Professional Highlights from the 517 Region – June/July 2023
MSUFCU Opens Detroit Branch
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union opened a new full-service branch in downtown Detroit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in April. The new branch is at 243 W. Congress St., at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Congress Street in the historic Marquette Building, and it includes a community room for use by nonprofit organizations and other community partners. It is the credit union’s 23rd branch.
“The goal with this new branch is twofold: to provide existing members with the quality financial services they know and trust in another convenient location, and also to connect with Detroit residents and welcome them as new members,” said April Clobes, president and CEO of MSUFCU.
During the grand-opening event, check presentations were made to support the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Apple Developer Academy, Crescendo Detroit and The Carr Center.
U-Haul Opens Location in Lansing
U-Haul recently acquired the former U-Stor-It self-storage facility at 3625 W. Saint Joseph St. in Lansing to better meet the needs of local residents.
U-Haul began operations Feb. 6 and offers self-storage with extended-hours access. The 2.5-acre property houses 385 drive-up storage units.
“This location serves as an expansion of our existing Waverly Road facility,” said Reid Beffrey, U-Haul Co. of Central Michigan president. “Saving our customers time and money by providing more convenient, clean and secure self-storage options is a priority. There is growing demand for U-Haul self-storage in Lansing, and we’re listening to our customers.”
Ele’s Place Announces New Community Board Members
Ele’s Place Capital Region announced the appointment of two new community board members — Travis Stoliker, co- owner of Saddleback BBQ and Slice by Saddleback, and Gayle Fisher, owner of Auto-Owners Insurance.
“At 41, the sudden loss of three loved ones left me deeply depressed. If, as an adult, I felt such pain, I can’t fathom a child’s anguish when losing a parent. Ele’s Place, ensuring no child grieves alone, struck a chord with me, and I knew I needed to support this vital community resource,” said Stoliker.
Fisher is stepping in to fulfill the position of Denise Williams, who has served Ele’s Place for six consecutive years.
“I’ve seen children go through some really tough times after the death of a loved one. Seeing firsthand the positive impact Ele’s Place has on so many children and families inspired me to be a part of this amazing organization. The services the Ele’s Place team provides are life-changing,” said Fisher.
Financial Technology Inc. Named to List of Top Adviser Teams
Financial Technology Inc. has been named to the National Association of Plan Advisors’ list of the nation’s top defined contribution adviser teams with assets under advisement over $100 million. This represents the sixth consecutive year of recognition for the East Lansing- based firm.
Established in 1980, Financial Technology provides comprehensive retirement plan services including investment management and research, recordkeeping and plan administration.
“We are proud to have been recognized once again by the National Association of Plan Advisors for our efforts and for helping hundreds of plan participants secure a better retirement,” said C. Richard Herrold, chairman of Financial Technology.
Triterra Expands Team
Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, announced the addition of three new staff members and two interns to its team.
Brooke Ellsworth joined Triterra as an accounting specialist. Ellsworth brings extensive experience in accounting and finance, having previously worked in the finance and real estate industries.
Nick Porter has been hired as an environmental technician. Porter is a member of the technical services team. He will assist with multiple project types, including the Nick Porter installation and prove-out testing of vapor mitigation systems; soil excavation oversight; and soil, groundwater and soil gas sampling.
Brianna Hunsanger joined Triterra as an environmental scientist. Hunsanger has a strong background in environmental science, having earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Michigan State University.
In addition, Triterra has welcomed interns Jessica Meister and Casey Heath.
Triterra also hired Melissa Hunter as director of due diligence. She is located in the Kalamazoo area and will be overseeing projects statewide.
Lake Trust Donates to Spartan Strong Fund
Lake Trust Credit Union, a community-based credit union serving nearly 200,000 members and businesses throughout Michigan, and the Lake Trust Foundation, an independent entity of Lake Trust, have donated a combined $25,000 to Michigan State University’s Spartan Strong Fund. The contribution includes funds donated by Lake Trust team members as well as those generated by Lake Trust member support and a separate donation from the foundation.
“The tragedy that occurred at Michigan State University in February left many Michiganders devastated for those impacted, and our team and Lake Trust members were actively seeking a way to help,” said Lake Trust President and CEO David Snodgrass. “We hope this donation will go a long way in providing support to the students, staff and community members as they continue the journey of healing from the violence that occurred on campus.”
Baxmeyer Retires from Wightman
Wightman, a multidisciplinary consulting firm, announced the retirement of its first senior planner, Carl Baxmeyer, after 40 years in the field.
Baxmeyer joined Wightman in 2016, serving the architecture team in urban and community planning. Prior to joining Wightman, he was a principal and solutions group director at Fanning Howey from 1997 to 2016 and had previously owned and operated his own planning consulting firm.
Throughout his career, Baxmeyer played a critical role in helping communities across the United States develop municipal and private sector master planning projects and in aiding education clients with multimillion-dollar bond applications, facility and asset management assessments, and demographic studies and projections.
