Historic Preservation Efforts Awarded

by Jaime Pfeffer

May 13th, 2008 in Architecture, Design, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Lansing, Lansing / Jackson, News, Upper Peninsula

Shiny new buildings are nice, but there’s something about old historic structures that makes them … well, special.

The state understands this and the importance of preserving our history, and, as such, recognizes and honors several preservation projects annually with a special accolade - the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.

With May designated as National Historic Preservation month, it was only fitting that Governor Jennifer Granholm recently announced the recipients of this special award. They will be honored at a ceremony in the state Capitol rotunda later this week. [ Read more ]

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A2 Continues with Green Mission

by Jaime Pfeffer

May 5th, 2008 in Ann Arbor, Architecture, Conservation, Design, Energy, Environment, Green, Jackson, Products

Over the past month, I’ve written a handful of posts on Ann Arbor’s aggressive goals to become a more environmentally friendly city. There was this one about A2’s switch to LED traffic lights, and this one about its goal for 5,000 solar roofs by 2015. Today, I’m reporting on the progressive city’s recent installation of a renewable-energy light demonstration on Packard at the entrance of Buhr Park. [ Read more ]

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CALF Offers Support to Small Biz in Mid-MI

by Jaime Pfeffer

April 3rd, 2008 in Companies, East Lansing, Jackson, Lansing, Lansing / Jackson, Resources

Small businesses make up more than 98% of Michigan’s economy. Yet small companies and Mom and Pop shops can get left by the wayside, often playing second-fiddle to larger, Big Box-type corporations.

Capital Area Local First (CALF) - a collaborative effort between mid-Michigan-based business owners, non-profits and residents - hopes to put small businesses in the Lansing area back on the map by supporting local ownership and fostering a sense of community through networking and various other events. [ Read more ]

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Small Biz $100k Makeover Contest

by Jaime Pfeffer

March 31st, 2008 in Companies, East Lansing, Jackson, Lansing

Are you a small business owner located in Mid-Michigan? Does your company need a communications makeover? Consider nominating your biz for this cool contest, which will award one small company with a complete brand makeover worth $100,000, including a Cisco phone system and installation, voice and data service and installation, multi-function office equipment, radio and TV spots and a feature in the Greater Lansing Business Monthly. [ Read more ]

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Four Michigan Colleges Participating in Sustainability Pilot Program

by Jaime Pfeffer

February 18th, 2008 in Conservation, Energy, Environment, Grand Rapids, Green, Jackson, Lansing / Jackson, Living, Saginaw, Saginaw / Bay City, West Michigan

It seems everybody is jumping on the green bandwagon these days. And colleges and universities are no exception. There isn’t a standard system for measuring and tracking eco-friendly practices at higher education institutions — yet. But thanks to a new pilot program by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, that’s about to change. And you should be proud, Michigan residents: four schools in our fair state have volunteered to partake in this important effort. [ Read more ]

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The 10 List - Ring in 2008

by Nettie Boivin

December 19th, 2007 in Detroit, Events, Features, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing / Jackson, Northern Michigan, The 10 List, The Winter Break Issue, West Michigan

Decide if you want to be naughty or nice in 2008 with this line-up of parties around the state.

1. The biggest party in the state is New Year’s Nation at Detroit’s Fillmore (formerly State Theater). Celebrate simultaneously with 8,000 of your peers through live broadcasts between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, L.A., Seattle and Denver. [ Read more ]

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Gear Up for Michigan Wine Country Tours

by Allison Green

April 30th, 2007 in Detroit, Dining, Drink, Jackson, Lansing / Jackson, Lifestyle, Northern Michigan, Travel, Upper Peninsula

The official Michigan Wine Month may be winding down but life in Michigan vineyards is just beginning. Last week Champane’s Wine Cellars in Warren hosted a Michigan only wine show to showcase local products and kick off an important part of Michigan’s summer tourism, wine tours. I attended the tasting and found myself pleasantly surprised and inspired to do some summer traveling. [ Read more ]

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