CONTACT:
Jackie Carline
Media and Communications Strategist
MIYAN media
(248) 342-6416
jackie@miyanmedia.com

PATTERSON CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES

Farmington Hills, Michigan – May 10, 2012 – Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson marked the centennial of Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States with a cherry blossom tree planting ceremony Wednesday to highlight the strong relationship between Oakland County and Japanese-owned firms and the local Japanese community.

Japanese Consul General Kuninori Matsuda joined Patterson at the celebration at Glen Oaks Golf Club in Farmington Hills.

“Oakland County is home to a large number of Japanese businesses and residents of Japanese heritage and nationality,” Patterson said. “Oakland County is honored to be among the many communities across the nation acknowledging the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift to the United States.”

Patterson also thanked Donna Zalewski, Director of Local Governmental Affairs for ITC Holdings, for their generous donation of the cherry blossoms planted at Glen Oaks.

Also in attendance was the White Pine Glee Club, a Japanese male choir composed of executives from the Detroit area. The Club performed the national anthems of the United States and Japan.

Japanese firms comprise the largest group of foreign-owned businesses in Oakland County and represent nearly half of all the Japanese-owned companies in Michigan. They employ more than 9,000 individuals in Oakland County, 95 percent of who are local residents.

Consul General Matsuda said the strength of Oakland County’s relationship with local Japanese companies is vital to future economic growth. Patterson and Consul General Matsuda added they will continue to focus on new investment and expansion opportunities in Oakland County.

The Oakland County cities of Birmingham, Novi, and Pontiac have sister cities in Japan. In addition, Novi, West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills are ranked in the top four of population of Japanese residents in Michigan (first, third and fourth, respectively).

CONTACT:
Jackie Carline
Media and Communications Strategist
MIYAN media
(248) 342-6416
jackie@miyanmedia.com

L. Brooks Patterson 2012 Executive Golf Outing

Rochester, Michigan – June 19, 2012 – Join L. Brooks Patterson for the 34th Annual Oakland County Executive Golf Outing on Tuesday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m. Enjoy an afternoon on the course with Brooks, rain or shine.

The outing will take place at the Katke –Cousins and R&S Sharf Golf Courses, on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester. Registration and brunch will begin at 10:00 a.m. inside Meadowbrook Hall, with an official shotgun shot to begin the outing at 11:45 a.m. Attendees will also enjoy a cocktail reception and silent auction following the afternoon golf outing, with a live auction, programs, prizes, and dinner shortly after. Attendees are asked to bring their business card for a chance to win a free foursome at next year’s Oakland County Executive Golf Outing.

Convenient website registration is available, where credit cards are accepted. Golf registrations accept personal checks to benefit Friends of L. Brooks Patterson, and sponsorship reservations welcome corporate checks to benefit Boost Oakland Business. Registration forms(available HERE)  and checks may be mailed to L. Brooks Patterson, P.O. Box 300542, Waterford, MI 48330-052.

For more information regarding the 2012 Executive Golf Outing, please visit the website, or contact Kelly Sleva at (810) 955-1957.

Please join me for the 34th Annual Oakland County Executive Golf Outing on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

For more information and registration options:  http://www.LBrooksPattersonGolf.com

Tatiana Grant, 27

President, Infused PR & Events, LLC

Tatiana Grant is a metro-Detroit native, who has had an entrepreneurial spirit since a young age. This spirit started with a Kool-Aid stand and expanded to a home business of doing hair and nails, under the age of 10. Her family instilled hard work and education, which sparked her work ethic and academic performance while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Her past experience allowed her to gain positions at some of the nation and region’s leading companies. After working in the corporate world, she pondered the idea of starting her own Public Relations and Event Planning Company, and Infused PR & Events was formed. Luckily, Grant had built up a strong network of friends, family and acquaintances who supported her and her business ventures. Infused PR & Events offers premier public relations and event planning services to celebrities, small businesses, non-profits and corporations.

Under Grant’s influence and execution, Infused manages sponsorship relations for clients and has managed approximately $500,000 for clients (to date). The company has also grown its client base from professional athletes to small businesses, nonprofits and corporations.

Additionally, the Infused team has secured local and national media placement for clients. Media outlets include: CNN, ESPN, Mitch Albom Show, Wall Street Journal, Men’s Health, New York Daily News, Essence Magazine, BET News, Fox Sports, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press, Channels 2, 4, 7, Ambassador Magazine, Crain’s Detroit, and Hour Detroit.

Infused has done work for the following entities:
• Braylon Edwards/Braylon Edwards Foundation
• Charles H. Wright Museum-Dance Theatre of Harlem Gala
• 4th Marketing “Bowling Spook-Tacular Fundraiser: Louis Delmas Foundation (Detroit Lions) and Charlie Villanueva Foundation (Detroit Pistons)
• Chris Bonatz/Christian Dior-Masquerade Ball Beauty Bash (at The Townsend)
• National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
• Sommer Solutions: Hob Nobble Gobble-Parade Company, National Summit-Detroit Economic Club)

A few years after launching Infused PR & Events, Grant decided to pursue another entrepreneurial venture called Your Date Your Way (YDYW). YDYW (to launch in Fall 2012) is a full-service event planning and date concierge company that specializes in arranging the logistical components for dates and/or special evenings on behalf of individuals or couples. Its mission is to provide affordable assistance in planning meaningful and relationship-building dates for singles and married couples. YDYW will provide a wide variety of packages encompassing activities for every date and every wallet. The service is perfect for those in the early stages of dating, newlywed couples, long-time couples and those who generally don’t know what options are available other than “dinner and a movie”.

Grant received media attention about her various business ventures, philanthropic efforts, love of Detroit, and overall ways of balancing personal and work life. She began receiving emails and messages on Facebook from men and women (however mostly young women) who were inspired by the work she was doing. Reflecting upon the women in her life that inspired and assisted her on the path to greatness, Grant created Business Divas Diaries (BDD). Business Divas Diaries is a blog that is a place for women to share their stories and ask questions about business and life.

Grant has unique experience doing event planning for the Braylon Edwards Foundation, Christian Dior, Dwight Smith Foundation, Detroit Economic Club, Michigan State Fair, Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the Parade Company; media relations for the North American International Auto Show, public relations for retail developer, The Taubman Company, The Palace Sports & Entertainment and Court TV; community relations for WJBK-TV Fox 2; marketing research and development for automotive supplier, Reynolds & Reynolds; and external relations for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee. The skills she has perfected while working at these various companies will be instrumental in the company’s success.

Tatiana graduated cum laude and holds a Master’s in Public Relations from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s of Science (with honors) in Public Relations from Eastern Michigan University. She was also awarded the Michigan State University Graduate Scholar Award, Michigan Front Page’s “30 Under 40″, National Golden Key Award, Eastern Michigan University Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, Eastern Michigan University Campus Leader Award and Ullrich Honor’s College Award and Scholarship.

She holds the following leadership positions with non-profit groups:
• Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit – Public Relations Chair
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Detroit – Mentor
• Detroit Opera House – BravoBravo! Host Committee Member
• THAW Detroit – Night of Warm Hearts Host Committee Member

Tatiana enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and taking weekend trips to various cities. More importantly, she enjoys food… fine dining, fast food, slow food, whatever kind of food. She has a long-haired Chihuahua named Chase, who is such a joy!

Due to her unique career and success at such a young age, Tatiana has been asked to speak to numerous high school, college and professional groups. Some of these include: Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Upward Bound, Inkster School District and the Kaufman Foundation’s FastTrac (Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center network).

Steve Minella, 38

President/Special Operations & Marine Division Director, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324

Steve Minella has progressed on an executive leadership fast-track through his combined service in the Armed Services and Operating Engineers, Local 324.

A four year (1994-98) tenure in the United States Coast Guard provided Steve’s foundation for structured leadership. He excelled in leadership positions which centered on understanding and executing command protocols and working in stressful, life-changing situations. Steve was recognized for his leadership as an instructor for junior Coast Guard personnel as well as his tenure as a coordinator of Search and Rescue Teams and as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. He culminated his Armed Services career as a Machinery Technician 3rd Class (E-4).

Steve’s post armed services career has excelled throughout his nearly fifteen (15) year as a member and leader of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 324. Starting as a Field Service Mechanic and Shop Steward for United Rentals, Steve moved to the “business side” of Local 324 where he successfully restructured the enterprises’ Fringe Benefits Collections Division (Field Coordinator, 2005-2008).

Mr. Minella progressed through the executive leadership of the IUOE, Local 324 with his 2008-09 tenure as the Local’s Recording Corresponding Secretary and Shop Business Representative. His Constitutional Officer duties were combined with responsibilities for thirty-five (35) Shop employers’ employees-and all attendant collective bargaining and employee (member) representation duties. He was also responsible for exploring emerging market opportunities for Local 324.
Working in concert with the Local 324 Business Manager and other Executive Board members, Steve’s team-building skills culminated in his appointment to the position of President of Local 324 and Director of Special Operations and the Marine Division (2009-Present). During his tenure as a leader, organic growth and successful mergers have accounted for Local 324’s membership growing from 10,000 to nearly 17.000 members present day.

Steve has completed advanced education coursework at the University of Phoenix, Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University. He resides in Southgate with his wife Melissa and children Vanessa, Veronica and Charlie.

Silvano Restiotto, 39

Global Director Corporate Quality, TI Automotive

In his political work Rights of Man, patriot and political philosopher Thomas Paine (1737-1809) is credited for stating “My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.” Like Paine, Silvano Restiotto considers himself as a “citizen of the world”. Having lived and worked in culturally diverse countries such as Canada, the United States, China, and Germany, Silvano has capitalized on his vast international experience to establish lasting legacies.

Silvano’s scholastic endeavors in International Business (St. Clair College), Industrial Management (Lawrence Technological University), and MBA (Lawrence Technological University) provided a strong foundation for his professional career. In each of the three companies in which Silvano held global positions, the systems he implemented continue to be utilized to benefit the growth and productivity of each company long after his departure. This can be attributed to his core team global approach, as Silvano firmly believes that focus should always be placed on the system rather than the individual. In addition to integrity and honesty, Silvano Restiotto values the importance of diversity in all facets of life as he encourages respect for individual differences and leverages the experiences and backgrounds of his team toward a common objective.

His respect for education and diversity is also evident in his most recent position at TI Automotive. As Global Quality Director of Corporate Quality, Silvano has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and is proving instrumental in forging a connection between business and schools. As a strong sponsor for effective intern involvement, Silvano fosters relationships that provide a strong foundation and experience for students, while simultaneously generating an environment where fresh ideas and innovation can be introduced into an organization. Silvano also promotes the importance of a collaborative environment, as he is a strong advocate in the philosophy that more can be gained through group effort than individual undertakings.

However, there is more to Silvano Restiotto than professional and academic accomplishments, as he actively pursues a work-life balance with healthy physical activity. He enjoys playing soccer and golf, as well as running half marathons (an activity in which he motivates others to partake). While biased to Italian dining, his global experience has instilled an enjoyment of all types of ethnic cuisine, and his optimistic “glass half full” attitude is perfectly complimentary to his motivational ventures.
Silvano Restiotto has recently returned to Lake Orion from a three year German delegation, and he anxiously anticipates getting involved locally. His extensive international experience and solid background in the automotive industry has impressed upon him that “Life is an 8D”; in other words, his cultural awareness and collaborative approach to problem solving will be a welcome addition to the continued growth and development of the local community. As a “citizen of the world”, Silvano Restiotto is enthusiastically creating opportunities to establish lasting legacies.

Shane Pliska, 31

President, Planterra Corporaation

Shane Pliska is the President of Planterra Corporation a leading interior landscape firm which provides businesses, hospitals and hotels with tropical plants and maintenance service locally and nationwide. Known for taking-on highly specialized horticultural installations that involve living walls, unusual plants and large-scale horticultural displays; Shane has built a national reputation. He operates Planterra inside the newly constructed Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, a botanical garden style facility which serves as a corporate headquarters, retail shop and event venue. Under Shane’s leadership, the conservatory has become a popular destination for weddings and corporate functions. Shane is also an active member of the community serving on the Board of Directors of the West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, is a founding member of the Botanical Glass Exhibition and serves as a committee volunteer for the Michigan Humane Society. He is a graduate of Emerson College.

Scott Brills, 29

President, mSeven Media, Inc.

Scott is a serial entrepreneur and world traveler, having traveled to forty countries on six continents (all seven as of 2012 with the inclusion of Australia). Besides travel, his passion is in creating businesses, helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, and giving back to those less fortunate whenever the chance arises.

In 2009 Scott and a friend drove a beat-up Geo Metro 10,000 miles from Detroit to Mongolia to raise money to assist in building a kindergarten. Well, that was the plan at least. After numerous breakdowns and much bad luck, they broke down next to the Afghan border and had to hitchhike eight hours back the way they came. They then had to take a twenty hour taxi ride back to the capital, Dushanbe. Then they waited a week for a plane out of the country, only to get stuck in Kazakhstan for another week. Scott continued on alone through Russia on the Trans-Siberian Express, eventually reaching his destination of Ulan Bator, Mongolia. Shortly thereafter he ran an impromptu marathon in the Gobi Desert with zero training or experience. The highlights were captured in an 18-page cover story in Rotarian magazine in May 2010.
Two years later Scott and a different friend drove a broken auto-rickshaw 2,000 miles across India and Nepal, again for charitable purposes. More about that particular adventure here.

2012 finds Scott and a few others, including some other Detroit-area entrepreneurs, supporting an HIV/AIDS orphanage in Ethiopia by raising donations before driving 15,000 miles from London to Cape Town, South Africa. Stayed tuned for more details as summer approaches…

Scott finances his wanderlust by developing web sites and consulting on a wide range of Internet and technology-related topics through his company, mSeven, which he founded in 2002. He has been a member of Rotary International since 2008, and is currently president of the West Bloomfield club. In 2010 he was named Outstanding Michigander of the Year by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Scott is also currently working on starting a sustainable safari company in Tanzania, Pamoja Safaris.

Salina Washington, 38

President/CEO, Miyan Media LLC

Salina possesses a wide and diverse range of educational and work experience in government, community affairs and business. Mrs. Washington earned a B.A. in Marketing from Oakland University, an M.B.A. from Walsh College and two advanced certificates from the University of San Francisco and Harvard Business School.

This ambitious woman has parlayed her well rounded education, steadfast commitment, keen business acumen and International Relations expertise from living/working in Japan and Mexico for seven years into a proven record of success. For over twelve years, Salina has served as Lead Marketing Strategist for Oakland County, MI where she has used her skills to transform and manage thriving Michigan eGovernment conversion; Gov-to-Gov Cloud Solutions Programs; Marketing Collateral Design and Development Creation, Sales Strategy and related Public Relations projects.

Furthermore, she is founder of MIYAN media, a premier full service marketing agency, and was recently named as one of Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson’s “Elite 40 Under 40,” a program which recognizes young professional and executive leaders who have achieved success and excellence in their field.

Salina currently resides in Northville, MI with her husband, Virgil Washington, and children, Michael and Marianna who are the light of her life.

Ryan Maibach, 37

President, Barton Malow

Ryan Maibach was appointed to President of Barton Malow Company on April 26, 2011. A fourth generation builder, he is responsible for the operation of the company and its work throughout the country. Growing up in the construction business, Ryan began his career with Barton Malow in 1997 upon graduation from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction engineering. Since that time, Ryan has brought energy and innovation to Barton Malow.

Prior to becoming president, Ryan served as Operations Vice President of Barton Malow’s Industrial Group with oversight in all strategic planning and operations management for four years. Under his leadership the group’s revenues increased by 100% and the scope of services offered grew. At this time Ryan was also responsible for the management and talent development for 750+ craft personnel and 80 management employees.

Throughout his career, Ryan has sought out challenging projects that have expanded his knowledge of the construction industry – and how to successfully function within it. He specializes in projects where a focus on quality and detail is very high and he maintains outstanding working relationships with owners, contractors, trades and architects long after the project is over. Ryan’s portfolio of work includes numerous high profile projects: Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center; Barton Malow corporate headquarters; Capital One Richmond West Creek Campus; University of Maryland Dental School; University of Michigan Palmer Drive Development; the preconstruction for the $226 million University of Michigan Stadium Expansion; Severstal Mill Modernization Program; and DTE Monroe Environmental Upgrades.

In addition to his responsibilities in the Industrial Group, Ryan was the operations lead for Barton Malow’s internship program – Learning Practicum for Students (LEAPS) – for seven years. Barton Malow began the LEAPS program in 1984 to give architectural and engineering students a competitive edge in the job market. Ryan’s passion for this program stemmed from his own internship experiences in college and his work with the program has broadened its curriculum and the student’s overall experience, providing a realistic view of working the construction industry. On average Barton Malow hosts 30+ participants each year in the LEAPS program throughout the country. They work on a project site or with in-house staff according to their individual interests and goals and take part in such activities as project site tours, officer interviews and community service.

Beyond Barton Malow, Ryan is involved in numerous community organizations including: Habitat for Humanity, Paint-the-Town, and Future City programs. In 2009, Ryan was a member of the NCAA Final Four Detroit Organization Committee and had the honor of introducing Mayor David Bing at the Opening Ceremonies for the NCAA Final Four Championship. Since 2008, Ryan has been an active board member of The Parade Company which hosts America’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Target Fireworks, and other community events each year.

Ryan has received the honors of 2010 ESD Young Engineer of the Year and 2009 Building Design & Construction’s 40 Under 40. Ryan’s numerous professional and community activities include the Young Presidents Organization; Purdue University, Department of Construction Management Advisory Committee; Leadership Detroit Class XXXI; The Parade Company, Board of Directors; and Building Connections, Great Lakes Council of Boy Scouts Executive Committee Co-Chair.