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Comment from Downtown Detroit Partnership Chair Cindy Pasky on Sam Logan’s passing

December 30, 2011 By

Sam Logan was a dear friend and will be sorely missed by me and the entire Detroit community. He was an icon in Detroit and of his generation and so much a part of the community that it’s hard to imagine our city without him. Sam was courageous and talented and made a difference every day. He had a vibrant hopefulness, authenticity and calm wisdom probably from a life of struggling for important causes and knowing a lot of wins and losses. His passing reminds us all how short and precious life is and how it is up to each of us to use our talents to their best advantage. Let’s continue to work together to strengthen Detroit as Sam would have wanted.

Cindy Pasky

Chair, Downtown Detroit Partnership
President and CEO, Strategic Staffing Solutions

Related: Read the Comments from Downtown Detroit Partnership Executive Committee Chair Daniel Loepp

Filed Under: Announcements

Comments from Downtown Detroit Partnership Executive Committee Chair Daniel Loepp

December 30, 2011 By

Sam Logan was a dear friend and confidante who embodied community responsibility. To him, giving back was part of being a member of this community. He always did what he felt was best for Detroit, the region and Michigan. He took action to strengthen the community, promote minority business growth, and to improve the physical health and well-being of Detroit residents. It’s a shame to lose Sam at this critical time, when Detroit needs its strongest voices and most dedicated leaders. Detroit has lost a friend in Sam Logan, but it is my sincere hope that we all will carry a little piece of his spirit with us each day. The most fitting way for us to honor Sam is by following the example he set – standing up for the city he loved so much and continuing to take actions that strengthen and revitalize it.

Daniel J. Loepp

Chair, Executive Committee, Downtown Detroit Partnership
President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Related: Read Comment from Downtown Detroit Partnership Chair Cindy Pasky on Sam Logan’s passing

Filed Under: Announcements

Downtown Detroit Partnership Hires Retail and Strategic Planning Experts

December 19, 2011 By

DETROIT – December 19, 2011 – The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has added two staffers to its team as it works to revitalize Downtown Detroit. Susan Hopkins will concentrate on strategic planning and efforts to revitalize the Downtown Detroit neighborhood. Heather Kazmierczak will work on programs to bring more retail businesses into Downtown Detroit.

Hopkins has expertise in project management, real estate development and economic development policy. Prior to joining DDP, she worked as a project manager at ECONorthwest, an economics and finance consulting firm in Portland, Oregon, where she managed projects for public and private sector clients around the US. She was a development coordinator at CardnoWRG in Portland managing the pre-development and entitlements processes for commercial and residential projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Rochester, NY, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon.

Hopkins is a Wayne State University Detroit Revitalization Fellow, the university’s two-year program for mid-career professionals who want to contribute to Detroit’s revitalization. The Fellows program is supported by the Kresge, Hudson-Webber and Skillman Foundations and Wayne State University.

Kazmierczak becomes the retail recruiter to help implement the comprehensive retail strategy developed for Downtown Detroit. She has 12 years of experience as a sales and marketing professional.  Most recently she was the national healthcare marketing and business development manager with URS Corporation in Southfield. She previously held roles in real estate development with Village Green Companies and as a national specialty leasing agent with the Taubman Company.  A native of the Detroit area, Kazmierczak holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Michigan State University.

“We are pleased to have Susan and Heather on our team,” said David Blaszkiewicz, DDP president. “Their expertise, passion and commitment to transforming Downtown Detroit and their ability to collaborate with all our partners are great assets for our organization.”

About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders that supports advocates and develops programs and initiatives that create a clean, vibrant, safe, beautiful, inviting and economically strong Downtown Detroit community. Its public partners are the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Wayne County and the State of Michigan.

Contact:
Marge Sorge
734-578-6507

Maura Campbell
517-944-0811

Filed Under: Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

Downtown Detroit Partnership Receives $100,000 Donation from Cooper Standard – Will create Eleanor Josaitis Fund for 2-1-1 On the Go!

November 21, 2011 By

DETROIT – November 21, 2010 – The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced the creation of the Eleanor Josaitis Fund made possible by a $100,000 donation from Cooper Standard. The gift will be used to enhance the 2-1-1 On the Go! program.

2-1-1 On the Go! is a mobile outreach program that helps move motivated homeless individuals into full-time employment and permanent housing. The mobile unit provides extensive information and referrals to agencies that offer services to those in need as well as relationships with community partners and volunteers.

“It is our sincere hope that this donation helps connect Detroit’s homeless with the support and services they need to get back on their feet,” said Jim McElya, chairman & CEO, Cooper Standard. “We are proud to make this commitment in Eleanor Josaitis’s honor as her dedication to providing hope where and when it was needed the most was truly remarkable. The work of the 2-1-1 On the Go! program fits with Eleanor’s vision of bringing help and hope to Detroit’s most venerable populations in an effort to prevent homelessness.”

Cooper Standard was also a major sponsor in the formation of the S.A.Y Medical Center founded by S.A.Y. Detroit, a non-profit organization formed by Mitch Albom that is dedicated to helping the Detroit homeless.

“This donation to DDP from Cooper Standard will help 2-1-1 On the Go! open doors that have previously been shut to the homeless,” said Cindy Pasky, chair of the Downtown Detroit Partnership and founder and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions. “The creation of the Eleanor Josaitis Fund and using it to further that program is a perfect legacy for Eleanor. She fought hunger, lack of education and prejudice and worked every day to replace them with hope. She believed in Detroit and its people and believed each one of us can make a difference.”

2-1-1 On the Go! is a DDP partnership with Strategic Staffing Solutions and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

About the Downtown Detroit Partnership

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders that supports advocates and develops programs and initiatives that create a clean, vibrant, safe, beautiful, inviting and economically strong Downtown Detroit community. Its public partners are the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Wayne County and the State of Michigan.

About Cooper Standard

Cooper Standard, headquartered in Novi, Mich., is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include body sealing systems, fluid handling systems and anti-vibration systems. Cooper Standard employs approximately 21,000 people globally and operates in 19 countries around the world. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.cooperstandard.com.

About 2-1-1 On the Go!

2-1-1 On the Go! began in 2008 as a DDP partnership with Strategic Staffing Solutions and United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The program, which grew out of United Way’s 2-1-1 referral service, employs outreach specialists who travel downtown streets conducting one-onone interventions and offering immediate on-site assistance to homeless individuals. The caseworkers drive bright yellow vehicles equipped with wireless Internet, portable computers, scanners, printers and GPS technology to match homeless individuals with tools to overcome the common barriers to employment and permanent housing.

Contact:

Marge Sorge: 734-578-6507

Maura Campbell: 517-944-081

Filed Under: Press Release

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan CEO Daniel J. Loepp Elected Chair of Downtown Detroit Partnership Executive Committee

September 28, 2011 By

DETROIT, September 28, 2011 — Daniel J. Loepp, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, has been elected chair of the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s (DDP) Executive Committee, the organization announced today.

Loepp has been a member of the DDP board of directors since 2009. Born and raised in northeast Detroit, he has a passion for improving the city and increasing investment as well as enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

“Dan is an outstanding leader who has been one of the key drivers and most passionate supporters of Detroit’s transformation,” said Cindy Pasky, chair, Downtown Detroit Partnership. “He has shown strong corporate leadership and dedicated community engagement are intertwined. He steered Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan through difficult years while still investing his time and resources in its people, our city and our state. He is a great guy who is far too humble about all he has accomplished. I am very pleased he has agreed to chair the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Executive Committee.”

“I’m thrilled to take on this role with the Downtown Detroit Partnership.” said Loepp. “I’m a lifelong Detroiter who believes in this city, its people and its future and I’m privileged to follow in the footsteps of visionary leaders who have helped guide us on a path to revitalization.”

The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s goal is to make Downtown Detroit the region’s social, cultural and commerce center and premier destination to live, work, play, visit, invest and do business.

“Dan’s leadership and understanding of the opportunities Downtown Detroit has will help us continue to move DDP forward,” said David Blaszkiewicz, president of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “He was instrumental in launching the Live Downtown program and is bringing an additional 3,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employees to work Downtown.”

Gerry Anderson, chairman, president and CEO of DTE Energy, Chris Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Inc., also have been elected to the Downtown Detroit Partnership Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, has been elected to the Executive Committee.

“Adding these strong leaders to our already results-driven Board and Executive Committee will help DDP continue to make positive changes in Downtown Detroit,” said Pasky. “Their leadership and understanding of the issues our city faces will help us move DDP forward and create a vibrant, safe, beautiful, inviting and economically strong Downtown Detroit community.”

About the Downtown Detroit Partnership

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders that supports, advocates and develops programs and initiatives that create a clean, vibrant, safe, beautiful, inviting and economically strong Downtown Detroit community. Its public partners are the City of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Filed Under: Press Release, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Donated crew truck aids in teaching Goodwill workers landscape management

August 15, 2011 By

Torre & Bruglio/Brickman donation helps Clean Downtown keep Detroit green as well as clean

The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced the landscaping crew truck used in Downtown beautification efforts has been donated to Clean Downtown by Brickman Group and its local Michigan partner Torre & Bruglio. This truck has been loaned for the last several years by Brickman and Torre & Bruglio to help Clean Downtown and Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit to train workers in landscape management while beautifying Downtown Detroit.

“Keeping Downtown looking its best is a team sport and we’ve had the best team working with Brickman, Torre & Bruglio and Goodwill in our efforts to keep Downtown Detroit looking cleaner and greener while helping workers obtain valuable job skills,” said Dave Blaszkiewicz, president of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, which administers Clean Downtown. “We will put this generously donated truck to great use.”

These efforts have resulted in newly trained workers and the lovely landscaping that has made Downtown’s landscape
pop with color and green ways.

“For the past three years, the Torre & Bruglio/Brickman team has a made a commitment in partnering with Goodwill to provide Goodwill employees the opportunity to learn landscape maintenance skills through on the job training. The truck donation is part of that commitment and will certainly be put to good use,” said Frank Torre, Torre & Bruglio president and CEO.

The landscaping crew truck will be a welcome and permanent addition to the Clean fleet of trucks seen in and around Downtown Detroit keeping things picked up and clean. It provides much needed transportation to the workers in the Goodwill landscape management program.

According to Brickman Branch Manager Mark Pettke, “Donating a crew truck is a resource that will benefit the Goodwill
employees with daily transportation, and the means to perform all of the tasks required. We appreciate the opportunity
Goodwill provides for people to learn on the job skills, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help.”
In addition to providing the truck, Torre & Bruglio/Brickman have generously shared their expertise and helped train
workers by giving them a much needed and valued skills set.

“The company of Torre & Bruglio and Brickman has played a significant role in helping Detroit’s disadvantaged find their
way back into employment and personal dignity,” said Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit Vice President Lindsay
Chalmers. “They have for many years partnered with Goodwill to assist with teaching of new skill sets surrounding
landscape maintenance and the gift of this truck is but one more example of their level of caring.”

For more information about Clean Downtown go to: http://www.cleandowntown.org/team.asp
For more information about Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit go to: http://www.goodwilldetroit.org/
For more information about Brickman: http://www.brickmangroup.com/index.php
For more information about Torre & Bruglio go to: http://www.torreandbruglio.com/index2.html

Filed Under: Press Release

Five Detroit Companies Offer Employees Cash Incentives to Live Downtown

July 28, 2011 By
DETROIT July 25, 2011 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Compuware Corporation, DTE Energy, Quicken Loans Inc. and Strategic Staffing Solutions today announced a five-year, more than $4 million Live Downtown initiative that will provide cash incentives to employees who choose to move to Downtown Detroit and live where they work and play.
Live Downtown is a talent attraction and retention strategy to rebuild Detroit’s core, which is an economic development imperative for the reinvention of the region’s urban center. This plan will offer incentives to the approximately 16,000 eligible full- and part-time employees in Southeast Michigan from the five Detroit-headquartered companies. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Compuware, DTE Energy, Quicken Loans and Strategic Staffing Solutions are united in their commitment and investment in the core city by not only moving more employees to downtown but also by working together to make Detroit’s urban core a vibrant, safe, clean, economically viable community.
Not only will Live Downtown attract more residents, it will be a catalyst to renovate and convert more of our beautiful downtown historic landmarks to new housing units.  It will also serve to create strong neighborhoods, which, in turn, will attract more residents and retail.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is proud to call Detroit home. We are delighted to partner with companies that feel the same way, and are committed to a better Detroit,” said BCBSM President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp. “Together, we are already taking actions that will increase tax revenues, spark retail development and enhance the downtown Detroit area. Now, through the ‘Live Downtown’ program, we are taking the next step to attract people to Detroit not only as employees, but as residents of this great city.”

“The Live Downtown initiative promotes the continued development of the city’s central core,” said Paul Hillegonds, DTE Energy senior vice president for Corporate Affairs. “At DTE Energy, we support the idea of providing greater convenience for our employees, the attraction of talented new workers and the goal of revitalizing Detroit’s downtown.”
In spite of the difficult economic conditions and the loss of population in the city, the Greater Downtown area continues to attract a very diverse group of new residents of all incomes, ages, races and backgrounds as well as new businesses. It experienced a 59 percent increase in the number of college-educated residents under the age of 35 in the last decade, according to a recent article in the New York Times. That’s nearly 30 percent more than two-thirds of the nation’s 51 largest cities. Artists, designers, entrepreneurs and other young professionals are taking advantage of low real estate prices and the growing career opportunities.

“Our young, smart and energetic professionals want to live downtown and be where the action is. This program will provide the opportunity for them not only to work and play in Detroit, but also live in what is becoming an exciting, technology-focused urban core,” said Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Quicken Loans.
In addition, many of Detroit’s buildings are being restored. Local leadership is better and more people are visiting the city.
“With major sports teams, world-class cultural institutions and superb entertainment options, Detroit offers the best urban experience in the world for the price,” said Compuware Executive Chairman of the Board Peter Karmanos, Jr. “For tomorrow’s innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers and designers, we think Live Downtown provides another powerful incentive to stay, work and live in Detroit. That’s good for the city and for Compuware’s business.”
Detroit is becoming a destination for jobs, especially in IT and healthcare.  The healthcare industry is investing approximately $2 billion in new jobs, improved facilities and neighborhood improvements around Detroit’s hospitals. In addition, more than 7,000 jobs and $120 million in investment have come into Detroit since 2010, according to Mayor Bing’s office.
“Strategic Staffing Solutions has been located in Detroit since we opened nearly 21 years ago and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to further invest in both our employees and our city through supporting Live Downtown,” said Cynthia J. Pasky, president and CEO, Strategic Staffing Solutions.” Having been a downtown resident longer than S3’s been established, I am also looking forward to meeting the new friends and neighbors this program will bring to Detroit.”
Employee incentives include:
  • New homeowners receive a $20,000 forgivable loan toward the purchase of their primary residence.
  • New renters receive a $2,500 allowance of funding toward the cost of their apartment in the first year followed by additional funding of $1,000 for the second year.
  • Existing renters receive a $1,000 allowance of funding for renewing a lease in 2011.
  • Existing homeowners receive matching funds of up to $5,000 for exterior improvements for projects of $10,000 or more.

Eligible neighborhoods are:

  • Corktown
  • Downtown
  • Eastern Market
  • Lafayette Park
  • Midtown
  • Woodbridge

Live Downtown emulates the Live Midtown program launched in January 2011. The response to Live Midtown has been overwhelmingly positive and it is expected Live Downtown will also be enthusiastically received. Participating employers in the Live Midtown program include Henry Ford Health System, Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center. That program is administered by Midtown Detroit Inc., which will also administer Live Downtown.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is the overall program coordinator of the program and is leveraging Midtown Detroit’s existing resources and skills used to launch and administer its successful Live Midtown program. Both DDP and Midtown Detroit are non-profit organizations.

“The Downtown Detroit Partnership is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that create a sustainable future for Downtown Detroit.” said David Blaszkiewicz, DDP president and CEO. “Live Downtown is a tremendous program that will enhance economic development and draw new residents who will add their ideas and voices to the ongoing transformation of our city. It is a perfect example of what can be accomplished through collaboration. I want to thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Compuware, DTE Energy, Quicken Loans and Strategic Staffing Solutions for their vision in adopting this program and their continued commitment to Detroit.”

The Hudson-Webber Foundation is supporting the program’s administrative costs.

For more information on how to apply for Live Downtown housing go to  www.detroitlivedowntown.org

Media: For video, bios, information on participating companies and map of boundaries please go to http://bit.ly/livedowntownpress.

Filed Under: Press Release

Dave Blaszkiewicz named to head Downtown Detroit Partnership

February 14, 2011 By
DETROIT, Mich., February 14, 2010 – The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) announced today that Dave Blaszkiewicz has been named its President and CEO. Blaszkiewicz, who is President of Invest Detroit, will serve in a dual role directing the operations of both organizations.
“Because the missions of the DDP and Invest Detroit coincide on so many levels, and because Dave has played a major and very effective role in efforts to generate new investment in Detroit, we believe Dave is the obvious person to assume this role,” said DDP Chair Cynthia J. Pasky.  “Dave has been active in downtown Detroit for more than 20 years and he has the history and skill set we need as the DDP moves forward.”
Blaszkiewicz said, “This is a very exciting time in downtown Detroit, with major employers like Blue Cross, General Motors, Strategic Staffing Solutions, DTE Energy, Quicken Loans and Compuware significantly expanding their employment base and bringing new jobs here.  The addition of corporate stakeholders and increased number of employees in the downtown will help drive planned initiatives and broaden the opportunities for the DDP’s involvement in moving downtown Detroit forward.
“I particularly see an opportunity to build on DDP’s strong working relationship with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and use that synergy to accelerate new investment in the downtown.  Ann Lang has done a tremendous job of developing tools to generate new activity in the downtown and with the newly expanded board in place I look forward to strengthening existing relationships and building new ones.”
DEGC President and CEO George Jackson welcomed Blaszkiewicz’ appointment, saying,  “This is a great appointment by the DDP Board.  Dave brings a high level of professionalism to everything that he does and he definitely will help with the partnership that we have established to get things done in the city.  At the same time, I want to commend Ann Lang for her outstanding work in getting the DDP to where it is today.”
Invest Detroit Board Chair Matt Cullen said Blaszkiewicz’ appointment, “makes great sense from every perspective.  We already are working with the DDP on a number of fronts and Dave has both the skills and demonstrated leadership to make this a very effective arrangement.” Blaszkiewicz has been President of Invest Detroit since he led the effort to create it in 2010.
Invest Detroit is a leading source of private sector gap financing that utilizes both for-profit and non-profit funding tools targeted towards economic development opportunities primarily in the City of Detroit.
Prior to being named head of Invest Detroit he served as President of the Detroit  Investment Fund, which is now a part of Invest Detroit.  Blaszkiewicz joined Detroit  Renaissance (now known as Business Leaders for Michigan) in 1990.  In 1994 he facilitated  the creation of the Detroit Investment Fund and became its president in 2001.
About Downtown Detroit Partnership:
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders. DDP engages business, government, and civic leaders in developing initiatives to strengthen Downtown Detroit’s employment, entertainment and residential assets, as well as advancing diversity, vitality and economic health for Southeast Michigan’s urban core.  For more information, visit www.DowntownDetroit.org.
Filed Under: Press Release

Ann Lang to Leave Downtown Detroit Partnership

February 7, 2011 By

DETROIT, Mich., February 7, 2010 – Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) President and CEO Ann Lang announced today that she is leaving her position, effective late February, to return to her home in Colorado.

“I came back for three years and stayed for five,” she said, “but it has always been my plan to return to home and family in Colorado and I think now is a good time to do that.”

“I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished at the DDP during the time I have been here,” she said. “That includes Clean Downtown and its transformation of downtown’s appearance and the lives of our Goodwill Industries workforce as well as 2-1-1 On the Go! and its similar transformation of the lives of downtown homeless.

Then there is the remarkable Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, and the outstanding multi-district collaboration that produced DigDowntown and Detroit Restaurant Week with much more to come. We have worked together to attract and keep young talent; we’ve taken over stewardship of beautiful Campus Martius Park; and our team has provided support for advancing Woodward Light Rail and the Transit Oriented Development that will be a game-changer for downtown’s future.”

DDP Chair Cynthia J. Pasky said the board will decide on a plan of succession for Lang.“Ann has made major contributions to Detroit throughout her career, both at the DDP and earlier as the head of the New Center Council, and we wish her well as she transitions into a new phase,” Pasky said.  “With the team we have in place and a very supportive board, I’m sure we can make this transition a smooth one that maintains the momentum we have underway.”

Prior to joining the DDP, Lang served as Executive Director of CEOs for Cities, a national alliance of mayors, business and foundation executives and university leaders to advance the economic competitiveness of cities. As President & CEO of Pikes Peak United Way in Colorado Springs, she led the organization’s turnaround as a catalyst for community change. As President of the New Center Council in Detroit, she was a partner in revitalization of the 60-block district surrounding the former General Motors headquarters.

Lang was the first woman to chair the International Downtown Association and has been active on the boards of civic and community organizations throughout her career.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy; the Mayor’s Advisory Task Force for the Detroit Works project; and is engaged in improvement initiatives throughout the center city.

Filed Under: Press Release