It’s been a week now since our Neighborhood Bar-B-Q and it was a great success!  We decided that our theme would be “Encouraging Neighborhood.”  The idea for the theme began with wanting to be more involved in our business community and getting to know the businesses and folks around us.  We realize that oftentimes businesses get “tunnel vision”—and who can blame them?  There are always so many day-to-day details to deal with in business that one can easily get caught up in their work.  As the old adage says--"There are never enough hours in the day."  So...the theme of "encouraging neighborhood" actually originated from the fact that we wanted to encourage companies around us to break away from their routine and engage with each other.  That’s why we were (and still are) encouraging neighborhood interaction.  We want the neighborhood to be an encouraging body, not just another business networking group.

Attending the Neighborhood Bar-B-Q, there were a total of 22 companies represented by approximately 55 individuals.  We enjoyed pulled pork, brats, fresh fruit, salads, grilled vegetables, baked beans, and wonderful desserts.  We also had some great live music from local "neighborhood" talent.

At MOVE, we believe that business is not about just "dollars and cents"; it’s about "relationships."

We’d like to extend a big neighborly "thank you" to the following organizations that came out in support of our Neighborhood Bar-B-Q!

A2Y Chamber of Commerce—For more information about joining the Chamber, contact Cheryl O’Brian at (734) 665-4433.

A2 Fiber wants you to help them "Google" to install a high-speed broadband network in AA.

A2Y Leadership—Be a leader.  Explore your community.

AutoKnowledge provides knowledge management software applications for automotive product developers.

Baker Strategy helps you make SMART Customer Strategy happen.

Dominant Systems Computer Networks is offering neighborhood coupons for free analysis services--up to one free hour of telephone support, and PC repair for a flat rate of $159.  (Contact Dominant Systems for more information.)

Eagle Crest Conference Resorts is considered to be "The Resort of Southeast Michigan," an initiative of Eastern Michigan University and a partner with Marriott Hotels.

GDI InfoTech collaborates with their customers to deliver technology solutions that help build high-performance businesses. 

Goeztcraft Printers has been serving the community since 1900 with full service printing from pre-press to bindery.

Info Ready is a new category of powerful software that streamlines the grant development process.

JOUST Strength and Fitness is offering a neighborhood special for 50% off on workout programs in August.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts is a beautiful facility in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti that is partnered with the Eagle Crest Conference Resort.

Master Automotive Diagnostics is offering the "neighborhood" a Free Vehicle Inspection Program (V.I.P.) and a detailing package for cars at $79.95 ($89.95 for trucks, SUVs, vans, and crossovers) that includes a coupon for a free V.I.P. oil change. (Contact Master Automotive Diagnostics for more specific information.)

MOVE Communications is an integrated marketing communications company that will help make sure you have the right idea to set your sales in motion.  Call us to set up a free 1-hour consultation on how to improve your marketing by enhancing your website or creating a brand video.

Prakken Publications publishes magazines that focus on technology and education.  Their publications include TechDirections and The Education Digest.

The Produce Station offers delicious fresh produce and superior catering services.

Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu is a highly accredited Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy.

Rightaway Delivery specializes in time-sensitive scheduled deliveries as well as emergency deliveries.

Signs By Tomorrow creates affordable, high-impact signs and visual messaging solutions.

The Southside Business District is a network of some of the best-kept shopping secrets in AA.

U of M Herbarium is a world-class research museum dedicated to the study of plant and fungal diversity in Michigan, the Great Lakes and globally.

Whirly Ball is a game that combines the skill of basketball and Jai-Alai, and is played from electric bumper cars.

Zingerman’s Mail Order offers corporate gifts with ZING!

Posted on a fence near the entrance to Greenfield Village is this quote from Daniel Webster:

“When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.”

If Webster’s pithy claim was true for an upstart America two centuries ago, could it also resonate in today’s post-industrial post-modern post-information America?  It would seem that more and more people believe so.  On Thursday I found myself enjoying their company at the Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP) Conference for “Building a Better Food System in Southeast Michigan” held in Jackson.  Jeff Bodtke, our new Account Coordinator at MOVE, who grew up on a blueberry farm in west Michigan, joined me for a full day of informative, interactive sessions, with topics ranging from savoring local flavors in Jackson to food and agriculture policy for Michigan.

Jeff and I attended separate sessions and we made some discoveries throughout the day:

Sandhill Crane Winery of Jackson makes a delicious, sweet raspberry wine—a dessert in itselfJ.

A grassroots campaign called Ten Percent Washtenaw affirms the enthusiasm for "locally grown" in our area, but wants us to know that at present only ½ of 1% of the $1 billion in food we consume annually is actually grown in Washtenaw County.  Ten Percent’s goal is to get us to 10% locally grown by 2010.

Ginny Trocchio, Project Director for The Conservation Fund/Ann Arbor Greenbelt, noted that, as Greenbelt land is being acquired, the Advisory Commission is strategically identifying critical areas for farmland preservation.  For a tour of Greenbelt farmland, check out the Greenbelt Bus Tour on July 17^th.

The keynote speaker really brought it all together for me.  Michael Sands, founder of the Farm Business Development Center, described the Prairie Crossing project in north suburban Chicago as "an incubator for beginning organic farmers committed to creating financially rewarding and ecologically healthy farm businesses in the suburban landscape."  The incubator is not just a cool design for a suburban development connected to a local food source.  It makes economic sense.  One acre of intensively farmed organic vegetables can generate up to $20,000 in revenue, in contrast to the same acre of corn or soybeans at $600-$700! This revenue generates local jobs and pumps money into the local economy. 

Could Ten Percent become a reality if Ann Arbor developed an incubator program in the Greenbelt?

As a business committed to helping our local economy go and grow, MOVE sees local farming as an essential ingredient of our area's future.  Hats off to Jennifer Fike and her team at FSEP for organizing a terrific event.  I wish I could have mentioned all of the incredible things Jeff and I heard, saw and tasted on Thursday, but hopefully this post will serve as a reminder that Webster’s fencepost quote rings true today.

Yesterday, the Eagle Crest Resort hosted an A2Y Chamber Reception for all members.  The networking event was a great opportunity, especially for me, to meet other members.  The reception was held in the beautiful clubhouse overlooking the golf course and Ford Lake.  Eagle Crest gift bags were handed out, prizes were given (unfortunately none to me), and hors d’oeuvres and drinks were served.

After the reception ended, Eagle Crest allowed A2Y Members to play golf at the twilight rate with a cart.  Bruce from Benz Insurance was nice enough to invite us into his golf party and also invited an individual player named Justin, who does electrical work in the area, to play with us as well.  We were quite a dynamic foursome--Bruce and Justin being the better players, with Don and I being there more for visual encouragement.  I finished my first nine holes at Eagle Crest at 52.  Don, on the other hand, doesn’t want me to publically announce his score, but if you come over to MOVE HQ, I would be more than willing to show you our scorecard. 

I would highly recommend playing at Eagle Crest!  It is fun, challenging, and offers great views of Ford Lake.  A big "thank you" goes out to the awesome A2Y Chamber and Eagle Crest!

On Wednesday, June 16, Carol Hart and I had the opportunity, with some of the newly combined A2Y Chamber members, to take a tour of the renovations of the Big House during Morning Edition. 

Now, while I want to be 100% sure to claim allegiance to my true colors—green and white—I was very impressed with the renovations.  Our main tour was through the club seats and box office sections, but all of the improvements include:

• Wider seats and aisles with handrails to make it easier for fans to move in the aisles.
• New elevated concourses with additional restrooms and concessions along both sidelines.
• More wheelchair locations along the sidelines.
• Two new buildings on the north end of the stadium that will house additional restrooms, concessions and public safety services.
• A new building on the south end of the stadium that will offer additional concessions and restrooms.
• A new press box.
• Refurbished restroom facilities.
• 650+ new chairback seats on the west side.
• 46 suites in the west side structure (33 suites located on the first level and 13 suites on the second level).
• 1,900+ outdoor club seats and stadium lounge on the first level of the east side structure.
• 250+ indoor club seats and 850+ covered outdoor club seats and stadium lounge on the second level of the east side structure.
• 36 suites on the third level of the east side structure.
• Four towers, one at the end of each sideline structure, which will have elevators and wide stairways to bring patrons to the new concourses and premium seating areas.
  

The project is scheduled to be completed in time for the Wolverines to play UCONN on September 4th. 

Photos of this project and more details can be found at:
http://www.mgoblue.com/victorsclub/michigan-stadium-details.html

Yesterday we celebrated our 25th anniversary with some of our friends, colleagues, clients and partners here at MOVE headquarters.  It's easy to get down in the state of the economy and such these days but it was really refreshing to just take a break yesterday and reflect on our history.  We put together a slideshow of photos from the past 25 years and included a list of current and former MOVE employees and the people that we have worked with as partners or vendors throughout our history.  It's a great list of very talented people.  And it was really fun that some of you could make it to the party to celebrate with us.  If you weren't able to, here are some photos to show you all of the fun you missed out on.  And make sure you're here to celebrate with us in another 25! 

MOVE Communications Southern Office, Asheville, NC.

Maybe you have driven through Asheville on the way to Florida. If you had, you would remember it. You probably considered staying. That happens to a lot of folks. They drive through the winding mountain roads, experience the moderate climate, and enjoy the arty, outdoorsy vibe.

When you drive here or fly in from the north – you really get an amazing glimpse of the majestic mountains. Driving through them is breathtaking. Flying over them is almost so grand it gives you a scary feeling. It makes you feel moved that something so beautiful has been created. AND to live and work amongst them has been a special treat. Every day the scenery and the cloud formations change. In the past, rainy or cloudy days seemed sort of depressing, but here the clouds and sky changes make a special light show almost every night.

The people here really are kind and welcoming. You feel the southern hospitality. Coming from the North, at times we feel we are very culturally different but overall people are very interested to talk to us and we have been lucky enough to meet some great people that have some great stories about Asheville and its history. Since not a lot of people are originally from here – most people ask, “Where are you from?” Apparently I have a very distinct accent. I am usually called out on it in the first 10 minutes.  Does Detroit have its own accent?

For those who love to camp, hike, and enjoy the outdoors, you immediately notice all the active things to do. Whether on the Blue Ridge parkway or at one of the many parks or trails, you will not be at a loss for amazing views and fresh air.

The downtown area has quite a personality. The people, the vibe, and the food all provide a lot of character and charm.  Friday night drum circles, the Largest Home in America - the Biltmore Estate, outdoor activities for everyone. This list goes on. If you really want to enjoy it check out the 5-day weekend package going on through the Asheville Tourism association.  And make sure that you make a stop in at the Bolak Estate while you're here. 

In As Good As it Gets, Melvin Udall, played by notorious happy talk actor Jack Nicholson, has a great line that expresses what all of us in the business world have felt at some time in the midst of a pressure-cooker work week.  It’s the retort you’re dying to blurt out when someone adds another straw to the proverbial camel’s back—“Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here.”  If you realize that you’re about to rip someone’s head off, take that as a sign that you need to experience a little work life balance.  Invite yourself out to lunch, take a half day off, go dig in your garden, or in my case, go ride a unicycle.  You’d be surprised what a little break can do to get your equilibrium back.  Good job, keep going.