The closed event will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The event will focus on discovering ways the Detroit administration and business community can work together to create more jobs, and ensure that local business leaders are aware of the administration programs and resources at their disposal. Those people invited to this event are the COOs, CEOs, and other leaders in the business community that have had a consistent, positive impact on metro-Detroit.  Powerlink is recognized as a flourishing Detroit-based company because it has consistently been growing its business and expanding its workforce year after year, putting more and more Detroiters to work each month.  The company has added 280 employees to its staff in the past year; 88 of which joined the Powerlink team in January 2012 alone.

Feedback from these sessions has directly impacted administration policy, as well as the President’s plan to create jobs. During the event, Rice will be given the opportunity to share his thoughts on how businesses and city leaders can help Detroit grow and thrive.

A Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. resident, Rice received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Walsh College. An active member of the community, Rice leads a summer entrepreneurial workshop for Kettering University AIM (Academically Interested Minorities) program, and is vice chairman of Winning Futures, a youth mentoring organization based in Southeast Michigan.

About Powerlink
Based in Detroit, Mich., Powerlink Facilities Management (Powerlink) is an ISO 9001-certified facilities management and maintenance services company whose professional staff follows industry standards for quality and process to help customers reduce costs, improve efficiency and experience the best in customer service at each Powerlink touch point.  For more information, please visit www.powerlinkonline.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Meghan O’Brien
248.258.2333
mobrien@identitypr.com

Appellate Law

Brian G. Shannon

Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law

Richard E. Kruger

Louis P. Rochkind

Jay L. Welford

Business Litigation

Peter M. Alter

Commercial Litigation

Peter M. Alter

R. Christopher Cataldo

Corporate Law

Lee B. Kellert

Criminal Defense – Non-White Collar

David Griem

Criminal Defense – White Collar

Christopher A. Andreoff

Employee Benefits Law

Deborah L. Baughman

Environmental Law

Eric A. Linden

Arthur H. Siegal

Family Law

Susan S. Lichterman

Julia A. Perkins

Immigation Law

Eli Maroko

Julianne Cassin Sharp

Information Technology Law

Jeremy D. Bisdorf

Lawrence R. Jordan

Michael S. Khoury

Intellectual Property Law

Lawrence R. Jordan

Mergers & Acquisitions Law

Joel M. Alam

Peter Sugar

Public Finance Law

Stephen G. Schafer

Real Estate Law

Brian S. Raznick

Mark D. Rubenfire

Richard A. Zussman

Securities Law

Mark L. Kowalsky

Peter Sugar

Tax Law

Robert E. Lewis

William E. Sider

Arthur A. Weiss

Trusts and Estates

Susan M. Sutton

Published annually, dbusiness’ Top Lawyers list is a comprehensive and diverse list of practicing attorneys as selected by their peers. This list reflects attorneys who have received the highest Peer Review Rating available from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, a database of over one million lawyers and law firms in more than 160 countries.

About Jaffe

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, Naples and Jerusalem offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

SUBSCRIBE
 Subscribe to Jaffe’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

“Once On This Island” is a one-act musical based on the book “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy.  Set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea (specifically Haiti), the play includes elements of “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Little Mermaid,” as it tells the story of the star-crossed love between a peasant girl and a wealthy boy.  The history of Haiti and its class struggles are explored while their love story is told.  The script and music were written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the same composers who collaborated on “Ragtime,” “Lucky Stiff” and “Suessical, The Musical.”

“Once On This Island” includes a cast of 30 Roeper middle school students performing in The Roeper Theatre Company’s first production of 2012.  Supported by their Director Ttari Hellmer, the students will be fundraising for Haiti at the show. All funds raised for charity will benefit the rebuilding of a performing arts school on the island.

“Once On This Island” will open on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the R. Dean Acheson Theatre on Roeper’s Birmingham campus, located at 1051 Oakland Ave. 7pm.  Additional performances will be held throughout the weekend on Friday, February 10th at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 7:00 p.m.

To reserve tickets, or for more information on The Roeper Theater Company’s production of “Once On This Island,” please call 248-203-7933 or email rtc@roeper.org.

Click here to view and download a photo of the cast of “Once on This Island”

About The Roeper School

Founded in 1941, The Roeper School is a uniquely personalized, coeducational school for gifted and talented children in preschool through grade 12 from over 60 communities in southeast Michigan. With campuses in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Roeper was conceived on founding principles that recognize the power of education, choice and self-expression, and the transformative impact these principles have on young minds. For more information, please visit www.roeper.org.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to Roeper’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACTS

Meghan O’Brien
248.258.2333
mobrien@identitypr.com

Lathrup Village, MI – (Feb. 3) – Disney Institute is bringing its renowned professional development program, Disney’s Approach to Quality Service, to Michigan First Credit Union in Lathrup Village on April 11. The full-day event will demonstrate how anticipating and reacting to customers’ needs, wants, and emotions is an integral aspect of delivering quality service and achieving business results.

“Delivering great service is critical for companies looking to survive and prosper,” said Jeff James, vice president for Disney Institute. “This program is a rare opportunity for Detroit area business professionals to go inside the Disney organization and learn innovative, easy-to-implement best practices that can give them the competitive edge.”

The full-day Disney’s Approach to Quality Service program will give participants an insider’s look at business practices that have helped Disney become respected for product and service quality. In 2010, Fortune magazine recognized Disney as the world’s most admired company for quality. Participants will learn how to exceed customer expectations using a well-defined service infrastructure, ongoing research and service standards.

“In an era where everyone is competing for business and market share, excellent customer service isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” James said. “This program is made for organizations – large and small – that are looking to create a service experience that exceeds customer expectations and drives repeat business.”

Program registration is $399 per person (or $349 for those who register before Feb. 29) and includes all course materials. For more information or to register, go to MichiganFirst.com/Disney_Institute.

About Michigan First

Founded in 1926 by a small group of Detroit teachers, Lathrup Village-based Michigan First Credit Union (www.MichiganFirst.com) has grown into a $600 million financial institution serving more than 84,000 individuals and local businesses in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. An industry leader in consumer-focused technology and dedicated customer service, the credit union is also significant supporter of local financial education and community organizations through the Michigan First Foundation, which donates $100,000 to more than 75 local nonprofits each year. For the latest news, and events, Follow Michigan First on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/MichiganFirstCU or “Like” Michigan First on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/MichiganFirstCreditUnion.

About Disney Institute

Disney Institute is the global professional training arm of The Walt Disney Company. One of the most recognized names in professional development, Disney Institute travels the world offering engaging seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as fully customized programming. Immersive learning experiences are also offered at Disney destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia, enabling participants to go behind the scenes and see firsthand how business theory drives operational excellence. The Disney Institute client roster includes Fortune 500 companies as well as a wide range of small businesses, non-profits and government agencies. To learn more, please visit www.disneyinstitute.com, www.facebook.com/disneyinstitute, www.twitter.com/disneyinstitute, or call 321-939-4600.

SUBSCRIBE
 Subscribe to Michigan First’s News Feed

Media Contact
Luke Capizzo
248.258.2333
lcapizzo@identitypr.com

Students interested in the scholarships, offered as part of the Young & Free Michigan program, can enter by submitting a 60 second video answering the question: ”What impact will your education have on where you will be in ten years?” Applicants are encouraged to get creative with the video process and share the contest within their social networks. Beyond first prize, the foundation will award scholarships of $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third place and an iPad 2 for the “People’s Choice” winner of online voting. Current college students and high school graduates ages 18-25 planning to attend college in the fall of 2012 can learn more at YoungFreeMichigan.com, where voters will choose the ten finalists for the top prizes.

“We began as a credit union for Detroit teachers, and we’ll never forget that heritage or diminish our deep commitment to education,” says foundation President Michael Poulos, who is also Michigan First’s president/CEO. “This year, we’ve created the foundation to leverage our commitment to metro Detroit and expand our reach. Adding the college scholarship contest gives more students the encouragement and support to continue with higher education, paying dividends for the strength of our communities and help build a better future for Michigan.”

The foundation will also continue Michigan First’s separate $1,000 high school scholarship program for the 11^th year. High school seniors can enter through their school counselors at participating schools, while college students and high school graduates can apply online through the Young & Free Michigan website. Only current members of Michigan First (and for high school students, those that attend participating schools in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties) are eligible, but non-members are encouraged to join.

About Michigan First Credit Union
Founded in 1926 by a small group of Detroit teachers, Lathrup Village-based Michigan First Credit Union (www.MichiganFirst.com) has grown into a $600 million financial institution serving more than 84,000 individuals and local businesses in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. An industry leader in consumer-focused technology and dedicated customer service, the credit union is also significant supporter of local financial education and community organizations through the Michigan First Foundation, which donates $100,000 to more than 75 local nonprofits each year. For the latest news, and events, Follow Michigan First on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/MichiganFirstCU or “Like” Michigan First on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/MichiganFirstCreditUnion.

About Young & Free Michigan
Young & Free Michigan, powered by Michigan First Credit Union, is an ongoing effort to give the 17-to-25 crowd a voice, a head start and useful information about their finances. Spokesperson Janelle O’Hara uses the site’s blog, videos and frequent community appearances to share insight into the best ways to handle financial issues and encourage young adults to take advantage of Michigan First’s First Gear accounts, tailored specifically to their needs. Learn more at www.YoungFreeMichigan.com.

SUBSCRIBE
 Subscribe to Michigan First’s News Feed

Media Contact
Luke Capizzo
248.258.2333
lcapizzo@identitypr.com

Winning Futures is an award winning nonprofit organization that provides school-based mentoring programs and workshops for teens in Southeast Michigan. More than 20,0000 students have been impacted and $1.5 million has been awarded in scholarships since the program was founded in 1994.

Mr. Parks also serves as a board member for Generation of Promise, a non-profit that was founded in 1987 to providing leadership skills to Detroit-Metro high school students with an emphasis on diversity awareness and problems associated with racial polarization.

Mr. Parks currently serves on the Board for the Oakland County Bar Association and is a Discovery Master and Case Evaluator for the Oakland County Circuit Court.

Mr. Parks earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson and is a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law.

To view and download a photo, click here.

About Jaffe

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, Naples and Jerusalem offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

SUBSCRIBE
 Subscribe to Jaffe’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

The Roeper School Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1985 and recognizes the outstanding athletic achievements and contributions of the alumni while they attended The Roeper School. Each current or prospective member has been a graduate of the school for at least four years; was recommended by a current or former coach, player or staff member; and has reached a level of significant athletic accomplishment.

This year’s inductees include:

• Alana Glass (’97), a past varsity basketball and track player, went on to play basketball at the University of Minnesota, where she was manager from 1997 to 1999 and named Student Athlete in 2000/2001. A Pontiac, Mich., resident, Glass is a lawyer and professional development coordinator at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is also a contributing writer for Sports & Money on Forbes.com
• Rev. Dr. Georgia Hill (’78) was past Athlete of the Year, captain of the school’s first girl’s varsity soccer team and leading scorer each year she played. A graduate of Harvard College, Howard University School of Law and McCormick Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Hill is currently a full-time minister in Detroit.  She also serves as the chair of the Detroit Literacy Council, is co-chair of Reading Works Alliance and a member of the Ethics Committee of Harper Hutzel Karmanos hospitals. Rev. Dr. Hill is an adjunct instructor at Wayne State University in the Africana Studies Department.
• Corray Lett (’02), a past varsity basketball player and award holder in track and swimming, currently lives in Macomb, Mich. and serves as a rehab technician at Troy Beaumont Hospital.  A graduate of Oakland University, Lett has been a basketball coach at The Roeper School since 2003.
• Steven James Scott (’74), past All-American football player and recipient of the George A. Roeper Scholarship, was a member of the school’s varsity football and basketball teams. Scott currently lives in Reston, Va. and is an investor services associate, ICMA-RC.

Click here to view and download a photo of this years inductees.

About The Roeper School

Founded in 1941, The Roeper School is a uniquely personalized, coeducational school for gifted and talented children in preschool through grade 12 from over 60 communities in southeast Michigan. With campuses in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Roeper was conceived on founding principles that recognize the power of education, choice and self-expression, and the transformative impact these principles have on young minds. For more information, please visit www.roeper.org.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to Roeper’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACTS

Meghan O’Brien
248.258.2333
mobrien@identitypr.com

Higgs has also been elected to Fellow with RICS, reserved for those “individuals who meet the most rigorous education, experience and ethical requirements, are leaders in their field who have completed unique projects, and have demonstrated service to the profession,” according to Neil Shah, managing director of RICS Americas. According to Shah, “The election to Fellow in RICS is confirmation of considerable professional experience, professionalism and ethical practice. A RICS designation is a badge of achievement in design and architecture and those who carry it are expected to show a commitment to the RICS code of ethics and serving public interest.”

RICS offers Eminent Professional status to an elite group of real estate professionals who “represent the forefront of the property profession,” Shah said. Eminents play prominent roles within the organization, such as serving as role models for young professionals, as speakers at high-profile events, and as leaders in governing and representing RICS.

As DDG’s newly appointed Chairman Emeritus, Higgs has more than 30 years experience in the design and execution of retail, entertainment, hospitality, office, residential and mixed-use projects of every imaginable scale in all corners of the globe. He continues to have a strong hands-on influence on the firm’s work. The many projects that bear his imprint include the ICSC International Design Award winner for renovation, Menlyn Park in South Africa; the plan for the new capital of Turkmenistan; Istinye Park in Istanbul, Turkey; Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio; LoureShopping in Lisbon, Portugal; and National Harbor in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

Under his guidance, DDG has earned over 100 design awards, including many International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) awards for Innovative Design and/or Renovation.

With approximately 100,000 qualified members and over 50,000 students and trainees in nearly 140 countries, RICS provides the world’s leading professional qualification in land, property, construction and the associated environmental issues. An independent organization, RICS acts in the public interest, setting and regulating the highest standards of competence and integrity among members and providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues for business, society and governments worldwide.

About DDG

Development Design Group Inc. is a leading international architecture, planning, graphics and design firm with a history of creating high-profile, high-quality environments around the world. The company’s vast portfolio includes exciting new mixed use and retail destinations; first-class hotel, leisure, and resort facilities; unique office and residential designs; offering a range of elements and activities. For more information, please visit www.ddg-usa.com.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to DDG’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACT
Tom Nixon
tnixon@identitypr.com
Identity
PH: 248.258.2333
Twitter: @tnixon16

In his new role, Lassig is responsible for the promotion and development of the company’s cloud and managed security services.

“Steve’s unique understanding of ‘as a service’ offerings and his ability to build strategic relationships will undoubtedly help us as the need for cloud services continues to increase,” said Barone. “Throughout the past year, CBI has experienced significant growth and Steve’s experience in business and product development make him an ideal choice to help expand our business in this category.”

With more than 26 years of experience in the IT industry, Lassig previously served as the vice president and COO of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Applied Security US, Inc. (US division of Applied Security GmbH), prior to joining CBI. While there, he also served as President and Co-founder of First Hour, Inc., a company established in partnership with Applied Security US as a business continuity and disaster recovery incident management system.

An active participant in several community initiatives, he currently serves on the Pediatric Family Advisory Council for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, as well as Parent Advisor for Special Education in the Kent County Intermediate School District. Lassig received his Bachelor of Arts degree in management information systems and business administration from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire in 1984.

Click here to view and download a photo of Steven Lassig

About CBI
Established in 1991, Creative Breakthroughs, Inc. (CBI), is an industry leader in information technology security, integration and management solutions. CBI provides products and services that help small companies to large enterprises secure and manage IT infrastructure. For more information on CBI, visit www.cbihome.com, or email help@cbihome.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Erin Sabo
248.258.2333
esabo@identitypr.com

ALS of Michigan is a voluntary not-for-profit organization, solely dedicated to the fight against ALS. It serves “pALS” (people with ALS) and their families in the state of Michigan through a variety of programs including patient education, support groups, respite care and equipment rental.

Mr. Welford is a partner and member of the Firm’s insolvency and reorganization practice group. He has specialized in the areas of bankruptcy, creditors’ rights and leasing law for nearly 30 years.

Recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as one of Michigan’s top attorney’s in bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights for six consecutive years, Mr. Welford is a member of the Detroit Bar Association and State Bar of Michigan Creditors Rights Committee.

He is a 1979 graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his law degree from Wayne State University in Detroit in 1982 .

To view and download a photo, click here.

About Jaffe

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, Naples and Jerusalem offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

SUBSCRIBE
 Subscribe to Jaffe’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

Mr. Bressack was selected by the Michigan Lawyers Weekly panel for making a significant impact on both his profession and within his community during his first 10 years of practice. “The attorneys on our list represent a diversity of practice sectors,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly publisher Don Stemmermann said, “but they have common characteristics, particularly fortitude, drive, and dedication to — and making a difference for — their profession.”

“I am very proud to be working with Darryl,” said Fink. “He is a talented litigator and he certainly deserves this honor.”

Mr. Bressack focuses his practice on commercial litigation, including individual and class actions and specializes in antitrust, securities fraud and consumer fraud.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. He has been listed as a Rising Star in Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine and is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan.

He is a resident of Huntington Woods.

To view and download a photo of Darryl Bressack, click here.

About Fink + Associates Law

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based Fink + Associates Law represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of complex commercial litigation and class action matters.  The firm’s areas of practice include business disputes, antitrust, consumer fraud, environmental law, intergovernmental disputes, securities fraud, shareholder derivative litigation, and construction contract matters. For more information, call 248.971.2500 or visit www.finkandassociateslaw.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mark Winter
248.258.2333
mwinter@identitypr.com

Hooper was honored among a selective spotlight on African American general managers of major hotels at the group’s 20^th annual awards ceremony on January 7, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“On behalf of First Hospitality Group, Inc., we take great pride in the accomplishments our general managers continue to achieve and we congratulate Michael on this outstanding recognition,” said Habeeb. “He demonstrates strong leadership and he is a perfect example of the character and drive necessary to become a powerful player in the hospitality industry today.”

Owned and operated by First Hospitality Group, Inc., the Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort is located on 260 acres in Bloomingdale, Ill., and features 308 oversized guestrooms, casual and elegant restaurants, 27 holes of championship golf, 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, an award-winning spa and more.

To view and download a photo of Michael Hooper

 About First Hospitality Group

First Hospitality Group Inc. has been involved in the development, ownership, and management of hotels since 1985. Currently, the First Hospitality Group, Inc. portfolio of over 52 hotels consists primarily of Hilton and Marriott affiliated assets. In addition, First Hospitality Group, Inc. has ownership interests and manages hotels affiliated with InterContinental, Hyatt, and Carlson. For further information, visit www.fhginc.com.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to First Hospitality’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACT

Andrea Trapani
248.258.2333
atrapani@identitypr.com

“The current state of the housing market creates an excellent opportunity for metro Detroiters to get into the home of their dreams,” said Chris Maynard, vice president of lending for Michigan First Credit Union. “Unfortunately the state of the financial industry may create a challenge for many consumers to get a mortgage. With the Turning Point Home Loan we are able to work closely with our members and simplify some of the requirements of conventional mortgages.”

Although 30-year fixed mortgage rates remain attractive, many financial institutions are increasing lending standards and inserting additional hurdles into the home loan process. As a result, some would-be borrowers will face higher rates, while others will be turned down altogether. The Turning Point Home Loan not only keeps rates consistent but it also helps eliminate many of the barriers to getting a loan. Details on the Turning Point home loan can be found at www.MichiganFirst.com/TurningPoint.

If you are considering looking for a new home, here are a few tips to help you be ready for the mortgage process.

1. Check your credit report: It is important to make sure that your credit report is up to date and correct. Your credit score will play a big role in the percentage rate and approval process for a loan.
2. Have a down payment: The days of zero down are gone. Take time to get your finances in order and save for a down payment before applying for a loan.
3. Income documentation: Loan applicants will also be required in most cases to provide document verification of their income and their assets.
4. Pay down debts: If you want to get a mortgage but have substantial debts, consider paying them down.
5. Wait: If you have recent delinquency on your credit report, maxed out lines of credit, or other blemishes on your credit report that can be taken care of, it is sometimes better to wait a few months and clean up your credit before applying for a mortgage. The better your score is, the better rate you will get and the better your chances will be for loan approval.

Because buying a home can be intimidating, Michigan First offers seminars throughout the year to help consumers better understand the process, including “Get a New Home Loan: It’s Not as Hard as You Think” from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the credit union’s main branch in Lathrup Village. Visit www.michiganfirst.com/seminars for the full schedule of upcoming seminars on a variety of financial topics.

In addition to home loans, Michigan First also works with members for auto loans, student loans, credit cards and personal loans.

“Michigan First continues to be strong and stable with money to lend, unlike many financial institutions that have been dramatically affected by the current state of the economy,” added Maynard. “We want to help metro Detroit residents take advantage of the housing market and get into the home they deserve.”

About Michigan First Credit Union

Based in Lathrup Village, Mich., Michigan First Credit Union is one of the leading technology-focused credit unions in metro Detroit. The rapidly growing, full-service financial institution serves more than 84,000 members and has more than $600 million in assets. Founded in 1926 as the Detroit Teachers Credit Union, Michigan First has since expanded to serve those who live, work or worship in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, as well as local businesses. Michigan First is committed to continuously investing in its members, the community, youth and financial literacy initiatives and providing members with the latest in banking technology and services. For more information, visit http://www.MichiganFirst.com.

To stay updated on news, events and more, follow Michigan First on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/MichiganFirstCU or “Like” Michigan First on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/MichiganFirstCreditUnion.

MEDIA CONTACT
Luke Capizzo
248.258.2333
lcapizzo@identitypr.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., January 9, 2012 — On Monday, January 16, 2012, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based The Roeper School (Roeper), a co-educational day school for gifted children, will gather community members together at 5:30 p.m. to honor and celebrate the ideals and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The annual event will gather the local community together to hear inspirational words, share a meal, enjoy entertainment and hear personal reflections on how MLK has impacted their lives. Roeper’s newly established diversity initiative with Pontiac High School will also launch immediately prior to the event.

The evening’s events, which are open to the public, are designed around the theme, “I WILL SPEAK OUT,” which stresses the importance of not remaining silent or inactive in the face of prejudice and injustice.  The activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Roeper Community Center located at 41190 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, with a meal consisting of a variety of homemade soups and bread. Following the meal, at 6:15 p.m., the ceremony will begin in which reflections will be shared regarding the life and accomplishments of Dr. King. Poems will be read, songs sung and student and other community member presentations made.  At approximately 7:15 p.m., candles will be distributed and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Walk will begin its procession from the Community Center to Roeper’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Domes, built in 1969 in his memory. The group will enter the large circular Big Dome, at which time attendees of all ages can share their reflections about this great man, his impact on their lives, the world today and the work that still needs to be done.

The event, which has been held annually for over 25 years, has consistently grown in attendance, with approximately 400 people participating in the event in 2011.  In an effort to expand on Roeper’s diversity initiatives, Roeper’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will also launch the school’s new partnership with Pontiac High School, which has been created to promote a greater understanding of other races between the two schools.  The program will kick-off with a discussion group at Roeper, consisting of six students from each school, in which the participants will discuss such issues as race, class, justice as well as Dr. King’s dream in today’s world.  The initiative will continue throughout the year with a variety of upcoming activities that will be shared between the schools and at each high school campus.

“This day and the opportunity to celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. means a great deal to our school,” said Roeper Interim Head of School Philip Deely.  “Roeper was established to insure education that supported diversity and respected human rights and we strive to promote that message every day.”

All attendees are encouraged to bring at least one nonperishable food item to donate to Roeper’s community food bank project with Gleaners lead by Stage III and IV students.

About The Roeper School

Founded in 1941, The Roeper School is a uniquely personalized, coeducational school for gifted and talented children in preschool through grade 12 from over 60 communities in southeast Michigan. With campuses in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Roeper was conceived on founding principles that recognize the power of education, choice and self-expression, and the transformative impact these principles have on young minds. For more information, please visit www.roeper.org.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to Roeper’s News Feed

MEDIA CONTACTS

Meghan O’Brien Edwards
248.258.2333
mobrienedwards@identitypr.com

The 2012 seminar schedule is as follows:

USFN New Bankruptcy Rules One-Day Seminar

January 24, 2012        Dallas, TX

This one-day workshop will review the changes and new forms and discuss areas that may cause concern, as well as review, any cases or rulings that may have occurred in the first two months under the new rules. Through sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences, attendees will come away with the relevant information and insight needed to succeed in today’s environment.

USFN Loan Management & Servicing Seminar

March 14-16                La Jolla, CA and 

June 6-8                      Austin, TX

These unique seminars offer two distinct and timely educational opportunities for 2012.  Each seminar is designed to respond to the evolving needs of the loan management and servicing industry and allows attendees to delve deeper into the topics affecting their business, such as bankruptcy, mediation and loss mitigation. USFN’s trademark and interactive format gives attendees the advantage of dialoguing with other leaders in the industry, while benefiting from the knowledge of learning how colleagues are handling today’s increasing challenges.

 USFN Legal Issues in Mortgage Servicing Seminar

July 12-13                   Chicago, IL

This interactive and educational event is geared towards in-house counsel and is designed to discuss current legal issues in the mortgage servicing industry and real estate finance.  The Annual Legal Issues in Mortgage Servicing Seminar facilitates open communication on the complex and potentially costly issues that in-house counsel deals with on a daily basis.

About USFN

USFN is a national not-for-profit association of select attorneys, trustee companies and associates providing comprehensive default services to the mortgage banking industry. Visit USFN’s website at www.usfn.com.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to USFN Feed

MEDIA CONTACT

Meghan O’Brien Edwards
248.258.2333
mobrienedwards@identitypr.com