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STERLING HEIGHTS Loyalty Solutions offers workshop Loyalty Solutions is presenting a workshop, “The Power of Customer Loyalty: Points of Connection,” 8-11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Heritage Church, 44625 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights. The workshop will include how to connect a customer with an organization, effective delivery systems, listening to your customers and why customer complaints are critical to your organization. The cost is $50 in advance or $55 at the door. Space is limited. RSVP by calling 586-431-9311 or e-mail billgriff9@att.net . BIRMINGHAM Wells Fargo Ventures, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel join forces Wells Fargo Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Realtors have agreed to the terms of a joint venture to originate, process and fund mortgage loans for Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel customers. The joint venture, Bankers Home Loan LLC, is co-owned by Wells Fargo Ventures LLC and Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel. Terms of the ag...

Azox will be a Bronze Sponsor again this year at Convergence 2011 in Atlanta, GA, April 10-13. Don't miss it! Convergence is the meeting point for the Microsoft Dynamics customer community. There attendees can learn, discover and connect with industry experts to get the most out of their Microsoft Dynamics products. This annual gathering of business professionals is where new product releases are announced, where best practices are shared and learned, and where business relationships and partnerships are forged and renewed. We will also be giving away passes, so stay tuned to find out how you can get your free pass. If you plan on attending and would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with us please contact us at sales@azox.com .

AUBURN HILLS   Pistons host job fair The Detroit Pistons’ 11th annual Career Fair is 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The event brings together industry leaders of professional sports, college athletics, minor league sports, marketing and finance organizations, broadcasting companies and other business hiring in Michigan. About 40 companies in total will be participating. Admission to the fair is $10 for the event alone or $15, which includes the event plus a ticket for that day’s Detroit Pistons vs. New Jersey Nets game at 7:30 p.m. In addition, there is an option of attending an Executive Panel Q&A session from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. featuring some of the top decision-makers from Palace Sports & Entertainment who will speak about their career paths and provide advice on getting into sports and entertainment. This session has limited availability and admission is $20. Tickets are available on Pistons.com , or by contacting Cassie Wilkinson at 248...

LANSING Rob Gifford joins National Restaurant Association The Michigan Restaurant Association announced that longtime president and chief executive officer Rob Gifford is leaving to accept a position at the National Restaurant Association. He will become executive vice president of political advocacy at the national association. Michigan Restaurant Association Chairman Matt Durack has named Penny Papantonopoulos as interim chief executive officer and formed a search committee to select a permanent president and CEO. OAKLAND COUNTY Honigman elects 2 new partners from Oakland office Detroit-based Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP’s Board of Directors has elected two of its attorneys from Oakland County office as partners in the firm. Julie E. Kretzschmer practices in the corporate and securities department in the firm’s Oakland County office. She provides legal and business guidance on global brand protection and intellectual property management and has experience managing national a...

AUBURN HILLS Newspapers host free search engine marketing workshop Free online and search engine marketing workshop is Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Courtyard Marriott Auburn Hills, 1296 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills. There are three times available: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. The workshop offers information on search engine optimization and improving websites. It is hosted by The Oakland Press, The Macomb Daily, The Daily Tribune, Advisor Source and The Voice Newspapers Space is limited. RSVP requested by Friday, Jan. 28. Visit fyioakland.eventbrite.com . TROY Firm brokers sales of industrial buildings   L. Mason Capitani, a Troy-based real estate brokerage firm, announced the recent sale of three Macomb County industrial properties to local firms. L. Mason Capitani brokered the sale of two buildings consisting of 53,366 square feet on Industrial Drive in St. Clair Shores to GTJ Consulting. GTJ is relocating its corporate headquarters to the locati...

NOVI Macprofessionals Inc. receives MEGA Tax Credit to expand The State of Michigan MEGA Board approved a state tax credit valued at $568,578 over five years to encourage Macprofessionals Inc. to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Texas. Since its formation, Macprofessionals Inc. has been one of the leading computer support businesses in the Midwest Region, employing the largest staff of Apple-certified technicians in the U.S. Since January 2000 the company has realized a 40 percent year-over-year growth, with an expansion to over 40 engineers, sales executives, specialists, and administrative staff. The company expects to invest $2.2 million for the project creating up to 119 direct new jobs. Visit www.InvestNovi.org . TROY Chamber announces 2011 board chairman and officers John Tagle, president of John Tagle Associates Inc., has been appointed its 2011 Troy Chamber of Commerce Board chairman. Tagle is president and owner of John Tagle Associates, Inc., an architect and plann...

DETROIT Jan. 24 Detroit Economic Club Detroit Economic Club presents: "The Nature of Business: A Groundbreaking Collaboration to Help Save the Planet," 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Detroit Marriott, 400 Renaissance Dr. Detroit. Guest speakers will be Mark Tercek, president & CEO of The Nature Conservancy and Andrew N. Liveris, Chairman & CEO of The Dow Chemical Company. The cost for members is $45, $55 for guests and $75 for non-members. FARMINGTON HILLS Jan. 25 WordPress introduction Refresh Detroit meeting WordPress - It's Not Just For Blogging Anymore is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at 30445 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 300, Farmington Hills. This is the last presentation in the organization’s content management series. Registration is required for the free meeting at http://guestli.st/40053. FARMINGTON HILLS Jan. 25 Job Seekers Bootcamp Job Seekers Bootcamp—Coping with Unemployment is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Farmington Community Library Main Branch, 32737 W. ...

NOVI Jan. 26 Oakland Chamber Network mixer Oakland Chamber Network is a collaborative of 30 Chambers serving Oakland County is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Wed. Jan 26 at Tin Fish, 27862 Novi Road in Novi. Call 248-349-3743 to register. The event features accoustic entertainment by Robin Horloc, appetizers and cash bar. The cost is $10 for chamber members in advance and  $15 at the door. The non-member rate is $25. www.oaklandchambernetwork.org.

Attend Azox end of the month webinars. We will be hosting three webinars next week. Product Webinars Webinar - Credit Card Processing for Microsoft Dynamics GP . Looking for a software solution that processes credit card orders securely, reliably and easily. Attend this webinar and learn more about this solution that allows you to process credit cards directly within Microsoft Dynamics GP. Register Here . Webinar - Integrated E-Commerce for Microsoft Dynamics GP Find out how this e-commerce solution can help get your business online all while being completely integrated with Microsoft Dynamics GP. Learn how consumers, distributors and customer service representatives can place orders online while having orders flow through to Microsoft Dynamics GP real-time. Enjoy greater website features such as search engine optimization management, Content Management and easier web design capabilities with drag and drop web parts and skinning. Register Here . Partner Program Webinar Azox Partner P...

FARMINGTON HILLS ShowDocument.com offers app-based web meeting platform In the wake of news that Salesforce.com acquired web conference provider DimDim for $31 million — effectively ending its free platform to users — ShowDocument.com invites all to use its app-based web meeting platform, showdocument.com . Just before the new year, the company enhanced its options to include video and audio, telephony and session recording capabilities. ShowDocument was created by HBR Labs LLC, of Farmington Hills, a web-based collaboration services provider. The company’s platforms are being used for live support, web meetings, document sharing sessions and to address various multi-media collaborations. NORTHVILLE Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America raises $15,500 Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. raised over $15,500 for the Redford Union Oral Program for Children with Hearing Impairments and the Cooke School Special Education program at its third annual Hallway Golf Event. The two-d...

TROY Real estate investing seminar offered Michigan Real Estate Investors free monthly networking seminar, “Getting Michigan Back on Track—One home at a time,” is 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 20 at 811 W. Square Lake Road, Troy. Call 248-394-0150 or  visit www.MichiganRealEstateInvestors.com. FERNDALE Financial Matters Tax and Bookkeeping Solutions holds grand opening Financial Matters Tax and Bookkeeping Solutions of Ferndale is holding their grand opening celebration 4 to 7 p.m. Friday Jan. 21. The firm is located at 559 East Nine Mile Road and offers a hassle-free parking lot. The grand opening offers those who attend a chance to have their 2010 individual income tax return, (excluding Schedule C) completed free of charge. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of Dino’s Restaurant and Treat Dreams. “Our goal is to be able to provide a high level of quality while offering affordability,” says President and CEO, Robert Bennett, who is also a CPA. Visit www.financialmatterstax.com.

DETROIT Food makers team up for Super Bowl contest National Coney Island and Better Made Snack Foods have partnered up with Detroit Popcorn and Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery to provide the Ultimate Super Party for one lucky contest winner and 24 of their friends and family members. Register at www.nationalconeyisland.com , www.bettermadesnackfoods.com ,  www.detroitpopcorn.com or www.facebook.com/ackroyd’s . The winner gets two coney kits from National Coney Island which will make 48 coneys; one case of one-ounce regular and barbecue chips from Better Made Snack Foods, two tins filled with gourmet popcorn, cheese corn and caramel corn from Detroit Popcorn Co. and shortbreads and other Scottish dessert favorites from Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery. FRASER Legal Aid and Defender to hold free legal clinic Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. will conduct a free outreach clinic on civil legal services for income eligible residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, including the city o...

Livestream video from the Auto Show in Detroit ALLEN PARK Reality TV show looks for potential litigants S1/S3 Entertainment Group, a film and TV production company is looking for potential litigants to appear on its new reality-based judicial television show “Domestic Justice.” To be considered, potential litigants must be embroiled in some sort of ongoing domestic dispute that is not currently active on any court’s docket. Additionally, the show’s producers are in the process of casting the key roles of bailiff, clerk and commentator. All casting is at the SI/S3 Studios, on the campus of Stautzenberger Institute in Allen Park. For information or to submit a personal dispute, visit www.domesticjustice.tv . TROY Magna expecting growth Magna International Inc., one of Southeast Michigan’s big suppliers, expects significant growth during 2011 and it plans to increase spending on fixed assets including acquisitions to almost $1 billion. Meanwhile, Magna Seating, one of the automotive suppl...

The following are business events and workshops taking place within the next 2 weeks in the area. If you have a business event that you would like printed in The Oakland Press, you can submit it at  The Oakland Press business calendar. To view the calendar without the link, go to www.theoaklandpress.com and scroll down to the bottom right and click on the calendar link. It will take you to the calendar page . SYLVAN LAKE Jan. 18 Bloomfield chamber mixer Bloomfield North Area Chamber Monthly Mixer is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 at Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders, 2465 Orchard Lake Road, Sylvan Lake. Members pay $10 for admission. FARMINGTON HILLS Jan. 18 Job Seekers Bootcamp Job Seekers Bootcamp—Job Interview Workshop is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Farmington Community Library Main Branch, 32737 W 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Preston Banks from Resume Solutions LLC, offers tips in this discussion series for job seekers. Call 248-553-0300 to register. DETROIT Jan. 19 Ties Like ...

ROYAL OAK Social Media is a Party! holds networking event Social Media is a Party! is holding a business networking event and “Mobile Technology” panel from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.Thursday, Jan. 27 at D’amato’s and Goodnite Gracie’s in Royal Oak. The event will include a panel discussion on mobile marketing and provide attendees with simple but actionable business advice. This event will showcase jobs through the organization’s Hire ME concept, during which businesses will present open job opportunities to the audience. After the presentation, attendees will be able to send a text, American Idol style, to a designated group number in order to receive additional information about a given position and ultimately apply for the job. Attendees who are interested in speaking directly with an HR rep at the event will have the opportunity to do so. Register at http://socialmediaisaparty.eventbrite.com.

PONTIAC Love Funding closes $14.5 million refinancing for senior residence complex Love Funding, one of the nation’s leading providers of multifamily housing loans, announced the closing of a nonrecourse $14.5 million substantial rehabilitation loan for Oakland Senior Living, a 161-unit senior living complex in Pontiac. For Love Funding, it was the second loan secured in as many months for property owner American House, which operates 27 senior residences in Southeastern Michigan. Bruce Gerhart, first vice president and Midwest regional director, and Mickey Rist, vice president and senior loan originator, secured the loan through the Federal Housing Administration’s 221(d)(4) loan program. FHA financing enabled American House to lock in a low, fixed interest rate with a 40-year term. Combining the loan with Low Income Housing Tax Credits produced more than $3,000,000 in additional funding, which allowed the owner to make considerable improvements to the property and restructure rents t...

Redmond Channel Partner has recently published an article mentioning how Azo x has leveraged Microsoft PinPoint to help interested customers find solutions for e-commerce and credit card processing solutions. Read the full article here .

AUBURN HILLS BorgWarner expecting good 2011   Auburn Hills-based BorgWarner Inc. expects earnings to increase by 35 percent to 40 percent in the coming year.. “Robust growth in global vehicle production is expected in 2011, and we expect our sales growth to significantly outpace the market,” said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. BorgWarner gave 2011 earnings guidance of $3.85 to $4.15 per share compared to 2010 earnings guidance of $2.85 to $2.95 per share. The company expects 2011 operating margins to be 10.5 percent or better, which is higher than its historical operating margin guidance range of 8.5 percent to 9 percent. COMMERCE Wesley Berry celebrates King’s birthday with free flowers   Wesley Berry Flowers hosts their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration event Monday, Jan. 17. Between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., they will be giving 12,000 roses in bunches of a dozen, free to any adult who visits the shop. The florist wants everyone who takes a dozen roses to mak...

PONTIAC Affinity Group  and Kensington Valley Credit Unions merge Affinity Group Credit Union, based in Pontiac, and Kensington Valley Community Credit Union, based in Highland Township, will merge. State regulators have approved the merger, and Kensington Valley members voted unanimously in favor of the partnership. “I am very pleased that Kensington Valley Community Credit Union chose to join Affinity Group Credit Union as part of our unique Credit Union Family,” said Thomas M. Miller, president and CEO of Affinity Group Credit Union. Using the Affinity business model will allow Kensington Valley Community to continue to market the KVC brand as a part of Affinity Group Credit Union. In addition, three members of the KVCCU board will join the AGCU board; all KVCCU staff will become employees of AGCU; and the Highland office will remain open to serve all current and new members in the surrounding community. The combined credit union will have assets of $134 million, 5 branches, and...

FRASER CARE offers managing employees workshop CARE’s WorkLife Solutions is hosting a free workshop, “Managing Difficult Employees and Workplace Challenges,” 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at 31900 Utica Road, Fraser, in the lower level conference room. Setting the stage for creating effective responses to difficult employees and workplace challenges will be covered as well as a variety of de-escalation techniques and assertive time-bound strategies. A continental breakfast will be provided. Advance registration is required at www.caresworklifesolutions.com or call 866-888-1555, ext. 214. ROCHESTER HILLS AAM takes ownership of Sona Axle in India Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), has announced that it has assumed full ownership of the AAM Sona Axle Private Limited Joint Venture — AAM Sona Axle in Pantnagar, India. AAM Sona Axle, previously a joint venture between AAM and Sona Koyo Limited to manufacture passenger car and SUV axle assemblies for the India market, is...

MOUNT CLEMENS FastTrac offers business program FastTrac New Venture Entrepreneurial Training is offering a 10-week program that helps evaluate business opportunities and develop an action plan for owning a business. Classes will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays beginning Jan. 31 at the Macomb County Administration Building, 1 S. Main, 9th Floor conference room, Mount Clemens. Registration fee is $100, which will be reimbursed at the end of successful completion of course requirements. For more information or to register, call 586-469-5118 or send an e-mail to susan.bates@macombcountymi.gov . TROY Beaumont Hospitals names new services company Jones Lang LaSalle has entered a services partnership with Beaumont Hospitals to manage Beaumont’s health care real estate, facilities and equipment services delivery. Jones Lang LaSalle at Beaumont Hospitals will provide all of Beaumont’s health care facility services, including facility management, construction program management, utility ope...

DETROIT Jan. 10 Mobile Apps in the Marketplace Mobile Monday Detroit presents, “Mobile Apps in the Marketplace” 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10 at the Compuware Building at One Campus Martius in Detroit. Registration is required for the free event. Visit meetup.com/Mobile-Monday-Detroit. The networking portion begins at 5:30 p.m. with presentations beginning at 6:30 p.m. Speakers presenting include: Fred Jacobs, president and Paul Jacobs, VP/General Manager of Jacobs Media; Scott Holiday, Head Developer for jacAPPS, a division of Jacobs Media, a media research and application development firm and Mobile Monday Michigan co-founder and Mobile Technology Association of Michigan Founder, Linda Daichendt, CEO of Strategic Growth Concepts. E-mail Linda@MobileMondayMichigan.org or visit MobileMonday.net. FARMINGTON HILLS Jan. 11 ACG Detroit automotive outlook The Association for Corporate Growth Detroit Chapter and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association will team to present a meeting Tue...

TROY Syntel named to Forbes ‘Best Small Companies’ Syntel, a global information technology services and Knowledge Process Outsourcing company, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s “100 Best Small Companies” list. In order to be named to the list, firms with annual revenues between $5 million and $750 million are evaluated based on a number of criteria, including sales, profit, and earnings per-share growth rates, return on equity, and stock price. Syntel, which has been named to the list for four consecutive years, was ranked 38th overall. Syntel’s ranking was driven by 27 percent growth in earnings per share and a 34 percent jump in return on equity. Visit www.syntelinc.com . SOUTHFIELD Allcare Dental closes suddenly The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Michigan has been informed by consumers that Allcare Dental with locations across Michigan, including Auburn Hills, has closed without notice. When patients showed up for their appointment or called, there was no one available. A note ...

OXFORD Chamber of commerce holds first awards gala The Oxford Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first annual Chamber and Community Dinner and Awards Gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15. A buffet style dinner will be served followed by desserts and the awards ceremony. Tickets are $15. Call 248-628-0410 for reservations or view the Oxford Chamber and Community Dinner on Facebook. FERNDALE WYCD Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon raises over $330,000 Capping off its 11th year, the WYCD Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon, held Dec. 9 and 10 raised $338,700 — nearly $50,000 more than in 2009 — for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Over the past decade, WYCD Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon has raised more than $5.5 million from listeners’ donations, benefitting the hospital that treats children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases. SOUTHFIELD Your People receives marketing excellence award Your People, LLC received a 2010 Gold MarCom Award for ex...

SOUTHFIELD/WATERFORD TWP. SCORE Detroit hosts workshops Detroit SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” Chapter 18 and the SBA Michigan District Office, in cooperation with Oakland County are hosting a series of workshops for small business. To register for these sessions, call 313-226-7947. “Could I...Should I Start My Own Business?” is 8:45 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. ,5 at Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield. The cost is $10 in advance. “Improve Your Odds When Seeking a Small Business Loan” is 8:45 a.m. to noon Thurs., Jan. 6, at Oakland County EOB Bldg. 41 West, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Township. The cost is $20 in advance. “Planning Your Own Business” is 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Southfield Public Library. The cost is $45 in advance. WATERFORD TWP. Oakland County holds January business workshops Business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend seminars offered b...

BLOOMFIELD HILLS O2 Investment acquires chemical manufacturer O2 Investment Partners of Bloomfield Hills, a private equity firm, has acquired all outstanding shares of Silbond Corporation, a specialty chemical manufacturing business based in Weston, near the Ohio border. Jay Hansen, president of O2, announced the deal and added that the transaction included partnering with Silbond’s management team.  Founded in 1994, Silbond employs 50 people and is a leading supplier of “tetra ethyl ortho silicate,” a specialty chemical used in industries such as semiconductors and electronics, protective coatings, investment casting, and chemical processing. In addition to Silbond, other portfolio companies owned by O2 Investment principals include: Rhe-Tech, Inc., a Michigan based plastics compounding and coloring business and New Horizons Northeast, a New York based computer and software training and education provider to consumers and businesses. Visit www.o2investment.com . MADISON HEIGHTS Ro...

PONTIAC Free mortgage counseling Free one-on-one mortgage delinquency and foreclosure counseling is 6-8 p.m. Jan. 25 at Pontiac Public Library, 60 E Pike St. It is sponsored by Lighthouse of Oakland County (HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency). Call Sheila Howard, showard@lighthouseoakland.org , at 248-920-6060 ext 241. TROY Law firm receives Expatriate Management Award Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP, a global law firm specializing in immigration law, received an Expratriate Management Award for Most Innovative Use of Technology in Global Mobility. Chairman and Managing Partner Austin Fragomen was recognized for his outstanding contribution to global mobility and was inducted into the Forum for Expatriate Management Hall of Fame at the 2010 Global Mobility Summit’s EMMA Awards in New York. There were more than 240 nominations for the EMMA awards this year. During the course of his career in immigration, Fragomen has served as staff counsel to the U.S. House ...