Midland Tomorrow News

May 21 SVMA Lunch Meeting: Michigan Manufacturing

Join the Saginaw Valley Manufacturers' Association (SVMA) for their final lunch meeting this season on May 21. Chuck Hadden, Vice President of the Michigan Manufacturers' Association (MMA), will be speaking on two informative subjects: MMA's feedback on Michigan's new Energy Policy that was recently passed by the state legislature and an explanation of "Making it in Michigan." This program is helping to set the record straight on the future of manufacturing and what manufacturing jobs entail through presentations, advanced manufacturing facility tours, a manufacturing careers Web site, informational brochures and a biannual e-newsletter sent to math, science, technology and career teachers and guidance counselors.

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Time: 12:00 Noon
Location: Saginaw Valley State University - Curtiss Hall, Second Floor
Cost: $15 for SVMA members; $20 for non-members

Registration for this event is available by email or by calling (989) 964-4475. You may also fax your registration to (989) 964-2656.

Dow Corning CEO Recognized as Outstanding Manufacturing Leader

The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) recently recognized several of the state's most outstanding manufacturing leaders and advocates with the 2008 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Stephanie A. Burns, Dow Corning Corporation chairman, president and CEO, was named the overall winner in the "Large Tier" category. “Large Tier” describes companies with more than 500 employees.

“The state of Michigan is home to some of the most innovative and successful manufacturing organizations in the world,” said Burns. “To be recognized by our peers in the state is a distinct honor, and reflects the impact Dow Corning and our employees have in our communities and in the state of Michigan.”

The award is presented each year to individuals who have made a significant contribution to their communities through job creation, exceptional support of philanthropic organizations, effective advocacy on behalf of the manufacturing sector and other accomplishments. Honorees are selected by a panel of judges representing industry, business development groups, universities, associations and other organizations.

The awards were presented during a luncheon at MMA's third annual CEO Forum at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing on May 13.

The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) has been serving manufacturers for more than 100 years by providing effective representation at Michigan’s Capitol, timely educational seminars, quality, competitive-rate insurance programs, and many more services.

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.

This press release was provided by Dow Corning Corporation.

Region 5 SBTDC Wins Awards

Members of the Region 5 Small Business and Technology Development Center, covering Arenac, Bay, Huron, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties, were honored with two awards at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business event in Lansing on April 24. Not only did the entire Region 5 team receive honors for their hard work, one of their team members received a special honor as well.

Christine Greve, Regional Director, and the Region 5 Team hosted by Delta College in University Center, have been named the 2008 Michigan SBDC Service Excellence & Innovation Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Members of Greve’s Region 5 Team include James Rowley, Debra Wieland, and Irene Dinauer.

“Christine Greve and her SBTDC Region 5 Team have had a positive impact on the economy by forming local partnerships that have helped existing companies and created new businesses and jobs,” said SBA Michigan District Director Richard Temkin. “I am very pleased to announce that the SBTDC Region 5 Team is the Michigan SBDC Service Excellence & Innovation Center award winner.”

Since January 2003, the Region 5 Team has managed counseling, training, and research activities for small businesses in Arenac, Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, and recently expanded into Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. In just five years, the team helped 146 new business start-ups, created 802 new jobs, and infused $31 million in capital into their region. The Region 5 Team also hosted the first Mid-Michigan Inventors Group, a collaborative forum developed to bring together creative people with the interest and ability to make new products. The Team was one of the catalysts that have made this a regular event for budding inventors in the area.

This award honors a Small Business Development Center Service Centers for its innovation and excellence in assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses owners by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible locations. This is the first year that SBA has made this award.

In addition, James Rowley has been named the 2008 Michigan Small Business Counselor of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"James Rowley has spent a lifetime connecting with Michigan’s entrepreneurs," said Richard Temkin, Michigan District Director for SBA. "Jim has been a collaborative partner and counselor to hundreds of small business owners and for his outstanding dedication to them he has been selected as Michigan’s 2008 Small Business Counselor of the Year.”

As a former co-owner of Rowleys Wholesale, an 87 year old family business in Bay City, Jim is very aware of the hard work and demands of running a successful company. Since joining the SBTDC as a business counselor in 1996, Jim has brought a lifetime’s worth of valuable business experience and knowledge to help his clientele. His client portfolio is very diverse with a primary focus on existing businesses. Through his efforts, many small business owners have experienced increased sales and profit. Jim’s enthusiasm for small business is evident by his willingness to share his extraordinary skills, talents, and passion with his clients, as well as the staff and program partners of the regional office.

The MI-SBTDC is headquartered at Grand Valley State University and supports 12 regional offices and over 30 satellite offices. These offices provide counseling and training to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the 83 counties in Michigan through a cooperative agreement with the SBA.

Both awards were presented during the fourth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards dinner at the Lansing Center in Lansing on April 24, 2008. For more information on Rowley and the SBTDC team, please contact the SBA Michigan District Office at (313) 226-6075 x225 or e-mail Annette Hall. Photos are available from the SBA upon request.

These press releases were provided by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, Region 5.

Midland Celebrates Four Companies to Watch in 2008

On April 24 at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business event in Lansing, MI, 50 Michigan small businesses were named “Companies to Watch,” honoring their dedication to product and service innovation, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, and great growth potential. For the third consecutive year, four Midland County businesses received this honor. Midland Tomorrow, the economic development corporation serving the County of Midland, MI, and all its municipalities, would like to offer a resounding CONGRATULATIONS to the four Midland County small businesses that took their place on stage as 2008 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch!

Allis Information Management
Allis Information Management (AIM) is a woman-owned small business that has spent over 25 years providing competitive intelligence to major local clients, including Fortune 100 companies, government agencies and trade associations. They are one of the only marketing intelligence firms in the area, providing expert services in market intelligence, competitive analysis, technical information research and crisis/issue management services.

Falcon Road Maintenance Equipment
In only its third year of operations, Falcon Road Maintenance Equipment has become the brand leader for asphalt transfer trailers, with annual sales growing over 100 percent three years running. Municipalities and state departments of transportation in fourteen U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, utilize Falcon equipment in their road maintenance operations. Lean manufacturing principles drive both the business strategy and company culture; Falcon's obsession with eliminating waste has resulted in a doubling of throughput in just the past twelve months.

New-Tech
New-Tech(tm), a division of Zeigler Enterprises, Inc., designs custom chemistry laboratory equipment to meet specific needs of customers. New-Tech offers a wide range of equipment to fit the needs of any laboratory, from bench hoods, custom hoods and enclosures, down draft tables and fan platform assemblies to spot exhausters, slot exhausters, vent boxes and paper cutters. Their staff has over 35 years of experience and service in manufacturing equipment as an independent dealer, allowing them to match product lines to customers' price ranges and delivery schedules.

Omni Tech International
Omni Tech International, Ltd., is a consulting company specializing in technical and business consulting in the Biobased Industry. They offer services in strategy, technical support, research and commercialization. They were established as a consulting and staffing services company in 1986 by six former Dow Chemical Company executives; the company now staffs 25 full-time employees with a database of 250+ Consulting Associates. Omni Tech has expanded in the last 15 years to include quality, environmental, and business consulting.

These 2008 Companies to Watch join the ranks of their Midland peers: Caltech Industries, CM Rubber Recycling, The Savant Group, and SPACE Inc. were named Companies to Watch in 2007, and ÆGIS Environments, The Apothecary Shoppe Pharmacies, Dendritech, and Pilgrim Technology received the honor in 2006. Midland County can now name 12 of the state’s 150 Companies to Watch over the past three years.

Small businesses are increasingly providing the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative products and services that are helping to diversify Michigan’s economy and move our state into the new knowledge-based global market. Midland County is helping to lead the charge with eight percent of the state’s winners for the past three years coming out of an area with less than one percent of the state’s population. This is a powerful and compelling reflection of Michigan’s economic renaissance and diversification into new and cutting-edge industries.

Midland Tomorrow was pleased to nominate each of this year's winners and assist them in the application process. This is a significant award, and we congratulate this year's recipients on their success!

The 50 Companies to Watch Awards are granted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation. They recognize second-stage small businesses with great accomplishments and significant growth potential. For more information on the awards, please visit the Michigan Companies to Watch Web site.

Low-Cost Web Site Training and Development for Mid-Michigan Businesses

A 2007 GlobalSpec, Inc. e-commerce survey found that 85 percent of the industrial community now uses the Internet to specify products. A business’s Web site can no longer be only a brochure with stagnant pages: consumers want real-time information, product and service reviews, easy-to-use features and an overall memorable experience.

A study published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction found that $25 billion in potential online sales are lost due to web performance issues. If you know you’re not leveraging the full power of the Internet to drive business to your door, or if you’re not even sure how to establish your business’s online presence, then consider attending a comprehensive and easy training session from Bravo:Smart Web Design, the MidMichigan Innovation Center’s newest tenant. Bravo:Smart Web Design and the Innovation Center are partnering with Saginaw Valley State University’s Center for Business and Economic Development (CBED) to help regional industries and businesses create effective websites that attract and retain customers.

WebSmart Training by Bravo:Smart Web Design will provide up to three employees per business with the training, workbooks, resources, templates and tools to create and update the content on their website. These tools are managed with a straightforward interface that is easy to use – no programming involved! Each business gets an environment to create their new site, with 90 days of hosting and technology support. Within 90 days, businesses can have a new customer-focused, interactive Web site with features rivaling those of sites that cost up to $15,000 or more – including the ability to add, delete and change their Web content internally without costly update fees.

The classes for Session 1 will be held as follows. If you are unable to attend Session 1, there will be two more training sessions this fall.

Dates: May 6, May 20 and June 3, 2008 (Tuesdays)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day
Location: Saginaw Valley State University – Curtiss Hall (Room C141)
Registration Deadline: April 29, 2008

The original cost of the training is $3,500 per business; however, SVSU has a grant to help manufacturers diversify, and will provide a $1,000 scholarship to local manufacturers for attending a training this year. Although the scholarship applies to manufacturing businesses only, the training is open to all businesses and organizations.

To register for Session 1 or for more information on the scholarship, visit Bravo:Smart's Web site. You can also call email Rebecca Kotz at Bravo:Smart or call her at (989) 839-7060.

Bravo:Smart Web Design is a web solutions company that empowers businesses to create real-time, dynamic experiences for their customers, constituents and communities. In addition to Web 2.0 training sessions, their Web Site Services can help increase traffic, customer retention and usability; create customer-driven marketing and graphics; and ensure design/architecture flexibility and innovation for future needs.

Exporting to Singapore - Meeting on April 18

Is Singapore the market for your business? Find out on Friday, April 18th with an appointment with the U.S. Commercial Service's Commercial Counsel Dan Thompson, U.S. Embassy in Singapore. Dan will be in Pontiac U.S. Export Assistance Center's office for one-on-one meetings.

Singapore is one of the most highly developed and sophisticated industrial, commercial, financial and consumer economies in the world... and the U.S. has a free trade agreement with Singapore. Also consider that Malaysia is Singapore’s top import source, with the U.S. ranked second... followed by the PRC, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Germany.

Meetings with Dan are on a first-come, first-served basis and will occur every 30 minutes from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

When: Friday, April 18, 2008 (9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

Where: Pontiac U.S. Export Assistance Center, 250 Elizabeth Lake Road, Suite 1300 West, Pontiac, MI 48341

Cost: Free!

Registration: Attendees must register for an appointment here.

If you have any questions, please email Anita Walker or Jennifer Loffredo, or call them at (248) 975-9600.

Chippewa Nature Center Plans Major Expansion in 2008

Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) is planning a significant expansion of the 32-year old Visitor Center. The $9 million project will be a model of green architecture and sustainability. The expanded space will better accommodate current and future programs and increase CNC’s regional presence.

In the 1990s, it became apparent that CNC’s program offerings were beginning to outgrow its physical facilities. Further, CNC is committed to becoming a “greener” organization by developing an environmentally sustainable structure that echoes its message of stewardship, and using these concepts as the basis for new program initiatives.

It is the Nature Center’s objective to upgrade and expand its Visitor Center to attain LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The proposed design includes a green roof, photovoltaic cells, a cistern and aqueduct to capture rain water and more efficient heating and cooling systems among its eco-friendly features.

To help design the new facility, CNC sought out a leader in green building techniques. The Kubala-Washatko Architects (TKWA), based out of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, are known for extensive sustainable design experience on projects that have earned LEED certification. CNC plans to use its LEED certified building as a hands-on teaching tool to further its vision, and to offer people the opportunity to promote sustainability by investing in an organization that meets environmental challenges with viable solutions such as solar power, geothermal energy and water-cleansing rain gardens.

While CNC already attracts teachers and students from 34 school districts in mid-Michigan, it intends to increase its regional appeal as a destination, enhancing current regional outreach initiatives supported by local companies, local Chambers of Commerce and other regional stakeholders. The Center plans to continue expanding its contribution to economic growth in the region, while also building its national leadership role among nature centers by modeling outstanding programs, facilities and staffing by its employees and volunteers.

Throughout the next six months, CNC will be finalizing the building design and preparing the construction documents, with groundbreaking to occur in fall 2008. Construction will take approximately 12 months. Chippewa Nature Center has hired Rockford Construction to manage this phase of the project. Local subcontractors will also be involved in the construction.

For more information on the project and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Nature Center's Web site.

Chippewa Nature Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to facilitate the enjoyment and understanding of our natural and cultural resources as relevant to the Saginaw Valley’s ecosystems, to promote environmental awareness and to foster responsible stewardship. Enjoy free admission to 15+ miles of trails from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

This press release was provided by Chippewa Nature Center.

Brownfield Approved for $100 Million Dow Investment

The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) recently announced plans for a project that, if approved, will invest over $100 million in their Midland Operations manufacturing site. On December 18, 2007, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA), a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, approved a $10 million state Brownfield tax credit to support the project. This assistance is in addition to a 12-year tax abatement from the City of Midland that will save the project $4.5 million in costs.

Dow plans to renovate three functionally obsolete buildings in the Michigan Operations site to begin production of diesel particulate filters for light- and medium-duty trucks in response to new emission control regulations scheduled for 2010. The renovated buildings will house the main production facility, production offices, a library, control room and in-process lab. The project is still subject to final approval by Dow's Board of Directors; if approved, it is expected to create 55 new jobs.

"We appreciate the support of the MEDC and the City of Midland on this project," says David Dupre, vice president of Dow's Michigan Operations manufacturing site. "This will allow us to continue moving forward with our growth plans at Michigan Operations, which has netted $300 million in new investments and a couple hundred new or retained jobs over the past few years."

Midland Tomorrow was proud to assist Dow in securing both the Brownfield credit from MEGA and the tax abatement from the City of Midland. In total in 2007, Midland Tomorrow has helped Dow receive tax abatements for current and proposed projects that will invest $203 million in the local economy and create and retain 106 jobs.

Help Support Our Operations: Become an Investor!

At Midland Tomorrow, we believe the Midland area can become one of the technology powerhouses of our nation. Our chemical and technology infrastructure, our skilled workforce and our entrepreneurial spirit combine to make a prime location to attract and retain technology business. But we need your support as we work to aggressively pursue new jobs and investment from across America.

For our ambitious plans to be successful, we’re hoping you’ll consider becoming an investor in Midland Tomorrow. Visit our 2008 - 2010 Fund Campaign Web page to learn more about how you can help ensure our success in taking Midland to the world – and bringing the world to our door.

2007 Annual Report Now Available for Download

Midland Tomorrow's 2007 Annual Report is now available for download as a 2 MB PDF file by clicking this link or by visiting our Web site's communications area. The report details Midland Tomorrow's proactive new initiatives under its revised 2007 strategic plan. Among those initiatives are the following:

An aggressive new plan to research industry sectors that complement our existing chemical and technology cluster and build proactive relationships to attract specific, targeted businesses here
New programs to help our existing industrial and technology businesses network, collaborate, and develop new products, customers and markets
Continuing and expanded work to help our local and state municipalities remove barriers to enterprise to make our region - and the State of Michigan - more attractive for business investment

Thank you for your support of Midland Tomorrow as we move forward to help attract and retain industrial and technology jobs in Midland County.

MT Awards Breakfast a Success

The fifth annual Midland Tomorrow Awards Breakfast, held on October 15, 2007, at the Valley Plaza Resort in Midland, was a great success. Nine local businesses and individuals received recognition for their exemplary efforts to develop our local and regional economy, whether through expansion of their businesses and increasing their employment base; developing innovative new products and services; or partnering with the community to help develop our business infrastructure and quality of life.

For all the information on the 2007 Awards Breakfast, click here!

MidMichigan Health President and CEO Terence F. Moore and Midland Tomorrow Executive Director Scott Walker look on as Wolverine Bank President and Midland Tomorrow Vice President David Dunn gives MidMichigan Health the first 2007 Midland Tomorrow Expansion Award for their outstanding contributions to the region's job creation and quality of life. At right, US Representative Dave Camp, State Representative John Moolenaar, and State Senator Tony Stamas wait to present Mr. Moore with a legislative tribute honoring MidMichigan Health's success.

New Dow Corning Recycling System to Invest $50 Million Locally

Dow Corning Corporation recently announced an approximately $50 million investment in new equipment for its Midland Site. The announcement again demonstrates the innovation capacity and knowledge base in the Midland area, as well as our economic base employers' commitment to maintaining and expanding their presence here.

The equipment is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent and total emissions by 75 percent, and it is projected to reduce the site's consumption of natural gas by 400 billion BTU per year - the equivalent of heating 3,500 homes over the winter. The technology will also reduce the amount of waste transported and disposed offsite. The project is expected to create at least ten new jobs and will require the construction of two new buildings within the Midland Site's fenceline.

The first part of the project includes installation of a thermal oxidizer, which will reduce air emissions from the site while generating steam for chemical process heating. Additionally, a recycling system will be installed that is designed to transform silicone byproducts from the Dow Corning site into usable energy and raw materials sources.

To complete the project, Dow Corning is working with two external companies. Richland, WA-based Integrated Environmental Technologies, LLC (IET), the premier provider of plasma-based waste processing and clean energy systems, will own the new waste processing system. IET contracted with Veolia Environmental Services, based in Lombard, IL, to operate the recycling equipment. Several of the new jobs created by this investment will be Veolia employees.

Dow Chemical Plans to Invest $203 Million in the Local Economy

The Dow Chemical Company went before Midland's City Council on October 1 seeking P.A. 198 tax abatements for six new projects representing expansion into new markets as well as reinvestment into existing business units. Several of the projects are currently in the planning stages and all still require final approval from state and local authorities. If all the projects are approved and continue to move forward, they will invest $203 million into the local economy and create and retain 106 jobs.

The proposed projects are as follows:

The Dow Automotive Project, a new automotive filter manufacturing capacity, will rehabilitate 85,200 square feet of idle process space in three Dow facilities. It is expected to create 55 new jobs and invest $86 million into the local economy. The project is redeveloping Brownfield space and is seeking to secure Brownfield credits against the Michigan Business Tax.
Dow Building Solutions is an opportunity in the renewable energy sector to further develop new solar cell technology into the design of building materials known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics. The project will create 22 new jobs and invest $53.5 million into the local economy.
The Divinylbenzene Capacity Expansion Project involves rehabilitation of chemical processing equipment to achieve increased energy savings and reliability. The project will retain 12 jobs and invest $6.3 million into the local economy.
The Aminopyralid Capacity Expansion is a project of Dow AgroSciences, LLC. It will add new chemical processing equipment to help produce aminopyralid, a recently introduced Dow AgroSciences compound for the control of noxious and invasive weed species. It will create five new jobs and invest $38.5 million.
The Michigan Operations Supply Chain Infrastructure Upgrade will add and rehabilitate warehousing and raw material bulk storage at Dow's Michigan Operations site for increased logistical efficiency. It will be a long-term competitive solution for their warehousing and bulk storage needs. The project will retain five jobs and invest $11.5 million.
Dow Automotive will create brake fluid blending, packaging, storage and shipping capacity at Michigan Operations, establishing it as the base of operations for Dow's brake fluids business. The project will retain seven jobs and invest $7.1 million.

All Dow's projects are expected to begin between 2007 and early 2008 if all the necessary approvals are received, with completion dates for the approved projects ranging from late 2007 to early 2009.

2007 Midland Tomorrow Award Winners Announced

As the fifth annual Midland Tomorrow Awards Breakfast approaches, we want to congratulate our 2007 Midland Tomorrow Award winners!

Expansion

The Dow Chemical Company
Genzink Steel
MidMichigan Health

Community Partner

Chemical Bank
Delta College/Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
Sharon Miller
Three Rivers Corporation

Innovator

Ingenuity IEQ
Northwood University

Congratulations to our winners! Mark your calendars now and plan to celebrate with us at the 2007 Awards Breakfast on Monday, October 15 at 7:00 a.m. at Valley Plaza Resort in Midland. For more information, visit our 2007 Awards Breakfast Web page.

Update (10/10/2007): Registration for the 2007 Awards Breakfast has closed. Thanks to all who registered for your generous support of this event!

LS Power/Dynegy Joint Venture Exploring Power Plant Opportunity in Midland

Mid-Michigan Energy, part of the LS Power/Dynegy development joint venture, has identified a site in Midland for the potential development of a 750-megawatt baseload power plant. If the project comes to fruition, it is estimated to create 1,000 temporary construction jobs and 100 full-time positions upon the completion of the plant, with a potential investment of $1.5 billion in the region.

In February, LS Power expressed an interest in developing a power plant in Midland because of the previously identified need for baseload power generation in Michigan. At that time, the company was looking at a handful of sites, all of which will continue to be considered until the local approvals are received. The potential Midland site comprises 130 acres near the intersection of South Saginaw Road and Waldo Avenue. The property is zoned primarily for heavy industrial use, with portions zoned for other uses. Mid-Michigan Energy has filed zoning requests with the City of Midland to change the zoning of the entire site to heavy industrial. This zoning process will be the first step in their lengthy evaluation of the site to determine if the plant will ultimately locate here.

According to Janet Vanderpool, LS Power Project Development Manager, the potential plant would utilize the best available technologies for coal power generation, resulting in a plant that meets or exceeds every state and federal environmental regulation for power generation.

In order to ensure community residents are informed about the process and goals of the project, Mid-Michigan Energy is hosting a community open house on June 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Admiral Room at Valley Plaza Resort

In addition, a luncheon on June 20 will cover this information. The luncheon will be held at the Griswold Center on the campus of Northwood University in Midland, MI. The agenda is as follows:

11:45 a.m. - Registration
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
12:20 p.m. - Program
1:00 p.m. - Conclusion

Cost for the luncheon is $10.00 per person. To register online, click here. You can also register by calling the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce at (989) 839-9901.

For the full press release about Mid-Michigan Energy's consideration of Midland as a location for their new power plant, click here.

Northwood International Creativity Conference: Applying Creativity for Business Success

Download the conference brochure
Visit the conference Web site
Download the list of speakers and topics for the entire conference

On July 12-15, 2007, Northwood University's Alden B. Dow Creativity Center will host its 18th Annual International Creativity Conference. Held on Northwood's Midland, MI campus, the conference will challenge the assumption that creativity and business are different concepts, proving instead that creativity and innovation are crucially and inextricably related to business success.

The conference is targeted toward anyone interested in leading-edge topics presented by a group of innovators and leaders gathered from across the nation. Professionals eager to keep skills updated and to learn from significant, experienced "mentors" and futurists are especially encouraged to attend. The conference is ideal for those seeking ideas and new routes for progressing, growing, and competing in markets that require ever more sophisticated models and solutions. In addition, college students, whether they attend Northwood or another college or university, are eligible to receive college credit for attending the sessions. See the "Creativity Conference" link at the bottom of the page for more information.

Keynote speakers and topics for the conference include:
Terence F. Moore
President and CEO, MidMichigan Health
"Leaders and Leadership"
This session will discuss different styles of leadership and the qualities of a good leader - excellent and inspiring information.

Linda Solomon, Bloomfield Hills, MI/Tuscon, AZ
Photojournalist
"Snapshots of Hope"

Leland K. Bassett, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Chairman and CEO, Bassett & Bassett, Inc.
“Communication’s Creativity Challenge: Make Sure The Message You Send Is The Message Received”
Bassett, the "dean of marketers," will discuss how to keep your marketing messages relevant and get them noticed in a world saturated with millions of messages a day.

Nancy Keene, Dallas, TX
Director, Stanton Chase International
"Work and the Art of Reinvention"
Changing demands in the workplace and the fanily necessitate that we constantly reinvent ourselves... a far cry from the days when workers could have one job for life. As an executive search expert, Keene knows what type of workforce businesses are looking for now... and what they'll want and need in the future.

Robert Alan Black, Ph.D, Athens, GA
Creative Thinking Consultant
“Are You Creative Like Einstein? Da Vinci? Van Gogh? Vasarely?"
Dr. Black will lead an insightful presentation on personal management styles. Participants will be invited to examine their own self-management (for better or worse) and learn how to improve these skills.

Robert Stafford, Midland, MI
First Vice President, Chemical Bank
Moderator - Panel of Area "Best and Brightest" Young Professionals

Stafford will moderate a panel of local leaders who have achieved early success, discussing how they achieved their goals and how they sustain and build on the careers they've created.

Click here for more information on keynote speakers in PDF format. In addition, a PDF file of information on session presenters and times is available here.

This year the Alden Dow Creativity Center Conference will also offer unique, behind-the-scenes exposure to Midland's world-class institutions and attractions. Attendees will spend one afternoon touring two sites of their choice, gathering inspiration for new ways of presentation, preparation and process… and enjoying experiences that are not readily available to the general public. Some of these venues include the Alden B. Dow Home & Studio, Dahlia Hill & Charles Breed Artists Studio, the Midland Center for the Arts, The Alden Dow Creativity Center and Northwood International Costume Collection, The Chippewa Nature Center, The Creative Spirit Center, the Alden B. Dow Fellowship Studios, and the Dow Diamond stadium, as well as private in-home entertaining.

Registration for the conference is preferred by calling the Alden B. Dow Creativity Center at (989) 837-4478. You can also register by printing, completing and mailing the registration form PDF located here. The registration deadline is Tuesday, July 3, 2007. Participants are welcome to register for the entire conference or for any combination of individual sessions.

For detailed information on session times and presenters, keynote speakers, and the overall schedule, visit the Creativity Conference Web page at the Alden B. Dow Creativity Center's Web site. You can also download the conference brochure or the list of speakers and topics in PDF format.

June 4 Career Fair Offers Jobs in Chemical Industry

You don't have to leave mid-Michigan to find a great career opportunity. The chemical industry in mid-Michigan is expanding, and local companies are looking for hundreds of well-trained employees to help take them into the future. You can learn more about these companies at the chemical industry's Regional Career Fair.

Date: Monday, June 4, 2007
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Dow Event Center, Unity Hall, Saginaw, Michigan
Cost: FREE

The Career Fair will offer you the opportunity to meet with representatives from The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Corning Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation to learn about their many career opportunities. You can talk with staff members from Delta College, Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center, Saginaw Career Complex, Midland County Educational Services Agency, Associated Builders and Contractors, Saginaw-Midland-Bay Michigan Works!, MITECH+, Education and Training Connection, and Great Lakes Process Technology Alliance to learn how you can get the training you need for these positions. And, you can meet with career and educational counselors who can start you on your way to the competitive salaries and excellent benefits the chemical industry offers.

If you're looking for a great career opportunity in the local chemical industry, plan to attend the Regional Career Fair, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Corning Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation.

U of M Dioxin Results Update on June 5

Join the University of Michigan scientists studying human exposure to dioxins in the Midland/Saginaw area on June 5 as they discuss progress and updates to their study.

Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw, MI (map in PDF format)
Cost: FREE

Dr. David Garabrant, who heads the University of Michigan (U of M) scientific team, is Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, Professor of Epidemiology, and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at U of M. Dr. Garabrant will give a progress report to the study's Community Advisory Panel. He is expected to focus on progress and results since the last public meeting held in August of 2006.

The goal of the U of M scientific study is to see whether elevated levels of dioxins in the environment are ending up in the bodies of residents of the Tittabawassee River basin (in Midland and Saginaw counties), and whether these residents have higher levels of dioxins in their blood than persons living in other parts of Michigan, such as Jackson and Calhoun counties. Jackson and Calhoun counties were selected for comparison because the population and types of industry are similar to Midland and Saginaw counties, but there is no known major contamination of the environment with dioxins in these counties.

Dioxins are considered to be toxic chemicals. They can be produced by industrial and combustion activities. There are known to be elevated levels of dioxins in the soil of the Tittabawassee River flood plain and nearby areas that are affected by discharges from the Dow Chemical Company plant in Midland.

The U of M study does not look at health effects, but rather the level of human exposure to dioxins and whether the dioxins are getting into people’s bodies. "First we need to get the facts about exposure," Garabrant said. "Then decisions can be made about what to do next." The Dow Chemical Company is funding the U of M study but has no say over how it is conducted. The study is controlled entirely by the University of Michigan investigators. Results of the study do not identify individual participants.

More details about the study are available on the research team's Web site.

Oxazogen Obtains $100,000 Grant for Lithium Air Battery Research

Oxazogen, Inc. has obtained federal funding totaling almost $100,000 to research ways to improve lithium air batteries.

The Phase I Small Business Innovative Research grant, awarded by the U.S. Army, totals $99,957 over six months. As with most Oxazogen projects, Michigan Molecular Institute is a subcontractor on the research. Senior Associate Scientist Dr. Abhijit Sarkar is leading the effort.

“The lithium air battery is seen by many in the field as the ultimate battery, so improving it is something that could affect our very way of life,” Sarkar said. “For an example, let’s look at mobile electronics. If we could improve their batteries’ longevity and power, wouldn’t that be something manufacturers and consumers might be interested in?”

Sarkar’s work will focus on developing a better membrane used in the air cathode of the batteries, a unique system because the cathode material is not stored in the battery; it is simply extracted from ambient air as needed. Sarkar proposes a polymer membrane that will be highly permeable to oxygen while remaining impermeable to other materials such as organic carbonates and ethers.

“Our approach is based on unique hyperbranched polymer technology,” Sarkar said. “We’re using a chemical composition that will pair high oxygen permeability with strong chemical resistance, as well as low moisture permeability. The hyperbranched polymer approach also provides the ability to tune in appropriate levels of crosslink density to optimize the mechanical properties of the material.”

Sarkar believes this research has powerful long-term potential. Early success in the research could lead to Phase II funding, which would be significantly larger in terms of dollars and commitment.

“Lithium air batteries show great promise in terms of energy and power density,” he said. “Their market potential is in the billions of dollars. If our approach is successful, the membrane that we’re developing could help make the lithium air battery a marketable success.”

This article supplied by Michigan Molecular Institute.

Saginaw Valley Manufacturers' Association Dinner Meeting April 19

Is there really such a thing as an environmentally sustainable automobile? Join the Saginaw Valley Manufacturers' Association (SVMA) on Thursday, April 19, for their dinner meeting to learn the truth. Speaker Brett C. Smith will discuss the technologies being developed around this issue.

Date: Thursday, April 19, 2007
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Saginaw Valley State University - Curtiss Hall
Cost: $25 ($20 for SVMA members)

Brett C. Smith is the Assistant Director of Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology at the Center for Automotive Research. His discussion will cover the topic of "Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology." While society struggles and looks for the silver bullet to create an environmentally sustainable automobile, reality suggests that there may not be one. Instead, there are several technologies and fuels that may play a role in rapidly changing the environmental impact of the automobile. However, many of these technologies are still unproven. The challenge for manufacturers, politicians, and even consumers is to understand the technology choices, the environmental impacts and the economic trade-offs.

Mr. Smith received his B.S. in economics and an M.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University. He joined CAR in 2000 after 12 years at the University of Michigan's Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation (OSAT). Much of Mr. Smith's work in recent years has been in the area of advanced powertrain technology. Mr. Smith also worked with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to begin the development of a Roadmap for the High Volume Manufacture of Fuel Cells and authored a report for Argonne National Laboratory on an analysis vehicle fuel efficiency.

To register for the event, call SVSU at (989) 964-4475. Register now as space is limited!

This event is co-sponsored by SVMA, Saginaw Bay Sustainable Business Partnership and the Mid-Michigan Innovation Team, a part of the Mid-Michigan region's federal WIRED grant.

The mission of the Saginaw Valley Manufacturers' Association is to be a source of support for regional manufacturers in their quest to be competitive in the global marketplace.