Professional Highlights from the 517 Region

MSUFCU Gifts $5.5M to Michigan State University

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union announced a $5.5 million donation to Michigan State University that will advance three MSU arts programs over five years and bolster the university’s arts strategy.

The gift from MSUFCU includes $2.5 million for the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Endowment, which will fund two pilot programs: the Power Up arts residencies at the STEAMpower Project and the Power Up to Start-Up program. An additional $2 million will support the MSU Museum CoLab Studio, which evolved from the museum’s partnership with Science Gallery International. Another $1 million will support the College of Music’s MSUFCU DREAM Fund, or Detroit Regional Engagement and Access Music Fund.

“As MSUFCU celebrates 85 years of partnership with MSU, we’re proud of all we have accomplished together on behalf of campus and community,” said MSUFCU President and CEO April Clobes.

Direct Primary Care Practice Opens in Okemos

Dr. Amy Blaising Wallace announced the opening of her new Lansing-area practice, Healthy Values Direct Primary Care, in temporary office space at 2289 Sower Blvd., Suite B, in Okemos. The location is the current office of Dr. Adriana Raus of Family Doc Direct. Healthy Values will move into its own office space in East Lansing in early 2023.

Healthy Values DPC adds to the growing direct primary care movement in the mid-Michigan area. Direct primary care practices generally do not bill insurance for patient visits, but rather charge a monthly membership fee that covers all visits and contacts for patients with their physician. The model cuts out the administrative burdens of billing insurance on the physician side, which allows for more one-on-one time available for patient care.

Le Promoted at Martin Commercial Properties

Martin Commercial Properties announced that Samantha Le has transitioned from marketing and communications manager to the brokerage retail team. Le brings more than five years of retail brokerage experience and is partnering with fellow retail associate Carson Patten to address commercial real estate needs for business owners and landlords.

“I am ecstatic to remain with Martin in this new role” Le said. “I believe I can make an impact on my community and continue my mission to foster economic development in mid-Michigan, making it a thriving region for new business.”

Sports Authority Welcomes New Sports Coordinator

The Greater Lansing Sports Authority has hired Aaron Lomax as sports coordinator.

As part of the GLSA team, he will be responsible for administrative support, creating client presentations, helping draft proposals for local hotels and sport facilities, managing the client database, and other administrative tasks.

“Aaron’s passion for Greater Lansing and his impressive work experience will make him a great asset to the team,” said Mike Price, executive director for the GLSA.

Lansing Chamber Promotes Executives

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce promoted several executives as a result of a new organizational structure to better serve the needs of chamber membership and the region.

Michelle Rahl has been named vice president of membership and marketing.

Marcy Rzepka and Daniel Rials have been promoted to senior member relations managers, where they will provide strategic sales solutions in new business development, business retention and non-dues revenue.

Mandy Schmitz has been named director of administrative operations.

Nugent Joins Comerica Bank

Comerica Bank announced the recent addition of Chris Nugent as commercial relationship manager for the Greater Lansing region. Nugent is located at 101 N. Washington Square in downtown Lansing. A native of Lansing and a Michigan State University graduate, Nugent has more than 30 years of commercial banking experience and community involvement.

Organizations Honored at Regional Growth Awards

Five organizations were honored for their commitment to the Lansing region at the 17th annual Celebration of Regional Growth Awards at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing.

This year’s CORG honorees included Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan, Ferguson Development, McKesson, Moneyball Sportswear and TechSmith. All five organizations were recognized for investments that are making a transformational impact in the community.

“This year’s group of CORG recipients reflect the wonderful diversity of our economic base in the Greater Lansing region,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “They are not only creating millions of dollars in new investment and jobs, they are literally helping transform our region and our quality of life.”

GLCVB Welcomes New Marketing Staff

The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau hired two new marketing team members, Emily Hedglen, graphic design manager, and Adrienne Cooley, social media and communications manager.

Hedglen previously was a marketing intern at the organization.

Cooley brings more than five years of public relations agency experience to the marketing team.

“Emily and Adrienne bring new energy and experience to the marcom department,” said Tracy Padot, vice president of marketing communications. “I’m eager to incorporate their fresh insights and skills to help produce amazing materials to promote the region.”

Brown Joins Warner for Government Advocacy and Affairs

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP welcomed lobbyist and consultant Berton “Bert” Brown to the firm.

In his new role with the government advocacy and affairs practice, Brown will help connect public interest groups, associations, corporations, nonprofits and others with legislators and resources to turn ideas into action. Brown is based in Lansing and will support Warner clients throughout the firm’s footprint.

Prior to joining Warner, Brown was the principal and owner of Brown Consulting Group, a full-service bipartisan firm focused on state government relations, public affairs, medical marijuana consulting and strategic communications.

Origami Rehabilitation Makes Updates

Origami Rehabilitation announced several recent developments at the business.

Michael Hagen was promoted from care coordinator supervisor to outpatient program manager. Hagen has been a member of the Origami team since 2002.

Corine Nowak joined the Origami team as the quality assurance manager. Nowak earned her master’s degree in health care administration from Ferris State University and is a certified project management professional.

Origami Rehabilitation hosted its Unfolding Potential Breakfast in October at the Kellogg Center. Three hundred attendees, including Michigan State University men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, attended. Funds raised went toward helping those Origami serves to maximize their recovery and restore their health, ability and independence.