Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Leading Change Management: How MLive Media Group has reset a course for growth
Dan Gaydou, President of MLive Media Group, discussed the launch of this new media powerhouse; the organization's plans to engage Michigan communities with a more relevant, innovative and accessible product offering than ever before.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Alternative Energy - A Political Bet, not an Economic Bet
Russ Harding and Jack McHugh from the Mackinac Center discussed alternative energy and the economic implication for Michigan's economy.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Non Profit Mergers & Acquisitions
David Eisler of Ferris State University, David Leonard of Spectrum Health and Larry Grinwis of Hope Network discussed the valuation criterion for the non-profit sector as well as the benefits and challenges in this unique environment.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Non- Financial Due Diligence
Jason Byrd of Huizenga Group, Michael Flint of LV2 Equity Partners and John Higgins of Huron Capital, discussed how to assess the intangible factors that influence a company’s value and its growth prospects: what to look for beyond the financial statements when assessing the organization, management, systems, intangibles, culture and intellectual property of the target company.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Agony to Ecstasy - One Company's Turnaround Journey
Tom Olive, former CEO and CFO, shared the story of Elan Nutrition from a financially distressed entity-- to explosive top and bottom line growth-- to 2008 ACG Western Michigan Outstanding Growth Award recipient-- to eventual liquidity event. Tom shared his perspective on the lessons learned through the turn-around of a small food company, leading and managing rapid growth, and the equity sale process as a leader in a private equity sponsored company.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Breakfast Meeting
Sustainability: What is it? Trend or Fad?
Sustainability is more than just being environmentally responsible. It’s about growing your business in a way that saves you money and resources at the same time. It’s not just a practice for manufacturers but for all business. Join us Wednesday, April 20, 2011 as Darcy Nelles-Serba of Stryker Medical and Milinda Ysasi of Cascade Engineering share their efforts that brought real bottom line returns on investment . When it comes to sustainability initiatives there is no "right formula". Come and learn how to make your investment a "win-win."
February 16, 2011
Breakfast Meeting
Talent Recruitment & Retention
You rarely see thriving companies without thriving employees. It’s the life blood of many world-class organizations throughout our region. So, how do we attract and retain the best and brightest talent in West Michigan? Join us Wednesday, February 16, 2011 to learn how talent and recruitment strategies can help your business thrive, even in a challenging economy. Kevin Stotts, Quaeris, and Jim D’Amico, Bissell Homecare, will provide insight into our talent recruitment and retention environment in West Michigan and offer effective strategies to consider for your organization. Better talent means more business! We invite you to be part of the conversation
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Breakfast Meeting
Acquiring a Distressed Business
Join us on January 19th, 2011 for a panel discussion regarding distressed businesses. Distressed businesses have always represented great opportunities for buyers. This is particularly true in today's economy. Inherent in that opportunity, however, is a greater level of risk. Come hear three experts discuss the unique opportunities and pitfalls that exist in distressed deal-making and how to properly maneuver that landscape. Our speakers will be Cory Gaffney of The Anderson Group, Bob Vedra of Industrial Opportunity Partners, and Tom Gordy of Variant Capital with moderator John Pollock, Managing Director for LV2 Equity Partners.
November 17, 2010
Breakfast Meeting
MICHIGAN AG BUSINESS: A GROWING INDUSTRY
Jim Byrum, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association shared a great update on the strengths of the AG Industry and major advancements that have been made recently.
Topics included:
- Trends
- Issues
- Predictions
- Opportunities
- Economic Impact
Click here to see his complete presentation
September 15, 2010
Breakfast Meeting
IT'S ALL IN THE FAMILY Family Held Business Deals - What You What You Never Expected!
This meeting presented a look at issues unique to family owned and operated business that arise when potential purchasers begin the due diligence process. The panel, all family business advisors with many years of experience, shared insights into potential issues that can arise and how to identify and address these issues prior to closing on the transaction.
The Panel:
* Bruce Young, Partner, Warner, Norcross & Judd
* Rich Noreen, Partner, BDO USA, LLP
* Roger Jansen, CEO, thinkwise
West Michigan Life Sciences Update - May 19, 2010
An update on the economic impact of Life Sciences in West Michigan. Topics covered were:VAI Phase 2 and TGen Update; Medical Mile Update;Commercialization and economic impact of Life Sciences;Stories from the front line
What's Next? The Great Recession and a Shifting Automaker Mix
- April 21, 2010
Forget everything you knew about the auto industry. What once seemed consistent and accepted with dogmatic belief is no more. The Great Recession that wasn't supposed to happen... did. The Great Recession that we will now never recover from. GM and Chrysler moving through bankruptcy. Would Ford ever outsell GM, to become the automaker of choice? Nobody thought so just 12 months ago. Toyota was going to take over the entire automotive industry, right?
Where to Go When Your Bank Says "No!" - February 17, 2010
Insight on the Current Status of the Subordinated Debt Markets
A panel discussion featuring David Gezon, Midwest Mezzanine, Ronald Kahn, Lincoln International and Shawn Ely, South Franklin Street Partners. Attendees learned: What are subordinated debt lenders looking for? What are the leverage metrics under which the markets are operating? What are senior lenders expecting from subordinated lenders in a transaction?