Limited Tickets Released for Draft Eve in the D Party at Shinola Hotel

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April 5, 2024

This photo, captured in February 2024, shows an aerial view of the BlueOval City complex. Courtesy Walbridge.

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company said it is retiming the launch of upcoming electric vehicles at its Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant while continuing to build out an advanced industrial system to produce its next-generation electric vehicles, including greenfield construction and conversion of existing assembly plants.

The company continues to invest in a broad set of EV programs as it works to build a full EV line-up. These initiatives support the development of a differentiated and profitably growing EV business over time while Ford serves customers with the right mix of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles based on demand today.

In parallel, Ford is expanding its hybrid electric vehicle offerings. By the end of the decade, the company expects to offer hybrid powertrains across its entire Ford Blue lineup in North America. In the first quarter of 2024, Ford’s electric vehicle sales increased by 86% and hybrid sales rose 42% versus a year ago.

“As the No. 2 EV brand in the U.S. for the past two years, we are committed to scaling a profitable EV business, using capital wisely and bringing to market the right gas, hybrid and fully electric vehicles at the right time,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Our breakthrough, next-generation EVs will be new from the ground up and fully software enabled, with ever-improving digital experiences and a multitude of potential services.”

Assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario
The transformation of Oakville Assembly Plant – a comprehensive overhaul of the plant from a gas vehicle assembly plant into an EV manufacturing complex – is set to begin in the second quarter, as planned.

Preparations continue for the market launch of Ford’s all-new three-row electric vehicles at the assembly complex in Oakville, Ontario, which the company said it will re-time to 2027 from 2025. The additional time will allow for the consumer market for three-row EVs to further develop and enable Ford to take advantage of emerging battery technology, with the goal to provide customers increased durability and better value.

“We value our Canadian teammates and appreciate that this delay will have an impact on this excellent team,” Farley said. “We are fully committed to manufacturing in Canada and believe this decision will help us build a profitably growing business for the long term.”

The company will work with Unifor to mitigate the impact the launch delay will have on its workforce at Oakville.

“We are committed to taking care of our valued Oakville employees through this transition,” said Bev Goodman, president and CEO, Ford Canada. “While this change requires a revision to the timeline, it will support a viable and growing future for our company, employees and dealers.”

BlueOval City
The creation of the BlueOval City campus – Ford’s new advanced auto production complex that includes the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center assembly plant – is progressing on track. In addition to paint shop and vehicle assembly equipment, installation is also underway for nearly 4,000 tons of stamping equipment that will produce the sheet metal stampings for Ford’s next all-new electric truck.

Ford plans to begin customer deliveries of the new truck in 2026 and gradually ramp up production to help assure quality. The Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center will be Ford’s first Industry 4.0 plant, combining automation and connectivity to help elevate quality and efficiency.

Prospective employees can meet with Ford representatives at the new Ford Tennessee Discovery Center in Brownsville, Tenn., once it opens. The plant’s management team brings together strong leaders from around the world, including Ford veterans and talent from Tesla, Amazon, Meta, Toyota, FedEx and more. Community members also will be welcome to experience advanced manufacturing through virtual reality simulations at the Discovery Center.

Ohio Assembly Plant
Additionally, Ford continues its expansion of Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake to produce an all-new electric commercial vehicle for Ford Pro customers beginning mid-decade.

Half of the structural steel is erected on the site, interior slabs are being poured, concrete walls are going up and masonry is beginning on interior walls. Ford expects to begin tool installation at Ohio Assembly Plant in spring 2025.

Employees at the plant, like at other Ford manufacturing facilities, will use wearable technology to support high-quality and efficient manufacturing.

Future EVs
Design work continues on Ford’s future-generation EVs. A skunkworks team in California is developing a smaller, low-cost, profitable, flexible EV platform capable of underpinning multiple vehicles at high volumes. Alan Clarke leads the growing team, which includes personnel from Auto Motive Power (AMP) following Ford’s acquisition of the EV energy management startup in late 2023.

In the meantime, construction is progressing at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, in Marshall, Mich., and at the BlueOval SK joint venture battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky.

GM: Retail Sales Off to ‘Fast Start’

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April 5, 2024

DETROIT — General Motors Co. and its dealers increased retail sales by 6% year-over-year and delivered 594,233 vehicles in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2024, down 1.5% year-over-year due to lower fleet deliveries. GM continued its industry leadership in full-size pickup, full-size SUV and affordable small SUV sales, and its scaling of Ultium Platform EV production is on track.

“Our brands are all performing well,” said Marissa West, GM senior vice president and president, North America. “GM gained retail market share year-over-year with strong mix and pricing, our inventories are in good shape heading into the spring, and production and deliveries of Ultium Platform EVs are rising, led by the Cadillac LYRIQ. We’re on plan.”

Full figures can be found here.

UPS to Provide Primary Air Cargo for USPS

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April 5, 2024

UPS announced the company has been awarded a significant air cargo contract by the United States Postal Service. This award is effective immediately and greatly expands the existing relationship between the two organizations.

Following a transition period, UPS will become the USPS’s primary air cargo provider and move the majority of USPS air cargo in the US.

“Together UPS and USPS have developed an innovative solution that is mutually beneficial and complements our unique, reliable and efficient integrated network,” UPS Chief Executive Officer Carol B. Tomé said in a press release posted to the UPS website.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

USPS’s current air cargo contract with FedEx Corp. is set to expire in late September, according to The Associated Press. The agency said in a statement that its contract with UPS will be for a minimum of five-and-a-half years.

FedEx said in a regulatory filing that it wasn’t able to reach an agreement on mutually beneficial terms to extend its contract with USPS, the AP reported. The company said that negotiations ended on Friday, after extensive talks.

FedEx Express will continue to provide air transportation services domestically and to Puerto Rico until the contract expires on Sept. 29. UPS’s contract with USPS takes effect the next day.

Unemployment Claims Take a Modest Jump

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April 5, 2024

It’s a high-low situation in the U.S. job market.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment assistance rose last week. However, layoffs remain at historically low levels as the labor market continues to chug along despite elevated interest rates.

According to statistics released by the Labor Department Thursday, filings for unemployment claims for the week ending March 30 climbed to 221,000 from the previous week’s 212,000. That’s an increase of some 9,000 claims.

The four-week average of claims also rose, though more modestly, climbing to 214,250. That’s an increase of 2,750 from the previous week.

A total of some 1.79 million Americans were collecting jobless benefits during the week ending March 23, the Associated Press reported, a decline of 19,000 from the previous week.

Weekly unemployment claims have remained at historically low levels since the pandemic purge of millions of jobs in the spring of 2020, the AP said.

U.S. Job Openings Remain Historically High

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April 5, 2024

Anyone wondering whether the U.S. job market is still strong may have gotten their answer this week.

U.S. job openings barely moved in February and remain historically high. The Labor Department said Tuesday employers posted 8.76 million job vacancies in February.

That’s a modest increase from January, and about what economists had forecast, the Associated Press reported.

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS, showed that layoffs ticked up to 1.7 million in February from 1.6 million in January, the AP said. That’s the highest since March 2023.

The number of Americans quitting their jobs – a sign of confidence they can find better pay or working conditions elsewhere – rose modestly to 3.5 million.

Monthly job openings are down from a peak of 12.2 million in March 2022 but are still at a high level. Before 2021, they’d never topped 8 million.

Although the unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in February, it’s come in below 4% for 25 straight months, longest such streak since the 1960s.

At the same time, the higher rates have brought inflation down. In February, consumer prices were up 3.2% from a year earlier — down from a four-decade high year-over-year peak of 9.1% in June 2022, according to the AP.

The combination of easing inflation and sturdy job growth has raised hopes the Fed is cooling inflation without causing a recession. The Fed stopped raising rates last July and has signaled that it plans to reverse course and cut rates three times in 2024.

“Job openings are still elevated relative to pre-pandemic readings, signaling still-strong demand for workers,’’ Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, told the AP. “A strong labor market backdrop coupled with inflation receding but remaining above target supports the (Fed’s) current patient stance on future policy decisions.’’

Compared to layoffs, the steady drop in job openings is a painless way to cool a labor market that has been red hot, easing upward pressure on wages that can lead to higher prices.

Hiring likely remained healthy last month. The AP reported that economists expect the March jobs report to show that employers added nearly 193,000 jobs and that the unemployment dipped to 3.8%, according to a survey of forecasters by the data firm FactSet.

California Enacts $20 Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers

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April 5, 2024

A $20 minimum wage for most fast food workers in California went into effect Monday under a new law designed to give more financial security to an historically low-paying profession.

Critics say the law threatens to raise prices in a state already known for its high cost of living.

Democrats in the state Legislature passed the law last year in part as an acknowledgement that many of the more than 500,000 people who work in fast food restaurants are not teenagers earning some spending money, but adults working to support their families, the Associated Press reported.

The law was supported by the trade association representing fast food franchise owners. But since it passed, many franchise owners have complained about the impact the law is having on them, especially during California’s slowing economy, the AP reported.

California has doubled its minimum wage for most workers to $16 per hour over the last decade. A big concern over that time was whether the increase would cause some workers to lose their jobs as employers’ expenses increased.

Instead, data showed wages went up and employment did not fall, according to the report.

“I was surprised at how little, or how difficult it was to find disemployment effects. If anything, we find positive employment effects,” Michael Reich, a labor economics professor at the University of California-Berkeley. Told the AP.

The law applies to restaurants offering limited or no table service and which are part of a national chain with at least 60 establishments nationwide. Restaurants operating inside a grocery establishment are exempt, as are restaurants producing and selling bread as a stand-alone menu item.

GM’s Gerald Johnson Retires After 44 Years

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April 3, 2024

DETROIT – General Motors announced the retirement of its long-serving executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability, Gerald Johnson, after a distinguished 44-year tenure at the company.

Replacing him as the new executive vice president is Jens Peter (JP) Clausen, an industrial leader with vast expertise in global manufacturing, product engineering and scaling operations. GM also announced that Mike Abbott, executive vice president of Software and Services, will be stepping down due to health reasons.

Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO, said, “Gerald’s leadership, vision and relentless pursuit of excellence in manufacturing have left an indelible mark on GM. His impactful journey from joining the Fisher Body Plant in Euclid, Ohio, to his integral role in GM’s COVID-19 emergency response, is a testament to his unwavering commitment and dedication. We are immensely grateful for his over four decades of service and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.”

Johnson is esteemed for his instrumental role in bolstering GM’s manufacturing and labor relations. He was pivotal in effecting a major cultural transformation that underscored leadership, process discipline, continuous improvement and waste elimination. He is a widely respected leader who spent significant time on the shop floor and could often be heard saying, “Every day in a plant is a good day.” As a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, the generational impact Johnson leaves behind extends beyond our employees to our customers and communities as well.

Stepping in to lead Global Manufacturing and Sustainability at GM is JP Clausen, who brings a strong track record of manufacturing, innovation, and operational excellence. He spearheaded the rapid scaling of electric vehicle propulsion systems at Tesla’s Gigafactory 1 and played a crucial role in making EVs more accessible. His expertise also extends to biomanufacturing. At Zymergen, he automated gene manufacturing and fermentation technology to deliver sustainable materials.

He also led a financial turnaround at LEGO by simplifying the product and component portfolio, and at Google Data Centers, as vice president of Engineering, he drove groundbreaking technological innovation, product development, and process optimization.

Barra expressed her confidence in Clausen.

“JP’s unique expertise in global manufacturing innovation, engineering, and operations will accelerate our ability to deliver on our vision for GM with the highest quality vehicles for our customers,” Barra said. “We are excited to welcome him to the team and know that his contributions will be instrumental to our future.”

Mike Abbott will be leaving GM to care for his health. Since he arrived at GM last May, he has led significant advancements in the company’s approach to software design, development, execution and quality testing. Abbott also expanded the Software and Services leadership team by recruiting vice presidents with backgrounds from Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft.

“Mike’s contributions have been invaluable, and I look forward to him remaining part of the GM family as an advisor to me when his health permits. I also have the utmost trust in the strong bench of leaders in place. His recovery is the priority, and we wish him well,” said Barra.

Baris Cetinok, current vice president of Product in Software and Services, has been named the interim head of Software and Services while a search is conducted. Johnson will remain at GM through the end of the year and work in partnership with Clausen for a smooth transition.

State Appoints 1st Community Violence Intervention Chief

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April 3, 2024

LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Jennifer DeLaCruz as the director of the newly created Office of Community Violence Intervention Services.

“As a former prosecutor, protecting public safety is a top priority for me,” Whitmer said. “In this new role, (deLaCruz) will lead our statewide efforts to reduce gun violence and save lives. Jennifer’s extensive background in community violence prevention and proactive approach to building partnerships will let us create a safer Michigan where every Michigander can thrive.”

This office was created through an investment in Whitmer’s 2024 budget and is designed to partner with community-based organizations working to reduce violent incidents by providing grants and other resources to community violence prevention agencies. DeLaCruz will oversee a staff of four.

“Jennifer is passionate about preventing community violence and has extensive knowledge of intervention strategies designed to prevent violence and reduce its adverse outcomes,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “She has long-established partnerships with local, state and national community violence intervention leaders and practitioners, which will help our department work together with communities to develop and implement programs designed to make communities safer.”

DeLaCruz has been the state administrative manager in MDHHS’ Injury and Violence Prevention Section since 2015, serving as subject matter expert in overdose, suicide, sexual violence, and community violence intervention. Previously, she worked for Michigan State University’s School of Social Work, monitoring the educational progress of master’s level social work students, and as an MDHHS public health consultant, where she led diabetes and dementia policy and strategic planning through a contract with the Michigan Public Health Institute.

She holds a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University.

Corewell Names New President for Corewell Health East

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April 3, 2024

Corewell Health will welcome Lamont Yoder, RN, as the new president of Corewell Health East, effective May 6. He will report to the system’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, and will also serve as a member of Corewell Health President & CEO Tina Freese Decker’s senior leadership team.

Yoder joins Corewell Health from Banner Health in Arizona, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country, where he currently serves as division president of 13 of the system’s 30 hospitals.

“We were searching for a dynamic, proven health care leader to oversee our eight hospitals in the metro Detroit area,” Elmouchi said. “Lamont has more than 25 years of heath care leadership experience across the country. Throughout it all, he has maintained his nursing license and always put people first. We are excited for him to join our team.”

Prior to joining Banner Health, Yoder held many other leadership positions, including multiple chief nursing officer roles, at Vanguard Health Systems, Inc., and OhioHealth. He is also active in multiple state and national nurse executive organizations.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Corewell Health team. Throughout my career, I have always looked to our hard-working care teams at the frontline to teach me what they need to be successful. My priority will be to listen to and learn from the incredible physicians, nurses and clinical care teams,” Yoder said. “I was born in Ohio, and I’m excited to move back home to the Midwest.”

Farbman Promotes Jordan Valasek to VP, Director of Property Management

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April 3, 2024

SOUTHFIELD – Farbman Group, a Midwest full-service commercial real estate company, announced the promotion of Jordan Valasek to Vice President, Director of Property Management.

“Jordan’s exceptional leadership skills and unwavering dedication to our mission have been evident since he joined our team,” said Andy Farbman, CEO of Farbman Group. “It’s a privilege to recognize his contributions by entrusting him with the oversight of our property management department. We are confident that under his direction, we will continue to deliver the high standard of service our clients expect and deserve.”

In his new role, Valasek will be responsible for the daily operations of Farbman’s property management department, as well as direct supervision of all the property managers across the company’s Midwest portfolio. Valasek’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success and efficiency of the department, further enhancing Farbman Group’s reputation for superior property management services.

“I am honored to step into the role of director of property management at Farbman Group,” said Valasek. “I look forward to leading our talented team of property managers and building on our department’s successes. Together, we will continue to innovate and elevate the property management services we provide to our clients and tenants.”

Valasek’s promotion is a testament to Farbman Group’s commitment to nurturing talent from within and advancing the next generation of leadership. Jordan’s elevated role as director of property management signals a bright future for the company as it continues to grow and excel in the competitive real estate industry.

Butzel promotes Lori Thomas Simoncic to COO, Ed Przybylo Operations Director and Dana Burleigh Director of Human Resources

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April 3, 2024

DETROIT – Butzel, one of the leading law firms in Michigan, has chosen Lori Thomas Simoncic as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Butzel, founded in Detroit in 1854 and with offices located in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Troy and Southwest, Mich.; New York, NY; and, Washington, D.C., also named Edward M. Przybylo Director of Operations and Dana Burleigh Director of Human Resources.

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, Butzel officials said in a release.

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.

Simoncic earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a masters degree from Ball State University. She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA).

Edward M. Przybylo leads Butzel’s operations functions in 10 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.

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 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. Burleigh earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from Macomb Community College.

Duperon’s Mike Olvera Appointed to East Michigan DEC

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April 3, 2024

SAGINAW – Committed to both the water and manufacturing sectors, Duperon Corporation International Market Development Manager Michael Olvera has been elected to serve on the East Michigan District Export Council (DEC), a regional branch of the National Association of District Export Councils.

Olvera has been instrumental in leading the company’s international business since 2013, which saw 363 percent growth year-over-year in 2023. He was appointed by US Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and will serve a four-year term effective as of January 1, 2024.

“Joining the East Michigan DEC is truly a pinnacle of my career as a water industry professional,” said Olvera. “I have worked at Duperon for almost 20 years, dedicating myself to the critical role water plays in our daily lives. Our mission resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to how this new role will allow me to advocate for both our region, as well as our industry as a whole, making a difference for people, water and the planet.”

For the last decade, Duperon Corporation has prioritized expanding its international footprint, with projects now installed in South and Central American countries, such as Colombia and Mexico, all the way to Australia. As the company continues to address global water challenges, such as those pertaining to climate change and pollution, the company anticipates continued international acceleration, with 2024 projections exceeding $3 million.

“Treatment concerns here in Michigan are shared by communities around the world. By joining the East Michigan DEC, I am hopeful we will be able to help more people gain access to clean and safe water, sharing solutions from Duperon, as well as my neighbors and water industry colleagues.

The NADEC is a creation of the US government, registered as a non-profit organization that aims to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of exports to the domestic economy through education, legislative outreach and engagement initiatives. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the organization encompasses 60 DECS and is made up of business professionals with expertise in international business.

Gustafson Named New CEO at Illitch Sports + Entertainment

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March 25, 2024

Ryan Gustafson Named New CEO at Illitch Sports + Entertainment

Ryan Gustafson, who had been the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Illitch Sports + Entertainment, has been promoted to president and CEO.

Chris Illitch, CEO of Illitch Companies, made the announcement Monday.

In this elevated role, Gustafson will continue to lead business operations for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, and Fox Theatre, as well as the joint venture interest in 313 Presents. He also manages the business operations for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Tigers’ Single-A affiliate.

Gustafson had been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since March 2023, reporting to Chris Ilitch. According to a release posted to the company’s websitye, there are no immediate plans to announce a successor for his current Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer role. In his new role, Gustafson will have an opportunity to assess the needs of his leadership structure over the coming months.

“Ryan’s collaborative and inclusive leadership style, business and analytical acumen, and passion for enhancing the fan experience has resulted in incredible accomplishments in a short time,” said Ilitch. “I’m looking forward to his continued success as he leads Ilitch Sports + Entertainment into the future.”

Gustafson has played a significant role in the multi-year renovation and expansion of the home clubhouse at Comerica Park, as well as a new videoboard which now ranks as the largest in the American League and second largest in Major League Baseball.

He also had a key role in delivering significant upgrades to field lighting, outfield wall reconfiguration, and audio and video system enhancements throughout the ballpark.

Future projects for the Tigers he will be central to include planning and preparation for a new dormitory at the club’s Lakeland complex, and new a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.

He has remained steadfast in his commitment to leading from the front in leveraging the iconic power of professional sport to positively impact communities. The teams and their charitable foundations – the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Detroit Tigers Foundation, both affiliates of Ilitch Charities – continue to raise and invest vital resources in inclusive education, wellness, sport, culture, and community initiatives.

“Sports and live entertainment have a tremendous power to unify communities in hometowns and around the globe, and at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, we are proud to bring together some of the most iconic brands in sports and entertainment to fulfill our mission to amaze, inspire, and unite,” said Gustafson. “It has been an absolute honor to work alongside a phenomenal group of professionals who embody this mission every day, and I truly appreciate this opportunity and confidence placed in me to further lead this exceptional organization.”

Gustafson currently serves on the Detroit Sports Organization Corp (DSOC), an all-volunteer advisory committee that represents the top private-sector, civic, philanthropic, community and sports leadership across metro Detroit.

The DSOC prioritizes, evaluates, and executes significant future bid opportunities to enable the Detroit Sports Commission to attract major sporting events to metro Detroit, accelerate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for citizens across the region.

He is also a board member for Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable, which is dedicated to making Michigan a Top-10 state for jobs, education, widely shared prosperity, and a healthy economy.

Gustafson has a diverse background in sports, including 15 years of strategic planning and revenue generation experience. Ryan earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Puget Sound and his MBA from Harvard Business School.

MiLW Names Hanchett to 2024 Up & Coming Lawyers List

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March 22, 2024

Plunkett Cooney associate attorney Michael D. Hanchett was recently named to the 2024 Class of Up & Coming Lawyers by Michigan Lawyers Weekly (MiLW), an industry publication serving the state’s legal community.

Hanchett, along with 28 other Michigan attorneys, will be honored at a recognition luncheon on April 26 at the Petruzzello’s Banquet and Conference Center of Troy, and he will be included in a special print feature within the April 22 edition of MiLW.

The Up & Coming Lawyers program honors attorneys throughout Michigan who have excelled in the profession and set themselves apart from their peers with legal accomplishments and community involvement during their first 10 years of practice.

A member of Plunkett Cooney’s Bloomfield Hills office, Hanchett is a member of the firm’s Governmental Law and Labor & Employment Law practice groups. In addition to serving as general counsel to municipalities, he defends public-sector clients in a variety of litigation with particular expertise in police liability, including searches and seizures, use of force and corrections law. His practice also includes the defense of employment law disputes involving such issues as alleged discrimination, retaliation and civil rights claims brought under state and federal statutes.

Hanchett is a member of the Federal Bar Association for the Eastern District of Michigan, where he serves as co-chair of the Civil Rights Section. He is also a member of the Construction Law, Insurance Law and Young Lawyers committees of the DRI. Hanchett is also active in the Detroit Metropolitan, Oakland County and American bar associations, as well as the State Bar of Michigan’s Government Law and Labor and Employment sections.

Designated by Best Lawyers as one of their Ones to Watch in municipal law since 2021, Hanchett routinely speaks to police and various municipal organizations. He received his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2016.

Plunkett Cooney Welcomes New Lineup of Board Officers

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March 22, 2024

At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of Plunkett Cooney, one of the Midwest’s oldest and most accomplished law firms, partners Scott K. Lites, Michael P. Ashcraft, Jr. and Audrey J. Forbush were elected to Board leadership positions.

Lites was elected Chair while Ashcraft was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer and Forbush was re-elected Senior Vice-President. All three will serve one-year terms.

A member of the Board for 17 years, Lites is one of the firm’s most accomplished business attorneys with nearly 40 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate matters and real estate transactions. Lites routinely acts as general counsel for many of his clients and adds a unique, practical perspective to their businesses.

Ashcraft, who serves as a co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Professional Liability Practice Group, is one of the state’s leading professional liability attorneys. He concentrates his practice primarily on the defense of attorneys, accountants and their firms in professional liability and responsibility matters. A partner in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Ashcraft also represents judges, insurance brokers and agents, securities brokers and dealers, real estate brokers and agents, investment advisors, officers and directors, and notaries public in complex litigation in state and federal courts.

The managing partner of Plunkett Cooney’s Flint office and Co-leader of the firm’s Governmental Law Practice Group, Forbush focuses her practice in the areas of medical and municipal liability with particular expertise in the defense of municipalities in police liability matters.

New Pump Handbook from Alfa Laval

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March 21, 2024

Alfa Laval just published a brand new edition of the company’s renowned Pump Handbook. The 375-page handbook is free and contains scholarly information on basic pump functionality and in-depth guidelines for sizing and selecting the right pump type for optimum efficiency. The handbook is packed with real-life examples to increase its user-friendliness.

The first edition of the Alfa Laval Pump Handbook was published 25 years ago and soon became part of the syllabus at engineering schools around the world. The book also found its way into manufacturing sites, serving as a reference work to technicians in the daily operation of fluid handling processes.

Up-to-date on pump technology
Over the years, the handbook has gone through minor revisions, and in 2023, a major overhaul was undertaken to make the handbook up-to-date on the most recent technologies.

“We have worked hard to provide the global pump community with the most recent knowledge about pump functionality and leading-edge technologies that enhance pump efficiency to meet the sustainability agenda of societies and industries. Pumps are among the most power consuming devices in fluid handling processes, and the potential for energy savings is big, when you select the right pump from the start and maintain it along the way,” says Lars Sørensen, Manager, Product Management at Alfa Laval .

Available online
The handbook is free and available online. It can be downloaded from www.alfalaval/PumpHandbook. The authors of the book are all experienced pump engineers with extensive theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience from pump installations and training of technical staff in fluid handling industries.

The main chapters of the handbook comprise:
• Basic theory on pumping applications
• Pump types for different applications
• Pump sizing for maximum efficiency
• Pump specification
• Pump motors
• Troubleshooting
• Technical data and formulas

New, Free Resource for Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers

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March 21, 2024

The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Network announced the launch of its brand-new resource, “Navigating Alzheimer’s Disease: A Map for Caregivers.” This free, comprehensive manual is specifically designed to empower and support caregivers through every stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

This manual isn’t just another book. It’s the culmination of countless conversations with caregivers, care professionals and medical experts. We listened to caregiver needs and challenges, and crafted a resource that addresses them head-on.

Inside You’ll Find:
– Expert-curated advice to help you navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease with confidence, informed by the latest insights.
– Stage-by-stage guidance to understand what to expect at each stage, both behaviorally and medically.
– Self-care strategies so you can prioritize your well-being with dedicated chapters on preventing caregiver burnout.
– Empowering tools like checklists, to-do lists, and conversation scripts to manage challenging situations.
– Guided questions to help you reflect on your journey with dedicated note-taking sections, perfect for support groups or individual contemplation.
– A comprehensive resource directory to connect you with a wealth of organizations and support groups dedicated to assisting individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. This directory provides contact information, websites, and details about what each organization does.

The manual can be downloaded for free at www.AlzheimersCaregivers.org or purchased as an ebook or paperback edition on www.Amazon.com.

Fed Holds Interest Rate, Expects 3 Cuts This Year

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March 21, 2024

Jerome Powell Chair of the Federal Reserve

Since March 2022, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate 11 times.

Following the Fed’s March meeting, instead of cutting the rate, officials left it where it was for the fifth straight meeting.

But they did indicate they expect to cut interest rates three times this year, despite the U.S. inflation rate staying well above the Fed’s 2% target rate. They also said they expect fewer rate cuts in 2025.

In new quarterly projections, Fed officials forecast that stronger growth and inflation above their 2% target level would persist into next year, according to an Associated Press report, suggesting interest rates would have to stay slightly higher for longer.

Chair Jerome Powell made note of the fact that inflation has cooled considerably from its peak. But, he added, “inflation is still too high, ongoing progress in bringing it down is not assured and the path forward is uncertain.”

“The risks are really two-sided here,” Powell said at a press conference following the meeting. “We’re in a situation where if we ease too much or too soon, we could see inflation come back. And if we ease too late, we could see unnecessary harm to employment.”

Stock market averages turned higher after the Fed maintained its projection of three rate cuts this year, the AP reported. Traders had feared the Fed might downgrade the number of expected rate cuts for 2024.

For 2025, though, the policymakers now foresee only three rate cuts, down from four in their December projections. And they expect “core” inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, to still be 2.6% by the end of 2024, up from their previous projection of 2.4%. In January, core inflation was 2.8%, according to the Fed’s preferred measure.

Two recent government reports pointed to higher-than-expected inflation. Those reports, Powell said Wednesday, “haven’t really changed the overall story, which is that of inflation moving down gradually on a sometimes bumpy road towards 2%.”

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