Member News Archives - Detroit Regional Chamber

Miranda Ferris — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:21:48 +0000

Eastern Michigan University’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology has announced the launch of its new Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Certificate program. The virtual six-month program is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the field of cybersecurity. Additionally, the curriculum is structured to prepare individuals for certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Security+, enhancing their readiness for professional endeavors in the field.

Collaborating with EMU’s Professional Programs & Training, students will receive practical, relevant, and timely instruction from faculty in EMU’s nationally recognized cybersecurity program and industry experts. Tailored for working adults, the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity certificate provides a flexible learning environment with a convenient evening and weekend schedule.

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields today,�?said Mohamad Qatu, dean of GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. “The Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Certificate shows EMU’s commitment to helping both the public and industries in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. We are committed to providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this exciting and rewarding career.�?/p> The Certificate is one component of the $1.6 million gift from GameAbove to the College of Engineering and Technology, aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity program. Prospective candidates seeking entry into the cybersecurity workforce without prior experience are strongly encouraged to apply. The courses are meticulously crafted to provide students with essential technical concepts and hands-on theoretical and practical techniques necessary for progression in the cybersecurity field. Scholarships are available and the program has been approved through Michigan Training Connect (MiTC), the state’s official eligible training provider list for individuals qualifying for an Individual Training Account under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The application deadline is April 8, 2024, and classes are scheduled to commence on May 6, 2024.

For more information about the certificate program and to apply, visit the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Certificate webpage at emich.edu/fundamentals-cybersecurity.

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Member News Archives - Detroit Regional Chamber

Sabrina Cynova — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:09:38 +0000

DETROIT, Mich. �?Butzel has promoted the following leaders: Lori Thomas Simoncic is Chief Operating Officer; Edward M. Przybylo is Director of Operations, and Dana Burleigh is Director of Human Resources.

Lori Thomas Simoncic

Lori Thomas Simoncic is celebrating 24 years with Butzel. She has served in the roles of Chief Human Resources Officer and Director of Human Resources, among other positions within the Human Resources Department. She is deeply engaged in the planning and execution of all aspects of Butzel’s strategic plan to achieve the firm’s vision and short- and long-term growth objectives and all facets of the firm’s operations. Her deep experience informs her success in maintaining Butzel’s standard of excellence while continually improving all aspects of firm operations. Simoncic is a strong advocate of employee wellness and providing connections and growth opportunities. She is a member of numerous firm committees. Simoncic also is Chair of the firm’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Compliance Committee, and is a member of Butzel’s AI Task Force. She is active in the community and has served as an Advisory Board Member at Midnight Golf Program, an organization dedicated to equipping young adults to succeed in college, in their careers, and beyond, through the discipline of golf. She also supports Folds of Honor, an organization that helps dependents of fallen military heroes through scholarships and other support and is an American Dunes Founder. American Dunes is a golf club dedicated to the mission of supporting families of fallen and disabled service members and their families and is the legacy course to the birthplace of Folds of Honor. Simoncic is a graduate of Central Michigan University (B.S.) and Ball State University (M.A.). She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA).

Edward M. Przybylo

Edward (Ed) Przybylo, Sr., leads Butzel’s operations functions in ten office locations throughout the country. He has concentrated his career in operations and account management within the legal, manufacturing, commercial, and automotive sectors. For more than two decades, Przybylo’s focus has been in the legal industry. His expertise includes deployment of new technology, asset management, client relations, change management, leadership development, contract negotiations, and process improvement. For nearly a decade, Przybylo has led Butzel’s operations initiatives and directed a staff of professionals in all facets inherent to the efficient and cost-effective delivery of the high-quality service programs that are integral to the operations of the firm. He has implemented numerous programs throughout various departments essential to the firm’s operation—all while achieving financial improvement and increased productivity for the firm and its clients. Przybylo’s strong background in vendor relations, information technology, and project management, among other skills developed during his career, have informed his success in the negotiation of contracts to acquire equipment, hardware, information technology, and other operations for the firm. He has directed extensive projects resulting in the successful launch of business operations at several of Butzel’s office locations, including infrastructure improvements and technology and hardware installations, to ensure a smooth transition for all firm personnel. Przybylo earned a Bachelor of Computer Information Technology and Security, Networking from Baker College. He is a member of the firm’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Compliance and Technology Committees.

Dana Burleigh

Dana Burleigh has an extensive human resources background. She joined Butzel in 2022 as a human resources manager. Prior to joining Butzel, she was an office manager for a local law firm. She manages Butzel’s legal support teams; coordinates employee recognition programs, analyzes compensation and monitors the firm’s performance management program. Burleigh assists in organizational training and development efforts for legal support staff including skills assessments and program development in coordination with the technical training specialist. She develops, recommends, and implements HR policies and procedures; maintains a handbook on practices and procedures for the firm. She participates in developing department goals, objectives, and procedures and works with firm managers to coach, counsel and guide them on firm policies. Burleigh also is responsible for the daily administration of the firm’s 401(k) benefit. She monitors and manages the firm’s PTO. She works in tandem with other departments, Butzel’s leadership and various committees on firm initiatives. She is active in the community. She is a volunteer she has served as a volunteer with Lighthouse, which helps local families in need. She also served as co-director of the food pantry and community dinner at a local church. Burleigh earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from Macomb Community College.

About Butzel

Butzel is one of the leading law firms in Michigan and the United States. It was founded in Detroit in 1854 and has provided trusted client service for 170 years. Butzel’s full-service law offices are located in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Troy and Southwest, Mich.; New York, NY; and, Washington, D.C., as well as global alliance offices. Butzel is an active member of Lex Mundi, a global association of 160 independent law firms. Learn more by visiting www.butzel.com or follow Butzel on Twitter: //twitter.com/butzel_long

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Sabrina Cynova — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:34:36 +0000

TROY, Mich. �?Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Gage Wakula has joined the firm’s Troy office.

Prior to joining the firm, Gage worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Solicitor General and Criminal Trials and Appeals Divisions at the Michigan Department of Attorney General. These roles allowed him to develop experience in numerous areas, including healthcare, public policy, and government program fraud. Gage brings a detailed focus to his work, which allows him to break down complex matters into digestible formats for his clients.

Gage is a member of the Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan and a Board Member of the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council. He received his B.A. from Michigan State University �?James Madison College and his J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. # # #

About Dickinson Wright
Dickinson Wright is a general practice business law firm with more than 500 attorneys among more than 40 practice areas and 16 industry groups. The firm has 20 offices, including six in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw) and 13 other domestic offices in Austin and El Paso, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colo.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn.; Las Vegas and Reno, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Silicon Valley, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The firm’s Canadian office is located in Toronto.

Dickinson Wright offers our clients a distinctive combination of superb client service, exceptional quality, value for fees, industry expertise, and business acumen. As one of the few law firms with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification and one of the only firms with ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification, Dickinson Wright has built state-of-the-art, independently-verified risk management procedures, security controls, and privacy processes for our commercial transactions. Dickinson Wright lawyers are known for delivering commercially-oriented advice on sophisticated transactions and have a remarkable record of wins in high-stakes litigation. Dickinson Wright lawyers are regularly cited for their expertise and experience by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other leading independent law firm evaluating organizations.

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Sabrina Cynova — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:25:31 +0000

Those who are grieving are able to be with those who truly understand their grief through the different grief groups offered at Angela Hospice, getting together to discuss all they’re processing with those on a similar journey to their own. And on April 5, Angela Hospice will launch a new series of community events that will focus on not only processing grief but the responsibilities that come after a loved one has passed.

“People don’t always think about the new responsibilities they may have to take on after a loved one has died,�?said Jennifer Dale, Angela Hospice’s Director of Community Outreach and Philanthropy. “This series from our Grief Care team is a brilliant way to explore some of those responsibilities and gain some helpful knowledge while doing so.�?/p> Throughout this spring and summer, Angela Hospice Grief Care will cover different topics such as cooking for oneself, dealing with finances, and cleaning out the closet of those who have passed, all responsibilities someone may be taking on for the very first time. Workshops will be led by Angela Hospice staff and outside experts.

The first workshop will be Cooking For One on April 5, with Michigan chef Allie Lyttle, who has worked all over Ann Arbor and Detroit, including Zingerman’s and BonBonBon, and currently is the owner of Lala’s and Lala’s Too. She’s also a former Chopped contestant.

Throughout the free, in-person workshop Lyttle will spend time teaching different cooking techniques and providing tips for those who are brand new to the kitchen, and those who may have experience cooking for dozens, but are marking this the first time they have to cook for themselves. Those who attend will also get to try recipes that Lyttle creates. Despite all of the cooking and cooking demos that Lyttle has done in her career, leading this kind of workshop will be a first for her, and she hopes those who attend gain a bit more confidence in their own cooking skills and not let them go by the wayside like some do after a loss. It will be a safe space to ask questions too.

“I would want folks to know that they’re worth taking the time to cook for and they’re worth investing that back in themselves,�?Lyttle said. “Cooking really can help you remember that you are a person that is worth taking care of and worth investing time in, even if it is something as simple as making yourself breakfast for dinner.�?/p>

To register for upcoming workshops, or for more information about Angela Hospice’s grief programs, please visit AskForAngela.com.

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Sabrina Cynova — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:22:05 +0000

Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that A. Michael Palizzi will become the firm’s Chief Executive Officer. He will assume his new duties on April 1, 2024.

Palizzi is a respected trial lawyer and co-leader of the firm’s nationally recognized Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property Groups. For more than 30 years, Palizzi has represented clients in complex commercial litigation, intellectual property counseling and litigation, and other commercial matters. He was elected by the firm’s principals in 2021 to serve on the Board of Managing Directors.

“I am honored to take on this new role and humbled by the trust placed in me,�?Palizzi said. In terms of priorities, he said that “we intend to remain exceptionally client focused. This is the foundation upon which our firm was built and why it has flourished over its storied 170+ year history.�?/p>

Palizzi acknowledged that the legal industry has changed dramatically over the past several years: “We expect that change will only accelerate, and therefore we remain committed to adapting through strategic growth, practice innovations, and building our exceptional and diverse talent base and areas of expertise. But the one thing that has remained constant is what clients expect from their law firm: exceptional legal counsel, responsiveness, and value. We have not, and will never, lose sight of that constant as we adapt to market changes.�?/p>

Palizzi added, “Fortunately, I’m surrounded by an unparalleled group of lawyers, professionals, and firm leaders, all of whom are committed to these principles. With their help, I am confident that we will become an even stronger, more diverse, and market-leading law firm.�?/p> Palizzi will succeed Megan Norris, who is stepping down after serving as Chief Executive Officer since Feb. 2021. Prior to her role as Chief Executive Officer, Norris served as the Chair of the firm’s Board of Managing Directors and as the leader of Miller Canfield’s large and nationally acclaimed Employment and Labor Group.

“I am confident that Mike will serve the firm well. He has a leadership style that is forward-thinking, adaptable, and inclusive,�?Norris said, “The firm will be in excellent hands with Mike at the helm.�?/p> Palizzi lauded Norris�?steady leadership, especially post-pandemic and during the firm’s return to the office. “Megan served as a selfless and stalwart leader during one of the most challenging times in recent history. I hope to build upon many of the initiatives that began under her leadership and am grateful for her commitment,�?Palizzi said. Michelle Crockett will continue to serve as the firm’s Deputy Executive Officer and Chief Diversity Officer.

“I have had the pleasure of serving the firm as a managing director alongside Mike and under Megan’s leadership. We are so thankful to Mike for his willingness to serve the firm in this new role, and to Megan, whose unwavering commitment to the best interests of our firm has aided in building a strong foundation that will move us forward by way of growth and achieving our strategic goals,�?said Danielle Mason Anderson, Chair of Miller Canfield’s Managing Directors.

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Member News Archives - Detroit Regional Chamber

Sabrina Cynova — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:59:39 +0000

Linda Paullin-Hebden, a partner with Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, has been recognized as All-Star Advisor of the Year by ACG® Detroit for her excellence in mergers and acquisitions.

ACG Detroit considered a number of factors for this statewide award, including impact to the local M&A community, body of work, complexity of transactions and success of her activities in 2023. Paullin-Hebden’s achievements will be recognized by ACG Detroit on May 6.

Linda Paullin-Hebden

During 2023, Paullin-Hebden led 14 M&A transactions, nine of which closed during the year, two of which closed during the first quarter of 2024 and three of which are either waiting on regulatory approval or slated to close in the second quarter of 2024. Paullin-Hebden focuses her deal work in two areas: registered investment advisors, or RIAs, and broker-dealers, where she has built a national practice from her office in Detroit, and automotive suppliers.

Her nomination included a comment from client Ben Valore-Caplan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Syntrinsic Investment Counsel: “As we pursued this once-in-a-career opportunity to sell our company, we leaned heavily on the considerable experience, sound judgment and no-nonsense communication that Warner Norcross + Judd partner Linda Paullin-Hebden and her team provided throughout the process. Our Warner colleagues quickly established themselves as integral, collaborative members of our deal team, helping to close a non-traditional transaction in a timely, positive manner.�?/p> Paullin-Hebden has 35 years of transaction experience and concentrates her practice in M&A, venture capital, investment adviser compliance and general corporate matters. As co-chair of Warner’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group, she leads nearly 40 attorneys focused on all aspects of M&A transactions for sellers, buyers, investors, independent director committees, management groups and others across the nation. Under her direction, Warner is launching a new video series for RIAs considering a merger or sale that will highlight the complexities �?and potential pitfalls �?in doing deals in this highly regulated area. A recognized leader at Warner, Paullin-Hebden has served as executive partner of the firm’s Detroit, Bloomfield Hills and Southfield offices, on the Management Committee and as chair of the Corporate Practice Group, one of the largest groups in the firm. Paullin-Hebden has been honored numerous times during her career. She has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a “Leader in the Law�?and as one of its leading “Women in Law.�?Crain’s Detroit Business has named her to its list of “Notable Women in the Law,�?�?00 Most Influential Women�?and one of its “Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan.�?DBusiness named her to its Detroit 500 list of influential business leaders and as a Top Lawyer in Securities Law. Additionally, she has been honored by Best Lawyers in America® and as a Michigan Super Lawyer for many years. Paullin-Hebden serves on the board of the Detroit Regional Chamber. A long-time resident of Farmington Hills, she holds an undergraduate degree from Alma College and her law degree cum laude from Wayne State University.

About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

# # #

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Member News Archives - Detroit Regional Chamber

Sabrina Cynova — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:56:43 +0000

Michigan State University has added several new faces to its MSU Mobility Advisory Council, including Alta eMobility’s Vice President Mike Bucci, Magna International’s Director of Research and Development Jim Quesenberry and Senior Director of Engineering for New Mobility Jake Dadd, as well as Michigan Department of Transportation Director Brad Wieferich and Chief Operating Officer Gregg Brunner. This marks the first time Alta, Magna and MDOT have had representation on the council. Beyond these new additions, who bring extensive transportation insights to the council, there are four other changes to the roster. From Ford Motor Company, Bob Holycross, vice president and chief sustainability, environment and safety officer, and Karl Siebertz, head of External Alliances, Europe, will replace Ford’s previous representative, Bill Frykman. Similarly, Phil Frederick, deputy chief scientist for the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center, who has succeeded Denise Rizzo at GVSC, will now be a member. Beth Silver, manager of Mobility Strategy and Marketing, Americas for Bosch, also will be joining as a second Bosch representative on the council. In total, the council includes 17 outside members representing 11 leading organizations spanning the automotive, technology, utility, defense and government sectors.

Established in April 2021, the MSU Mobility Advisory Council was created to help guide the university’s mobility work, with members assisting in identifying vital research projects, core problems that need to be addressed and key areas of focus. With last year’s hire of Judd Herzer as mobility director, who’s been leading MSU Mobility since July 2023, a large focus of the council now will center on sharpening the university’s vision for the future of mobility, deepening industry partnerships and continuing Spartans�?leadership in the state as the top producer of mobility engineering, software and executive talent.

“Our new leaders from Ford, Magna, MDOT, Alta, Bosch and the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center will be tremendous additions to this council as we look toward helping Michigan �?and the world �?realize the full potential of mobility,�?said Herzer, who is also a member of the council. “Gaining powerful insight from diverse perspectives represented by the council’s range of executives and companies is incredibly valuable and will help us enhance the way people and goods safely, efficiently and sustainably move across transportation sectors around the globe.�?/p> The council’s first meeting this year will take place March 18.

“MSU is a huge contributor to the mobility talent pool that makes up Michigan’s workforce after graduation, so we are thrilled to become members of the MSU Mobility Advisory Council and further support the talent and innovation coming out the university,�?said Wieferich. “We look forward to collaborating with this impressive group to offer our guidance and expertise related to infrastructure development, traffic and safety, and discussing the new era of mobility with other like-minded industry stakeholders.�?/p> Existing members of the council include:

Dan Garrison, senior managing director �?Detroit, Accenture
Clint Crook, vice president, STELLA Automotive AI
Paul Thomas, president of Mobility for the Americas, Bosch
Bethany Tabor, product manager of Commercial Electric Vehicles, and Jeff Myrom, director of Electric Transportation Customer Programs, Consumers Energy
David Gorsich, chief scientist, U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center
Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director, MICHauto and vice president of Automotive & Mobility Initiatives for the Detroit Regional Chamber
Frank Weith, director of Connected & Mobility Services and president of Ventic, LLC, of Volkswagen Group of America

Additional individuals may be invited to join the council in the future. # # # Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 165 years. One of the world’s leading public research universities, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better, safer, healthier world for all while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 400 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges. For MSU news on the web, go to MSUToday or twitter.com/MSUnews.

About MSU Mobility

MSU has transformed its 5,200-acre campus into a live, connected ecosystem to advance smart-vehicle technology and better understand the human element. With a range of urban, suburban, industrial and rural zones, featuring nearly 60 lane miles of roads, MSU Mobility’s controlled infrastructure and active campus make it ideal to test emerging technologies for new mobility solutions. Additionally, MSU offers a strong mobility talent pool, with more than 75% of engineering students remaining in the Midwest following graduation and nearly 60% being employed in Michigan.Learn more about the university’s ecosystem approach and Mobility at MSU.

The post MSU Mobility Adds Alta eMobility, Magna, MDOT Executives to Advisory Council appeared first on Detroit Regional Chamber.

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Sabrina Cynova — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:28:11 +0000

In a significant stride towards fostering diversity and empowering women in the technology sector, Vital Tech Solutions, an esteemed provider of technical consulting and workforce management solutions, proudly announces its recent recognition as a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). This prestigious designation, awarded by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s leader in women’s business certification, underscores the company’s commitment to excellence and diversity in the competitive tech landscape.

Under the visionary leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Stadler, Vital Tech Solutions has cemented its position as a trailblazer in the technology consulting field. Lisa, a dynamic entrepreneur and advocate for women in technology, has been instrumental in steering the company to new heights, emphasizing the importance of challenging norms and fostering an inclusive work environment. “Navigating the tech industry as a woman presents unique challenges, but it also propels me to continually push the boundaries of what is possible,” Lisa remarks. Her leadership not only reflects a dedication to innovation and quality but also a personal journey marked by resilience and determination. This certification is more than a milestone for Vital Tech Solutions; it is a testament to the company’s role in advancing the representation of women in technology—a sector often perceived as male-dominated. With this accolade, Vital Tech Solutions is poised to leverage the myriad benefits that WBENC certification offers, including heightened visibility, access to networking opportunities, and the ability to contribute more significantly to the dialogue around diversity in tech. Vital Tech Solutions has long been recognized for its exemplary service and solutions, catering to the diverse needs of Fortune 2000 companies across various industries such as automotive, banking, finance, insurance, healthcare, telecommunications, retail, and government. Lisa’s forward-thinking approach ensures that the company remains at the forefront of innovation, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of its clients while staying true to its core values of honesty, excellence, collaboration, and impact. Looking ahead, Lisa and her team are dedicated to leveraging this WBENC certification to further Vital Tech Solutions’ mission of delivering unparalleled technical consulting and workforce management solutions. By maintaining a focus on strategic growth, client engagement, and market expansion, Lisa is confident in the company’s ability to not only thrive but also to inspire and empower more women to pursue careers in technology. “We stand at the brink of an exciting future, committed more than ever to providing our clients with cutting-edge solutions and services,” Lisa concludes, eager to explore the new avenues and opportunities that WBENC certification brings.

About Vital Tech Solutions

Vital Tech Solutions is a leading provider of technology consulting and workforce management solutions, dedicated to delivering exceptional, cost-effective services to Fortune 2000 companies. With a comprehensive portfolio that includes enterprise application management, project management outsourcing, and human capital solutions, Vital Tech Solutions addresses the most pressing technology and organizational challenges faced by its clients, driving efficiency, innovation, and success.

Contact Information:
Doug Hart, Operations Director
Vital Tech Solutions
452 North Franklin Street, Suite B, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
info@vtechsolutions.com

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Member News Archives - Detroit Regional Chamber

Sabrina Cynova — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:03:35 +0000

DETROIT, Mich. �?Butzel, a pioneering Detroit-based law firm with a rich history of steering innovation since 1854, is growing again with the addition of eight attorneys and 12 staff members (administrators and paralegals) in Southwest Michigan. They are joining the firm from Kotz Sangster.

New Butzel attorneys include:

Niles Office

Mowitt (Mitt) S. Drew III (shareholder), Kelly L. Travis (shareholder), and John R. Colip (shareholder)

South Haven

Andrew W. Barnes (shareholder) and Jordan D. Florian (associate)

St. Joseph

Amber D. Peters (shareholder), Matthew S. Derby (shareholder) and William M. Engeln (Counsel).

“Butzel’s clients are across the whole state and they’re growing. We need to be where they are and we need first-rate attorneys to be accessible to those clients,�?said Paul M. Mersino, President and CEO, Butzel. “After adding Grand Rapids a little more than a year ago, these three offices and their attorneys are a natural fit. Mitt and his team are outstanding attorneys and people who fit our culture. They personify the excellence we’re looking for in this time of growth and share our commitment to excellent client service above all else. We are pleased to add them to the Butzel team.�?/p>

“We have had the privilege of serving Southwest Michigan for the past three decades,�?said Mowitt (Mitt) S. Drew. “Butzel now has a presence from coast to coast in Michigan and we are proud to be part of that expansion.�?/p>

Mowitt (Mitt) S. Drew III

Drew has been practicing law for 25 years and focuses his practice on business litigation including agri-business/food processing, commercial and contract, estate planning, family law, family litigation, probate and trust administration, real estate land use and zoning as well as real property sales and acquisitions. He earned a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1999 and a B.G.S. from the University of Michigan in 1996.

Kelly L. Travis

Travis�?practice is focused on general litigation. She is a former Assistant Prosecutor in Berrien County. Her practice areas include asset protection planning, commercial and contract, estate planning, family law, family litigation, family wealth transfer planning, probate and trust administration, real estate, land use and zoning and wealth transfer planning. She earned a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1996 and a B.S. from Indiana University, Kelly School of Law in 1992.

John R. Colip

For more than 40 years, Colip’s practice has been focused on asset protection planning, corporate and business planning services, estate planning, family law, probate and trust administration, real property sales and acquisitions. He earned a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1975 and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1972.

Andrew W. Barnes

His real estate practice is focused on agri-business/food processing, appellate, asset protection planning, claim litigation/arbitration, commercial contracts, commercial property leasing, real estate financing, real estate property, sales and acquisitions, to name a few. Barnes earned a J.D. (magna cum laude) from Michigan State University College of Law in 2006 and a B.A. (magna cum laude) from Western Michigan University in 2003.

Jordan D. Florian

Florian’s litigation practice areas include a focus on commercial contracts, environmental, environmental law for real estate, real property sales and acquisitions, to name a few. Florian earned a J.D. (cum laude) from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2017 and a B.S. from Louisiana State University, Natural Resources Ecology Management �?Westland Science in 2014.

Amber D. Peters

Her litigation practice includes a focus on estate planning, family estate planning, family law, family litigation as well as probate and trust administration. Peters earned a J.D. from Wayne State University School of Law in 2014 and a B.A. (cum laude) from Bethel College in 2010.

Matthew S. Derby

His labor and employment practice includes a focus on investigation of employee misconduct, promotions/demotions, ERISA withdrawal liability, employment service agreements, to name a few. Derby earned a J.D. from Wayne State University School of Law in 1987 and a B.A. (with distinction) from the University of Michigan in 1982.

William M. Engeln

Engeln’s corporate practice includes bank financing for businesses, commercial contracts, contract drafting and negotiation, corporate and business planning services, corporate finance, corporate governance, estate planning, mergers and acquisitions, probate and trust administration, real property sales and acquisitions and succession planning for business owners. He earned a J.D. (cum laude) from Northwestern University School of Law in 1980 and a B.A. (summa cum laude) from Washington State University in 1970.

About Butzel

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Sabrina Cynova — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:26:43 +0000

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (MARCH 8, 2024) �?Investment scams, including those involving cryptocurrency, are now the riskiest scam type for consumers in the United States and Canada, according to the Better Business Bureau. More than 80% of people who were targeted by this scam type reported to BBB Scam TrackerSM that they lost money. It also had the second highest median dollar loss at $3,800.

“Investment and cryptocurrency scams had a significant impact in 2023, particularly for people 45 and older,�?said Melissa Lanning Trumpower, executive director of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, which produced the 2023 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. “People should always beware of opportunities that sound too good to be true. No investment opportunity will come with zero risk.�?/p> Investment scams take many forms, including pressure to purchase, trade, or store digital assets (cryptocurrency) with fraudulent exchanges. Investment and cryptocurrency scams both appeared on the list of ten riskiest scams in 2023. This year, the two were combined because most cryptocurrency scams involved some sort of investment opportunity. Employment scam reports remained the second riskiest scam type in 2023. Reports increased 54.2% from the year before. Employment scams had a median dollar loss of $1,995, significantly higher than the overall median dollar loss of $100 reported for all scam types. Online purchase (shopping) scams dropped from the riskiest scam type for U.S. and Canadian consumers for the first time since 2019, landing at number three on the list. This year, 41.9% of scams submitted to BBB Scam Tracker were online purchase scams, and 82.6% reported losing money.

“Seeing online purchase scams drop from the riskiest scam type, down the number three spot offers a glimmer of hope that our efforts to educate the public are working,�?said Melanie Duquesnel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. “Many people are familiar with our efforts to address consumers complaints, but we also are constantly out in the community conducting speaking engagements and sharing warnings to try helping people learn how to avoid being scammed in the first place.�?/p> Key findings of the 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report include:

In general, scams perpetrated online continued to grow, making up 68.4% of all reports. More concerning, online scams were more likely to result in a reported monetary loss than scams perpetrated in person or via phone.
Overall reported susceptibility (the percentage of reports with a monetary loss) rose 27.8% from 2022 to 2023. Overall reported median dollar loss fell 41.5%.
For the second year in a row, people ages 18-24 reported the highest median dollar loss of all age groups ($155).
The percentage of people who reported engaging with a scammer via social media rose 63.8% from 2022 to 2023.
Credit cards remained the most reported payment method with a monetary loss, followed by bank account debit and online payment system. Reports of bank account debit with a monetary loss increased 66.4%.
Employment scams were No. 1 riskiest for ages 18-44. Investment/cryptocurrency scams were No. 1 riskiest for ages 45+.

According to our survey research, people between the ages of 18 and 44 named anxiety/stress as the number one emotion they felt after being targeted by a scam, while people 45+ cited anger as the number one emotion. The five most impersonated organizations reported to BBB Scam Tracker in 2023:

U.S. Postal Service
Amazon
Publishers Clearing House
Geek Squad
Norton

A list of the top 20 is provided in the report.

For more highlights from the 2023 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, visit BBBMarketplaceTrust.org/RiskReport.

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

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ABOUT BBB
The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2023, people turned to BBB more than 218 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.3 million businesses, and 80,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at BBB.org. Local, independent BBBs provide services free to the public, and can be found across the United States and Canada, including the BBB Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Visit BBB.org/Detroit or call (866) 788-5706 for more information.

ABOUT BBB RISK INDEX & BBB SCAM TRACKER RISK REPORT
To better understand which scam types pose the highest risk, BBB Institute assesses risk based on the BBB Risk Index: Exposure x Susceptibility (or likelihood of loss) x Monetary Loss. These three factors help us understand the impact of scams and who is most vulnerable. Each year, BBB Institute publishes its annual findings in the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. The report also includes survey research conducted with those who reported scams to BBB Scam Tracker. BBB Scam Tracker was voted the Best Scam Fighting Tool by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and ScamAdviser.com.

The post Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams Riskiest in 2023, According to New BBB Report appeared first on Detroit Regional Chamber.