Professional Highlights from the 517 Region – October 2023
Petersmark Elected Chair of the MAB Board of Directors
Debbie Petersmark, vice president and general manager for Gray Television’s WILX-TV 10, was elected chair of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters board of directors during the organization’s annual business meeting in August. Petersmark is the 78th chair of the MAB.
“Debbie has been a strong voice as a part of our MAB board executive committee for years, and we are fortunate to now have her leading the board,” said MAB President and CEO Sam Klemet.
“Her commitment to advocating on behalf of the entire industry and vision of the future will help move the MAB and future of broadcast media forward.”
MSUFCU Launches Culture of Finances
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union launched a new financial education initiative called the Culture of Finances. The program, led by MSUFCU financial educators, aims to foster financial confidence and empowerment among both young people and adults alike, covering topics such as budgeting, understanding credit, debt management and effective financial goal-setting.
The courses offer personalized financial education, address economic and social barriers, and present strategies to help adults and young people ages 13-17 overcome financial fears.
“For over a decade, our financial education department has been developing innovative ways to educate members of our community to help everyone reach their financial dreams. However, we asked ourselves, ‘How can we further this initiative by providing financial literacy to those who are underrepresented?’” said April Clobes, MSUFCU president and CEO.
Smith Named Chair of Veterans Coalition
Inetta Smith was recently elected chair of the Lansing Area Veterans Coalition.
She is the daughter of a World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, the mother of an active U.S. Army recruiter and the widow of a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.
Smith is currently the business development manager for NovaCare Rehabilitation in the central Michigan area. She has taken on the leadership role as the health care chair of the coalition. In her role as coalition chair, Smith’s goal is to grow the membership and create new ways to reach more veterans and their families in the counties served by the organization.
Lansing Center to Make $5M in Improvements
The Lansing Center, managed by the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority, has received a $5 million appropriation from the state of Michigan to fund the first major round of capital improvements to the facility in more than 15 years.
“The Lansing Center is an asset to our region attracting visitors and conference-goers from all over. Our city has experienced tremendous growth since this center was built in 1987,” said Scott Keith, president and CEO of LEPFA. “It is time to reflect that growth and vibrancy by bringing a new, modern look; improved energy-efficient lighting; and innovative security upgrades to it.”
Improvements slated to begin include safety and security upgrades and enhancements, roof and building envelope repairs, energy- and building-efficiency as well as technology upgrades, new building marquees, flooring and furnishings, restroom improvements, elevator upgrades, and new food service options.
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