Lansing 2008

A few years ago, the Demmer Corporation recognized the need to diversify its customer base in order to continue to grow and thrive as a successful manufacturing entity. Demmer pursued and won two new military contracts to manufacture armor plating for Humvee and other vehicles. The military contracts not only mean at least 750 new jobs, but an additional $12 million dollar investment by Demmer to prepare two buildings in the former Motor Wheel Complex along Larch Street for defense work. Demmer Corporation is a shining example of a traditional manufacturing company that recognized the need to adapt to a new economy. They have successfully reinvented themselves to effectively compete in today’s high-tech oriented manufacturing environment. :: CELEBRATING REGIONAL GROWTH Achievements in entrepreneurship, economic development, and corporate growth are not only fostered by the Lansing Regional Chamber, but rightly celebrated. Each year awards are presented for those among our valued members that have exhibited the highest level of new achievement. This past year, we recognized seven businesses as leaders among the many that provide the economic lifeblood of our region through growth and development. While we note these organizations for their accomplishments and contributions, we celebrate all of our valued members and encourage you to utilize this publication for your business and personal commerce. :: MEIJER, INC. The Meijer success story is well known to Michigan residents. The Grand Rapids based retail chain has enjoyed great success in the Lansing Region. The eight stores Meijer operates in the Lansing region are part of the 180 plus store chain that Meijer now operates in five states. ACHIEVEMENTS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND CORPORATE GROWTH ARE NOT ONLY FOSTERED BY THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER, BUT RIGHTLY CELEBRATED. Meijer also maintains its largest of four distributions centers right here in the Lansing region. The sprawling 3.1 million square foot distribution facility on more than 400 acres in Delta Township employs close to 1,700 people. Meijer continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to our region through its decision to invest $18 million dollars to expand the Delta Township facility. The 159,000 sq. ft. addition to a cold storage warehouse is part of $98 million dollars that Meijer has invested in the Lansing region over the past three years. When it comes to big-box retailers, the Lansing region is definitely “Meijer Country”. Auto Owners Insurance is a Fortune 500 company selling multiple lines of insurance in 25 states. Auto Owners employs 1,650 people in its Delta Township headquarters, which is close to half of its national workforce. Auto Owners has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years and anticipates the need for expanded facilities in the region. The first such expansion comes in the form of a $45 million, 96,000 sq. ft. data center next to its office and warehouse facility on Millet Highway. The new data center will be completed in 2009 and will accommodate close to 100 employees. Auto Owners executives predict more growth for their Lansing operations. :: DEMMER CORPORATION The Demmer Corporation has been headquartered in Lansing since the family owned business was founded in 1951. Demmer has significant fabricating and machining expertise of metal and composite products for multiple industries including military defense, aerospace, commercial, crude oil, power generation and more. w w w. la nsingchamber.org REGIONAL :: AUTO OWNERS INSURANCE COMPANY BUSINESS GROWTH CONT… p a ge 25 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

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