Lansing 2008

:: GROWTH, INNOVATION AND PROSPERITY THROUGHOUT THE LANSING REGION While Lansing may owe its existence to the political process, it is the pioneering entrepreneurs that have placed Lansing on the map. In August 1897, inventor Ransom E. Olds founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, the first automobile company organized in Michigan. The growth, innovation and prosperity of the automotive industry and her people have brought Lansing the honor of being called the “The Automotive Capital.” In May 1857, the first land grant college, the Michigan Agricultural College, was dedicated east of the city. Today, this same college, now called Michigan State University, is a world class institution for higher education. During 1859, Lansing incorporated as a city with a population of just over 3,000. Today, Lansing boasts a population of more than 125,000. The Lansing Region is comprised of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties with the capital city of Lansing sitting at the center. With a regional population of about 450,000, the area’s residents are well distributed among unique urban, suburban and rural settings. The region is strategically located within 90 minutes of 90% of Michigan’s population. Located in the heart of Michigan, the Lansing region is a hub of commerce, culture and government. The lively state capitol, the picturesque setting of Michigan State University, the vigorous industrial base of General Motors and bountiful agriculture make the region among the most stable and diverse economies in Michigan. The Lansing region is a leading force in automotive manufacturing, scientific research, technological development, warehousing and distribution. In the past decade, industries such as healthcare, bio-technology, information technology and insurance and financial services have seen a surge in growth and added to the diversity of the economy. The region draws labor from throughout mid-Michigan through an efficient network of Interstate roadways and public transportation. The average drive-time commute between home and work is around twenty minutes. Situated within a one-day drive of 55% of the US population and 65% of the Canadian GNP, the Lansing Region’s central location makes it an essential player in the North American market. The healthy economic climate of the region is further strengthened by excellent schools, w w w. la nsingchamber.org higher education, affordable housing, a qualified diverse workforce and a low cost of living. The Lansing Region boasts a strong educational presence in the state of Michigan. Michigan State University, with its Land Grant tradition of multi-disciplinary offerings, hosts nearly 45,000 students on its park-like campus of about 2,000 contiguous acres. An additional 5,000 acres of research farms and woodlots are connected to the south of the main campus. MSU has a well renowned presence in the fields of business, education, engineering, highenergy physics, agriculture and life sciences (including three medical schools). Students from over 100 countries are enrolled, reflecting the university’s ever-expanding global presence. Lansing Community College, with over 20,000 students, provides applied programs, many of which work in concert with the labor demand of area employers. Cooley Law School is the nation’s third largest law school. Along with these major institutions, many of the state’s seventeen public universities, including the University of Michigan, are also represented in the Lansing Region and offer graduate-level programs. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF MICHIGAN, THE LANSING REGION IS A HUB OF COMMERCE, CULTURE AND GOVERNMENT. Cultural events and attractions are plentiful in the region and enrich the lives of its residents. The Lansing Region hosts music and art festivals, cultural celebrations, Broadway productions and Big Ten Sports. These worldclass performances can be enjoyed at remarkable venues such as the Lansing Center, Breslin Center, Wharton Center and many others. Museums, historical sites, nature preserves and golf are just a few more of the numerous attractions in the region. The Lansing Region was recently awarded the “Five Star Quality of Life and Knowledge Worker Quotient” ratings by Expansion Management magazine and is the only region in Michigan to receive both top ratings. The Region is home to a thriving and stable economy, a qualified workforce, affordable housing, abundant cultural events and attractions, making it an ideal location for your business. REGIONAL OVERVIEW p a ge 21 http://www.lansingchamber.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Lansing 2008

Lansing 2008 Letter From the President Contents 2008 Staff Directory 2008 Board of Directors Chamber Events and Programming Chamber Benefits Important Phone Numbers Regional Overview Regional Business Growth Lansing Region's Largest Employers & Demographics Location and Transportation Homes and Housing Education Health Care Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce Clinton County Chamber of Commerce 2008 Categorical Business Listing

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.