Bradley Waite named “Finalist”
June 19, 2008

Bradley Waite, co-founder and Managing Partner at Halo Group was recently named a finalist for the esteemed Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.  This award recognizes business leaders who embody the entrepreneurial spirit.  Past local winners of this award include business pioneers such as Peter Karmanos (Compuware) and Florine Mark (Weight Watcher’s).

Halo Group is a leading IT Services company committed to utilizing its knowledge, experience and effort to create win-win-win situations for clients, employees and the organization.  Novi-based Halo Group has offices in Detroit, MI and Dallas, TX.  2007 revenues exceeded $10 Million.  For more information, visit the Halo Group website. 

Brembo North America Announces New Headquarters in Novi
June 17, 2008

Contact: Ara Topouzian, Economic Development Manager (248) 347-0583
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVI, Mich., June 17, 2008 – Brembo, Inc., a maker of precision braking systems, today announced the company will consolidate its corporate and technical group from Northville, Farmington Hills and Costa Mesa, California to a new North America headquarters in Novi, pending administrative and City Council approval. The subsidiary of Bergamo, Italy based Brembo S.p.A. will also expand capacity at its manufacturing facility in Homer, Mich.

"With the acquisition of Hayes-Lemmerz brake disc divisions last November, 2007 was a banner year for Brembo North America," Brembo North America General Manager Adrian Smith said. "The consolidation and expansion of our operations in Michigan, building on the skills of our workforce and competitiveness of our manufacturing facilities, create great opportunities for sustained growth in North America." The announcement came today in Lansing as part of a business retention and expansion effort in association with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Brembo is a world leader in design, development and production of high performance braking systems and components. Teams equipped with Brembo brakes have won automotive and motorcycle racing championships including Formula 1, IndyCar and NASCAR.

"We are pleased to welcome another outstanding international technical supplier with strong roots in Michigan to Novi," stated Mayor David B. Landry. "Our supportive and diverse community with high quality businesses, neighborhoods and schools will provide a great location for Brembo’s headquarters for many years to come."

Brembo North America serves a customer base in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The new 45,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion by the end of the year and will bring 42 new jobs in Novi. The move is another important step for Brembo that will enable the company to support all of its North American operations.

"Novi has worked hard to have businesses, such as Brembo, choose to locate in Michigan and, specifically, our community," notes Novi’s Economic Development Manager Ara Topouzian. "Novi’s location and access to technology and other auto industry headquarters will compliment the company’s facility in Homer."

Several Novi Businesses Recognized by Corp! Magazine
Emagine Entertainment, ITC Holdings Corp., Ryder Honored by Publication

CONTACT: Ara Topouzian, (248) 347-0583
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVI, Mich., June 13, 2008 – The City of Novi is proud to announce that Corp! Magazine has recognized several Novi businesses as Michigan’s Economic Bright Spots. Emagine Entertainment, ITC Holdings Corp. and Ryder System, Inc. were three of 36 Michigan companies honored by Corp! on June 11 at the Michigan State University Management Education Center in Troy.

Emagine Entertainment manages three movie theatres in the state including Emagine Novi, Emagine Canton and Cinema Hollywood in Birch Run. Competing against larger national cinema chains, Emagine Entertainment has excelled by using state of the art technology and first-class customer service to offer what Emagine Entertainment believes is the best movie experience possible. Emagine Novi is part of Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, a 737,000 square foot open-air shopping, dinning and entertainment venue.

ITC Holdings Corp., which opened its world headquarters in Novi on May 12, 2008, is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the country. Through its subsidiaries, ITC Transmission, 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.

Employing roughly 3,000 people within the state of Michigan, Ryder Systems Inc., opened its regional headquarters in Novi on June 10, 2008. This new facility will allow Ryder to consolidate eight locations into one energy efficient building. The move will also bring approximately 470 employees to Novi.

"Ryder, ITC, and Emagine continue to show our region that there are positive developments within our current economy," stated Ara Topouzian, City of Novi Economic Development Manager. "They are leading the way towards an improved economy within the State of Michigan."

Providence Park improves hospital bed distribution in Oakland region

The article "An interview with Gerson Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer, Botsford Health Care" (May 1, Oakland Business Review) makes noteworthy points and includes information about Botsford Hospital's plan to build a cancer center on its campus.

Mr. Cooper states that, "There was a t time when you could pick up the phone in any hospital and share information. That stopped when competition really took hold."

At Providence Park in Novi, our doors are always open to discussion with our industry peers.

We believe that health care providers need to work together for the health and well being of the patient community first and foremost.  In fact, on May 5, the executive team from Providence Park Hospital and Henry Ford West Bloomfield toured each other's sites and started dialogue together.

Providence has also enjoyed professional connections with Botsford and many other health systems through the years.  There are wonderful physicians that share privileges at both Providence and Botsford.

It should be noted however that when asked about competition in Oakland County, Mr. Cooper states that Botsford is "not happy with Providence opening in Novi" and that Botsford was "always an impediment to that" and that they "stalled if for a few years."  He further stated, "Frankly, Oakland County was identified with surplus beds." 

The goal of the hospital of St. John Health/Providence Park in Novi has been to provide access to care for the growing population base in western Oakland County.  There has been a clear mal-distribution of hospital beds existing in the eastern side of the county and only one hospital in the western half.  The opening of our Novi facility will result in the transfer of beds from the eastern half of Oakland County to the western half.  We are not adding new beds to the Oakland/Livingston County area.

For us, the Providence Park Hospital project has been about patient care, not just competition.  But the competition did effectively stall this project for many years, as pointed out in Mr. Cooper's comments.

Today, many of those health systems that stalled our hospital project are now looking to expand or build in the western suburban marketplace, even though their original premise was that increased health care construction would have disastrous effects.

Providing what is in the best interest for the care of the patient population has always been our objective.  We welcome communication with our peers in the industry toward that goal.

Rob Casalou, president
Providence Park Hospital, a member of St. John Health

WorkSpaces: Natural setting for ITC's new HQ in Novi, Mich., enhances security
by Sven Gustafson, Oakland Business Review
June 5, 2008

Observing the control room at ITC's new corporate headquarters is a little like observing NASA's Mission Control in Houston. Or maybe the engine room on Star Trek's U.S.S. Enterprise.  It's a select few who are allowed to see the long, darkened room where engineers monitor computer screens underneath large screens illustrating real-time electricity transmissions in seemingly alien code.
Read the full story:  WorkSpaces: Natural setting for ITC's new HQ in Novi, Mich., enhances security
(Link was valid when posted.)

Southeast Michigan hospitals save energy, cut costs
by Gary Gosselin, Oakland Business Review
June 5, 2008

Hospitals are implementing cost-saving processes that also help the environment.   Henry Ford Health System and St. John Health System are building "green" features into their new facilities in West Bloomfield and Novi, respectively. The St. John Providence Park Hospital is being built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, which will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, said spokesman Brian Taylor.
Read the full story:  Southeast Michigan hospitals save energy, cut costs
(Link was valid when posted.)

Now That’s Farm Fresh!
Novi’s Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy Store to Host Petting Farm
June 3, 2008 

For Immediate Release

Mike McDonald, the owner of the new Oberwies Ice Cream and Dairy Store in the Novi Town Center, wants his store to be about more than serving ice cream.  “I’d like it to be a place where families, and especially kids, have these really great and memorable experiences.” That’s why he’ll be putting up a petting farm outside his store on Saturday July 19th.   The petting farm will be on site from 12:00pm -4:30pm that afternoon.  In the event of serious rain, it will be held the following  week.

“I know very few kids who don’t love animals and outside of a visit to the zoo, most don’t have the opportunity to see much less touch anything other than the family dog or cat.  I also think that it ties nicely to the Oberweis brand.  The Oberweis Dairy, outside of Chicago, deals only with small farmers who agree to treat their cows humanely, to not use artificial growth hormones and to avoid antibiotics.  It really meets the vision that children have of a farm, “explains McDonald.

The petting farm which will include a donkey, pig, goat, ducks, llama, rabbits and chickens, isn’t the only effort the Oberweis store makes to create those great experiences.  “We really try to make it a special experience.  Every child who walks in our store is offered a free balloon and the chess tables in the center of the store are a bigger hit than I’d ever imagined.  I’ve seen fathers and mothers teach their kids the game and then come back again and again to play over a dish of ice cream.  It’s a great way for parents to connect with their kids, “explains McDonald.

The dairy store has worked to help bring other experiences to the community including involvement with local baseball and soccer leagues, the community theater, and this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

Oberweis, located at 43168 Grand River Avenue, is open Mon.-Thurs. from 10am-10pm and until 11pm on both Friday and Saturday.

For More Information Contact Mike McDonald
248-348-8850 / 313-622-4507

Automation Alley was awarded the prestigious "E" Award for Exporting

Automation Alley was awarded the prestigious "E" Award for Exporting earlier this week, the nation's highest award to honor exporting companies and/or organizations. Automation Alley is the first non-profit trade organization in Michigan to receive the award.

After receiving the "E" Award from Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, Automation Alley Founder and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Automation Alley Executive Director Ken Rogers and Congressman Joe Knollenberg met with President Bush in the Oval Office.

The award serves to recognize U.S. firms for their competitive achievements in world markets and their part in increasing U.S. exports abroad. The Presidential "E" Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

Since Automation Alley began its trade mission program in 2001, more than $130 million in contracts has been generated in new business and economic development for company participants in the region. In addition, trade missions have resulted in the creation of nearly 100 new jobs. 

Receiving the "E" Award from the President of the United States is a great honor and one that Automation Alley will never forget. This recognition confirms our commitment in assisting Southeast Michigan technology companies expand their global reach.

Providence Park Hospital - The Total Campus Experience
New hospital to be focal point for health

By Rob Casalou, President

All of us at St. John Health are excited to bring you a new concept in health care – Providence Park Hospital,  the hospital of the future, today. In planning our new health destination, we looked at innovative approaches to care all across the country, and we selected the very best ones to come together in this new hospital. We took members of our planning teams to hospitals, conferences and customer-focused organizations, such as the Disney Institute. Thanks to all of the ideas we brought back and distilled into our plan for the hospital, our patients will benefit from the latest in health care thinking combined with the best of the hospitality industry.

Clinically and technologically speaking, we will provide the latest thinking in patient care. Most of our inpatient rooms will be “acuity-adaptable,” meaning that patients can remain in the same room throughout their hospital experience, even as their condition changes, thanks to a higher level of technology and equipment and specially trained staff.

When it comes to customer service, an idea we adopted from Disney is the offstage/onstage concept. In the new hospital we use double corridors so that distracting, health care environment activities, such as transporting supplies and equipment, occur “offstage,” out of view of visitors. Patients and visitors will see only a quiet, organized, healing ambience.

Our campus is more than a state-of-the-art hospital; we want it to be a total health destination. In addition to the services based in the hospital, the campus features a new Orthopedic Center with an ambulatory surgical center, a medical office building and Neurosciences Institute with a large surgical and procedural skills education center. Also, 1.6-miles of outdoor fitness path winds through the scenic woods and wetlands of the campus allowing visitors to enjoy the serenity.

We will be a full-service destination for patients and families. A Staybridge Suites extended-stay hotel is also on campus for family members who need to be near hospitalized loved ones.  Health-related retail businesses, such as a fitness center, yoga studio and specialty grocer will also eventually be added to the campus as a resource.

The new Providence Park Hospital and campus is very conveniently located directly off of I-96 and Beck Road (exit 160).  In addition, and a brand new interchange is being constructed at I-96 and Wixom Road (exit 161) to give the region increased access to the hospital campus.  We hope you share our enthusiasm as this exciting new concept in health care comes to life.

Coming Soon to THE health campus near you!

Cardiovascular Care. The hospital’s cardiac center will provide advanced heart and vascular care, including heart catheterizations, pacemaker and cardioverter defibrillator implantations, diagnostic electrophysiologic studies, and a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program. Most importantly, the hospital will be part of the St. John Health Cardiovascular Network, aligning itself with the open-heart surgery program of Providence (Southfield), a Top 100 heart hospital seven years running and a recognized Blue Cross-Blue Shield Cardiac Center of Excellence.

Cancer Care. Building upon the innovative therapies and advanced technologies available at the Assarian Cancer Center (a joint venture between Providence and the University of Michigan), the hospital will be considered a leading resource in cancer treatment.

Emergency Department: Designed to function as a fully equipped tertiary center that is staffed to care for serious traumas and serve as a regional resource.

Imaging Services: Our preeminent centralized imaging center will feature state-of-the-art imaging technologies – advanced MRI, CT, PET, nuclear medicine, SPECT/CT, mammography and ultrasound – in a fully integrated digital imaging service.

Neurosciences. The upcoming Neurosciences Institute at Providence Park will include teams of highly accomplished neurosurgeons, neurologists, spine specialists, craniofacial and reconstructive surgeons, specialists in pain management, rehabilitation, and pediatric neurologists. The nationally-renowned physicians of The Michigan Ear Institute; Michigan Head and Spine Institute; Michigan Spine and Brain Surgeons; and Associates in Neurology will offer their comprehensive leading-edge services. The Institute will include a highly specialized, state-of-the-art Surgical Skills Lab.  Providence Park Hospital will also have dedicated operating rooms for neurosciences adjacent to a planned intra-operative MRI suite.

Orthopedics. The new Novi Orthopedic Center at Providence Park is a $22 million, 65,000-square-foot center that will be a one-of-a-kind facility.  Within the center, patients will have access to a wide range of physician specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists, pain management specialists, and primary care physicians. The Center will also house the Novi Bone & Joint Center that will provide for outpatient surgery. The facility will have services like physical therapy, orthotics, and prosthetics (items like braces and splints), thus providing one-stop musculoskeletal care.

Pediatrics:  A 10-bed pediatric unit and dedicated pediatric emergency service will be located in a highly secure area near the Emergency Department.

Women ’s and Infants’ Health: The entire third floor of Providence Park Hospital is a dedicated Women’s and Infants’ Health Center that will provide care for women and newborns. A Family Birthing Center will include 27 Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum (LDRP) rooms with sleeping areas for spouses and families; a well-baby nursery; Special Care Nursery (SCN); gynecology unit; and ante-partum and observation rooms.

Novi hosts first Office Safety Seminar
(May 15, 2008 - Detroit Free Press)

About 45 local business people gathered together at the Novi Civic Center last Thursday for the City of Novi's first Office Safety Seminar. The seminar, which was presented by detective Kristie Gruenwald of the Novi Police Department, included topics such as, crime prevention, violence in the work place, evacuation procedures and emergency preparedness.
Read the full story:  Novi hosts first Office Safety Seminar
(Link was valid when posted.)

ITC opens new $32M nest in Novi  
(May 13, 2008 - Oakland Press)

With its new 188,000-square-foot, $32 million headquarters in Novi finished, ITC Holdings Corp. is in a unique position to meet the rising demand for energy.
Read the full story:  ITC opens new $32M nest in Novi
(Link was valid when posted.)

RIDEMAKERZ Grand Opening May 17, 2008

RIDEMAKERZ, a new car-customizing experience for kids ages 6 to 106, will be revving into Detroit next month with the grand opening of our first two Shops in Michigan!  We’ll be joined by Chip Foose, legendary car designer, host of TLC’s hit show Overhaulin’ and RIDEMAKERZ advizor. 

RIDEMAKERZ is kind of like a Build-A-Bear Workshop for cars – giving customers, or “Customizers,” the opportunity to come into our Shop and chooze, customize and personalize their own one-of-a-kind, modern-day model car.  We offer body styles ranging from the RZ Sling to the iconic Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.  Then we challenge you to beat the clock in our RZ Pit Challenge where you assemble your RIDE components in true pit challenge fashion!  Finally, we encourage you to let your creativity run wild as you chooze from our wall of accessories—decals, side pipes, blown engines and more!  There are more than half a billion possible RIDE combinations! 

We’re opening two Shops on the same day in Detroit – one at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi and one at Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills.  We’re kicking off the day with a Grand Opening Ceremony at Twelve Oaks Mall, then a Dodge Viper motorcade will escort Chip Foose and the RIDEMAKERZ Crew to Great Lakes Crossing, where the fun will continue into the afternoon!

Please join us for this exciting event for kids and car lovers of all ages in your area. 

Party City Celebrates Grand Opening in Novi, MI
Ceremony to Include Donation to Local Boys and Girls’ Club of America

For Immediate Release
Contact: Nicole Moore
212-251-1217

Novi, MI (April 28, 2008) – Party City, America’s largest party goods retail chain, is celebrating the grand opening of its store in Novi, MI on Saturday, May 3, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. It is located at 43741 Oaks Drive Novi, MI 48377.

As part of the grand opening, Party City is donating a $500 gift certificate to the Boys and Girls’ Club of Southeastern Michigan, Pontiac Club. This local Boys and Girls’ Club was established to provide a positive environment for youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods to learn and grow.

The festivities will consist of an in-store raffle, face painting, free popcorn, and free balloons. Spider-Man will also make a special appearance and will be on-site to greet customers throughout the day.

The Novi Party City store is part of the company’s overall growth strategy in its mission to be the nation’s premier resource for party supplies. Superior selection, attractive pricing and first-rate service emphasizes Party City’s brand leadership and underscores its reputation for broad assortments at great prices.

Camille Walker is the store manager at the Novi Party City. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday from 8:30am - 9:00pm, and Sunday from 10:30am - 6:00pm. The store’s phone number is 248-305-8012.

Your Celebration Starts with Party City
The new store will have all of Party City’s signature features. Customers can expect to find:

• An extensive selection at the lowest prices: Over 15,000 items of party merchandise with everyday discounts of up to 50% off manufacturer's suggested retail pricing.
• A pleasant and customer-friendly store environment: The new store will be organized in Party City’s distinctive, color-coded sections, including Kids Parties, Party Basics, Bridal Shop and Party City’s one-of-a-kind balloon area, the Inflation Station.
• Seasonal merchandise: Party City carries the most comprehensive selection of seasonal merchandise. From New Year’s to Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas and much, much more, Party City has your celebration covered.
• A knowledgeable sales staff: Babies, birthdays, bridal parties, graduations and everything in between -- no matter what your occasion, the Party City staff can help you find the best items for your celebration.

Party City more than a store a whole city of fun!

About Party City
Party City is America's largest party goods chain. Party City currently has more than 500 Company-owned and franchise stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. To learn more about Party City, call 1-800-477-4841 or visit the Company's website at www.partycity.com.

Jobs expected to migrate with workers to suburbs
Small businesses, short commutes are the future, experts say
Mike Wilkinson / The Detroit News

Excerpt:
....SEMCOG predicts that Novi and Auburn Hills will have some of the biggest growth. Novi, which has over 53,000 residents, could see its population grow an estimated 30 percent. But its job base will climb roughly 43 percent, adding as many as 15,600 jobs. Auburn Hills is expected to add nearly 13,000 jobs.

Read the full story: Jobs expected to migrate with workers to suburbs
(Link was valid when posted.)

Oakland's Future: Where will we be in 30 years?
By KAREN AUCHTERLONIE
Of The Oakland Press

Growth trends in Southeast Michigan have certainly slowed, but a long-term look into the future suggests that Oakland County will lead the region in population growth.

Read the full story: Oakland's Future: Where will we be in 30 years?
(Link was valid when posted.)

Michigan's Look in 2035
by KATHLEEN GRAY, Detroit Free Press
April 5, 2008

Here's what metro Detroit's planners see as they gaze out to 2035:

Detroit will keep shrinking -- down to about 705,000 people -- but the skid slows between 2015 and 2020.

The people living in metro communities are going to get grayer and balder as baby boomers go geriatric.

Read the full story: Michigan's Look in 2035
(Link was valid when posted.)

Ryder Executive Named One of 2008 "Pros to Know" by Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine
March 20, 2008

Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine, the executive's user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, has named Tom Jones, Ryder's (NYSE: R) Senior Vice President and General Manager of Supply Chain Solutions, as one of the 2008 "Pros to Know."  Mr. Jones has been recognized in the publication's February/March issue as a "Practitioner Pros to Know" for his vision and leadership in building a 21st century supply chain that meets the evolving requirements of the global economy.

Read the full story: Ryder Executive Named One of 2008 "Pros to Know" by Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine
(Link was valid when posted.)

Startup banks seek niche in challenging economy
Posted by Laura Blodgett
Oakland Business Review, March 13, 2008

Although it would seem the challenging economy would make it a rough year for banks, and start-ups in particular, three new community banks have opened in Oakland County in the last year including Lotus Bank in Novi, First Michigan Bank in Troy and Level One Bank in Farmington Hills.

Read the full story: Startup banks seek niche in challenging economy
(Link was valid when posted.)

Coming soon: One-stop health care shopping
Complex offers hotel, bike trail, orthopedics
Delores Flynn / The Detroit News
March 6, 2008

NOVI -- St. John Health is in the final phase of completing its Providence Park Hospital, a $224 million investment that's part of a 200-acre health care campus taking shape in Novi.

After nearly three years of construction, the seven-story, 500,000-square-foot hospital is expected to open Aug. 8. It's one of six buildings on the campus at Grand River and Beck.

Read the full story: Coming soon: One-stop health care shopping
(Link was valid when posted.)

Henry Ford Health System services shift for construction
Posted by Gary Gosselin
Oakland Business Review
February 14, 2008

Henry Ford Health System has begun moving some services from its West Bloomfield hospital to a new building in Novi, as construction on the West Bloomfield hospital continues.

Read the full story: Henry Ford Health System services shift for construction
(Link was valid when posted.)

Beaumont Building New Medical Center in Novi

Beaumont Hospitals will be adding a new medical center in Novi. The Beaumont Medical Center, Novi, a four-story facility, will be located on Main Street and Novi Road.

The $19-million project, at approximately 88,000 square feet, will include physician offices, urgent care, rehabilitation services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and a pharmacy.

“Upon completion, Beaumont doctors and Beaumont’s comprehensive and high-quality services will be closer to home for the residents we currently serve in Novi and surrounding communities,” says Eric Hunt, vice president of Operations for Beaumont's Ambulatory Services division.

Beaumont plans to begin construction in April. The project is being developed by the Kalabat Development Group through its affiliate, Novi Investment Group, LLC and designed by Michael A. Boggio and Associates. The targeted completion date for the medical center is May of 2009.

Beaumont Hospitals is a three-hospital regional health care provider with 1,696 licensed beds, 18,000 employees and 3,000 physicians in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. In addition to its hospitals in Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak and Troy, Beaumont is comprised of several community-based medical centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, five nursing centers, a research institute, home care services and hospice.

Pei Wei Asian Diner began serving its freshly prepared dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam at its new Novi location on Monday, January 28, 2008. This is the fourth Pei Wei to open in the metropolitan-Detroit area.

From the exotic aromas rising from the sizzling 600-degree woks, to the signature red floors and casually hip décor, Pei Wei (pronounced Pay Way) combines high quality cuisine with convenient dining options. Dine in or take-out, quick lunch or casual dinner - whatever the occasion - Pei Wei serves great tasting Asian food with the convenience to fit your lifestyle.

Guests of this quick casual restaurant order at the counter, pick up their drinks, and take a seat. The food is made-to-order and served hot from the wok to the table. The menu is designed to allow you to choose the style of entrée and your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, or tofu. The modestly priced menu ranges from $2.75 - $9.00 and includes classic Chinese favorites and Asian specialties such as:

Pei Wei Take Away

If you don’t have time to dine in or just want to eat at home, Pei Wei Take Away is the answer. Call on the way home from work, school, or running errands, and your order will be waiting for you.

Hours/Location

Sunday - Thursday, 11:00am - 9:00pm
Friday - Saturday, 11:00am - 9:30pm

Pei Wei Asian Diner
Novi Towne Center
43170 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI 48375
248-675-0040

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, In

HOSPITAL BOOM
Fancy new medical centers are state's first in 20 years
January 27, 2008
By CAROL HOPKINS
Of The Oakland Press

Along the booming Haggerty Road corridor in western Oakland County, two massive projects are taking shape only 11 miles from one another.  Providence Park Hospital, a $224 million facility in Novi, will open its doors in August.  Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, a $310 million project, will debut early in 2009.

Read full story - Fancy new medical centers are state's first in 20 years
(Link was valid when posted.)

Novi is booming
Slow economy hasn't stifled city's growth
By VALERIE WEST
Of The Oakland Press
January 24, 2008

Positive economic news has been hard to come by recently in Oakland County - with more than 7,500 foreclosures in 2007 - but there is a glimmer of hope in the city of Novi, which is growing both commercially and residentially. "We're just going to keep building off the successes of 2007," said Sheryl Walsh, Novi community relations manager. In 2007, the city issued 325 building permits, 114 more than in 2006, Walsh said. 

Read full story - Novi is booming
(Link was valid when posted.)

Local Retailer Hagopian Has Rich History

Contact Name: Jeff Schumann, 248-374-5672 ext. 121
Release Date: November 13, 2007

Our founder, Haroutun (Harry) Hagopian was born in 1895 in Bursa, Turkiye during a very difficult period in history. The minority Armenian population in Turkiye (at the time known as the Ottoman Empire) was pushing for equal rights and coming under attack. The Ottoman Empire, already crumbling, started what would become the first genocide of the 20th century killing 1.5 million Armenians. Haroutun was one of the survivors along with his wife, Cariana, but she lost her entire family. As an adult, Harry moved to Istanbul to become a pharmacist and soon after was conscripted by the Turkish Army to serve in the medical corps during World War I. Since all Armenians in the military were scheduled for execution after the war, Hagopian went AWOL and escaped to America in 1921.

Arriving in the United States penniless, friendless, and not knowing any English, Harry worked as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant in New York. However, it was the lure of working at the Ford plant for five dollars a day that eventually brought him to Detroit to stay. He worked hard and six years later had saved enough money to bring Cariana and their first child, Mary, to America. During their forced separation Cariana had been a nanny to a wealthy Turkish family, but circumstances required her to place Mary in an orphanage at the age of four.

While Harry was working at Ford, he was also manufacturing perfumes in his basement laboratory and selling them to female office workers to supplement his income. Soon, he established the Cariana Perfume Manufacturing Company, named after his wife. He developed and expanded the business to include a full line of beauty shop preparations including hair dye and cosmetic products. He was particularly proud of being able to identify each one of his hundreds of essential oils by their distinctive fragrances.

Harry Hagopian’s five children were brought up working in the family business. Even at a young age they would put labels on bottles and seal packages at the perfume factory when they weren’t in school. In the late 1920s, just before the Great Depression, Hagopian opened his first professional laboratory on the corner of Cass Avenue & Bagley Street in downtown Detroit. He was a man of many interests and a highly creative individual. He developed several patents, was fluent in four languages, and was always looking for new challenges.

In the early 1930s he started another business, The LaSalle Chemical Products Company, manufacturing industrial cleaning compounds. He developed a metal cleaner and polish called Utillo, which was used to polish automobile chrome and the brass fixtures in most of the high-rise buildings in downtown Detroit.

The laboratory was later moved to a large building behind Hagopian’s residence on San Juan Street in Detroit where again several of the Hagopian children worked. These early experiences working in Harry's lab led to all three sons studying chemistry in school.

It was in 1938 when Hagopian received a call that changed his life. One of his customers had an ink stain on his carpet and asked him if he could remove it. Never one to avoid a challenge, he said that he would find a way.

Recognizing the similarity between carpet fibers and human hair, and with his extensive knowledge of chemicals, he was in his element and up to the challenge.

He quickly realized the potential of this new opportunity and he began removing stains from carpet on a referral basis. Carrying a black leather doctor’s bag filled with chemicals and dyes he was a one-man rug doctor. Hagopian immediately became a success and, as a result, he gradually phased out of his other two businesses.

During World War II new carpet production ceased, so once again Hagopian saw an opportunity. He developed the first procedure in America for topical dyeing of wall-to-wall carpeting. The Carpet Dyeing Service Company was soon servicing every major retail store in Detroit. The entrepreneur also developed a permanent black dye that was used extensively for window display carpeting. Before long, most rug and carpet cleaning companies in Detroit referred their customers to him for stain removal and carpet and rug dyeing.

Hagopian was particularly proud of two large, difficult jobs. The Star Carpet Cleaning Company had scorched over 300 rugs in its dry room. He restored every one and saved the company thousands of dollars. The other job involved the removal of a 250-foot long water stain on the brand new Puerto Rican hand-hooked carpet at the new General Motors Technical Center, which their scientists had unsuccessfully attempted to clean.

In the 1940s the name Carpet Dyeing Service Company was changed to Hagopian & Sons, Inc. Later, in 1948, Hagopian moved to a larger location at 15180 West 8 Mile Road in Oak Park. In the early 1950s, sons Stephen, Edgar, and Arthur became involved in the business full-time along with Hagopian’s daughter, Ilene. In the mid 1950s Hagopian added its first automatic rug cleaning machine and the first cleaning crews that went directly to the customer. The on-location carpet cleaning business was in its infancy and most carpet cleaners used coconut oil shampoos that left a sticky residue, which accelerated re-soiling. Hagopian cleverly developed proprietary, non-residue cleaning agents. His customer base was the “Who’s Who” of Detroit society and his company is the only carpet and rug cleaner ever listed in the Blue Book , the prestigious social secretary.

In the early 1950’s, sons Stephen and Edgar became involved in the business full time along with their sister Ilene. The company grew rapidly during the 15-year period between 1953 and 1968. Hagopian & Sons became the largest carpet and rug cleaner in the metropolitan Detroit area. The trademark “Hagopian Genie” is still used today. Bob Talbert of the Detroit Free Press, listed Hagopian’s tag line “ It takes a Genie Us ”, as one of the “Best”.

In the late 1950’s customers were seeking advice from Hagopian on the cleaning of synthetic carpet fibers. Recognizing an opportunity Hagopian formally added broadloom carpet sales as well as oriental and contemporary rugs to their offerings and changed the way they would do business forever.

In 1969 Hagopian moved the business into a multi-million dollar 52,000-square-foot retail showroom and state-of-the-art rug cleaning facility at 14000 West 8 Mile Road in Oak Park. It was the first and only fully automated rug cleaning plant in Michigan. The December 1969 issue of the National Institute of Rug Cleaning trade magazine touted the facility as an “industry Christmas present.” The first and only international rug cleaning convention held in Detroit was held at the new building. By that time, Hagopian employed fifty people.

In 1976 Stephen and Edgar split over operational differences. Hagopian’s other son, Arthur, had left the firm some five years earlier. Edgar bought out both brothers and renamed the business “The Original Hagopian,” since both had started their own carpet cleaning businesses. To avoid further confusion Edgar, who had served as general manager of the business since 1953, established purple as the corporate color, and had all the vehicles painted that color.

Haroutun Hagopian: genocide survivor, pharmacist, perfumer, manufacturing chemist, inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, political activist, rug doctor, 32nd degree Mason and Moslem Temple Shriner—a true “renaissance man”—but most of all, a patriotic American, died February 10, 1978. He was grateful for the opportunities that America gave him and his family and instilled a strong sense of patriotism in his children. All three of his sons served in the military, two in the Army and one in the Marines. He grew his business from the ground up and saw his American dream come true.

It was around this same time that Edgar’s son, Edmond, started doing odd jobs at the company. Working at the facility after school and on weekends, Edmond started cleaning carpets after he graduated from high school. However, after a few years, he decided it was time to go to college. “I went to school not knowing if I was going to come back and work in the family business” says Edmond. “As college graduation got closer, I thought seriously about what I was going to do. I realized I had a great opportunity waiting for me. And, I also really wanted to work with my family.”

In 1987 and 1988 Edgar expanded rapidly, opening showrooms in Ann Arbor and Birmingham. At the grand opening of the Birmingham showroom on Woodward Avenue, Edgar sponsored an exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts in collaboration with the Textile Museum in Washington D.C. This exhibit of rare, antique rugs from the Safavid & Qajar dynasties of Iran was one of the first rug exhibits in the Detroit area, reflecting Edgar’s commitment to education in the community.

In 1989 the company donated Michigan’s first computerized fabric loom to the College for Creative Studies (CCS), as well as twenty personal computers for its design school. In addition, the firm started one of its most successful and long-standing collaborations with CCS—an annual rug design competition with scholarships to the top three winners. As an added bonus, the rug designed by the first place winner is produced and put on display during the annual student exhibition. Subsequently, the company began an annual statewide student design competition in collaboration with the American Society of Interior Design, which continues to this day.

In 1993 the business moved its Birmingham showroom to its present larger location, a 10,000 square foot space, about a half mile north at 850 S. Old Woodward. The grand opening event was also a fundraiser for the Detroit Institute of Arts. Since 1994 the business has hosted six Nightnotes chamber music concerts annually at its Birmingham showroom with attendance averaging 100 people. All proceeds support the chamber music group.

It was in 1996 that Edmond took the reigns of Hagopian World of rugs as president; Edgar became chairman of the board. Edgar’s daughter, Suzanne is executive vice president “Suzanne has really had to prove herself,” says Edgar. “She is one of the few women in the nation in this industry and is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of design and color.” Edgar’s youngest daughter, Angela, joined Hagopian in 1981 and now serves as the vice president of operations. Son-in-law, Kenneth Snow, is president of Hagopian Cleaning Services and has also served as president on the National Board of Carpet Cleaners.

In 1998 Edmond, Suzanne, Angela, and Ken built a new 30,000-square-foot showroom in Novi on 12 Mile Road on the perimeter of Twelve Oaks Mall. This showroom was recognized by the Oriental Rug Retailers Association and helped the company win the prestigious National Oriental Rug Retailer of the Year award in 1998.

“I think it’s our dedication to quality service that has made us successful over the years,” says Edgar Hagopian. “We have many long-term employees, and that is unusual within our industry. Our emphasis has always been integrity. The main reason we’ve done well is because we’ve always stayed true to the motto: ‘the customer is always right,’” adds Edmond. “I believe that a complaint is an opportunity to improve.”

The Hagopians also credit Harry's incredible knowledge of chemicals with the company’s longevity. “We have a lot of credibility in this field. Nobody had the technical expertise and background in this industry that my father did,” Edgar says.

Hagopian World of Rugs and Hagopian Cleaning Services are respected throughout Michigan. The business has received countless awards and citations over the years, coming from civic leaders, industry peers, media outlets, and other organizations.

Edgar Hagopian has been named “Man of the Year” by the Oak Park Business & Education Alliance and the Canadian Armenian Business Council. He has also received the Family Leadership Award from Power Brokers International. In 2002 he was inducted into the International Institute’s Heritage Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals who build their families, businesses, and careers while supporting and promoting cultural diversity. Edgar Hagopian’s most recent achievement is his Ellis Island Medal of Honor which acknowledges the achievements of outstanding U.S. citizens.

In addition, the company has been honored as: a Major Benefactor to the Detroit Institute of Arts an Honorary Board Member, Detroit Institute of Arts (Edgar Hagopian), and received the 1995 Franklin Bank Award “Best Family Owned Business (150+ employees).”

Whether it’s cleaning a carpet or educating someone about the floor covering that fits their lifestyle, the Hagopian family has always maintained the highest level of customer service.

As an upstanding corporate citizen, the Hagopian World of Rugs and Cleaning Services has continued to give back to the community in new and interesting ways. This third generation business has remained true to its roots—and would, no doubt, make Haroutun "Harry" Hagopian very proud.

September 12, 2007
Free Gourmet Breakfast, Cosmetics Tailgate Party, Swag Bags Launch New Twelve Oaks Nordstrom Wing on Sept. 28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVI, Mich., Sept. 12, 2007 — A cosmetic tailgate party — complete with a free gourmet breakfast and SWAG bags — will launch the opening of Twelve Oaks Malls’ new Nordstrom wing on Sept. 28. The much-anticipated addition features a two-level Nordstrom and 31 stores. 

The existing center has also added new retailers and remodeled
favorites — giving shoppers more than 40 fresh venues to explore throughout the mall.

Activities kick-off at 8:30am with a “Breakfast, Beauty and SWAG” party and continue through the weekend.  All events are free and open to shoppers.

Breakfast, Beauty and SWAG

Complimentary food stations — offering frittatas, quiche, a yogurt bar with pick-your-own toppings, fresh fruit, smoothies, made-to-order fruit cocktails, homemade scones and croissants, and cappuccino — throughout the Nordstrom wing will yield ample energy to explore the stores when they open at 10:00am.

Meanwhile, shoppers can learn the latest beauty tips on the lower level inside the shopping center near Nordstrom where Nordstrom beauty and fragrance advisors will provide free consultations, demonstrations, gifts with purchases, and the inside scoop on new products and trends. 

Shoppers attending the festivities must enter through the Valet Entrance in the new Nordstrom wing beginning at 8:30am. The first 450 people through the entrance will receive goody-filled SWAG bags, while supplies last. 

And More…

Visitors can top their breakfasts with a toast after a brief 9:40am opening ceremony on the lower-level stage in the Nordstrom wing.  Those attending will receive non-alcoholic mimosas as the ceremony ends and the stores open. Local leaders hosting the ceremony include:  Twelve Oaks Mall General Manager Daniel M. Jones, Michigan Senator Nancy Cassis, Novi Mayor David Landry and Interim Novi Public Library Director Mary Ellen Mulcrone.  Also present will be Robert S. Taubman, chairman, president & CEO of Taubman Centers Inc., which owns and manages Twelve Oaks Mall. 

The fun continues the entire grand opening weekend with live entertainment and special events in the new Nordstrom wing and throughout the shopping center.

Twelve Oaks is a major regional shopping center located in Novi, Michigan at I-96 and Novi Road.  The center features 200 shops and services along with Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, JC Penney, Sears and the Lifestyle Café Food Court.  Shopping hours are 10:00am to 9:00pm. Monday through Saturday, and 11:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday.  Visit our website.