“It was very exciting to have royalty in Michigan,” Granholm admits. “Our efforts in Michigan are putting our state at the center of in-demand research and development of technology that will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Sweden has really paved the way, and I think we can learn from their leadership. This was an important visit as we continue to build our relationship with Sweden and grow jobs in the alternative energy sector.”

A year earlier, Granholm, Michigan’s 47th governor, re-elected for her second and final term in 2006, strengthened her state’s ties with Sweden, according to her husband Dan Mulhern.

“Even though she is a few generations removed from Sweden, she has recruited businesses from there as if we were first generation,” Mulhern says. “She has brought their expertise in energy to our country.”

She also reminded the king and CEOs in Sweden that her name, Granholm, means “peninsula of trees,” an eerily appropriate descriptor of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The king of Sweden saw the real Granholm—she’s a charmer.

Taking the Charm Abroad
“Face-to-face meetings help to build strong connections to CEOs and decision-makers and provide the perfect setting to show all that Michigan has to offer,” she says. “Overseas job investment missions provide a perfect opportunity to build relationships and aggressively pursue jobs and attract investment to Michigan. I tell CEOs that there is no better place in North America to grow a business than in Michigan. Hours of preparation are put in before each meeting, carefully crafting our proposal and our pitch. Everywhere we travel, we take care to learn the culture and customs of the people we will be visiting to ensure that we are representing Michigan in a respectful way.”

Jim Epolito, appointed president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) by Granholm, says the governor has incredible energy and total focus.

“She has undertaken a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ approach to creating jobs in Michigan,” Epolito says, and that is in fact her spoken motto.

“Six overseas investment missions have led to commitments from 42 companies to invest in our state,” he says. “The pace of these successes—our ability to bring them to Michigan so quickly—is breathtaking. They are a direct result of our governor’s drive, focus, intellect and personality.”

Granholm, a compelling and poised speaker, with a sense of humor and an all-business wardrobe, is confident and convincing.

“I personally know how persuasive the governor can be,” Epolito says. “When she first talked to me about heading up the MEDC three years ago, she made such a strong pitch I couldn’t refuse despite some reservations. That’s why when another CEO tells me about their meeting with the governor, I have to smile, because I know exactly where they’re coming from.”

Google, Hemlock Semiconductor, Keebler and Whirlpool are among the companies that have selected Michigan for relocation or expansion, and Granholm’s investment missions to Japan, Austria, Germany and Sweden resulted in more than US$944 million in new investment and the creation and retention of more than 10,600 jobs.

A fit and active runner, Granholm was frustrated when she had to put her international investment missions on hold to undergo emergency surgery (from which she has fully recovered) just hours before leaving for Israel and Kuwait.

She made good on that trip several months later, visiting Israel and Jordan to meet with leaders of the countries’ advanced manufacturing, alternative energy, homeland security/defense, venture capital and water treatment technology sectors.

These trade missions are mostly business, but Granholm does get some personal satisfaction from them. She takes a breath and considers Israel’s place in history … and possibly her own.

“Israel is an amazing place. It’s awe-inspiring. It’s moving for anyone of faith to go there,” she says.

During another trip, Epolito accompanied Granholm to Asia and got to see her in action.

“In Japan, where the business culture is often viewed as very reserved, Governor Granholm’s engaging personality, intelligence and understanding of our need to grow and nurture relationships resulted in companies such as Aisin and others coming here and expanding in Michigan, even during the downturn in the economy,” Epolito says.

Growing Power at Home
Granholm assisted in “king making” during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Because she is one of America’s most well-spoken female political leaders, the campaign of then-Senator Barack Obama asked Granholm to play Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for then-Senator Joe Biden’s vice presidential debate preparation. Granholm even used that opportunity to promote her home state.

“I reiterated to [Biden] that Michigan has the most challenged economy in the nation, having lost 400,000 jobs [in the past 8 years],” she reveals. “I told him that we need a partner in the White House—a leader who will fight for fair trade, fight for our workers and Michigan families.”

Two days after the U.S. presidential election, Granholm was named to an economic advisory board for President-elect Obama’s transition to the White House, meeting with both Obama and Biden in Chicago. The board also included investment whiz Warren Buffett, former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin.

While Granholm’s support of Senator Hillary Clinton for the democratic presidential nomination may preclude her from a cabinet post in the Obama administration, political pundits are convinced that President Obama, should he have the opportunity, would strongly consider nominating Granholm to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I don’t know where [the pundits] get their information,” she counters, dismissively.

Former Michigan Governor James Blanchard, a democrat who left office in 1990 and now works in Washington, D.C., says this potential development will be interesting to watch unfold.

“She has said that she plans to serve the remainder of her last term as governor … but we’ll see,” Blanchard said. “Those things can change.”

A Swift Ascension
Granholm’s path to the Governor’s Mansion began in Detroit as a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals law clerk before becoming a federal prosecutor with a 98 percent conviction rate. Granholm was then appointed Wayne County corp. council and, four years later in 1998, was elected Michigan’s first female attorney general. As attorney general, she established the state’s first high-tech crime unit to prosecute Internet crimes. In the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks, she took swift action to protect consumers from price gouging at the gas pumps.

In 2002, Granholm was elected Michigan’s first female governor.

“Michigan is truly blessed to have Governor Granholm leading the way as our chief saleswoman. She is a leader with a bold vision for our state, and she does an amazing job connecting with company leaders who have visions for their companies,” Epolito says. “The feedback I get from CEOs who meet with the governor is always extremely positive. They are typically impressed with her knowledge of their business and the sector that they compete in. She has the uncanny ability to sell Michigan’s strengths and how those strengths can help a company thrive here.”

One of Granholm’s perks for being Governor of Michigan is the use of a historic, 1902, three-story summer residence perched on a bluff high atop scenic Mackinac Island, an idyllic, horse-drawn destination reachable only by ferry and air and devoid of motorized vehicles. From the porch swing, the governor, a wife and mother of three, can see Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and the inspiring spot where the two meet under the iconic Mackinac Bridge.

“You can’t top a bike ride around Mackinac on a warm, breezy summer day,” Granholm says. “I have many wonderful memories that I have shared on the island with my family, too.”

But the 49-year-old, educated at the University of California at Berkeley and Harvard Law School, doesn’t spend a lot of time enjoying the view, because she can’t help but extend her sights far beyond the steeples, sailboats and sunsets below as she searches for ways to diversify Michigan’s economy and create financial opportunities during tough economic times. Her state has relied on its heritage of automobile manufacturing—an industry in severe decline but seeking to reinvent itself with alternative fuel vehicles and shared resources through mergers.

“The downturn in the auto industry is obviously the greatest economic challenge working against Michigan,” Epolito says. “Our state is seven times more dependent on this industry than any other state. So, when the industry gets a cold, Michigan gets the flu.”

That flu is now a full-blown pneumonia.

Chicken Soup for the State
In November 2006, Granholm was re-elected by a wide margin but her party lost control of the state senate.

By the time Granholm was sworn in on New Year’s Day, squables began over how to solve Michigan’s $800 billion budget deficit.

By Mother’s Day, the governor was at her wit’s end.

“How long have I been a nice person? I mean, I’ve been very gentle througout my years as governor. But at some point you have to draw the line,” Granholm said while speaking before a group of education and health care officials. “I’m a very gentle soul, but at some point, you get frustrated because one side isn’t compromising.”

In the meantime, major corporations such as Pfizer and Comerica Bank closed their operations or moved out of the state; homeowners struggled for an average of more than two years to sell their houses; and Wall Street analysts downgraded their assesment of Michigan’s credit rating.

Epolito saw Granholm trying to put out fires at the same time she was inviting outside corporations to jump into the frying pan.

Progress Straight Out of Hollywood
During her tenure, Granholm has encouraged corporations to let her mitten-shaped state give them the “Upper Hand,” through an international advertising campaign using that pun in commercials voiced by Academy Award-winning actor and Michigan native Jeff Daniels. The National Football League Super Bowl, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, National Governor’s Association Annual Meeting, North American International Auto Show and Ryder Cup are examples of major events Michigan has played host to and used to publicize its resources and capabilities.

The Travel Michigan division of Granholm’s economic development program persuaded meeting planners and tourists to visit through the popular “Pure Michigan” ad campaign, featuring glossy scenes of Michigan’s lakes, rich forests, ski hills, golf courses, beaches and resorts, voiced by another of Michigan’s most popular sons, actor and comedian Tim Allen.

Mulhern thinks his wife is the essence of “pure Michigan”—even though she’s a Vancouver, British Columbia, native.

“I would describe her as being gorgeous on the outside and magnificent on the inside. She is quick and determined, fearless and optimistic, full of integrity and deeply kind,” says Mulhern, who admits balancing their family life with Granholm’s frenetic schedule has been more difficult than expected. “In this life, there is no typical day. She strives to be home for dinner, but evening commitments regularly interrupt that pattern. And she works at her desk at home every evening and weekend. Like so many busy parents these days, we go from work to asking the kids about their day. Sports, writing college applications, homework and music lessons are the focus of our evening jobs. If we’re lucky, we have a little quiet time together before we both conk out around 11 p.m. She’s always back at it by 5 a.m.”

Mulhern was personally responsible for originally bringing Granholm to the state she would eventually govern.

“My husband grew up in the Detroit area,” she explains, “and after many visits to his home, I knew that Michigan would be a perfect place to settle, live and raise a family.”

And that decision to stay was a significant moment in her life and career.

It is high-profile business, though, that Granholm, now something of a star with the Hollywood crowd, has been able to lure to Michigan this year. Thanks to bipartisan support in the state house and senate, Michigan has offered the nation’s most generous tax rebate to filmmakers—more than 40 percent. This effort has been a resounding success. Movie stars and directors that have since begun filming in Michigan include Drew Barrymore (Whip It!), Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino), Rob Schenider (Virgin on Bourbon Street) and Sigourney Weaver (Prayers for Bobby). Movie spending in the state could exceed $250 million in 2009 according to S3 Entertainment Group, a production company that moved to Michigan when the incentive package passed in the winter of 2008.

But who would play Granholm in a movie about her life?

“Oh, gosh … I haven’t thought about that,” she demurs before accepting Joan Allen or Meryl Streep as suitable suggestions.

“Dr. Christine” always brings a positive message to the show in her attempt to “Brighten Up Michigan.” She is well-known on her own, because she is a high-profile dentist and very active in the community and with various charities.

But a lot of people ask about her and wonder what makes her dental practice so special.

Countless High School and College graduates begin flooding into Michigan’s highly competitive job market this month looking for employment. But could the secret to success in job interviews be a simple smile?

CareerBuilder.com advises, “A first impression is made by job applicants in the first 27 seconds of the interview. Further, how the interviewee looks has everything to do with the first impression they make.”

Dr. Christine says she has noticed an increase in young graduates seeking brighter, better teeth.

“It all begins with your smile. It’s the first thing a person notices about you when you meet them – even before you shake their hand,” says Tenaglia. “A smile can put a job interviewer at ease and display a sense of warmth and, most importantly, confidence and self-esteem. A smile can immediately set you apart from other applicants.”

Making an impression in a job interview is about more than just power ties and hairstyles.

Tenaglia offers gift certificates and discounts for parents and family friends who wish to purchase teeth whitening or smile makeovers for their high school or college graduates.

“It’s a gift that will last a long time and is a real investment in a graduate’s future,” she says.

Significant whitening techniques can be completed in a single office visit. Zoom Whitening, Laser Dentistry, Veneers, and tooth-colored fillings are among the many treatment options available.

The high-tech smile makeover procedures are performed in Tenaglia’s facility at Okemos and Bennett roads – a gleaming, contemporary facility more like a spa than traditional dental offices. Visitors are offered flat screen televisions, high-speed internet and paraffin wax dips for their hands.

Patients can also get pedicures and manicures in addition to general dentistry.

“My husband and I were always trying to think of a unique gift to take to the many graduation parties we get invited to,” said Audrey Wilson, of East Lansing. “Whitening is a thoughtful and useful idea.”

Tenaglia, 41, has maintained a private practice in the Lansing area since 1993. Patients travel to her practice from all over Michigan, including college towns such as Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Mount Pleasant and Kalamazoo.

For more information, visit www.tenagliasmiles.com or call (517) 347-6733

Stewart, 56, has lorded over his “Olde Golf Shoppe,” a true emporium, at KCC for 31 years. Kalamazoo members, and those who browse his shop, have long known he is a true “Sultan of Style.” But last year, the Professional Golfer’s Association of America, an organization with over 30,000 members, named Stewart “Private Club Merchandiser of the Year.”

His tastefully plush shelves and style standards have made his shop Kalamazoo‘s premier men’s specialty store of choice.

“I grew up in Harbor Springs, which has a distinct resort tradition and preppy style. Heck, I was wearing Bass & Weejun shoes with no socks when I was 13-years old,” Stewart says, strolling between an aisle of linen slacks and silk shirts. “Then I worked at a clothing store called ‘The Bagpiper’ in East Grand Rapids while I attended Aquinas College. Since then, I have made it my business to observe the best manufacturers, the best stores in the big cities and resorts. It is really not that hard to recognize great quality and great style.”

Michael Kernicki, a past Michigan PGA President who was general manager at Wushowhan Players Club, in Holland, before becoming head professional at Indian Creek Country Club, in Miami, has known Stewart for 35 years.

“Dick was the new freshman recruited for the golf team at Aquinas. I was walking alone to class on a drizzly day under a huge golf umbrella that Dick said could have held a bevy of women,” says Kernicki. “But Dick approached me, and we were both in khaki’s, crew neck sweaters, and wearing black and white saddle shoes, so we were obviously like-minded golfer-types.”

After stints at Lakewood Shores Golf Club in Oscoda and Saginaw’s Bay Valley Golf Club, Stewart upgraded to splitting his time between two very up-market clubs: he summered at Birchwood Farms Golf Club in Harbor Springs and passed each winter away at the ultra-exclusive Jupiter Hills Club in South Florida, where the alligators weren’t only seen on golf shirts.

Of course, there are some who snicker at “golf fashion.” The term conjures up horrifically plaid pants, cardboard collars, garish, plaid knickers and white belts.

“Probably the lowest point of fashion in my lifetime was the polyester leisure suit with platform shoes – never owned by me, by the way,” Stewart insists, squinting through his round spectacles. “The height of golf fashion, in my mind, is a cashmere sweater and khaki pants with shoes slipped on – no socks. We stock cashmere in 28 colors for men and women. Does it cost more than cotton? Yes, but does anything feel better than cashmere? Who doesn’t feel better with cashmere on?”

Stewart sings the praises of the Peter Millar line, just purchased by the Sea Island Company, because they’ve created what’s known as a “lifestyle line.” It’s a style that’s timeless – only the colors change. The ‘hot colors’ could be black and brown one year and pink and green the next, but trust me, they’ll be called any color except for what they really are: blue or any version of it might be called ‘sky’ or ‘waterfall,’ or ‘glacier.’ ‘Lilac’ for purple, ‘lime,’ or ‘cobalt.’ You name it – I’ve got it.”

Stewart says men tend to pick more conservative colors.

“But their wives will nudge them ‘out of the box’ and pick brighter colors for them and the man always end up getting a lot of compliments. It takes a confident guy to wear pink!”

Kalamazoo Country Club was founded in 1909, and Stewart is careful to add touches of yesteryear to the presentations in his shop, which makes for great browsing material and conversation. Dick, like his brother Tom Stewart, who operates a famous golf shop “Old Sport Golf Shop,” – now virtually a tourist attraction in Pinehurst , NC – has collected golf memorabilia for a long time.

“I have old, wooden-shafted clubs, books, pictures, and training aids,” says Stewart. “Some early, original Scotty Cameron putters and a picture signed by Bobby Jones have special meaning.”

Stewart also offers discounts, coupons and specials to lure customers to the shop throughout the year.

“It works at any coffee shop or dry cleaners, so why not?” he explains with a shrug.

Though the definition of “appropriate” golf apparel has certainly changed a great deal since Walter Hagen played in top hat and tails and the golden era greats regularly won tournaments in ties and tweed coats, certain tenants of fashion apply when on the golf course or off.

“I personally think people are more often underdressed for an occasion,” says Stewart. “If there is any doubt, khakis, gray flannels, cashmere and tweed sport coat works most of the time. That said, I guess I can understand why wearing a coat and tie at a luau or a tuxedo to a barn dance might be considered ‘overdressing.’”

Stewart has been the Michigan PGA “Private Merchandiser of the Year” four times; he served a term as President of the Michigan PGA; and was elected to the Kalamazoo Golf Hall of Fame in 1998. When the club threw a 25 ^th anniversary party for him, giants of the golf industry, including Arnold Palmer, paid their respects.

“Dick’s personality is gregarious and engaging – people like to be around him and in his shop,” says Kernicki. “He’s well-read, always looks at the light side of life, and enjoys poking fun at himself. A personality like Dick Stewart’s never goes out of style.”

]]> http://michaelpatricksmusings.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/dick-stewart-a-sharp-dressed-man/feed/ 0 michaelpatricksmusings http://michaelpatricksmusings.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/michael-patrick-and-coach-carr/ http://michaelpatricksmusings.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/michael-patrick-and-coach-carr/#comments Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:20:26 +0000 michaelpatricksmusings http://michaelpatricksmusings.wordpress.com/?p=3 ]]> I’m just back from a week in Orlando, Florida, where I hosted The Big Show from the MSU Spartan Headquarters Hotel – the Rosen Shingle Creek; and from Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios (Inside the former MGM Studios). Disney has a permanent radio station there for visiting radio hosts.

I was also HQ’d at a home owned by Contempo Homes, a group which offers spacious rental homes to vacationers at very affordable costs. My home, just 10 minutes from Disney and a few miles from two new golf resorts: Champions Gate and Reunion. In low season, that home, which could sleep 10, can be rented for as little as $170 per night. That’s $17 per person to have your own kitchen and screen-enclosed swimming pool. You can learn more about it at visitcentralflorida.com.

To learn more about Disney, log on to Disney.com or dial 407-W-Disney.

ShingleCreekResort.com will tell you all about the sprawling, impressive golf resort the Spartans chose as their HQ. I will never forget being asked to give the readings at the MSU Christmas Mass given in one of the ball rooms by Father Mark Inglot, the pastor of MSU’s St. John’s Student Parish, who flew down Christmas Day in order to give the Mass.

One of the highlights of the trip was covering the Wolverines in the Capital One Bowl. I attended the UofM pep rally at the Orange Country Convention Center. The Michigan Marching Band, cheerleaders, team and coaches were there. It was festive and the team appeared to be very excited. It was no surprise they came out gunning for the Florida Gators at kickoff New Year’s Day.

I was very pleased to be near Coach Lloyd Carr on the field as the last seconds of his career ticked off. I have known him since I was in High School in 1983. I was serving detention in the principals office after school when Coach Carr, then an assistant coach for the Wolverines, came recruiting. He asked me what I was doing there and talked with me for about 20 minutes. He invited me to attend the Wolverine’s summer football camp, which I did…for two years.

Coach Carr then accepted my invitation for him to come and speak at my annual High School Sports Banquet…at tiny Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School. What a coup for us! The place was abuzz and I was so proud. He didn’t have to do that.

Any time he appeared close to where I lived, he would invite me to attend his speeches.

Then Coach Carr invited me to be a student manager for the Wolverines if I came to Michigan. Unfortunately, my grades didn’t measure up, even though Coach Carr took me to see the admissions counselor. I ended up going to CMU and, instead of coaching and teaching, went into broadcasting! My collegiate career took me to the University of Detroit and eventually to UofM Dearborn. All the while, Coach Carr left sideline passes for me for every home game. What an education that was watching Bo Schembechler up close!