Stadium District - Part 2
 Make new friends and business contacts while you revisit Lansing's newest mixed-use development – this time without the hard hat! Join the Grand River Connection on July 22nd, from 6pm to 8pm at the Stadium District for our next 4th Tuesday networking night! Please join us on the ground level for appetizers and beverages; guests will have an opportunity to tour several portions of the building as part of our event.
The Stadium District offers a variety of 1 or 2 bedroom floor plans, all carefully designed to capture an urban chic appeal with the amenities you expect from an upscale downtown living environment. Whether you are looking for a private setting or want to be right where all the action is the Stadium District has all that to offer and much more.
The Stadium District is located downtown across from Oldsmobile Park at 500 East Michigan Avenue. Parking is available in and around Stadium District as well as along Michigan Avenue.
We are pleased to have the Gillespie Group, one of Lansing's most successful real estate developers, as our sponsor for the July event.
Back to Where it All Began
 For our 4th Tuesday networking night in June, GRC will be returning back to where it all began. On June 23, 2005, a small group of 28 people gathered at Harper's for what would become the first-ever Grand River Connection event! On June 24, 2008, from 6pm to 8pm, GRC will be returning to Harper's for our 3rd Anniversary Event. In these last three years, we've grown from a small core group to a membership of over 1400 people—and growing! Bring a friend and come on out and spend time with people you've met at previous events, and meet new people!
For those of you who home-brew, fancy yourself as beer connoisseurs, or are just plain curious, we've arranged a special tour of the brewing facilities as part of our evening at Harper's. The tour of the brewing facilities will commence at 6:30pm. And of course, we've also arranged for light appetizers for you to enjoy while you sample some of Harper's fresh craft-brewed beers.
Harper's is located at 131 Albert Avenue in downtown East Lansing. Parking in the nearby Grove Street ramp is graciously being provided by the City of East Lansing. Vouchers for parking will be available at the event – but only for ramp parking.
Our 3rd Anniversary event is being sponsored by Capitol Club Tower, which will be breaking ground in late 2008. The Capitol Club Tower will be a new urban residential high-rise located on the Grand River in the heart of Downtown Lansing. The Capitol Club Tower will offer a range of housing options from snappy studios to high-end luxury penthouses. Preliminary reservations are currently being accepted; buyers of the Capitol Club Tower condominiums will experience a high-end lifestyle at a truly affordable price.
Business Breakfast Event to Feature Liz Haar, CEO of the Accident Fund
 Don't miss the next GRC "Professional Breakfast" scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 18th, from 7:30 to 8:30 am. Our Speaker will be Elizabeth (Liz) Haar, CEO of the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. The event will take place at the Fifth Third Bank Building, 3rd Floor, 2501 Coolidge Road, in East Lansing. Liz will be addressing the Accident Fund's expansion and issues concerning the Lansing area.
Breakfast/coffee will be available at 7:30am, with the presentation to begin promptly at 7:45. There will be time for questions at the end, and also a chance to mix and mingle with our speaker and other guests.
Space is limited to 50 so please RSVP to Max Hotchkin ASAP! Thank you to Fifth Third Bank and the Canada Dry Bottling Company of Lansing for providing food and refreshments.
Third Annual Tigers Road-Trip -- SOLD OUT!
 Get ready for an outrageous trip to Detroit with GRC for our third annual Tigers Road-Trip! We'll be departing from the Lake Lansing Meijer parking lot at 1:30pm on Saturday, August 9, and riding to Motown for a 7:05pm game. Snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) on the bus will be provided. Prior to the game, you'll have several hours to explore neighboring Greektown, Detroit's casinos, and other Motor City attractions.
Tickets to the game, transportation on the bus, and food and drink are all provided for only $55! But you have to reserve your spot right away--only a limited number are available! You can buy your tickets either by check (made out to Grand River Connection) or on-line using the donations feature on our website (please consider including an extra $2 to help offset our handling fee). Email Brian McGrain if you have questions.
Second Annual GRC Bar Crawl
 Its that time of year again folks: time to get your Bar Crawling shoes on, and join the GRC gang for a day of festivities. We will be having our 2nd Annual Bar Crawl on Saturday, June 14th, starting at 3:00pm. We will kick things off at Dublin Square, stopping at the Post and the Riv before leaving East Lansing. After hopping on the bus to downtown (tickets will be provided), we will make stops at Mort's & Stober's, before ending at the Nuthouse for "Nuttyfest". The Bar Crawl fee is $10 per person, which includes a GRC Bar Crawl T-Shirt.
If you missed out last year, you have probably been regretting it ever since. Don't put yourself through the agony again; email Katharine Czarnecki to sign-up in advance (please include t-shirt size)!
Tee Up and Take a Swing at Golf
 Please join GRC on Saturday, May 31, at Glenbrier Golf Course in Perry for the 1st Annual GRC Golf Classic! Teams of four will compete in a "scramble" format for prizes and the adulation of your peers! Don't know how to swing a club? No problem, as head golf professional Brian Abbey will be on the course giving lessons. Not part of a team yet? No worry, just sign up and we'll find a team for you!
The price of the Golf Classic is $40 per person, or $160 per team. The price includes all 18 holes, cart rental, lunch, free golf lessons, games, networking, prizes, and tons of fun! Lessons begin at 9am, with official registration starting at 9:30am. The first teams will begin playing at 10am.
Please view the flyer for more information. Got questions? Contact Michelle Fink via email or at 517-625-3800. The registration deadline is May 24; complete the registration form (part of the flyer) and mail checks made out to Glenbrief Golf Course to Michelle (address listed in flyer). Sign up right away to guarantee a spot!
Start off Summer in the Tropics with GRC
 Join the Grand River Connection on Tuesday, May 27th, from 6pm to 8pm at Rum Runners for our next 4th Tuesday networking night! Spend your first days of summer "in the tropics" enjoying signature drinks while making new friends and business contacts!
Rum Runners offers two floors of fun! Upstairs you can normally find the area's only all-request dueling piano show. Downstairs features dazzling DJ dance mixes of the hottest tracks from yesterday and today! A DJ will be on-hand to provide background music for our enjoyment during the event.
Rum Runners is located downtown in the Stadium District across from Olds Park at 601 E. Michigan Ave. Parking is available in and around the stadium as well as along Michigan Ave. This event is completely private and only GRC members will be present, so get ready to sample signature drinks served by the staff that rocks while enjoying Island-themed appetizers generously provided by Rum Runners!
We are pleased to have the Rossman Group, one of Lansing's most successful public relations firms, as our sponsor for our May event.
Business Breakfast Event to Feature Liz Haar, CEO of the Accident Fund
Don't miss the next GRC "Professional Breakfast" scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 18th, from 7:30 to 8:30 am. Our Speaker will be Elizabeth (Liz) Haar, CEO of the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. The event will take place at the Fifth Third Bank Building, 3rd Floor, 2501 Coolidge Road, in East Lansing. Liz will be addressing the Accident Fund's expansion and issues concerning the Lansing area.
Breakfast/coffee will be available at 7:30am, with the presentation to begin promptly at 7:45. There will be time for questions at the end, and also a chance to mix and mingle with our speaker and other guests.
Space is limited to 50 so please RSVP to Max Hotchkin ASAP! Thank you to Fifth Third Bank and the Canada Dry Bottling Company of Lansing for providing food and refreshments.
Second Annual GRC Bar Crawl
Its that time of year again folks: time to get your Bar Crawling shoes on, and join the GRC gang for a day of festivities. We will be having our 2nd Annual Bar Crawl on Saturday, June 14th, starting at 3:00pm. We will kick things off at Dublin Square, stopping at the Post and the Riv before leaving East Lansing. After hopping on the bus to downtown (tickets will be provided), we will make stops at Mort's & Stober's, before ending at the Nuthouse for "Nuttyfest". The Bar Crawl fee is $10 per person, which includes a GRC Bar Crawl T-Shirt.
If you missed out last year, you have probably been regretting it ever since. Don't put yourself through the agony again; email Katharine Czarnecki to sign-up in advance (please include t-shirt size)!
Tee Up and Take a Swing at Golf
Please join GRC on Saturday, May 31, at Glenbrier Golf Course in Perry for the 1st Annual GRC Golf Classic! Teams of four will compete in a "scramble" format for prizes and the adulation of your peers! Don't know how to swing a club? No problem, as head golf professional Brian Abbey will be on the course giving lessons. Not part of a team yet? No worry, just sign up and we'll find a team for you!
The price of the Golf Classic is $40 per person, or $160 per team. The price includes all 18 holes, cart rental, lunch, free golf lessons, games, networking, prizes, and tons of fun! Lessons begin at 9am, with official registration starting at 9:30am. The first teams will begin playing at 10am.
Please view the flyer for more information. Got questions? Contact Michelle Fink via email or at 517-625-3800. The registration deadline is May 24; complete the registration form (part of the flyer) and mail checks made out to Glenbrief Golf Course to Michelle (address listed in flyer). Sign up right away to guarantee a spot!
See U at the U Club
 Join the Grand River Connection on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 6pm to 8pm at the University Club of Michigan State University for our next 4th Tuesday networking night!
Dazzling guests for over 75 years, the University Club sits nestled in the lush countryside near Michigan State University, with stunning views of Forest Akers Golf Course. The conference facilities of the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development are conveniently located adjacent to the University Club.
While you’re doing your usual 4th Tuesday networking making new business contacts and new friends, explore what a membership at U Club has to offer. More affordable than a country club membership, with all the benefits, a membership at U Club offers excellent dining and entertainment, special meetings and events, tennis, swimming, a fitness center and spa, and golf!
Speaking of golf, the inaugural GRC Golf Classic is right around the corner. You can get your golf game in shape thanks to putting, chipping, and "rowing the course" contests that we've arranged with prizes provided by U Club. Steve Ruthenburg, Director of Golf Instruction at Forest Akers Golf Course, will give a brief presentation at 7:30 and will be available afterward to give golf tips!
GRC is pleased to have the Associates of Foster,
Swift, Collins, & Smith, P.C., as our
sponsors for our April event. Founded in
1902, Foster Swift is today one of largest
law firms in Michigan.
A wonderful assortment of food will be provided by the U Club; a cash bar will be available as well. The U Club is located at 3436 Forest Road in Lansing, and is easily accessible from either Aurelius Road or Harrison/Coolidge Road.
Special Events Planned for April
 Following on the success of our last round of wine tastings, GRC has scheduled a second second Wine Tasting event! Please join us at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 5, at Beggar's Banquet in East Lansing. This wine tasting will feature Spanish wine, and cuisine in the form of tapas (small plates). The cost will be $20 per person and will include 4-6 wines to taste, a glass of sparkling wine upon entrance, light appetizers, and a chance to purchase the wines at a discount. Please contact Kimberly Joseph with questions; RSVP's should be sent to Kimberly by March 31, 2008.
 Get crazy with GRC at Holiday Lanes in Frandor. This event will be taking place at 6pm on Wednesday, April 16. We'll be "Crazy Bowling" -- bowling with a twist! Whether you love or loathe traditional bowling, you'll get a kick out of trying this wacky spin on the game. Sign up with a team, or create a team when you arrive. $10 for bowling and shoe rental. Please RSVP to Lisa Paszkiewicz right away; space is limited!
Enjoy a Smoke-free Evening at the New Jimmy's Pub
 Join the Grand River Connection Tuesday, March 25th from 6pm to 8pm at the NEW Jimmy’s Pub (16804 Chandler Road) in East Lansing for 4th Tuesday networking! Enjoy the smoke-free atmosphere while you mingle with business contacts, find friends, and drink one of Jimmy’s 16 draught beers. While there, we will enjoy excellent complimentary appetizers provided by Jimmy’s friendly wait staff.
The new Jimmy’s Pub is located on Chandler Road, 1 mile north of the Lake Lansing. (Please note that, due to construction, you will access Jimmy’s by taking Coolidge Road North to Coleman Road East.) The newly-renovated pub has expanded the food menu, featuring a new pasta section. They still offer their signature items such as the Michigan Chicken Salad, Jimmy's Original burger, and the French Dip. There is plenty of entertainment at Jimmy’s -- you can watch the big game on one of their 9 high definition televisions, play a game of pool, listen to some songs on the jukebox, or enjoy their free wireless internet access.
As Jimmy’s is a smoke-free pub, we are pleased to have the Campaign for Smokefree Air (CSA) as our sponsor for this event. The CSA is a grassroots coalition committed to creating smokefree restaurants and bars in Michigan. CSA is currently working to pass legislation to Make MI Air Smokefree. CSA has over 250 supporting organizations across the state including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and American Lung Association.
Enjoy a smoke-free night at the pub! Make it a point to meet new people while enjoying delicious food and great drinks from Jimmy’s Pub on March 25. So spread the word and bring some friends!
A Multi-Part, Multi-Media Experience in Old Town
 February’s GRC 4th Tuesday Networking Night – scheduled to take place from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, February 26 – will be a special two-part event, highlighting several creative spaces in Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood.
First, members will be treated to a special tour and open house at Message Makers, 1217 Turner Street. Message Makers, producers of experiences that transform, specializes in creative media, training, and event media services. While their client list spans the globe and includes work for major clients such as Harley Davidson, they also bring their creative touch to Lansing, producing such local favorites as Lansing’s JazzFest and the Old Town BluesFest. Message Makers has inhabited a converted commercial space in the heart of Old Town since 1982. GRC members will have an opportunity to tour this distinctive space, enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and also see a number of live media demonstrations taking place.
Networking will follow across the street at the combined location of the Banyan Gallery and Studio 1210, 1208-1210 Turner Street. The Banyan Gallery is a creative, design-conscious art gallery that is warm and inviting, elegant and upscale, intimate and friendly. Its companion gallery, Studio 1210, focuses on more progressive art and experimentation with a bolder industrial statement and energy. GRC members are invited to come see the art and then stay for wonderful food, complimentary beverages, music, and lots of great conversation.
This event has been sponsored by Ukai
Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Ukai
has locations on both the east and west side
of Lansing, and has also recently opened Ai
Fusion in East Lansing. Food for the event is being provided courtesy of Decker's Coffee Company, 220 S. Washington, opened by Jessica Decker in May 2007. However it's not just a coffee shop; Decker's offers a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, and such. She's got breakfast and lunch covered too - soups, salads, pastries, and an assortment of gelato and sorbets for dessert. The business is open 7 days a week - and in the summer you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the comfortable patio.
Last Chance to Sign Up for Ice Climbing
Grab your hat and gloves and head up North! This ice climbing trip is for beginners that want to experience a winter adventure. No prior experience is necessary. If you can do 10 push-ups, you’ve got what it takes to try this sport out. With two days of guiding, all your ice climbing gear provided, an evening of great food and socializing, this will be a trip you wont forget!
The trip will be taking place from February 29 through March 2. Accommodations will be at the Mad Moose Lodge, about an hour north of Sault Ste. Marie. Cost per person is $225, which includes lodging, dinner on Saturday, equipment rental, and instruction. View the entire event description or contact Lisa Paskiewicz ASAP to register!
Inaugural GRC Professional Breakfast
 Don't miss the inaugural GRC "Professional Breakfast" scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 6th, from 7:30 to 8:30 am. Our Speaker will be Robert (Bob) Fish, CEO and Co-Founder of Biggby Coffee (formerly Beaners). The event will take place at the Fifth Third Bank Building, 3rd Floor, 2501 Coolidge Road, in East Lansing. Bob will be addressing entrepreneurialism and issues concerning the Lansing area.
Breakfast/coffee will be available at 7:30am, with the presentation to begin promptly at 7:45. There will be time for questions at the end, and also a chance to mix and mingle with our speaker and other guests.
Space is limited to 50 so please RSVP to Max Hotchkin ASAP!
Your New Years Resolution: Meet New People!
 Join the Grand River Connection Tuesday, January 22nd from 6-8pm at Brannigan Brothers restaurant and pub (210 South Washington) in downtown Lansing for 4th Tuesday networking! We know your New Year’s resolutions might have something to do with work, friends, or love, so at Brannigan’s you can mingle with business contacts, find friends, and who knows, maybe even meet that special someone!
Starting at 7pm, the GRC will be raffling off prizes and everyone who attends will be entered to win! Never been to an event before? Then you don’t want to miss this one, because all first-time attendees will get twice as many chances to win! So spread the word and bring some friends!
And if you’ve had trouble meeting new people in the past, we guarantee you’ll make at least two new acquaintances, as members of our networking programs committee will be introducing people to each other all night long. And if that’s not your thing, just check out our brand new “Networking Board” for a list of who’s in attendance.
Start the New Year off right! Make it a point to meet new people while enjoying delicious cuisine and great drinks from Brannigan Brothers on January 22.
A Night Out with the Lansing Symphony
 Join the GRC for a night of music at the Lansing Symphony Orchestra on Friday, January 18. The classical performance will take place at 8pm in the Great Hall of the Wharton Center on the campus of Michigan State University. The LSO has given our members a generous discount on tickets to this show, and the cost for this special event is $15 per person. After the performance, we will head to a local restaurant for refreshments and fun. Space is limited, so please reserve your space soon by emailing Ali.
Its a GRC Holiday Party!
 Last-minute addition! You are invited to visit the West Village Condos model, located at 352 West Grand River Avenue, before the GRC Holiday Gala. Stop by between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm to tour the model units and enjoy a glass of champagne before heading over to the Marriott!
Don't miss the 3rd annual Grand River Connection Holiday Gala scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 18, from 7pm to 10pm! This year's premier GRC event will be held in the lovely Beaumont Room at the Marriott University Place in downtown East Lansing (300 MAC Ave.). We will enjoy excellent complimentary hors d'ouevres, a cash bar, and live music provided by Too Smooth for Notes, while we network and celebrate the holiday season.
Semi-formal attire is requested. Admission is $5 at the door. Free vouchers for parking in downtown parking structures will be handed out at the event.
In the spirit of the holidays, we are asking all members to please bring a non-perishable food item for the Lansing Food Bank.
We are please to have as this year's event sponsors:
...three exciting new housing options in and around downtown East Lansing!
Be a Part of the New Face of Downtown!
GRC is pleased to announce that our 4th Tuesday Networking Night in November will be a two-part event. Join us at 6pm on Tuesday, November 27, as we get an exclusive tour of one of Lansing's hottest new developments, the Stadium District! This exciting urban mixed-use development combines retail, commercial, apartment, and condominium space with a premiere location just steps from Oldsmobile Park. GRC has arranged a "members-only" tour (courtesy of the Gillespie Group) so that we will have a chance to see this new development up close.
 Tours of the Stadium District will take place starting at 6pm and will run continuously until 7pm. After you are done touring, cross the street to the Nuthouse Sports Bar for food, beverages, networking, and fun. (If you can’t make the tours, you may join us directly at the Nuthouse anytime after 6pm). The Nuthouse opened in 1996 as downtown Lansing was experiencing its first wave of re-birth, and continues to provide an exciting location in the heart of Lansing's newest wave of development.
GRC is excited to connect these two locations into one fantastic event! We are also thrilled to have attorney Pamela Collette Dausman of Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, PC, as our sponsor for this event. Foster Swift is a Lansing-based law firm with offices across Michigan.
Parking for the evening will be available in the Stadium District lot, located just south of the building. So after you’ve had enough of turkey and family over the holidays, join the Grand River Connection downtown in the Stadium District for an evening of new friends and great fun.
First-ever GRC Wine Tasting Night
 The GRC is pleased to announce our first local wine tasting.
7pm, Friday, November 9: SOLD OUT!
7:30pm, Saturday, November 10: SOLD OUT!
The wine tastings will be at Burgdorf's Winery. For over 25 years, Deb and Dave Burgdorf have been producing fine wines, and the GRC is pleased to offer this exclusive tasting event to our members. Burgdorf's Winery and Tasting Room is nestled in the Burgdorf's 5 acre estate, located at 5635 Shoeman Road in Haslett. Relax with your friends and enjoy a sampling of wines and cheeses in the tasting room, where the cozy atmosphere invites you unwind after the workweek and enjoy a "Moment in Wine". Cost for this event is $10 per person. Space is very limited. Please RSVP to Ali Gaylord ASAP!
Networking Night at the MAC
 On October 23rd, from 6pm to 8pm, come and enjoy an atmosphere of healthy living. The Michigan Athletic Club (The MAC) is hosting our October Fourth Tuesday Event in their beautifully furnished restaurant and bar. Located off Hagadorn,at 2900 Hannah Boulevard in East Lansing, the MAC holds a small world of sports and leisure opportunities. While sharing conversation, refreshments, and hors d'oeuvres you can take in the scenic view of the activities below.
The October Event is sponsored by Cooley Law School. Founded in 1972, Cooley Law School, is the largest law school in the country. Cooley has three campuses across Michigan, in Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Oakland County. In addition to the J.D. program, students at Cooley can also pursue an LL.M. in Tax or in Intellectual Property.
The MAC is providing complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be available for purchase. GRC guests are welcome to tour the facilities. This is a great opportunity to see what a complete fitness facility has to offer. We look forward to seeing you there!
MSU Homecoming Tailgate with GRC
 Spend an MSU home game Saturday (October 13) -- Homecoming weekend, in fact -- tailgating with the GRC. From 2pm onwards, join us in Lot N-38, on the east side of the International Center! Food will be provided as will a limited amount of beverages. If you plan on hanging out and watching the TV with us, please bring extra drinks. We'll have coolers, a tent, and grilling necessities so just bring yourself, a friend or 2, and throw that 12 pack in the cooler. As all GRC Special Events, this one is sure to be a blast! Contact Adam Van Lente or Kat Czarnecki if you need more information.
Ten Over the Next Ten
 The Grand River Connection is pleased to announce a very special 4th Tuesday Networking Night in September – the inaugural 10 Over the Next 10 awards! 10 Over the Next 10 is a joint effort of the GRC, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Lansing Business Monthly, and will showcase the next generation of business leaders – our area’s top young professionals who will make significant contributions to the Greater Lansing region over the next 10 years.
Congratulations to the 22 finalists for the award (winners in BOLD):
- Aaron Matthews - Clark Hill
- Adam VanLente - Retro Duck.com Inc.
- Bree Popp Woodruff - Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone
- Brigham Smith - City of Lansing
- Chad Paalman - NuWave Technology Partners
- Elizabeth Lyon - State Bar of Michigan
- Emily Matthews - Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C.
- Eric Stevenson - US Capital Mortgage & The Firm
- Erik Larson - Impression 5 Science Center
- James Anderton V - Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting, P.C.
- Jason Kildea - CB Richard Ellis Martin
- Jen Estill - Redhead Design
- Jeremy DeRuiter - Beaners
- Jeremy Steele - Lansing State Journal
- Jordan Sutton - Sutton Advisors
- Kate Tykocki - Capital Area Michigan Works!
- Marsha Zimmerman - Dart Development
- Ryan Vartoogian - Spartan Internet Consulting
- Scott Gillespie - The Gillespie Company
- Scott Purtill - Plante & Moran
- Steve Meyer - Clark Construction Company
- Vince Villegas - Briarwood Realty
The winners will be announced at a dinner presentation on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Lansing. Tickets for the dinner are $40 for the general public, but GRC members get an exclusive $15 discount and each GRC member can purchase one ticket for only $25! For tickets, contact Michelle Fink of the Lansing Regional Chamber at (517) 487-6340.
The awards dinner follows the GRC’s FREE 4th Tuesday Networking Night, which will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Radisson. We look forward to seeing you there!
**Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of judges selected from the Lansing business community. GRC Board members and volunteers were not directly involved in the selection process.**
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