Caparo Vehicle Components to retain facility in Novi
(December 15, 2009)

Caparo Vehicle Components – The manufacturer of steel, automotive and general engineering products will invest $10.5 million to retain its facility in Novi. The project will retain 398 total jobs, including 117 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project will retain an additional 281 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board approved a state tax credit valued at $1 million over five years to encourage the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Mexico.

Novi Recognizes Local Businesses at annual Business Recognition Awards - Those honored exemplify Novi spirit and serve as models for other community partners

Novi, Mich., November 30, 2009 – After receiving nominations from customers and community members, six awards were presented by Mayor David B. Landry at the second annual Business Recognition Awards held on Monday, November 23, 2009.

The award program was created to honor organizations whose exemplify Novi spirit and serve as models for other community partners. Nominees were evaluated on business practices, corporate citizenship, and green technologies. A committee of representatives from Oakland County, Novi Economic Development Corporation, Novi News, Novi Chamber of Commerce, and Novi Community Schools reviewed all nominations and selected the winners.

2009 award winners include:

Sho Nakahama of the Japan Business Society of Detroit received the Mayor’s Ambassador of the Year Award for his continued support of Novi’s Japanese businesses and residents and for being an exemplary partner to the community.
 

Hotel Baronette, Large Business-Business Practices. The Hotel Baronette operates with an “open door” management philosophy, provides mentoring programs, seeks to advance careers, and has a Safety Committee made up of employees. The Hotel Baronette successfully inspires employees to create an atmosphere that is rewarding.
 

Sheraton Detroit Novi, Large Business-Corporate Citizenship. The Sheraton Detroit Novi recently created an incentive program that led to the donation of over $2,500 to charities. The Sheraton Detroit Novi has worked with local charitable organizations including Holy Family Church in Novi, St. Christina’s, Faith Presbyterian Church, and Habitat for Humanity Oakland Country. Additionally, internship opportunities are provided for high school students studying travel and tourism.
 

Novi Youth Hockey Association (NYHA), Small Business-Business Practices. NYHA provides each and every person within the association the opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy the game of hockey by accommodating players of every level and utilizing dedicated volunteers to teach skills and good sportsmanship. The NYHA is the largest such organization in Michigan with over 620 players and 150 coaches. NYHA teams have won state and district championships and numerous invitational tournaments in and out of state.
 

Lotus Bank, Small Business-Corporate Citizenship. Lotus Bank operates with an organizational philosophy of giving back by improving the areas in which they work and live and as such, the Chief Financial Officer has staffed the Lighthouse of Oakland County financial distress hotline, staff members routinely volunteers at homeless shelters and food banks, church out-reach programs and other non-profit organizations. Monetary contributions have been made to dozens of local organizations. Additionally, Lotus Bank continues to participate in the annual Teach our Children to Save program.
 

Advanced Vein Therapies, Green Technologies. At the office of Advanced Vein Therapies, many daily items are recycled including paper products, printing cartridges, and batteries. Other “green” initiatives include energy conservation, electronic medical records and “green” purchasing strategies.
 

FanningHowey, Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Bright House Networks, Carrabbas Italian Grill, ServPro of Novi, Bonefish Grill, Town & Country Eyecare and Total Sports Complex received Honorable Mentions.

The City of Novi thanks those who provided nominations and wishes continued success to all Novi businesses.

MarketLink Services Focuses in on Hot Markets - Government and Education - Funding and opportunities are plentiful in key markets for high-tech providers

Novi, Michigan — Nov. 2, 2009 — MarketLink Services Inc. announces the launch of a state/local government and education (SLED) market development service. This specialized practice is focused on driving demand and revenue for technology providers in the SLED vertical.

Government and educational institutions offer tremendous business opportunities for technology providers. The SLED market is a large community of state, county and municipal governments, and kindergarten-12 and higher education institutions. Among the 50 U.S. state and five U.S. properties, there are 3,141 counties and 88,000 municipalities, 1,300 which have more than 25,000 residents. In the same group, there are 15,746 school districts and 4,171 higher-education colleges and universities. With about 1,500 recent Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) awarded, governments and educators are looking for the latest technology to improve the quality and efficiency of their facilities.

Although promising, successful penetration of these markets is very challenging. There are many requirements to being a successful supplier to this vertical and, without the resources to address this market, most companies will fail.

"MarketLink recognizes the opportunity and the complexities associated with penetrating these markets. We have established a team of talented personnel to oversee and drive the activities within this space, utilizing our existing sales, marketing and support teams to provide the pursuit, management and support of the opportunities.”

MarketLink provides the following services for the SLED vertical:

• RFP and bid response service – Monitor RFPs through several services and distributes to local clients for follow up. Builds a response template on behalf of our VAR and integrator customers to ensure our clients are bid competitively and our resellers are capable of providing a bid.
• Grant writing – Help clients write grants to specify or acquire products based on available grant money from government and private agencies
• Project consulting – Work with consultants, engineers and architects involved in high-tech specification projects
• Direct marketing – Market directly to government and education institutions on behalf of our clients in order to create awareness and drive demand for our clients’ technology products
• Indirect marketing – Market through e-mail and Web-based initiatives
• Trade show support – Provide booth space and coverage at key industry events

About MarketLink Services Inc.

MarketLink Services provides national sales and marketing launch solutions focused on channel development for small- and medium-sized businesses. Primarily benefitting high-tech companies since starting in 1997, MarketLink draws on a vast experience and key relationships throughout the industry. MarketLink customizes sales, marketing and distribution plans for effective penetration into desired markets. The depth of experience enables the MarketLink team to bridge the gap between manufacturer, reseller and consumer. MarketLink Services is based in the Detroit-suburb of Novi, Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.marketlinkservices.com

Idle Wixom plant to become cutting-edge energy park
(October 7, 2009)

Turning the idle Ford Motor Co. Wixom Assembly Plant into one of the nation’s largest renewable energy manufacturing parks took a giant step toward reality Tuesday in Lansing.  Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed a bill into law establishing a fifth Michigan renewable energy tax credit.  "“This legislation opens the door for thousands of good-paying jobs for our families, and it is a good example of what it will take to get our state back on track — bipartisanship and lower taxes.” -Rep. Hugh Crawford, R-Novi.

Read the full story: Idle Wixom Plant To Become Cutting-Edge Energy Park.
(Link was valid when posted.)

County may shift gears
(October 7, 2009)

The St. Clair County Road Commission is considering privatizing its vehicle maintenance shop, a move officials say could save money and improve things such as preventative maintenance schedules.  The commission -- along with officials from St. Clair County, which is also considering joining the plan -- heard proposals from three companies at a meeting Tuesday.

Michigan CAT, based in Novi, touted its knowledge of local needs.  CAT representatives said their expertise was in large equipment so it brought on Penske to help with maintenance on light and medium duty work.  CAT has seven locations in Michigan and 500 employees, while Penske, a Bloomfield Hills company, has nine locations with 200 employees. Penske also has a Port Huron location.  The companies often work together and many of their employees and mechanics live in St. Clair County, officials said.  Together, they have contracts with various major corporations such as DTE Energy, Mueller Industries and AT&T.

Read the full story: County May Shift Gears.
(Link was valid when posted.)

Future City Competition - Wanted: Engineer-Mentors
(October 5, 2009)

The Next Generation of Engineers Needs Your Help!  The ESD Michigan Regional Future City Competition is back and more challenging than ever. Students and teachers have begun their planning for this year's topic: "Providing an affordable green living space for people who have lost their home due to a disaster or financial emergency." If you can commit an hour or two every week or every other week, consider volunteering as a Future City mentor. Mentors serve as an advisor and provide input and technical assistance to students as they design and build their city of the future.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Sue Ruffner at 248-353-0735, ext. 117 or via email.

Emerging Restaurant Chain Bagger Dave's to Open in Novi, Mich.
(September 23, 2009)

Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc.  announced today that it has signed a lease for a new Bagger Dave's Legendary Burgers and Fries to be located in Novi, Michigan. The store is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2010. A unique feature of the Bagger Dave's concept is its local focus with the interior showcasing historic photos of the city in which it resides. These nostalgic images gathered from local museums and historical societies create a sense of community loyalty that sets Baggers apart from the typical franchise restaurant.

Read the full story: Emerging Restaurant Chain Bagger Dave's to Open in Novi, Mich.
(Link was valid when posted.)

Cooper-Standard Automotive ranks in the Top 10 Inc. 5000 Companies Ranked by Total Revenue
(September 11, 2009)

Read the full story: Cooper-Standard Automotive ranks in the Top 10 Inc. 5000 Companies Ranked by Total Revenue
(Link was valid when posted.)

Firm keeps going by expanding into new areas, different projects
Company now puts up medical facilities
(September 6, 2009)

While the commercial construction market in Detroit has been tough the past year, Oliver/Hatcher Construction has been holding its own by expanding into growing areas of the economy and taking on new types of projects. The Novi-based company was responsible for renovating 160,000 square feet of warehouse space in Brownstown Township for a cutting-edge battery pack assembly plant for General Motors Co. Oliver/Hatcher had about 15 weeks to complete the project, which was unveiled in August.

Read the full story: Firm keeps going by expanding into new areas, different projects
(Link was valid when posted.)

Lotus Bank Goes “Hollywood” To Finance TV Series Produced In Michigan And Help Create Jobs
(September 2, 2009)

Lotus Bank became the first Michigan-based bank to participate in and finance the State of Michigan’s Film Production Incentive, which is designed to attract movie producers to produce their feature films and television programs in Michigan in order to create jobs and generate business for Michigan companies.

Read the full story: Lotus Bank Goes “Hollywood” To Finance TV Series Produced In Michigan And Help Create Jobs
(Link was valid when posted.)

Novi Congratulates Neighboring Wixom
(September 1, 2009)

Plans by two out-of-state companies to redevelop Ford Motor Co.'s abandoned Wixom plant into an energy park could help further solidify Michigan's effort to become an alternative energy hub, some industry observers say. 

Vintage Camaro Show at Hotel Baronette
(August 31, 2009)

Novi’s Mayor David Landry had the opportunity to judge a vintage Camaro show
at the Hotel Baronette as the kick-off to a Camaro Cruise.

ITC Holdings Corp. Declares Dividend to Shareholders
(August 19, 2009)

ITC Holdings Corp.  today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on ITC common stock of $0.32 per share payable on Sept 15, 2009, to shareholders of record on Sept 1, 2009.

About ITC Holdings Corp.

ITC Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ITC) invests in the electricity transmission grid to improve electric reliability, improve access to markets, and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. ITC is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the country. Through its subsidiaries, ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC) and ITC Midwest LLC, ITC operates regulated, high-voltage transmission systems in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri serving a combined peak load in excess of 25,000 megawatts. ITC is also focused on new areas where significant transmission system improvements are needed through subsidiaries ITC Grid Development, ITC Great Plains and ITC Panhandle Transmission. For more information, please visit: http://www.itctransco.com.

Five Detroit-area health systems make top national quality list
(August 11, 2009)

Five of Southeast Michigan's health care systems made Thomson Reuters' list of best hospital systems based on quality and efficiency measures. Two of the systems, Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and Trinity Health in Novi, made the top 10.

Read the full story: Five Detroit-area health systems make top national quality list
(Link was valid when posted.)

BrassCraft Names Pletcher as Senior Director of Wholesale Sales
(August 3, 2009)

BrassCraft Manufacturing Company, a Masco Company, is a leading manufacturer of products for use in the new construction and repair/remodel markets.  The company's motto: Committed to Quality - Driven by Innovation, is reflected in the thousands of high-reputation gas and water plumbing products that are sold under the BrassCraft brand.  Founded in 1946, BrassCraft is headquartered and has manufacturing facilities in the USA.

Read the full story: BrassCraft Names Pletcher as Senior Director of Wholesale Sales
(Link was valid when posted.)

Expansion means new jobs
(July 29, 2009)

Novi-based Eberspaecher North America plans the start of new commercial vehicle exhaust systems in southeast Michigan later this year as part of a $50 million project that includes nearly 200 new jobs and a new plant in Oakland County.  Eberspaecher has installed state-of-the-art manufacturing technology at a new 100,000-square-foot plant in Wixom. The Wixom plant houses roll-forming and new patented, sizing equipment for the production of canning used in the company’s aftertreatment systems.

Read the full story: Expansion means new jobs
(Link was valid when posted.)

New car pool lot opens at I-96, Beck Road
(July 29, 2009)

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) unveiled its newly constructed car pool parking lot northeast of I-96 and Beck Road on Saturday, July 18.  The car pool lot was advocated by Wixom and Novi officials since the site straddles the border of both communities.

Read the full story: New car pool lot opens at I-96, Beck Road
(Link was valid when posted.)

VectorCANTech provides CVPC with CANoe tools
(July 29, 2009)

CANoe is an all-round tool for the development, testing and analysis of networks and ECUs.  It supports the user during the entire development process, from planning to startup.  CANoe provides the tools to create simulation models that emulate the behavior of ECUs.  Over the course of connected vehicle system development and test, these models serve as a foundation for analysis, testing and integration of bus systems and ECUs.  CANoe provides CVPC with the test feature set for easy and automated execution of tests and diagnostics of on-board vehicle networks.  It will be used to model and execute sequential test flows with automatic generation of test reports.  CANoe supports the following protocols and combinations of them: CAN, LIN, MOST, FlexRay, CANOpen, JI939, NEMA2000, ISOII783, JI587, MCnet, GMLAN, IP and CANaerospace.  CANoe supports GPS information critical for connected vehicles applications.  In the near future, CVPC will adopt the CANoe tool for testing of the interaction between the externally oriented connected vehicle wireless networks with the internal, on-board, ECU networks. For information please call Connected Vehicle Proving Center (CVPC) at 313-593-3403 or visit their website.

ITC Wins 2009 ESD Construction and Design Award
(July 22, 2009)

NOVI, Mich., July 22, 2009 – ITC Holdings Corp.’s new headquarters in Novi, Mich., recently received a Construction and Design Award from The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD). ESD presented the 35th annual award to ITC at its awards dinner at the Henry Ford Museum last month.

ESD selected ITC’s 188,000-square-foot facility for its overall design and construction quality, sustainability, social/economic significance, unique engineering and efficient teamwork among all involved. ITC teamed up with MA Engineering and Gillett & Associates on the building’s design and Cunningham-Limp led the construction.

ITC’s design and engineering teams developed the headquarters with the environment in mind, building up rather than out, to decrease the building’s footprint on the lush, 85-acre property. Additional sustainable features include:

• Walking path that highlights surrounding land and promotes employee health
• Floor to ceiling windows to maximize use of daylight
• Highly reflective fluorescent and compact fluorescent lighting
• High-efficiency dual-fuel boiler system that provides heat during winter months
• Dry cooler that allows for use of outside cold air when A/C is needed to cool computer server rooms on cold days
• Recycling bins on each floor

“The design mandate called for creating a leading edge, energy efficient facility that would not only provide the imagery for the new company but also provide for our needs through the future,” said Joseph L. Welch, chairman, president and CEO of ITC. “Security was an overriding concern, but our design and construction teams did an impeccable job balancing that critical requirement with flexibility, durability, controllability, employee comfort and future growth requirements.”

About ITC Holdings Corp.

ITC Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ITC) invests in the electricity transmission grid to improve electric reliability, improve access to markets, and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. ITC is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the country. Through its subsidiaries, ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC) and ITC Midwest, ITC operates contiguous, regulated, high-voltage transmission systems in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, serving a combined peak load in excess of 25,000 megawatts. ITC is also focused on new areas where significant transmission system improvements are needed through subsidiaries ITC Grid Development, ITC Great Plains and ITC Panhandle Transmission. For more information, please visit: www.itctransco.com (itc-ITC)

Hotel Baronette:  A toast to new opportunities
(July 16, 2009)

If you've visited the Hotel Baronette in Novi lately, you may have noticed some changes. Over the next several months, the almost two-decade old hotel will undergo extensive renovations and join the Marriott family as The Baronette, a Renaissance Hotel.

Read the full story: Hotel Baronette:  A toast to new opportunities
(Link was valid when posted.)

State OKs shift of hospital beds to Providence
July 1, 2009

Michigan’s Department of Community Health today approved a request by the Warren-based St. John Health System to add beds to its Novi and Southfield hospitals. The approval allows the transfer of beds from St. John North Shores Hospital in Harrison Township to Providence Hospital and Medical Center in Southfield. Providence in Southfield also will transfer an additional 42 beds to Providence Park in Novi, as called for in the original plans for the Novi facility, which opened last year.

Read the full story: State OKs shift of hospital beds to Providence
(Link was valid when posted.)