North American International Auto Show

One of the premier international auto shows in the world!


Held at Cobo Center.


Public Show is when all of us get to check out the cars.
January 14

Charity Preview Gala

                                                  January 15-23

                                                  Public Show
                                                  http://www.naias.com/

Public Show

TIME TO INVEST IN SOUTHEARN MICHIGAN!

The Michigan economy is not out of the water just yet, but there are some very encouraging signs indicating that things may be turning the corner.

1. Detroit's Automakers Are All Producing Profits It is no secret that Michigan's economy is heavily tied to the automotive industry. In recent years, the automakers have struggled tremendously, but the restructuring is starting to take hold. In the 2nd quarter of 2010 all three of Detroit's automakers were in the black posting the following profits: Ford - $2.6 Billion - General Motors $1.3 Billion -Chrysler - $183 Million

This is welcomed news for the Michigan job market as these profits have already resulted in renewed investments into Michigan's economy. These investments are expected to create approximately 63,000 jobs.

2. The State of Michigan Has Provided a 42% Tax Credit to Film Makers In April 2008, the state of Michigan announced a 42% tax credit for film makers that produce films using Michigan workers. This has spurred a flurry of film making activity. Before the incentive, Michigan averaged five film productions annually. In 2008 -31 films were produced, and in 2009- 35 films were produced. This trend is expected to continue with the announcement of 3 major studios to be built in Pontiac, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. These studios alone are expected to bring 6500 permanent jobs to Michigan.

3. Investment in Renewable Wind Energy Because of Michigan's vast coastlines along the great lakes, the wind potential is phenomenal. Michigan has enacted the Renewable Portfolio Standard which requires 10% of the state's energy demand to come from renewable resources by 2015. This standard is sure to drive investment into renewable energy resources in Michigan.

SHARING & CARING

This time of year, many of us are able to sit around an abundant Thanksgiving table counting our blessings, indulge in wonderful holiday gifts or travel to see family and friends. Many are not so fortunate. Included are a few of the noteworthy and deserving organizations in the greater southeastern Michigan area that strive to help out those in need. If you can - give of yourself, your time or money, or lend a helping hand to someone in need.



WAYNE COUNTY LIGHTFEST

With 4 1/2 miles of giant animated displays and nearly a million lights along Hines Drive, it's the Midwest's largest Holiday Light Show. Drive through
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Nov 18 - Dec 31, 2010
Wayne Country Lightfest Website

THE RECOVERY ACT & MICHIGAN

Here is what a recent government report has to say about what the Recovery Act has done for Michigan.

$1.35 billion to develop and build advanced batteries

$243 million to weatherize 40,000 homes

$650 million in SBA loans to small businesses, tax credits leveraging

$750 million in private investment for clean energy manufacturing:

The Recovery Act is changing Michigan's economic landscape. In the 18 months since the Recovery Act became law, Michigan has used these federal funds to create or retain more than 54,000 jobs. Thanks to the Recovery Act, people are building roads, improving water systems, educating our children and making our homes and public buildings more energy efficient.

http://www.michigan.gov/recovery

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly for Detroit Metro Area

The GOOD
Pontiac’s Silverdome has been sold at auction. Or at least, the city of Pontiac accepted a bid from a Toronto based real estate company to buy it & the surrounding 127 acres. Plans are to bring a professional men’s & women’s soccer league to Detroit. But an update - apparently the deal fell through - am hopeful someone else picks it up!

MLS is a 15-team league that will be expanding to 18 teams by 2011.

We do love our sports teams here in Detroit – even our Lions!

The BAD
GM may move 1,500 jobs from Renaissance Center – will downtown be a ghost town?
2,500 could stay at RenCen, 1,500 may relocate. Some people will move from the Renaissance Center to the Warren Tech Center, but the Renaissance Center will still maintain a very sizable presence and this will be their headquarters, GM CEO Fritz Henderson indicated. Sizable, but that’s still 1,500 job moving out of the city.

The UGLY
Detroit Public Schools – no one with school age children will move back to the city as long as the schools are in such deplorable condition. Thriving communities need families with kids – no one is going to move in if they thinks their kids can’t get a decent education.

A Little of the BEST

The Heidelberg Project is art, energy, and community. It’s an open-air art environment in the heart of an urban community on Detroit’s East Side. It began in 1986 as a way for local resident to put pride back in their neighborhood. Armed with a paintbrush, a broom, and neighborhood children, the founder began by cleaning up vacant lots on Heidelberg and Elba Streets. From the refuse they collected, Guyton began to transform the street into a massive art environment. Vacant lots literally became “lots of art” and abandoned houses became “gigantic art sculptures.” Guyton not only transformed vacant houses and lots, he integrated the street, sidewalks, and trees into his mammoth installation and called his work, "The Heidelberg Project", after it's location on
Heidelberg Street.

Today the Heidelberg Project is recognized as one of the most influential art environments in the world.