MICHIGAN CHRISTMAS EVENTS METRO DETROIT 2014

AUBURN HILLS MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, November 15, 2014 through Christmas Eve
Auburn Hills MI Christmas Event – Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops (Great Lakes Crossing Phone: 248-209-4200)
Bass Pro hosts Santa Claus (and tons of free Christmas fun for kids at Bass Pro) daily through Christmas Eve. You can even get a free photo with Santa while enjoying the free fun! Click here for info and times for Santa’s daily appearances and for a list of all the free fun holiday games, crafts and activities happening each day!

Friday, December 6, 2014 at 6p
Auburn Hills MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
MOMS Memorial (Auburn Rd at Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, MI)
Tree lighting events include visits with Santa & Mrs Claus, wagon rides through Downtown Auburn Hills, s’mores, crafts, keepsake photos & more! All events are free.

BERKLEY MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 1p-5p
Berkley MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Berkley Holiday Lights Parade 2014
Downtown Berkley MI
a full day of fun activities including, horse-drawn carriage rides, petting zoo, vintage trolley rides, parade, tree lighting ceremony and a visit with Santa. Tree lighting takes place at 5:30p. Questions call RoseAnn at 248-239-0284 or e-mail roseann@nicolaievents.com.

BIRMINGHAM MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 6p
Birmingham MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting
Shain Park (S Bates St. and W Merrill St., Birmingham, MI, 48009)
Jump into the Holiday spirit with a night that brings the festive lighting of the winter season and the opening of Santa House. Enjoy live Christmas caroling and the lighting of the 35-foot tree with more than 20,000 LED Christmas lights.

Wednesday, November 26 through Christmas Eve (various dates)
Birmingham MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Birmingham Santa House
Shain Park (S Bates St. and W Merrill St., Birmingham, MI, 48009)
Children may give Santa their list and have their picture taken with him. A $5 donation goes to the Birmingham Lions Club and Leader Dogs for the Blind. Click here for dates and hours.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014 then weekends through Saturday, December 20, 2014
Birmingham MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Birmingham Carriage Rides
Near Santa House (corner of Henrietta and Merrill, Birmingham, Michigan)
Enjoy the 2014 Christmas season with an old-fashioned carriage rides on weekends through December 20.

Friday, December 5 (3p-9p), Saturday, December 6 (10a-9p), Sunday, December 7, (11a-4p)
Birmingham MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Birmingham Winter Markt 2014
Attendees will enjoy European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, roaming winter princesses , live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House, horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment.

CLARKSTON MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 6p
Clarkston, Michigan Christmas and Holiday Event – Holiday Lights Night
Depot Park (Depot Road in Downtown Clarkston)
Enjoy a night out with the family in Downtown Clarkston. First enjoy the Holiday Lights Parade, and immediately following stroll down into Deport Park where Santa will read a story and lead the crowd in a tree lightning ceremony. Here is your chance to give Santa your letter, enjoy thousands of lights, make a s’more and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate. This is a free event.

CLAWSON MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, November 8, 2014
Clawson, Michigan Christmas and Holiday Event – Christmas in Clawson Craft Show
Clawson High School (101 John M Clawson, MI 48017)
A variety of exhibitors will be displaying their crafts! Come enjoy a wonderful lunch, while you get your holiday and personal shopping done. For more info and applications for space, call Betsy O’Brien at (248) 288-1663.

Monday, December 1, 2014 at 6:30p
Clawson, Michigan Christmas and Holiday Event – Christmas Tree Lighting
Memorial Park at Blair Memorial Library (416 N Main St Clawson, Michigan 48017)
Meet at the Library gazebo for caroling, tree lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus at 7 pm. After Santa is given the key to the city, walk across the street to Clawson Middle School for Hot Chocolate and Cookies and a visit with Santa.

DETROIT MI CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2014

Friday, November 21, 2014 from 5p-midnight
Detroit MI Christmas Event – Campus Martius Park Tree Lighting
Campus Martius Park (800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan)
Following the tree lighting Campus Martius Park Ice-Skating season begins!

Thursday, November 27, 2014 at 9a
Detroit MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Detroit Thanksgiving Parade 2014
Woodward and Kirby, Downtown Detroit, Michigan
Hundreds of thousands of parade-goers will be watching as the Parade makes its way down Woodward Avenue. The parade will be broadcast LIVE on WDIV Local 4 from 9-10am and on WJR 760 AM.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 5p-10p
Detroit, MI Christmas Event – Noel Night 2014
Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Area (between Cass and John R and Kirby and Willis)
Free shuttle service is offered between participating venues. Convenient parking is available in area lots. Enjoy holiday shopping, family craft activities and live entertainment.

FARMINGTON MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10a
Farmington MI Christmas Event – Holly Days
Downtown Farmington MI
Holly Days will kick off the celebration with the Farmington Winter Market at the American Legion operating 10am – 2 pm. Kids will enjoy a visit from Santa at Farmington’s “North Pole” from Noon – 4 pm and free holiday movies at the historic Farmington Civic Theater.

Saturday, December 6, from 1p-7p & Sunday December 7, from 1p-5p

Farmington MI Christmas Event – Holiday Open House
Governor Warner Mansion (33805 Grand River Avenue, Farmington, MI)
The Governor Warner Mansion will be decorated for the holidays and open for visits. Tree lighting is at dusk on Saturday.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 5p
Farmington MI Christmas Event – Light Up The Grand Holiday Lighted Parade
Downtown Farmington
The parade will march across Grand River Ave. beginning at Warner St. and ending at Liberty St., right through the heart of Downtown Farmington. Parade floats or walkers must incorporate lights into their entries.

Battery operated lights and glow sticks are highly encouraged!

FARMINGTON HILLS MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 6:30p
Farmington Hills MI Christmas Event – Holiday Lights Ceremony 2014
Farmington Hills Fire Department HQ (31455 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336)
During the Annual Holiday “Lights” Ceremony, the beautiful trees at City Hall will be illuminated as well as a 20-foot candle, which represents commitment to peace and unity in Farmington Hills. Santa will be on hand and refreshments will be served at the Fire Station Headquarters after the ceremony.

Saturday, December 13 (10a-4p) and Sunday, December 14 (11a-4p)

Farmignton Hills MI Christmas Event – Holiday Shopping Expo 2014
Costick Center (28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan)
The Costick Center in Farmington Hills is hosting a Holiday Shopping Expo to showcase a variety of vendors and crafters. Shop from over 60 vendors. This is a free event. Call 248-473-1800 for more info.

FERNDALE MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, November 22, 2014 from noon-8p
Ferndale MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Holiday Hoof & FestivALE
Downtown Ferndale (on W. Troy Street)
Enjoy a 4+ mile night obstacle run/2mi. fun walk, Americana (bluegrass and folk) music, X-mas craft beers, cold weather comfort foods, tree lighting ceremony, and reindeer games. For more info or to register for the run, contact the Ferndale DDA at 248-591-7034.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 9a-3p
Ferndale MI Christmas Event – Ferndale Holiday Show Place Arts and Crafts Show
Kulick Community Center (1201 Livernois, Ferndale, Michigan 48220)
Admission is $1 per person at the door. Food and concessions will be available.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 8a-6p

Ferndale MI Christmas Event – Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival 2014
Downtown Ferndale, Michigan
The Holiday Ice Festival is a hometown-celebration of the holiday season, featuring a display of ice sculptures, live reindeer, hay-ride and a visit from Santa Claus! Call (248)546-1632 for more info or visit www.DowntownFerndale.com.

GROSSE POINTE SHORES MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS

December 5 through December 27, 2014
Grosse Pointe Shores MI Christmas Event – Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Tours
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236)
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (Ford House) historic estate celebrates the Christmas and Holiday Season with specially themed tours and events.

HIGHLAND MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 10a-Noon
Highland MI Christmas Event – Great Candy Cane Hunt
Apollo Center (2029 N. Milford Rd, Highland MI 48357)
Kids will get to search an outside course for candy canes, decorate their own cookies, and create cheerful holiday crafts! Hot chocolate will also be served to help warm up the festivities! Younger kids will tackle the course first with older kids going later. The cost is $7 per child. Dress for the outdoors. Call 248-676-8390 to register.

HOLLY MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

November 28-30, December 6-7, December 13-14 from 5p-9p each evening
Holly MI Christmas Event – Holly Dickens Festival 2014
Downtown Holly, Michigan
Step back into time as you stroll the streets, visit the shops, pubs and eateries in quaint downtown Holly, getting caught up in the story of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Bring the whole family and get a jumpstart on your Christmas shopping.

LAKE ORION / ORION TOWNSHIP CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Dusk
Lake Orion MI Christmas Event – Downtown Lake Orion Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Lake Orion

Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6p
Lake Orion MI Christmas Event – Orion Lighted Parade
Downtown Lake Orion
Sponsored by the Orion Area Parade Company. The parade boasts over 75 entries each year, from civic organizations, dance studios, scouting troops, local dignitaries, marching bands, school groups and more. The event is capped off with a special visit by Santa himself, much to the joy of the young and old in the crowd lining the village streets.

MADISON HEIGHTS MI CHRISTMAS – HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Monday, November 24, 2014 at 6:30
Madison Hts MI Christmas Event – Holiday Tree Lighting
Civic Center Plaza
The Mayor will welcome Santa and present him with an official key to the City. Visitors will enjoy cookies and cocoa while listening to seasonal music. Following the tree lighting program, children may wish to get their photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the Breckenridge Room of the Library.

MILFORD MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 6:30
Milford MI Christmas / Holiday Event – The Big Reveal
Downtown Milford
Stores on Main Street in Downtown Milford reveal festive holiday Christmas and holiday window displays to their stores. Come downtown and watch the kids “unwrap” the storefronts. Local merchants will wrap their storefronts on Tuesday, get busy, and reveal their holiday best on Thursday night.

Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 10a
Milford MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Downtown Christmas Parade
Downtown Milford
Come out to the annual Milford Christmas Parade, one of the longest-standing Main Street traditions around. Wonderful holiday event for the entire region. Come early! Main Street fills up fast.

Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 5:45p-9p
Milford MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Christmas Open House
Downtown Milford
Enjoy the winter wonderland with strolling entertainment, special promotions at a variety of shops and restaurants, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday caroling and of course, a visit with Santa. Santa Claus arrives at 6p. For more information, call 248-684-1975.

MT CLEMENS MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Friday, November 28, 2014 at 10a
Mt. Clemens MI Christmas Event – Macomb County Santa Parade
Downtown Mt Clemens
Continuing tradition, the parade ushers in the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with the arrival of the jolly old elf himself, Santa! There will also be plenty of new floats, marching bands, characters, and sights and sounds for all to enjoy. The parade route runs on Main Street from Church Street north to Clinton Street.

NORTHVILLE MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Friday, November 21, 2014 at 6:30p
Northville MI Christmas Event – Holiday Lighted Parade
Downtown Northville MI
Ring in the Holiday Season with the annual Holiday Lighted Parade in downtown Northville, the official kickoff to Northvile’s Hometown Holidays.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 1p-4p
Northville MI Christmas Event – Christmas in the Village
Mill Race Village Northville
Enjoy have snacks, carolers, the Weavers will be demonstrating their craft and the Northville High School band will play a few numbers. St Nicholas may make an early appearance.

Friday, December 12 from 9a-8p, Saturday, December 13 from 9a-5p
Northville MI Christmas Event – Tinsel & Treasures Holiday Market
Northville Community Center
More than 75 hand-selected, juried artists and fine craftspeople from the Midwest will showcase their one-of-a-kind pieces of work. From glass design, gourmet foods, jewelry, original fashions, home décor, authors, and more.

NOVI MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Friday, December 5, 2014 from 6p-9p
Novi MI Christmas Event – Light Up The Night Novi
Novi Civic Center (45175 West Ten Mile, Novi, Michigan)
Tree Lighting at 6:15pm, Santa visits, train rides, magic shows at the Novi Public Library, marshmallow roasting, live reindeer, ice sculptures, free refreshments. This is a free event.

ORTONVILLE / BRANDON TWP CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2014

December 6, 2014 from 1p-5p
Ortonville MI Christmas Event – Christmas in the Village
Downtown Ortonville
Enjoy live entertainment, a parade, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer and more!

OXFORD MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Friday, December 5, 2014 at 6p-9p
Oxford MI Christmas Event – Oxford MI Tree Lighting
Centennial Park (Downtown Oxford)
Enoy pics w/Santa. The tree-lighting is at 8p.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 2p
Oxford MI Christmas Event – Oxford Christmas Parade
Centennial Park (Downtown Oxford)
Enjoy holiday fun in Downtown Oxford.

PONTIAC MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 8:30a-10:30a (Winter Fun Festival) Parade at 11a.
Pontiac MI Christmas Event – Holiday Extravaganza Parade and Winter Fun Festival
Downtown Pontiac
The WinterFUN Festival is a great opportunity for families to come together to participate in several activities. There is a Gallery of Ice with live ice carving competition, a petting farm with adorable animals, live Santa reindeer, s’mores and much, much more. There is also a children’s WinterART Center that allows kids to participate in several different craft projects, get their face painted and much, much more. All activities at the Holiday Extravaganza are free. Parade starts at 11a at 196 Cesar E. Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 8:30a-2p
Pontiac MI Christmas Event – Holiday Extravaganza Craft and Vendor Show
Oakland Artist Market (7 N. Saginaw St, Pontiac, MI 48342)
Stop by the Holiday Extravaganza Craft show after the big parade for unique holiday gifts!

ROCHESTER MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014Wednesday November 12, 2014 through January 4, 2015
Rochester MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Royal Park Hotel Gingerbread House 2014
Royal Park Hotel (600 East University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307)
If you’re heading to Downtown Rochester to check out the Big Bright Light Show, why not check out the Giant Gingerbread House at the Royal Park Hotel. The giant gingerbread house stands eight feet tall and is adorned with Christmas colors and decorations, and features fine details such as cobble stone border, candied icicles, snowflakes on the gingerbread shingled rooftop, and a toy room inside. Pics, video and more info on the Royal Park Hotel Giant Gingerbread House.

Monday, November 24, 2014 from 6p-9p
Rochester MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Lagniappe
Downtown Rochester MI
Join the merchants of Downtown Rochester when they offer their customers Lagniappe (Creole for “a little something extra”) in appreciation for their support throughout the year. Favorite Lagniappe activities will return, including Big Bright Light Show debut, horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown, strolling carolers, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Monday, November 24, 2014 at 7p through January 4, 2015
Rochester MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Big Bright Light Show
Downtown Rochester
See Downtown Rochester lit up in Holiday glory as the city is adorned with over 1.2 million Christmas Lights. Click here for more info and a photo gallery of the Big Bright Light Show.

Friday, December 5 (4p-10p) and Saturday, December 6 (noon-10p)
Rochester MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Kris Kringle Market
West 4th Street (between Walnut & Main, Rochester, MI)
The Kris Kringle Market is inspired by the 700 year-old tradition of the European Christmas Market and visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, entertainment and ambience of this open-air, holiday market.

Friday, November 28, 2014 through Tuesday December, 23, 2014
Rochester Michigan Christmas / Holiday Event – Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk 2014
Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens (480 South Adams Rd, Rochester, MI 48309)
The Meadow Brook Hall annual Holiday Walk explores the Dodge and Wilson family’s winter traditions and activities they enjoyed while living on the Meadow Brook Estate. Click here for a photo gallery and more info on the 2014 Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 from 2p-4p
Rochester MI Christmas Event – Downtown Rochester Christmas Parade
Downtown Rochester MI

In its 63rd year, the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan with an average 3,000 parade participants that represent a collaborative effort among families, businesses, non-profit and civic organizations, as well as schools and universities.

ROCHESTER HILLS MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Friday, November 21, 2014 at 7p
Rochester Hills MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Village of Rochester Hills Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Village of Rochester Hills (NE corner of Adams Rd and University, Rochester Hills, MI)
Once again the Village will come to life with over 850,000 lights that will illuminate all at once! In addition to lighting our 25 foot tree, we will welcome Santa to the Village for another year of free visits. The fun starts at 6p, the tree-lighting takes place at 7p.

ROYAL OAK MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, November 22 from 10a-4p
Royal Oak MI Christmas Event – Holiday Arts & Crafts Marketplace
Royal Oak High School (1500 Lexington Boulevard, Royal Oak, MI)
Fun, food and holiday shopping! Featuring more than 100 local artisans. Luncheon entrees and baked goods available for purchase. Admission is $2, kids 12 & under are free.

November 22 – December 31, 2014 from 5:30-9:30 (see dates below)

Royal Oak MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Wild Lights
Detroit Zoo (8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067)
The Detroit Zoo will light up the night this holiday season with Wild Lights, a spectacular holiday light display. For 24 nights, more than five million LED lights will illuminate trees, buildings and animal sculptures on a half-mile trail through the front of the Zoo. Dates: November 22,23,28,29,30 – December 5,6,7,11,12,13,14,18,19,20,21,22,23,26,27,28,29,30,31.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 2p-3:30p
Royal Oak MI Christmas / Holiday Event – Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade 2014
Downtown Royal Oak, MI
Over 80 parade units will include marching bands, floats, musical performances, circus acts and more. Visits with Santa are after the parade from 3-5pm! This is a free event.

Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 4p-8p
Royal Oak MI Christmas Event – Tree Lighting Ceremony and Royal Oak Holiday Magic Marketplace
Royal Oak Farmers Market (316 E 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan)
Tree-lighting will be at 6:15p. The Royal Oak Farmers Market will host a Holiday Marketplace before, during and after the City Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 4th from 4pm to 8:30pm. Over 60 local crafters and artisans featuring antiques, collectibles, crafts, & many downtown merchant booths. For additional information call (248)246-3276.

SOUTHFIELD MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Monday, December 1, 2014 at 7p
Southfield MI Christmas Event – Burgh Historical Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
Burgh Historical Park (northeast corner of Civic Center Drive and Berg Road, Southfield MI)
The annual lighting of the holiday tree at Burgh Historical Park. The Metropolitan Singers will lead the crowd in a holiday sing-a-long as the holiday display is lit. Visitors are then invited inside the 1854 Church to enjoy a performance by The Metropolitan Singers or they head over to the (outdoor) gazebo to meet with Santa and share with him their all-important holiday wish list. Refreshments will be served. This is a (mostly) outdoor event so please dress for the weather. This is a free event for the community.

SOUTH LYON MI CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 10a-8p
South Lyon MI Christmas Event – Cool Yule Festival
Downtown South Lyon
South Lyon whips up a full-day of Christmas and holiday fun with Cool Yule. Enjoy an arts and crafts show, candy cane hunt, live reindeer, Christmas cookie extravaganza, Parade of Lights, a tree-lighting and much more throughout the day.

TROY MI CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 9a-4p
Troy MI Christmas Event – Elf Shelf Arts and Crafts Show
Troy High School (4777 Northfield Pkwy, Troy, MI)
Admission proceeds from the event benefit local charitable organizations. For info, call 248-988-0426.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 from 7p-8:30p
Troy MI Christmas Event – Christmas Tree Lighting
City Hall
Children are invited to visit with Santa Claus after he lights the Christmas Tree. The Troy Colt Drumline will march in with Santa Claus. The Athens High School Choirs will lead the caroling. Enjoy hot cocoa & holiday sweets.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 1p-3p
Troy MI Christmas Event – The Giving Christmas
Troy Historic Village (60 W. Wattles Rd, Troy, MI)
Enjoy cider, cookies, Christmas music and more. Children are invited to meet Santa and make a craft. Children under 6 are free. Call 248-524-3570 to register.

WALLED LAKE MI CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2014

Monday, December 1, 2014 at 7p
Walled Lake MI Christmas Event - Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
City Hall (1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake, MI)
Holiday Tree Lighting and visit from Santa Claus. Festivities start at the Walled Lake City Library(1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390) at 6p with pics and visits with Santa and his reindeer!

WARREN MI CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2014

Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 9a-4p
Warren MI Christmas Event – Holiday Craft Show
Warren Community Center (5460 Arden, Warren, MI 48093)
Over 200 tables, several holiday vendors & more. Admission is just $1 per person.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 5p-8p
Warren MI Christmas Event – Warren Tree Lighting Ceremony
Warren City Square (Van Dyke N of 12 Mile Rd)
Visit with Santa, free ice-skating admission all day (skate rental $3), horse-drawn wagon rides, refreshments, and more!

WATERFORD MI CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 from 6p-8p
Waterford MI Christmas Event – Tree Lighting and Santa Celebration
Town Hall (5200 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, MI)
Celebrate the season with a variety of activities including: crafts, a chance to visit with Santa, Christmas sing-a-long and more. Food concessions will be available. This is a free event!

Thursday, December 4, through Saturday, December 6, 2014
Waterford MI Christmas Event – Holiday Bazaar Craft Show & Green’s Market
Waterford Senior Center Gym (3621 Pontiac Lake Rd, Waterford, MI)
Free admission, all are welcome. One-stop holiday shopping featur-
ing one-of-a-kind crafts to fit every budget. Lunch and snacks avail-
able for purchase. Antique appraisals and raffles. The Waterford Garden Club will feature their popular annual Green’s Market.

WHITE LAKE TWP MI CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2014

Friday, December 5, 2014 from 6p-8p
White Lake Twp MI Christmas Event – I’m Dreaming of A White Lake Christmas Festival
Fisk Farm (9180 Highland Road, White Lake Township, MI 48383)
The tree lighting will take place at the Fisk Farm from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Activities for all ages. including live reindeer, pics with Santa and Mrs Claus (bring your camera), ice sculptures, balloon creations for kids, marshmallow roasting / s’mores and hot chocolate, White Lake Middle School Choir & Jazz Band, kids crafts and more!

WIXOM MI CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY EVENTS 2014

Friday, December 5 (3p-10p) and Saturday, December 6 (10a-10p)
Wixom MI Christmas Event – 2014 Holiday Markt
Sibley Square Park
The new “Wixom Holiday Markt” will feature the sights, sounds and smells of an authentic, old-world market with decorated vendor huts & tents selling traditional crafts, art, holiday greens as well as the sound of carolers singing holiday music. Additional events, activities and things to do include: Santa craft tent, food and beer tent. City Tree Lighting and more.

10 Outdated Resume Strategies That are Derailing Your Search

Barbara Safani

I don’t know what it is about resumes. People seem to get so caught up in what they think a resume “should” be that they overlook what a resume can be…a path to a new role, a new career, a new life. Some people seem to treat their resumes like they are their tax returns…break a rule and get penalized; enter information in a different place and suffer the consequences…it really doesn’t need to be so formulaic…and it shouldn’t be. A good

resume is a representation of your strengths, your passion, your dreams…all wrapped up into a compelling message of value. Here are ten outdated approaches I see people use when writing resumes and some tips for how to avoid these pitfalls.

1. You think there is one acceptable resume format for your industry. I hear this a lot. “In my industry we don’t use resume profiles” or “No one in my industry ever writes a resume that is more than one page.” Usually these “rules” are perpetuated by people who have been using the same format for their resume since they graduated from college ten or more years ago. What worked then won’t necessarily work now. Or they are perpetuated by people who have gotten used to reading resumes that all look the same so they no longer question their value or relevance in today’s market.
2. You think that because you are confident in your writing abilities you can write a good resume. Sure it helps to have a strong command of the English language. But resume writing is less about the actual writing and more about the strategy than many people realize. A resume writer can look at your background objectively, analyze any potential obstacles in your search, and create a strategy that emphasizes your overarching accomplishments and doesn’t dwell on your more difficult to explain roles and transitions.
3. You think using visual elements on a resume is weird. Many of us are used to seeing PowerPoint presentations where charts, graphs, and other visuals are used to create engagement and communicate information succinctly. Why would you think that a presentation of your candidacy should be any different? Visual elements can differentiate you from your competitors, convey a lot of quality information in less space, and position you as a savvy communicator. Here’s an example of a more visual resume.
4. You are using a resume template to convey how special you are. A resume is all about showcasing your unique value. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by using a stale Microsoft resume template to explain your unique value proposition.
5. You have copied and pasted your previous job descriptions into your resume. The reality is that people in similar jobs perform similar job tasks. An accountant in company A may not have job tasks that are that different than the accountant in company B. Yet the value that each brings to their organization may be totally unique. Minimize content about job tasks and focus on more compelling accomplishments.
6. You don’t show a clear connection between your past achievements and your future direction. If your resume merely represents your chronology it may be difficult for a hiring manager to understand how your past experience relates to their current position. This is especially true if you are trying to transition to a new job function or industry. Your resume needs to be idiot proof. Be sure to connect the dots between past performance and future value to the organization (I recommend a profile at the top of the resume to accomplish this). No one will connect the dots for you. Take the time to create a clear roadmap from past accomplishments to future value.
7. You have no clue what keywords are. Keywords are the buzzwords or industry terminology that is relevant to your job function or industry. You can source keywords by reviewing job descriptions for positions you would consider applying to and looking for the consistency in these keywords from posting to posting. Many employers use ATS or Applicant Tracking Systems to source candidates and they will only find your resume if the words in your resume correlate to those posted in their job specs.
8. You are uploading a Word version of your resume into a database that requires a text version. Many people make the mistake of taking their formatted Word document and uploading it into a text box on a company website. The format is generally not preserved when you do this and your document will end up looking sloppy and unprofessional. Here are instructions on how to create a text resume.
9. Your resume is made up of big blocks of text that no one wants to read.Imagine going to a website looking for information and being confronted with a homepage with a huge paragraph of text. Would you stay on the site and read everything word for word or would you quickly navigate away in search of a site that enabled you to find the information you are looking for quickly. My guess is you would opt for the later. People who read resumes feel the same way. If they have to muddle through big chunks of text to figure out if you are a potential fit for their job, they will probably navigate away from your resume quickly. Use bullets, bold, shading, or text boxes to highlight critical information and help your reader figure out what you are all about in just a few seconds.
10. Your resume is overwhelming to the reader. If your resume is more than two pages it probably fits into this category. Examine your resume and edit, edit, edit. Do you really need to list the 7 management classes you took in 1987 now that you have been a CEO for the past 10 years? Do you really need to dedicate a full page to your employment experience before 1990? Probably not. Frequently with resumes, less is more.

Barbara Stefani is an Executive Resume Writer, Career Coach, Job Search Strategist, & President at Career Solvers

Plum Market submits site plan for new Ann Arbor store

Michigan grocery chain Plum Market is moving forward with plans for a new store in Ann Arbor.

The company submitted a rezoning request and site plan for a Plum Market store on the former Cleary University Washtenaw Campus at 3601 Plymouth Road.

Plans call to renovate the existing 20,596-square-foot structure and construct a 4,639-square-foot addition on the north side of the building. Plum Market is requesting to rezone the property from PUD to C3, commercial fringe development.

Plum Market has a purchase agreement for the 2.38-acre Plymouth Road property. Cleary University purchased the site for $2 million in 1998.

The university announced in late 2013 it would no longer conduct in-person classes at the Ann Arbor campus starting in the winter 2014 semester. Only one in-person class was taught on campus in fall 2013. The property was listed for sale at just under $3 million.

Plum Market President Matt Jonna said the Plum Market store on Plymouth Road would have a Zingerman’s coffee bar, an outdoor seating area and a cozy feel. Plum Market plans to spend about $12.5 million in acquiring the real estate, building the store and making site improvements.

“We couldn’t be more excited to hopefully get it all approved and get open,” Jonna said during a citizen participation meeting for the project in September.

Based in Farmington Hills, Plum Market operates three locations in Michigan, including a store on North Maple Road in Ann Arbor, and one store in Illinois. In April, the grocer was selected among hundreds of applicants to open a new eatery inside the McNamara Terminal of the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Plum Market carries natural, organic, local and specialty grocery items. The Ann Arbor store has a Zingerman’s Coffee Bar, Swirlberry frozen yogurt, a chocolate shop, a prepared foods section, an apothecary, a produce department, grocery items and beer and wine.

Jonna said if approved, the new store on Plymouth Road will have a similar look to the store on North Maple Road, but it will be 10,000 square feet smaller in size.

Parking on the property would be reduced from 99 spaces to 82 spaces. Ten covered bicycle parking spaces are included in the plans.

The outdoor cafe is proposed along the Plymouth Road side of the building. There is a 40-foot buffer between the building and the sidewalk curb.

Access to the site would remain from a shared easement off Plymouth Road.

The new store would be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The coffee bar would open at 6 a.m. The store would employ 125 people.

Michigan unemployment rates fall in all labor markets

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates fell in all of Michigan's 17 major labor market regions in August.

 

The state Department of Technology, Management and Budget said Thursday that jobless rates dropped due to workforce reductions and fewer unemployed people actively seeking summer and seasonal jobs. It says employment levels rose moderately in many areas of the state.

The biggest over-the-month advances in employment were in the Saginaw and Battle Creek areas. The only monthly employment drop was in the Detroit area, possibly because of severe flooding that hit the region.

Jobless rates ranged from a low of 4.6 percent in Ann Arbor to a high of 7.9 percent in Detroit.

Michigan Business Networking Group: Cancer Fundraiser

 The Michigan Business Networking Group is helping to put together a cancer fundraiser in late September.   We are looking for donated items as well as a band that would be willing to donate their time.

If you would like to help please call Ron Dwyer at 248-390-6345  or e-mail rondwyer@roninsureme.com 

Most of the information people take in about their surroundings is visual. When someone is listening to learn more about you and your company, they're also closely observing your body language for even more clues. 

Are you conveying the message you really want to send?

This infographic from Visual.ly and translation service provider Gengo demonstrates how to present yourself--whether you're meeting a potential client for the first time or you're leading a new team. 

Channel 20 Detroit Has New 10pm News Hosted By WXYZ 7 Staff. Merger puts two stations under the same roof.

Detroit area viewers now have a choice for local news at 10 p.m. 

7 Action News at 10 on TV20 Detroit premieres today at 10 p.m. The new 10 p.m. newscast will be anchored Monday-Friday by Glenda Lewis and Malcolm Maddox, with chief meteorologist Dave Rexroth’s 7 First Alert weather forecasts, and 7 sports director Tom Leyden’s up-to-the-minute sports reports.

Weekend editions will be anchored by 7 Action News veteran Dave LewAllen, with meteorologist Hally Vogel and sports anchor David Solano.

According to WXYZ , 7 Action News at 10 on TV20 will be fast-paced and include big interviews, investigative reports and an aggressive “Taking Action for You” attitude.

Cincinnati-based E.W. Scripps Co., the parent company of WXYZ-TV, closed Monday on the purchase of MyNetwork TV affiliate WMYD Channel 20 in a $110 million cash deal that also includes the purchase of WKBW, Buffalo’s ABC affiliate, from New York City-based Granite Broadcasting Corp.

The deal, which has no debt financing and required Federal Communications Commission approval, brings Scripps’ ABC affiliate count to 11, which will reach almost 12 percent of American households, according to a news release.

Scripps now owns 21 stations throughout the country and has a total market share of nearly 14 percent, according to the release.

It creates the second duopoly in the Detroit television market. The other is WWJ-TV Ch. 62, a CBS station, and WKBD-TV Ch. 50, a CW Network affiliate, which are owned and operated by CBS Corp.

“These stations in Detroit and Buffalo will contribute strong cash flow to our core businesses, expand our reach in one of our best markets, and expand our TV footprint in partnership with ABC,” Rich Boehne, Scripps chairman, president and CEO, said in a news release.

Granite bought WMYD in 1997 for $175 million.

WMYD was formed in 2006 when FOX parent News Corp. created the MyNetworkTV network for stations orphaned by the merger of The WB Network and UPN, which resulted in the CBS- and Warner Bros.-owned The CW Network.

WMYD has a studio in Southfield. Its employees will move to the WXYZ headquarters as part of the deal. Some of the station’s content is produced in Fort Wayne.

Scripps has since 1986 owned WXYZ, the broadcaster’s largest television station, reaching nearly 2.7 million households in the Detroit market.

Scripps (NYSE: SSP) in 2012 reported $160 million in profit from its television stations on $903 million in company-wide revenue ($494 million of which was television).

The company’s financial disclosures didn’t break down by station.

The station first went on the air in September 1968 as independently owned WXON-TV Ch. 62, a UHF station. It was WDWB-TV from 1997-2006.

DNR invites public input on forest plans for Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac and Otsego counties

The Department of Natural Resources will host open houses on

June 17 in Gaylord and June 18 in Indian River to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments for 2016 in the Gaylord management unit, which includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac and Otsego counties. The open houses are set for:

• Tuesday, June 17, 3-7 p.m.
  Gaylord Field Office, 1732 West M-32, Gaylord
• Wednesday, June 18, 3-7 p.m.
  Indian River Field Office, 6984 Wilson Road, Indian River

Each year, DNR personnel evaluate one-tenth of the state forest. The inventory provides key decision-making information for foresters and wildlife, fisheries and other resource managers. The age, health, quality and quantity of trees and other vegetation are assessed to enable DNR staff to make informed decisions. Timber management, wildlife and fisheries habitat, minerals, archeological sites, recreational use, wildfire potential and social concerns are just some of the topics taken into consideration during this review.

Because the forest is inventoried approximately two years in advance, a year of entry is assigned to indicate when treatments will be prepared. Information currently under review has a 2016 year of entry. This means that treatment activities on lands being reviewed this year will actually begin in 2016.

Proposed treatments, which may include timber harvesting, replanting and other management activities, are designed to ensure the sustainability of all forest resources.

“Open houses are a good way for interested residents, neighbors and stakeholders to learn about the DNR’s proposed treatment plans and to share input with foresters and biologists before any final decisions are made,” said Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.

“This year we’re inviting folks who might not be able to get to a meeting to share their comments via email with unit managers,” he added. “When it comes to the health and sustainability of our state forests, we want the planning process to be as inclusive as possible.”

To more easily and efficiently oversee the forest resources, the DNR divides each management unit into smaller units or "compartments." This year, the compartments under review are in Chestonia and Warner townships (Antrim County); Chandler and Peaine townships (Charlevoix County); Beaugrand, Ellis, Mentor, Mullett and Waverly townships (Cheboygan County); Bliss, Center and Springvale townships (Emmet County); Bois Blanc Township (Mackinac County); and Charlton and Otsego Lake townships (Otsego County).

Maps and information regarding proposed treatments will be available at the open house. The information can also be found at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Compartment review packets for the 2016 year of entry can be found by selecting the shown map and clicking on the “Gaylord” button. Records of decisions, recorded timber harvests and other treatments for past years are available on this page.

On July 17, the DNR will complete its formal compartment review to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That review will take place:

• Thursday, July 17, 9 a.m.
  Citizens National Bank (basement), 3990 S. Straits Highway, Indian River

Persons with disabilities who need accommodations for either meeting should contact Joyce Angel, 989-732-3541, ext. 5440, a minimum of five business days before each meeting. Anyone unable to attend either meeting may submit comments via email to Joyce Angel. Please use the subject line: Gaylord state forest open house comment. All comments must be received at least three business days before each meeting.

For more information about the state forest planning process, visit www.michigan.gov/forestplan.  

When It Comes To Modern Advertising Those That Think Out Of The Box Succeed

In Tampa Florida one company took advertising into a brand new direction by thinking out of the box.  Along several roads in Tampa people where passing by odd brightly orange painted bikes.  

People wondered what those bikes were about.   Where they to alert drivers of impending construction work or to keep an eye out for children or cyclers?

People's curiosity got the best of them so when they got home what did they do?  They immediately went on to Google and Facebook to find the story of the bikes.

Turns out the bikes were part of a clever campaign to get people talking and "Googling" the orange bikes which brought them to Orangetheory Fitness, a new Florida based fitness center.    The Fitness center was opening up soon along the streets the orange bikes where located.

Because of these unique strategy, Orangetheory Fitness received perhaps as much as $20,000 in free advertising from news paper articles to TV news exposure.  

If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to think out of the box like Orangetheory Fitness did.
  

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Beaumont, Botsford Heatlh Care and Oakwood Healthcare agree to merge

ROYAL OAK, Mich., DEARBORN, Mich. and FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Beaumont Health System, Botsford Health Care and Oakwood Healthcare have signed a letter of intent and begun exclusive negotiations about combining their operations into a new health care system.

The boards of the three not-for-profit organizations have approved a letter of intent calling for formation of a new, $3.8 billion health system that would combine assets, liabilities and operations under unified executive and board leadership. The new system would integrate their combined eight hospitals and 153 other patient care sites into a comprehensive and collaborative health care network focused on advancing quality of care and access to care for people throughout the region.

The three organizations have begun the negotiation of a definitive agreement and due diligence discussions aimed at creating the new, not-for-profit health system.

"We are three successful health care organizations driven by a shared desire to collectively build upon our success in improving quality, efficiency and value in health care delivery," says Gene Michalski, CEO of Beaumont Health System. "By combining our strengths, resources, experience and capabilities, we'll be well positioned to meet future health care challenges while expanding access to high-quality, high-value care for patients throughout the region."

"This is really all about improving patient care for men, women and children in our respective communities," says Brian Connolly, president and CEO of Oakwood Healthcare. "If we join forces, we can and we will use quality data and standardized best-practice treatment protocols across the continuum of care for improved health and greater value for the families we serve."

"Physician collaboration and integration is a key priority for all three of our organizations," says Paul LaCasse, D.O., MPH, president and CEO, Botsford Health Care. "We will use our combined resources to work collaboratively with our physicians. Employed and private-practice allopathic and osteopathic physicians will be partners in the creation of our new organization."

Goals of the new organization include:

• improving the value of health care services through processes that deliver high quality, well-coordinated patient care at the right time in the right setting at an affordable cost
• improving the health, well-being and outcomes of patient populations
• improving care efficiency and patient safety by integrating patients' medical records for easy access by caregivers across all settings of care
• improving operational efficiency by lowering and spreading costs over a larger system and through group purchasing of supplies and equipment

The new organization will be governed by a single board and executive leadership structure with representation from the three organizations. John Lewis, Oakwood chairman of the board, will serve as the initial board chair. Gene Michalski, Beaumont CEO, will serve as the initial CEO for the new combined organization. Michalski, Oakwood CEO Brian Connolly and Botsford CEO Paul LaCasse will all serve on the CEO Council, overseeing the transition and implementation of the new system. Michalski will chair the CEO Council. Connolly and LaCasse will remain as president and CEO of their respective organizations during the period of transition. Connolly will also serve as transition executive on behalf of the CEO Council.

A system-wide Clinical Leadership Council, including physicians, nurses and other health providers, led by physicians, will develop and drive physician alignment and integration. This group will advise the CEO Council for all medical matters. The organizations' medical staffs will remain separate.

All three organizations will also maintain their existing medical school relationships.

A letter of intent is an agreement that signals the desire of the organizations to enter into a new partnership. It begins the process of negotiating a definitive agreement and conducting "due diligence," during which representatives from the systems work closely together to explore how best to bring the organizations together.

The new health system will not be final until due diligence is completed, the boards of the three organizations approve a definitive agreement and after appropriate regulatory approvals.

Beaumont Health System

Beaumont Health System is a three-hospital regional health system with 1,778 licensed beds, more than 14,000 full-time equivalent employees and nearly 3,100 physicians, including 500 employed physicians in the Beaumont Medical Group and more than 2,600 private-practice physicians. In addition to its hospitals in Royal Oak, Troy and Grosse Pointe, Beaumont has numerous community-based medical centers in Oakland, Macomband Wayne counties, family practice and internal medicine practices, five nursing centers, a research institute, home care services and hospice.  Beaumont is the exclusive clinical teaching site for the new Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. Visit Beaumont on the web at www.beaumont.edu.

Botsford Health Care

Botsford Health Care is an integrated health care system including Botsford Hospital,Botsford Commons Senior Community and Community Emergency Medical Service. Botsford Hospital is a 330-bed hospital and verified trauma center located in Farmington Hills. Each year Botsford cares for more than 16,000 inpatients and 60,000 emergency trauma patients with 2,500 employees, 300 volunteers and more than 600 physicians.  The hospital is home to an extensive medical education program affiliated with Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Botsford Commons Senior Community, located in Farmington Hills, provides a variety of residential choices for the elderly: independent living in condominiums and apartments, a senior assisted living center and a rehabilitation and continuing care center. Community Emergency Medical Service provides ambulance transportation, emergency and non-emergency treatment along with educational services to healthcare organizations, municipalities and communities throughout Southeastern Michigan. Visit botsford.org, facebook.com/botsford hospital.

Oakwood Healthcare

Oakwood Healthcare is an independent, not-for-profit health care organization committed to improving the health and well-being of the individuals and communities in Wayne County. As one of the largest employers in the county, Oakwood provides acute, specialty, primary and preventative care services backed by excellence in research and education. With four acute care hospitals and more than 50 outpatient facilities, Oakwood's 9,000 employees and 1,300 physicians represent nearly every medical and surgical specialty and subspecialty. Oakwood was also a finalist for the 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

SOURCE Beaumont Health System; Oakwood Healthcare; Botsford Health Care

Hollywood in Grand Rapids,Michigan

 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Filming for a movie could cause some traffic headaches along I-196 in Grand Rapids Thursday.

A crew for “The End of the Tour” will be filming along the highway between Fuller Avenue and Lake Michigan Drive between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will not be lane closures, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation, traffic will be moving slower.

The upside is that drivers may catch a glimpse of “The End of the Tour” actors Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel performing a scene from the movie.

“They are using a film truck and car,” West Michigan Film Office Film Commissioner Rick Hert said. “So the car will be on a trailer and be pulled shooting through.”

A location scout advised the moviemakers will use a process they call “turn arounds” in which the crew will head westbound from Fuller to Lake Michigan Drive, and then turn around and drive from Lake Michigan Drive to Fuller. They’ll continue driving back and forth until they are finished filming for the day.

The shoot has been months in the planning.

MDOT says drivers should consider the traffic disruption as more of a wide load than a lane closure.

“The moving operation will be going about 40 MPH and they will make that loop until they get the shot. There will be concerns with traffic going that much slower than the posted speed limits, but that’s why we have police assistance on hand to help with safety,” MDOT spokesman John Richard said.

He said that stretch of I-196, which services about 70,000 vehicles each day, is ready for a closeup.

“It’s a newly reconstructed stretch, so it looks nice,” Richard said. “It’s gorgeous. Look at it.”

But 24 Hour News 8 learned the stretch was chosen because of the s skyline visible from it. In the movie, Grand Rapids will be playing the part of a Chicago suburb.

Both Grand Rapids police and Michigan State Police will be escorting and monitoring the shoot, and will bill the production company for costs incurred.

McGraw Wentworth's owner acquires Troy benefits consultant

Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC (MMA), a subsidiary of Marsh LLC, today announced that it has acquired Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services, an employee group benefits consulting and brokerage firm based in Troy, Michigan. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1997 by Joseph Coan and Jim Scoggin, Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services has annual revenues of approximately $3.4 million. The firm offers strategic benefit consulting services to publicly and privately held midsize organizations nationwide, including manufacturers, financial services, communications, higher education, and healthcare organizations.

Great Lakes will combine with MMA’s existing Michigan office, known locally as McGraw Wentworth, further expanding MMA’s presence within the state and the upper Midwest region. Great Lakes’ employees, including Messrs. Coan and Scoggin, will move to McGraw Wentworth’s headquarters in the second quarter of 2014.

“Joining MMA is the right fit for Great Lakes, our employees, and our clients. Our founding principles are echoed in the MMA agency structure, service model, and workplace culture,” Mr. Scoggin said. “We look forward to joining MMA and McGraw Wentworth and gaining access to additional resources and expertise for our clients.”

“We have long respected Jim, Joe and the entire Great Lakes team,” said Thomas McGraw, president of McGraw Wentworth. “We welcome them to the MMA organization and look forward to combining our local resources to support our clients’ group benefits needs and priorities.”

Commenting on the transaction, David Eslick, chairman and CEO of Marsh & McLennan Agency said: “Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services is a terrific addition to our growing national roster of high-performing firms that comprise Marsh & McLennan Agency. I welcome Joe Coan, Jim Scoggin, and the rest of the team to MMA.”

About Marsh & McLennan Agency

Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, a subsidiary of Marsh, was established in 2008 to meet the needs of midsize businesses in the U.S. MMA operates autonomously from Marsh to offer commercial property, casualty, personal lines, and employee benefits to clients across the U.S.

About Marsh

Marsh is a global leader in insurance broking and risk management. We help clients succeed by defining, designing, and delivering innovative industry-specific solutions that help them effectively manage risk. We have approximately 27,000 colleagues working together to serve clients in more than 100 countries. Marsh is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC), a global professional services firm offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. With more than 54,000 employees worldwide and approximately $12 billion in annual revenue, Marsh & McLennan Companies is also the parent company of Guy Carpenter, a global leader in providing risk and reinsurance intermediary services; Mercer, a global leader in talent, health, retirement, and investment consulting; and Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting.

Great Lakes' co-owners Jim Scoggin and Joseph Coan and their staff of 12 will move to McGraw Wentworth's offices during the second quarter.