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The State of Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Purchasing Operations, has a contract portfolio of 1,100 multi-year contracts worth billions of dollars. To help local business owners win contracts, Automation Alley is hosting "Contract Connect," a free seminar 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 6 at the Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham Dr., Troy. Representatives from the state will speak on topics such as bidding opportunities, how to register with the State as a vendor, free resources for research and bid preparation, and navigating the State contracting process. Visit www.michigan.gov/micontractconnect.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter honored the Top 10 Michigan women business owners and women in leadership roles for their contributions that are making a difference in the business arena, their communities and support in uplifting Michigan's economy. The NAWBO 2011 Top 10 Michigan Business Women Award Winners: (front row, from left) Sheila Jensen, Visotek, Inc.; Pamela Rodgers, Rodgers Chevrolet; Vickie Lewis, president, NAWBO Greater Detroit; Tammi Hart, State of Michigan; Rona Lum, The Law Offices of Rona Lum, P.C.; The Rush Group representative. (Back row, from left) Jennifer Willemsen, Curl Up & Dye Detroit; Molly MacDonald, The Pink Fund; Lori Ann Blaker, TTi; Kathleen Boyle, CEED; Rolanda Heard, Chrysler Supplier Diversity and Theresa Thompson,  of Tea Time Events and president of NAWBO/EXCEL received the NAWBO Greater Good Award.

Azox 2011 brochure is now available online. Please feel free to look through it and find out more about our product offerings. Download the brochure here (PDF 4MB).

Somerset Collection has new general manager   J. Miles McFee has joined Somerset Collection as its new general manager.  Mr. McFee, 57, will responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 1.443-million-square-foot shopping center in Troy.  His background includes more than 30 years in shopping center management, leasing, human resources and retail store operations. A resident of Rochester Hills, McFee, 57, holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in History from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.  Somerset Collection is owned and managed by Southfield-based The Forbes Company. Karmanos adds board members   The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute announced the appointments of three new members for the Institute's Board of Directors and one new board member for the Karmanos Cancer Center Board of Directors. Each will serve a three-year term. Dan Cornwell is president of Cambridge Consulting Group, an independently-owned insurance agency. He also oversees the...

Join the Novi Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of networking 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 29.   Keynote speaker:  Tim Green, "Taking Referal Marketing to the Extreme"is 3 to 4 p.m. Afterwards, networking with 50 vendors, appetizers provided by: Toasted Oak Grill & Market, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Famous Dave's, Chili's, Hooters, Bagger Dave's, Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza.  Complimentary chair massages by Elements of Novi, Live Jazz Music by Tola Lewis and Cash Bar. The event is open to the public. $5 entry fee payable at the door.

Empowering Michigan Career Fair is  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Quality Inn Hotel, 2537 Rochester Court, Troy. Companies hiring on-site include First Financial Insurance Group, Aflac Detroit Engineered Products, State Farm Insurance, 1-800-Hanson, Global Information Technology, National Airlines, New York Life, HiredInMichigan.com. The first 250 Job Seekers that attend the Career Fair can enter a FREE drawing to win a Walmart gift card. Visit JobFairGiant.com or call 734-956-4550. ICSC presents Michigan Operations Breakfast March 31 The International Council of Shopping Centers Michigan Operations Breakfast features panel discussions surrounding the theme, “Getting your Message Through: Today’s Print & Social Media in Business Marketing” is 8:15 a.m. Thursday, March 31, at The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham. Call 646-728-3515 or e-mail bhays@icsc.org.

Troy Chamber presents program on contract employees Troy Chamber member businesses Miller Canfield and Kelly Services present “How Independent Are Your Contractors? Classifications and Implications For Employers,” 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Kelly Services Headquarters, 999 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy. The program will begin with breakfast and registration starting at 8 a.m. The cost is $15 for chamber members and guests and $25 for non-members. To register, call 248-641-8151, e-mail: theteam@troychamber.com or visit www.troychamber.com/calendar. CREW Detroit luncheon meeting Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Detroit announces its March luncheon program, Sharpening Your Networking Skills, presented by leading Dale Carnegie trainer, Linda Meloche, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Radisson Kingsley Hotel, 39475 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills. The cost is $35 for members; $45 non-members; add $10 after March 25. Visit crewnetwork.org or call Megan at 785-832-1808. Bu...

Social Media is a Party! Social Media is a Party! announces its upcoming business networking event for professionals in Southeastern Michigan. The event will begin with a panel discussion amongst Startup Founders and Investors on ‘How To Launch a Successful Startup.’ Following the panel will be a Live Demo Pit. Local tech Startups will showcase their products and attendees will have the opportunity to try them out and sign up at no cost. The event is 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at The Loving Touch in Ferndale. Visit www.SocialMediaIsaParty.com or call 248-971-0170. Dodge CEO to address Auburn Hills chamber luncheon Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of Dodge Brand and Senior vice president of Design of Chrysler will present to the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce as part of its On Mission! Keynote Luncheon Series. The luncheon is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at the Crowne Plaza, 1500 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills. Tickets are $32 for members, $42 for non-members. To r...

  BLOOMFIELD HILLS Seminar will focus on patents A free seminar, Strategic Positioning of Your Patent Portfolio: Planning for Litigation is 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham Drive, Troy. Rader, Fishman & Grauer law firm partners Kristin Murphy and Glenn Forbis will discuss key IP strategies to safeguard intellectual assets. RSVP to Nancy at nau@raderfishman.com or 248-594-0616. FARMINGTON HILLS  Thornton & Grooms announces oldest water heater contest  Thornton & Grooms, a heating and cooling company based in Farmington Hills, announced that Mike Gehrls of Lathrup Village was the winner of the oldest and ugliest furnace contest. Now the hunt is on to find the oldest and ugliest water heater. Homeowners with old water heaters should visit www.oldestwaterheater.com or call 248-644-7810 to enter to win a new, energy-efficient, tankless water heater. The deadline for entry is today, March 21. No purchase is necessar...

Azox has extra passes to Convergence 2011 in Atlanta that we would like to give out to current customers that want and are willing to go. Convergence 2011 takes place April 10-13 and attendees will be able to network with other Microsoft Dynamics users and see the latest products unveiled by Microsoft. If you are interested please contact sales@azox.com .

The Oakland University School of Business Administration of Rochester invites self-starting professionals to an information session regarding its Executive MBA program 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19 Elliott Hall at Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. With concentrations in health care management and information systems leadership, the Executive MBA program is delivered by faculty members and business leaders who utilize hands-on learning methods including analysis of real business cases, working in learning teams and participating in business simulations. For information call Monica Milczarski at 248-370-2059 or e-mail milczars@oakland.edu or visit emba.oakland.edu.

Carmen Reinhart, Weatherstone Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, D.C., will give the Oakland University 2011 Gorlin Memorial Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24. in the Banquet Rooms of Oakland Center, at Oakland University. The free event, reservations can be e-mailed to desmet@oakland.edu. For information, visit www.oakland.edu/gorlinlecture or call 248-370-2100. Reinhart's presentation, titled "A Decade of Debt," will focus on evidence that public debts in advanced economies have recently surged to levels not recorded since the end of World War II. At the same time, private debt levels – particularly those of financial institutions and households – are in uncharted territory and represent a contingent liability of the public sector in many countries. The lecture will suggest that these trends are of concern because, historically, high leverage episodes have been associated with slower economic growth and a higher inci...

Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of Dodge Brand and Senior vice president of Design of Chrysler will present to the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce as part of its On Mission! Keynote Luncheon Series. The luncheon is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 at the Crowne Plaza, 1500 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills. Tickets are $32 for members, $42 for non-members. To register visit www.auburnhillschamber.com or call 248-853-7862. Auburn Hills Chamber is now in city offices The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce has recently relocated to the City of Auburn Hills administrative offices at 3395 Auburn Road, Auburn Hills. The office, which is a street level unit of a work/live development, will continue to serve as an operational hub for Auburn Hills personnel during city-sponsored events. It is also available free-of-charge to city-based businesses that want to use the 10-person conference room to meet downtown. For information call  248-853-7862 or visit www.auburnhillschamber.com.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter will honor the Top 10 Michigan women business owners and women in leadership roles for their contributions that are making a difference in the business arena and their communities. The 17th Annual NAWBO Top 10 Michigan Business Women Awards luncheon is 10 a.m. Thursday, March 17 at the San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy. A Business-to-Business Showcase kicks off the event at 10 a.m. The luncheon and awards program will begin at noon, with the showcase continuing after the program until 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for Top 10 Alumnae, NAWBO members pay $35 and non-members pay $45. Visit www.nawbogdc.org.

City of Pontiac’s 150th Birthday Kick-Off is tomorrow Pontiac was incorporated as a City on March 15, 1861—150 years ago. To celebrate this special milestone, the Greater Pontiac Sesquicentennial Commission announces the City of Pontiac’s 150th Birthday Kick-Off event to be held on Tuesday, March 15 at the Historic Crofoot, 1 South Saginaw in Downtown Pontiac. The Kick-Off event is a fundraiser that begins at 4:30 p.m. with a VIP Reception to meet a sample of Pontiac’s Achievers such as: Zev Chafets, Valarie Graves, Campanella “Campy” Russell, Alvin Bessent, Richard “Dick” Long.  The general public is invited to attend at 5:30 p.m. to learn of the year-long initiative, participate in a silent auction, enjoy “Taste of Pontiac” strolling dinner and witness the unveiling of the Sesquicentennial logo chosen from ideas submitted by the public. The program to honor Pontiac’s Achievers including Al Taubman begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 for VIP and $10 for general admission. Purchas...

Village of Rochester Hills holds runway show The Village of Rochester Hills and Meadow Brook Hall are hosting a Spring Fever, Fashion & Fun: Social Stroll & Runway Show, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 25 at Meadow Brook Hall, 480 S. Adams Road Rochester. The opening hour-long Social Stroll allows guests to preview the latest spring-summer fashions while enjoying complimentary mini-makeovers, hors d'oeuvres and wine. Immediately following, attendees will join special guest Rebecca Voigt, 944 Detroit Managing Editor, in the ballroom for a “reveal” of the latest trends and fully commentated Runway Show.  Event proceeds benefit Meadow Brook Hall, a non-profit entity, which hosts a variety of educational programs and special events that support the preservation and interpretation of The Hall. The Village of Rochester Hills brings fashion, dining and ambiance together to create Rochester Hills' very own downtown. From Parisian to Whole Foods Market and fifty more shops and eaterie...

NOVI MIPA presents Beyond Imagination! Michigan International Professional Association, (MIPA) is hosting Beyond Imagination! Creating a Major Motion-Picture Hero Car Designed for Public Availability. Classic Design Concepts of Novi is opening the doors of its technical center to present its collaboration with the motion-picture industry, Exxodus Pictures 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 at Classic Design Concepts, 42860 W. Nine Mile Road, Novi, 866-624-7997. Bill North, VP of Business Development of classicdesignconcepts.com and Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad, Director/Executive Producer of exxoduspictures.com will be guest speakers. The presentation will be followed by an informal wine tasting , (1 glass of wine and 1 appetizer) at Wine Sync,122 West Main St., Northville. Admission is $30 for the presentation and $35 for the presentation and wine tasting. Register by March 11 at www.mipadetroit.org or by mail with a check payable to MIPA, c/o Hadidja Hamadi, 29379 Candlewood Lane, Southfield, Mi...

MADISON HEIGHTS Seminar teaches how to capitalize on real estate investing Greg Pinneo of Real Estate Entrepreneur will speak about how to capitalize on current economic conditions using private and seller financing. Sponsored by Real Estate Investors Assoc. of Oakland on 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday March 10 at Club Venetian, 29310 John R. Road, Madison Heights. The seminar is free to members and $20 for nonmembers. Call 800-747-6742 or visit www.REIAofOakland.com. AUBURN HILLS Cooley Law School holds open house Cooley Law School Open House for prospective students is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at Cooley Law School, 2630 Featherstone Road, Auburn Hills. Register at www.cooley.edu/prospective/openhouse.html. TROY Human resources summit held The Walsh Institute Leadership Center presents a human resources summit with education to address the issues facing businesses, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at Walsh College Troy Campus, 3838 Livernois Road, Troy. Lunch is included. Tickets...

ROYAL OAK March 9: 5th Annual South Oakland Business Expo Oakland County residents can get a free look at the products and services available from dozens of their entrepreneurial friends and neighbors 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday March 9 at the 5th Annual South Oakland Business Expo to be held at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, 316 East 11 Mile Road. The event will feature 85 local businesses ranging from catering companies and professional services firms to outdoor services providers and local restaurants. Exhibitors will offer opportunities to win free merchandise and services, along with discounts and information. There will also be free food samples from Oberweis Dairy and Qdoba Mexican Grill in Royal Oak and free coffee samples from Office Depot in addition to free painting exhibitions and class demonstrations from Painting with a Twist in Ferndale. Matthews-Hargreaves Chevrolet in Royal Oak and Jim Fresard Buick GMC in Ferndale will provide a look at the newest vehicles on the mark...

School Adding 2,500 Sq Ft at Studio Center, More Classes and Seeking Up to 10 New Staff Members Responding to an increased demand for a workforce knowledgeable in digital media arts and graphic design, Specs Howard School of Media Arts will be expanding its Farmington Hills campus at Studio Center by 2,500 square feet to add class space and nine editing suites; adding four classes at its Southfield campus; and hiring up to 10 new staff members. With a broadcast curriculum spanning nearly 40 years, Specs Howard School added a Graphic Design program in 2008, film workshops in 2009 and the Digital Media Arts program in 2010. With each program, the school has increased faculty, student services and support staff. The school has added nearly 40 staffers in the past year in all departments, including faculty, career services, marketing and administration.   For 2011, the school is seeking additional faculty and adjunct faculty for the Graphic Design and Digital Media Arts p...

MT CLEMENS Clean Light Green Light produces LED battery back-up system LED lighting manufacturer Clean Light Green Light (CLGL), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Global Dynamix Solutions GB PLC, announced the first viable LED Emergency Battery Back-up System which opens the door for LED fluorescent tube replacements in highly sensitive applications such as hospitals, schools, public lighting scenarios, and all other egress lighting applications requiring back up power in case of power loss. The new technology will support any LED tube that works at under 17.5 W. Emergency Battery Back-up systems supporting wattages of up to 150W will be released later in the month expanding the viability LED lighting in numerous applications that require emergency back-up. “We identified the need for this product while installing a pilot for a public school system and recognized that we could not execute a complete retrofit without this technology.” said CEO David McKinney. No larger than a...

House votes to end unpopular new business tax rule    www.theoaklandpress.com

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DETROIT March 8: International Women’s Day Networking Gala Michigan Association for Female Entrepreneurs, a non-profit   organization, will host the International Women’s Day Networking Gala   6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the Detroit Marriott, 27033   Northwestern Hwy., Southfield. Thousands of events are held throughout the world on International   Women’s Day to inspire women and to celebrate the achievements of   women. This year marks the 100th anniversary. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, vendors, door prizes,   entertainment, and a cash bar. Tickets are $15. Exhibit booths and   sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds from this year’s   event will benefit Young Entrepreneurs Series (Y.E.S.), a program   designed to give young girls ages 14 to 18 practical, hands-on   training in business and entrepreneurship. Call 866-490-6233 or visit   www.mafedetroit.org . TROY March 8: Network & Nibble Network &...

I’m Every Woman Expo The fourth annual I’m Every Woman Expo is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Shriners Silver Garden Event Center, 24350 Southfield Road in Southfield. Guests and honorees include Deena Centofanti of Fox 2 News, Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller of 36th District Court, and Tracey McCaskill, News Director WMXD Mix 92.3/FM 98 WJLB. The event features Woman of the Year award, exhibits, workshops, fashions, giveaways, food, fun and more. Admission is $20 or two for $35. Women in the armed forces get in free (military identification required).   Uptown Film Festival retains Identity Marketing & Public Relations Bingham Farms-based Identity Marketing & Public Relations, a full-service marketing and public relations firm, announced it has added the Uptown Film Festival to its growing client roster. The Uptown Film Festival taking place this year on March 11-12 in Birmingham is a celebration of the Michigan film industry and, in particular, productions created ...