlink West to service a new agreement with a U.S. company that manufactures products for the food industry. Southfield Maxitrol Company, a top manufacturer of precision gas control systems for markets supported by burgeoning natural gas and LP gas industries, will begin major renovation and expansion of its corporate headquarters starting in August 2012. Grand Rapids The Economics Club of Grand Rapids named James Hackett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Steelcase Inc., Business Person of the Year for making significant contributions for the betterment of the community. Grand Rapids Advantage Sign Supply added Dustin David to its Product Development Department and will also be specializing in supporting new additions to the equipment, RIP software, and ink portfolio product lines.
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16 Education Briefs
Kalamazoo A new, high-tech device that generates intense pressure combined with heat to cut hard and brittle materials has been developed by Western Michigan University researchers and could soon have a huge commercial impact on the machining of difficult-to-machine engineered components. The technological breakthrough, spearheaded by Dr. John Patten, director of the WMU Manufacturing Research Center, and senior research associate and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Deepak Ravindra, uses high pressures generated by diamond cutting tools, along with intense and focused laser beam, to cut hard brittle objects such as glass, ceramics, semiconductors, porcelain, stone and more. Semiconductors are the bedrock of modern electronics and essential to the manufacture of computers, cell phones, music/entertainment devices and systems, and a multitude of other electronic devices. Grand Rapids The US Department of Education awarded Grand Rapids Community College a $387,630 grant to continue funding its TRiO Upward Bound Program which provides intensive educational, service leadership, and cultural opportunities. Grand Rapids Eight Grand Rapids Community College students took top honors at the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference. Reinier Fontaine-Perez earned 1st place honors in the entrepreneurship competition for his business plan and pitch for Fontaine Financial, an accounting and finance entity. Also representing GRCC at the conference were Alexi Bettig, David Colbert, Jacob Golden, Zachary Nestor, Samantha See, Dominick Sheridan and MacKenzie Shangle. Washington, D.C. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that University of Michigan was awarded $1.3 million in research grants, fellowships and scholarships to train and educate the next generation of leaders in Americas nuclear industry. Researchers at the University of Michigan will receive $831,876 for a research project aimed at developing new and advanced reactor designs and technologies that broaden the applicability of nuclear reactors. Big Rapids Ferris State Universitys student newspaper the Torch, will be led by the new editor-in-chief, senior Mary Benson during the 2012-13 school year. Kalamazoo Kaytlyn Witgen, who will graduate from Perry High School this month, is the recipient of a Mary Upjohn Meader Scholarship that is designed to cover major coursework for students studying geography, community and regional planning, or tourism and travel, and will pay up to $20,000 over the next four years for her to study at Western Michigan University. Big Rapids Ferris State University announced Matthew Adeyanju accepted an appointment as Dean of Ferris College of Health Professions, effective July 15, and Rick Kurtz accepted an appointment as Dean of Ferris State Universitys College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 1. Grand Rapids Cheri Ackerman, a 2011 Calvin grad, has been awarded a 2012-2013 Hertz Fellowship, which supports gifted leaders in the applied sciences and engineering, and will pay her tuition for five years and provide her with a sizeable stipend. Big Rapids Clifton Franklund, professor at Ferris State University since 2006, was honored with the 2011-12 Distinguished Teacher Award. Grand Rapids Davenport University announced that Franco Bianchi, President and CEO of Haworth Inc., will join Davenport Universitys Board of Trustees, effective October 2012. Big Rapids Karl E. Huffman, President of Hedrick Associates in Grand Rapids, received the Ferris State University Distinguished Alumnus Award. Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Community College Computer Applications Adjunct Professor Cheryl Kautz was named a winner of a Blackboard Catalyst Award for Exemplary Course Program, which honors members of the community who design and develop exciting and innovative courses that represent the very best in technology and learning. Kalamazoo This summer, Western Michigan University will begin building a long-planned new home for its University Archives and Regional History Collections on the Oakland Drive Campus. Grand Rapids Lucas Brown and Colleen OConner, 5th graders at All Saints Academy, were presented with $500.00 scholarships from their entries in the Heritage Life Story Writing Contest, sponsored by Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes. Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University announced formation of a partnership that will offer students joint admission to both schools with the ultimate goal of obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Students will be allowed admittance to both GRCC and WMU during their freshman year, and transfer to WMUs Haworth College of Business prior to beginning their junior year. GRCC transfer students must earn an associates degree with a minimum of a C in each class, and a 2.5 GPA to be admitted to WMUs Bachelor of Business Administration program. Kalamazoo U.S. News & World Reports recently published rankings of graduate programs, puts six Western Michigan University health programs among the best in the nation, with three of them--occupational therapy, physician assistant and speech-language pathology--rated both the highest in Michigan and among the top 50 nationwide.
Communication & IT
By: Adam Riggs Im a freelance programmer. I work from home. I make interactive user experiences. What this means is I create visually stimulating online programs that have animated components and are clickable. Typically, some company is introducing a new product, video game, movie or other such thing and wants a fancy looking website to go along with the launch. Im sure youve seen something like it before. Theres a loading screen, things move around and when you click on something it reacts in a cool way. There is usually a video that you can play as well; although I dont pay too much attention to the content. Im just there to make it all work. Im not a designer. I dont make the graphics, I make them interactive. By the time I get on board, the people that have hired me have been through months of meetings crafting every aspect of the advertising campaign. They send me pictures of how its supposed to look and I make it happen. Im like the construction crew after the blueprints have all been drawn up. But instead of using cranes and cement mixers, I use Photoshop, Flash Pro, Flash Builder, and Dreamweaver. I use Photoshop to break the pictures down into individual elements. The nice thing about Photoshop files is that everything can be put on a different layer. This makes it easy for me to either extract individual layers or group them together depending on how things are supposed to work. I use Flash Pro to then import the individual pictures that I exported from Photoshop. I need to use Flash Pro to do this so that I can identify which things are supposed to move around, respond to a click, be able to have text entered in them, update from a database, and so on. Basically, I recreate the original image while making portions of it interactive. I use Flash Builder to write the programming code that controls the interactive parts of the picture. This is the part that takes most of the time. You need to make sure that everything does exactly what its supposed to do and nothing more. Everything needs to be easy to use without ever acting strange or crashing. After I get the program written, I use Dreamweaver to embed it in a web page. Often, there are other pictures or logos that surround the program and those all need to be positioned correctly in a way that looks the same in all browsers. The work that I do can be pretty intense at times because theres often a hard deadline that cant be moved. There are usually a few last minute changes to be made when those who are in charge see how things are shaping up and decide that they want things to be a little different. Or, sometimes they dont give me things that I need until the last minute because the new product is super-secret and they dont want anyone to see it until the day it launches. I do work from home and my clients and people that I work with on projects
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are often on the other side of the country so I use email, chat, and Skype to keep in contact with the team. While Im working on a project I can expect a flood of emails, spontaneous chats, and daily Skype conference calls. I may not be near my coworkers but there are many lines of communication that are constantly open. All things considered I like my work. In contrast to other programmers, whose work is often not appreciated by non-programmers, the stuff that I make is designed from the start to be seen and enjoyed by the general public. Its pretty easy for me to show off what I do and have people appreciate it. Adam Riggs is a freelance interactive programmer specializing in the Flash platform. His clients have included Google, Microsoft, Axe, and Lexus. You can view his (somewhat outdated) portfolio at adamriggs.com and he can be reached via email at adam@adamriggs.com
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Grand Rapids Kantorwassink was internationally recognized by the prestigious Communicator Awards for their work on the Amway Global Starter Kit Guide, the Wolverine Worldwide identity, and the Emergency Care Specialists Integrated Brand Campaign. Grand Rapids WGVU Public Media announced that its television production of Hope College Christmas Vespers 2011 has been named as a nominee in the 34th Emmy Awards by the National Academy of Television and Sciences Michigan Chapter. Winners of the 2011 Michigan Emmys will be announced this June. Grand Rapids The Board of Directors and employees of Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women announced that William Hahn joined their staff as Microloan Program Manager. Muskegon LongerDays.com, which provides outsourcing services such as Web design, copy writing and administrative support to clients worldwide, signed a two-year agreement with Grand Valley State University to occupy business incubator space at GVSUs Alternative and Renewable Energy Center. Instead of companies outsourcing to India or countries other than the U.S., theyre outsourcing to Muskegon and supporting full-time jobs, said owner Chad Lawie, a 27-year old Muskegon native.
Finance/Insurance Briefs
Lansing Foster Swift Attorney, Michael Harrison, was presented the 2012 Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contribution to International Understanding, an award given by Michigan State University. Grand Rapids The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center selected Fifth Third Bank as the 2011 Outstanding Partner, as part of the Recognition of Excellence and Leadership awards. Grand Rapids Hilger Hammond, PC, announce the election of Benjamin H. Hammond as Trustee for the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Hammond will serve his term starting on July 1, 2012. Grand Rapids Plante Moran, PLLC, the nations 12th largest public accounting and business advisory firm, received recent recognition on the 2011 Top Ten list of the National Top Workplaces. Sparta ChoiceOne Bank announced the addition of John T. Goodrow as Mortgage Loan Originator.
Grand Rapids Rhoades McKee announced Zoe S. Martinez joined the law firm as an associate. She will focus her practice in the areas of employment law and general litigation.
Coworkers Are Customers, Too Provide Them With the Best Service Possible
By John Tschohl When we talk about customer service, we usually think about how we deal with the people who walk through our doorsboth physical and virtualto purchase our products and services. What we often fail to realize, however, is that we also have customers within our organizations; those customers are our coworkers. Customer service means being responsive to a customers needs and being resourceful in meeting those needs. Customer service is many things: knowledge, communication, skill, attitude, efficiency, integrity, reliability, knowledge, and helpfulness. How you interact with coworkers and supervisors has a huge impact on the effectiveness of the team. When Dan asks for your help in completing a report, do you tell him that its not your responsibility, or do you eagerly offer to do whatever you can to help him meet his deadline? When Bethany points out an error, do you get defensive, or do you view her comment as constructive and vow to improve your performance? When you treat coworkers and supervisors with respect, when you help them solve their problems and meet or exceed the demands of the job, your value as an employee increases dramatically. Just as you should do whatever it takes to satisfy a customer, you should do whatever it takes to help a coworker. If you want to ensure that the service you are providing is exceptional, take these steps: 1. Develop a positive attitude. Your attitude is reflected in everything you do. It not only determines how you approach your job and your coworkers, it determines how they respond to you. Dont complainand dont hang around negative coworkers. Do whatever it takes to get the job doneand done right. Listen. You cant help a coworker unless you hear and understand what he needs. Listening shows that you care and provides you the information you need to do what needs to be done. Ask questions. Rephrase what your coworker is saying to ensure that you understand the situation. Then use that information to decide how to move forward. 3. Solve problems. Great customer service professionals are quick on their feet. They have the skills necessary to quickly analyze a situation and decide what needs to be done to solve the problem. Dont procrastinate. Develop a plan of attack, and handle the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. Be accessible. This means returning phone calls and responding to emails as quickly as possible. Doing so sends the message that what your coworker needs is important to you and that you are available and eager to provide whatever assistance is needed. 5. Be honest. If a task is outside your level of expertise, or if you cannot meet the required deadline, admit it. Then offer to facilitate by helping your coworker identify someone in the organization who does have the expertise and the time to assist with the project. Honesty earns respect. The same holds true when you make a mistake. Admit it, apologize, and learn from it. Make your coworkers feel valued. Recognize them with a smile. Call them by name. Make eye contact. Be attentive to what they have to say. Compliment them when they do a good job. Ask for their advice. Make them feel important. 7. Perform. Deliver what you promise. Send the message that your
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coworkers can depend on you. Do what you say you will doand do it with quality, speed, and accuracy. If you say you are going to complete a report by Tuesday, do your best to complete it by Monday. There is great power in mastering the skills necessary to provide exceptional customer service. You will gain confidence in yourself and your abilities, you will earn the respect of your coworkers, and you will be recognized and rewarded. You will set yourself apart and be recognized as a valuable member of the team. And you will have satisfied customers. John Tschohl, the internationally recognized service strategist, is founder and president of the Service Quality Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Described by USA Today, Time, and Entrepreneur as a customer service guru, he has written several books on customer service and has developed more than 26 customer-service training programs that have been distributed throughout the world. Johns monthly strategic newsletter is available online.
Finance/Insurance Briefs
Fremont According to the results of the 12th Biennial Michigan Association of Insurance Agents 2012 Agent Survey of Companies, Fremont Insurance was named the highest rated insurance company among independent agents across the state. Fremont was ranked as the top agency in Competitiveness, Service: Commercial Lines, Automation, Underwriting, Attitude and Management categories, a close second in Service: Personal Lines, Claims, and Agency Contract, and third in Compensation. Grand Rapids Rhoades McKee announced Jacqueline M. Appleman, Timothy R. Dudley and George Williams G. Futado have joined the firm as Summer Associates. Grandville Grand River Bank has expanded its Residential Mortgage team with the addition of Tim McAleece as Vice President Mortgage Manager. Grand Rapids Founders Bank & Trust announced that Scott LaBarge has been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Financial Officer of Founders Bank & Trust. Grand Rapids Plante Moran, PLLC, the nations 12th largest public accounting and business advisory firm, has been included on the 2012 List of Best Public Accounting Firms for Women released today by the American Society of Women Accountants and the American Womens Society of Certified Public Accountants. Grand Rapids Hospice of Michigan announced the hiring Susan Fenters Lerch as Corporate Director of Development, and will be responsible for all aspects of fundraising for Hospice of Michigan statewide. Sparta ChoiceOne Bank announced Robert Grove joined as Vice President of Information Systems and will direct and supervise the interfaces and support systems required for Bank-wide business operation. Grand Rapids Independent Bank received the Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the North Central Region from the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Retail Banking Satisfaction StudySM. Grand Rapids Price Heneveld LLP announced Briana Emerson joined the firm as a Law Clerk. Lansing Frank Reynolds, a shareholder at the law firm of Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, was presented with the Anne Schneidewind Impact Award by Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the Michigan Capital Region at the Kellogg Center at Michigan State University. Grand Rapids The Grand Rapids Griffins announced the hiring of Steve Ritsema as Corporate Sales Account Manager. Grand Rapids - Lighthouse Group announced the addition of Shawn MacDougall to the Kentwood team. Farmington Hills Dirk Beckwith, shareholder at the law firm of Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, was named President-Elect of the Transportation Lawyers Association. Grand Rapids Lake Michigan Credit Union announced the promotion of Bill Clancy, Director of Retail Strategy, to Vice President of Retail Strategy. Midland Chemical Financial Corporation announced that its subsidiary, Chemical Bank, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 21 branches from Independent Bank located in Otsego, Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, Roscommon, Iosco, Ogemaw, Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2012.
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