We love our festivals in Greater Lansing. During the course of the year, our communities celebrate with music, arts, crafts, and color cruises. We celebrate our rich ethnic heritage, life in the city, and the frontier of the Wild West. We have festivals to celebrate all forms of transportation, including cars, boats, horses and bath tubs. What would festivals be without eating? We have festivals that offer foods from over 100 countries, and domestic favorites including chili, maple syrup and pancakes, and yes, even gizzards!

From its opening in 1937, operating out of a desk drawer in the Michigan State University Administration building, to the recent construction of a LEED® Gold certified headquarters on West Road in East Lansing, MSUFCU has grown to become the largest university-based credit union in the world. With more than 170,000 members and $2.3 billion in assets, MSUFCU is now the 53rd largest out of 7,011 credit unions in the United States.

Benjamin Franklin was credited with the saying, “Out of adversity comes opportunity.” For Chad Jordan, the adversity started in 2004 when he lost his job. In many ways, it was a blessing in disguise because it was a job that Chad didn’t care for all that much.

I’m sure you have noticed that the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce decided to kick-off the New Year with a new look for FOCUS magazine. We think the attractive new FOCUS will continue to be a must-read with members of our organization and something you’ll want to keep around the office as a resource for yourself, employees, clients and visitors.

It is because of Stella Cash’s vast professional achievements, her passion for helping people – particularly as a role model and mentor to women – and her deep commitment to the community that she was selected as the 2012 recipient of the ATHENA Award. It’s an honor that those who know Stella say could not be bestowed on a more deserving individual.

The 2012 CORG honorees are not only deserving, but they reflect a rich diversity of market sectors contributing to the 21st century economy of the Greater Lansing region. They represent large and small businesses, energy and infrastructure, technology, research and development, arts and culture and high-tech manufacturing.

The 2012 election will result in a significant change in the Capitol Caucus, as term limits will end the legislative tenures of veteran State Representatives Mark Meadows, Joan Bauer, Barb Byrum and Paul Opsommer. The turnover represents an opportunity in which the four newcomers to the delegation will join with seven incumbent lawmakers to work on a number of issues that are critical to the region.

Still two months before its November 9 grand opening, it is already obvious that the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum will have a transformational impact on Michigan State University and the Greater Lansing region.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit

Greater Lansing Goes Global

There are many factors that influence decisions regarding business investment and jobs in a region. One critical difference-maker is how a region stacks up when it comes to the cost and value of government. It is our local governments that provide valued services including public safety, infrastructure and recreation that influence the quality of life in which prospective employees want to live.