12.01.08

Arresting Site of the Month, December: AutoJobsMatter.org

Posted in Business, Politics, Michigan, Jobs, Detroit, Economy at 11:41 pm by Tim

Anyone whose livelihood is tied directly or indirectly to the automotive industry knows just how vital it is to their economic health, and to that of the country as a whole. Unfortunately, many in Congress just don’t get it, and would prefer to kick General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler to the curb, rather than approve the much-needed, overly-debated bridge loan. Two forward-thinking Detroit-area residents have said ‘Enough!’

Steve Still and his wife, Jenny Arnold-Still, have just launched a website that demonstrates clearly why we still need the Big 3, and helps dispel numerous misconceptions. (In the spirit of full disclosure, my wife and I have known Steve and Jenny for years, we’re also friends with Steve’s daughter, and I’m working a contract position for a business that administers the main website of one of the aforementioned companies; hence, I have a vested interest in this matter. Nonetheless, this isn’t about us, it’s about millions of people who soon could be out of work). As such, I have selected AutoJobsMatter.org as my “Arresting Site of the Month” for December. Please note the calls to action, including the December 4 rally in the Motor City, the auto industry fact sheet, the link that takes you to a printable window sign that will allow you to show your support, and more. Learn about Steve and Jenny, and spread the word about their important, fact-filled online resource.

Note: Nominations for January’s site or blog of the month are due on Monday, December 29, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, January 5. Thanks for your participation.

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11.26.08

So, where have you been, Tim?

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti at 11:44 pm by Tim

Glad you asked. Not only have I been working as an Interactive Project Manager at Wunderman-Team Detroit since late September, where I manage, troubleshoot, and upload text attributes and image assets within Ford Motor Company’s Configuration and Retail Services (CARS) content management system, I also have stayed quite busy as a Prescreener for the 2009 Ann Arbor Film Festival, which gives me the chance to look at roughly 20 films per week, and help determine which make the final cut. Both gigs have kept me jumping, but I hope to become more active in this space, and soon.

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11.03.08

Arresting Site of the Month, November: The Michigan Advantage

Posted in Business, Education, Michigan, Environment, Jobs, Economy at 11:43 pm by Tim

There is a good chance the winner of Tuesday’s presidential contest will have earned his ticket to the White House in large part to having secured the electoral votes of the Great Lake State. Our two peninsulas benefit not only politicians, they afford individuals and businesses a great opportunity to start and expand their companies. The Michigan Advantage does a splendid job of demonstrating how they can get the “upper hand” by doing so. Thus, I’ve selected it as the Arresting Site of the Month for November.

Detailing Michigan’s strengths in such areas as alternative energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, the site makes the case for our state, touting our skilled workforce, tax benefits, world-class universities, environmental beauty, and more. It’s also filled with helpful links that encourage further exploration. It’s easy to learn how your company can take advantage.

Note: Nominations for December’s site or blog of the month are due on Monday, November 24. I’ll announce the winner in this space on Monday, December 1. Thanks.

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10.06.08

Arresting Site of the Month, October: The Producer’s Guide to Michigan

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film at 10:47 pm by Tim

Film productions have been streaming into Michigan since incentive legislation that passed in April made our state Hollywood’s new “it” locale. The sheer logistics of bringing together cast, crew, and support services can be daunting, but there is a splendid resource to help filmmakers share their vision with audiences. “More than a comprehensive directory of Michigan-based production resources,” The Producer’s Guide to Michigan — the creation of industry veterans Peter Mertz and Nick Johnston — offers an array of tools and advice on how and where to find the best sound stages & studios, extras, and more.

Given the seemingly endless reports of bad economic news around the country and around our state, it’s a distinct pleasure to spotlight this job-driving guide as the Arresting Site of the Month for October. Grab a camera and get rolling.

Note: Nominations for November are due on Monday, October 27, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, November 3. Thanks once again for your interest and your participation.

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08.13.08

Whip It Good

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film, Detroit at 12:10 pm by Tim

I had my three days in the Hollywood limelight, working as an extra on the set of Whip It (see July 21 post), which stars Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, and many others among a top-flight ensemble. I was quite impressed with Ms. Barrymore’s directorial work, especially since it’s her debut behind the lens. She kept the action moving crisply, yet always found time to collaborate on ideas with the cast and crew, and she often (and genuinely) complimented the extras. There also were plenty of laughs on the set, which kept everyone in good spirits, even on the night I worked until after 4 a.m. in the heat of the old Monarch Steel warehouse on Mt. Elliot in Detroit. I’m hoping she returns to the Great Lake State often with her production company, Flower Films, as many area residents made extra money (no pun intended) during the production, and gained valuable experience and insight. Well done.

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07.21.08

Extra! Extra!

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film at 5:14 pm by Tim

Whaddya know?! Found out today that I’m slated be on set as an extra in Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It!, starring Ellen Page, and which begins shooting next week here in Michigan. I should know soon how many days the filmmakers will use me, and I’m honored to have been chosen, along with hundreds more area residents, by the talented folks at Real Style. It’s amazing to see how quickly the state is attracting movie business since Governor Granholm signed incentive legislation in April. This region is known for keeping wheels turning, now let’s see if we can keep reels turning.

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03.22.08

Our Michigan: Great People, Great Stories

Posted in Business, Technology, Michigan, News, Jobs at 10:45 pm by Tim

Once again, Celeste Whiting from Our Michigan points out something good happening in our beleaguered state: High tech growth in Ann Arbor. I appreciate Celeste’s smart, honest analysis of business, politics, and more in our peninsulas, and highly recommend that you subscribe to her blog.

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03.13.08

Green-Collar Jobs

Posted in Business, Environment, Jobs at 12:58 am by Tim

Need to switch gears? Consider a green-collar job. Interesting piece in BusinessWeek.com from January. Note the mention of Green Careers.

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