DETROIT, May 23, 2012 – Powerlink Facilities Management Services (Powerlink), a Detroit-based facilities management and maintenance company, along with Sodexo and the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) Foundation, has partnered with Winning Futures and Gregory Kelser’s “Shoot For Your Goals” Basketball Camp to sponsor more than 150 Detroit Public School students’ free participation in a week-long camp, which includes not only basketball, but learning basic skills that will make their high school experience a success.  Powerlink President and CEO Link Howard III made the announcement.

After a successful camp experience in 2011, the “Shoot For Your Goals” camp is again being sponsored by the DPS Foundation, in conjunction with the Sodexo Powerlink partnership, which handles facilities for the school district.   Eighth and ninth grade students currently enrolled in the DPS district, including DPS charter schools students, now have until May 30, 2012 to apply for their chance to secure one of 150 free spots at the camp.  Students can obtain an application from most DPS middle/junior high school administration offices or by visiting www.winningfutures.org.

2012 marks the second consecutive year of the Winning Futures and Gregory Kelser “Shoot For Your Goals”” Basketball Camp, a unique combination of sports training and academic preparation.  The camp will be held June 18 – 22, 2012 at Cass Tech High School located at 2501 2^nd Avenue in Detroit and will present the opportunity for students to learn skills this summer that should help them get around a basketball court and through their first year of high school with better success.  This collaborative, week-long camp was launched in June 2011 by Warren, Mich.-headquartered Winning Futures, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching life skills and mentoring young adults as they strive to find the right path to success, and Gregory (Greg) Kelser, an alumnus of Detroit Henry Ford High School, former captain of the Michigan State University basketball team, previous Detroit Piston and broadcaster for Piston’s games on FOX Sports Detroit. Kelser also offers popular basketball camps that combine athletic conditioning and skill building with daily messages emphasizing how extremely important education has been in his life. Kelser challenges every camp participant to pursue education with the same determination and energy he or she uses for sports.

In addition to the basketball clinic, the “Shoot For Your Goals” camp provides complimentary breakfast and lunch, daily workshops for attendees on self-esteem building, leadership training, values, goals and overall academic achievement.  Sponsors, such as Powerlink, DPS Foundation and Sodexo, will enable approximately 150 qualifying DPS students, transitioning from eight to ninth grade, to attend the camp free of charge.  A student’s first year of high school has been proven to play a critical role in future academic progress, which is why Winning Futures strongly believes in connecting with students at this impactful juncture and preparing them for success in the upcoming school year, which, in turn, makes high school graduation for such students much more probable.

“We are honored to again be a part of such an important program for Detroit students, “ stated Howard.  “Winning Futures has done an excellent job of developing the camp’s curriculum around several skills students will need to succeed in that first year of high school. What Greg Kelser will teach the students about focus and discipline from an athletic perspective, will be supported and applied to academics and everyday life through the talented Winning Futures mentors on-site. We look forward to seeing even more students participating in the camp this summer.”

“Each year we are more and more amazed at the generosity and commitment of our sponsors, such as Powerlink, DPS Foundation and Sodexo,” said Kristina Marshall, president and CEO of Winning Futures. “It is through their generosity this year that has enabled us to provide these wonderful educational and leadership building opportunities for eight graders in Detroit Public Schools. We truly thank each of our sponsors for their continued support and belief that we can make a difference in young people’s lives.”

For more information on the Winning Futures and Gregory Kelser Detroit Basketball camp, please visit www.winningfutures.org.

To download a picture of Gregory Kelser, please click below.

To download a picture of Kristina Marshall, please click below.

Based in Detroit, Mich., Powerlink Facilities Management (Powerlink) is an ISO 9001-certified facilities management and maintenance services company whose professional staff follows industry standards for quality and process to help customers reduce costs, improve efficiency and experience the best in customer service at each Powerlink touch point.  For more information, please visit www.powerlinkonline.com.

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Meghan O’Brien
248.258.2333
mobrien@identitypr.com

Most recently, Mr. Schiffer served as a legal assistant for Carole E. Basri, Esq., an adjunct professor at Fordham University Law School and as an intern in the legal department of CBRE, Inc., a global commercial real estate services firm, both located in New York City.

Mr. Schiffer received his Juris Doctorate degree from The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City, where he was active in the real estate association and business society.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts in finance with Honors from Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business.

Mr. Schiffer has been admitted into both the State Bars of New York and New Jersey.

To download a picture of Samuel Schiffer, please click below.

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, and Naples offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

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Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

The summer shape up program will consist of teams of five to 10 people and will run for eight weeks, beginning on June 11. It is open to both members and non-members of the ADAC who are interested in shedding pounds and building strong lean muscles.

Each team will receive an initial health assessment screening, personal trainer / coach, one team group training session per week, daily workout plans, healthy eating seminar, fitness tips and nutrition support via email, and more. A $1,000 cash prize will be provided to both the team and the individual with the highest percent weight loss.

“This challenge is a great opportunity for men and women of all shapes and sizes to get motivated, lose weight and have fun – all in a team environment,” said club general manager Bill Brown. “Our club is looking forward to helping participants make a healthy lifestyle change and cheering them on to the $1,000 prize!”

The cost to participate is $125 for members and $199 for non-members. For more information, visit www.arenaathletic.com, call the Arena District Athletic Club at (614) 461-7785 or visit the Athletic Club at 325 John McConnell Blvd. in the Arena District.

About the Arena District

The Arena District is a 75-acre mixed-use development located in the heart of downtown Columbus. It features premier office space, a variety of restaurants, exciting entertainment venues and residential housing. Acres of park and plaza areas provide an abundance of open space. The District is home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and AAA baseball’s Columbus Clippers. Together, Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park and the Arena District provide an unparalleled business and entertainment venue attracting visitors from central Ohio and from across the country. The Arena District is developed and managed by Nationwide Realty Investors.

MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

Prior to joining Jaffe, Mr. Soleimani was an associate at Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease where he focused on complex commercial litigation matters.

Mr. Soleimani is a graduate of Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, where he was a member of the distinguished honor society Order of the Coif, a recipient of the 2011 Georgia Tax Conference Award and the Deans Award for International Taxation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, graduating summa cum laude. He is licensed to practice law in Ohio.

To view and download a picture of Daniel Soleimani, please click below.

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, and Naples offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

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Amy Hellebuyck
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ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

Greenbelt, Md., May 15, 2012— Chesapeake Hospitality, one of the country’s fastest growing third-party hotel management companies, is pleased to announce the completion of a major room renovation at the Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown Hotel, providing guests a bright and contemporary look for 2012. Kim Sims, president of Chesapeake Hospitality, made the announcement.

Houston travelers are now invited to experience updated rooms featuring new carpeting and wall vinyl, new window drapes and treatments, new lighting, new work desks with ergonomic seating, in-room safes with space for laptop storage, upgraded cable with HD and premium movie channels, and faster wireless Internet access, which is complimentary to all guests during their stay.

“Chesapeake Hospitality is absolutely devoted to ensuring our properties have the best amenities available for our guests,” said Sims. “We are constantly striving to improve each and every guest touch point, ultimately impacting their time with us. This exciting renovation will take an already outstanding property to a new level offering guests a memorable experience.”

Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown is the premier choice in downtown Houston hotels, providing an unequalled experience for both corporate and leisure guests. In addition to the refreshed rooms, guests enjoy complimentary shuttle service throughout the downtown area, 24-hour business amenities, a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, more than 12,000 square feet of event space and on-site dining at Brazos Restaurant & Lounge.

“With this renovation, we’re offering loyal returning guests something fresh and exciting to go along with everything they already love about Crowne Plaza—such as our prime downtown location and engaging service,” said Tanya Taylor, Director of Sales of the Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown. “Our first-time guests will have the pleasure of experiencing our best stay yet.”

For more information about Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown and the recent renovations, call 1-713-739-8800 or visit www.cpdowntown.com.

To view and download a photo, click below

About Chesapeake Hospitality

Headquartered in Greenbelt, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C., Chesapeake Hospitality is a mid-sized, third-party hotel management company with a proven track record in both full- and select-service hotels.  Ranked in the top 50 largest independent operators, the company manages properties under the Hilton, Starwood and InterContinental Hotel Group brand families.   For additional information, visit the company’s website: www.chesapeakehospitality.com.

About Crowne Plaza Downtown Houston

Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown is the premier choice in downtown Houston hotels, providing an unequalled experience for both corporate and leisure guests. Rest easy in freshly renovated rooms, grab a bold, Texas-style meal at Brazos Restaurant, and explore all the remarkable Houston attractions just minutes from our central downtown location. Event and meeting planners may also take advantage of some of the finest wedding and banquet facilities in Houston. For more information, visit the website at www.cpdowntown.com or call 1-713-739-8800.

MEDIA CONTACT

Andrea Trapani
248.258.2333
atrapani@identitypr.com

]]> http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/identity-marketing-public-relations/crowne-plaza-houston-downtown-hotel-completes-guest-room-renovation/feed/ 0 http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/identity-marketing-public-relations/crowne-plaza-houston-downtown-hotel-completes-guest-room-renovation/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/IdentityPR-Releases/~3/1owzFTe8XEs/ http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/identity-marketing-public-relations/david-h-fink-named-president-of-bloomfield-hills-schools-foundation/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 13:30:29 +0000 kwysocki http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/?p=5433 Recent bond approval inspires stakeholders to promote schools  BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., May 11 2012 – David H. Fink, managing partner of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Fink + Associates Law, has been named president of the Bloomfield Hills Schools Foundation. The Foundation was created to preserve the extraordinary educational opportunities provided by Bloomfield Hills Schools, while revenues... Read more »]]> Recent bond approval inspires stakeholders to promote schools

 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., May 11 2012 – David H. Fink, managing partner of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Fink + Associates Law, has been named president of the Bloomfield Hills Schools Foundation.

The Foundation was created to preserve the extraordinary educational opportunities provided by Bloomfield Hills Schools, while revenues from the State School Aid Fund continue to decline.  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation creates an opportunity for individuals and families to help the Bloomfield Hills School District stay strong.

“The approval of the $58.7 million bond marks the apparent end to years of controversy regarding the District’s future,” said Fink.  “I am excited by the broad community support reflected in the bond vote. With this issue resolved, it’s the perfect time for the community to build a strong Foundation which can guarantee superior schools for the children of this District for many years to come.”

Fink has been an active supporter of Bloomfield Hills Schools, and his children have all attended the District. Outside of this volunteer role, Fink is managing partner of Fink + Associates Law. He was named a 2011 “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and has been listed as a Super Lawyer in Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2007. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College and a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and serves on the Michigan State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC), the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Services of Metropolitan Detroit and the Michigan State Bar Committee on Judicial Qualifications.

To view and download a photo of David H. Fink, click below.

The Bloomfield Hills Schools Foundation was established to provide district parents, students, employees, businesses and community members with a way to positively affect public education. The Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to sustain and enhance the level of academic and co-curricular excellence that defines Bloomfield Hills Schools. For more information http://www.bhschoolsfoundation.org/

About Fink + Associates Law

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based Fink + Associates Law represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of complex commercial litigation and class action matters. The firm’s areas of practice include business disputes, antitrust, consumer fraud, environmental law, intergovernmental disputes, securities fraud, shareholder derivative litigation, and construction contract matters. For more information, call 248.971.2500 or visit www.finkandassociateslaw.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mark Winter
248.258.2333
mwinter@identitypr.com

As members of Jaffe’s Board of Directors, Zussman and Raznick will be responsible for the growth, strategic development, and day-to-day operations of the 200-person firm.

Zussman, who preceded Sider as CEO of the Firm, is a member of Jaffe’s Real Estate Practice Group where he specializes in commercial real estate and business planning. He graduated with honors from the University of Iowa and is a magna cum laude and order of the coif graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.

Raznick has been with the Firm for more than 15 years and is a member of its Business Transaction Practice Group, specializing in real estate and business law. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and is a graduate of Boston University Law School.

Zussman and Raznick join Thomas Coughlin, Eric Linden, Bill Sider, Susan Sutton and Arthur Weiss who all currently serve on the seven-member Board of Directors.

To view and download a picture of Rick Zussman and Brian Raznick, click their photos below.

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, and Naples offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

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Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
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Mr. Krysinski is a member of the Real Estate Practice Group, specializing in commercial development and leasing of real estate; financing and leasing of office, industrial, apartment and retail projects nationwide; complex mixed-use condominium developments, manufactured housing communities and multi-family housing communities.

He is immediate past Chairman of the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and former chair of the State Bar Commercial Leasing Committee.

Mr. Krysinski has also been named as a Michigan Super Lawyer annually since 2006 and is Martindale Hubbell® rated “AV” (Pre-eminent 5.0).

To view and download a picture of Mark Kyrsinski, please click below.

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, and Naples offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

To view and download a picture of Mark Krysinski, click below.

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Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

The program will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at the Dilworthtown Inn, located at 1390 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA, 19382. Daniel White, founder and president of Daniel A. White & Associates, will conduct the free informational event.

White will discuss how to protect against inflation, how to succeed in a low interest rate environment and how to make income last. The presentation will explore several issues of concern to retirees, including how to keep the IRS out of IRA accounts and pass them to heirs tax-free. White will also discuss how to determine whether a Roth IRA conversion is right for individual consumers and how financial growth and security can be found without risk in today’s volatile times.

“With so many retirees worried about their hard-earned assets not getting them through retirement, we want to provide free education about how they can manage their money to last,” said White. “It is our goal to insure retirees’ incomes for the future are planned appropriately so they can feel secure about their retirement and golden years.”

The program is complimentary and open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Please call 1-800-460-5092 to RSVP. A complimentary meal will be served immediately following the workshop.

About Daniel A. White & Associates

Founded in 1987, Glen Mills, Pa.-based Daniel A. White & Associates is a financial planning firm specializing in asset protection and transitional and retirement planning. Through a team of knowledgeable experts, Daniel A. White & Associates provides sound counsel and comprehensive financial planning for retirees and pre-retirees in estate planning, asset protection, wealth management, long-term care solutions and wealth transfer strategies.

One of the nation’s leading experts in financial and retirement planning and host of “On The Money” radio show on WDEL Sundays at 7 a.m., Daniel A. White is a Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter. For more information, please call 1.888.690.8820 or visit www.danwhiteandassociates.com.

Media Contact  

Luke Capizzo

248.258.2333

lcapizzo@identitypr.com

As Jaffe’s new CEO and a member of its Board of Directors, Sider will be responsible for the growth, strategic development, and day-to-day operations of the 200-person firm. He will also continue to practice law as a member of the Tax Practice Group, specializing in acquisitions, debt restructurings, dispositions and joint ventures. Sider represents private equity firms, venture capitalists, publicly traded real estate investment trusts, technology companies and entrepreneurs.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan and is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. He also earned his LL.M in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

Mr. Sider is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Taxation Section and American Bar Association Taxation Section.

To view and download a picture of Bill Sider, please click below.

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, and Naples offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

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Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

BINGHAM FARMS, Mich., April 20, 2012 – Bingham Farms, Mich.-based Identity, an integrated public relations agency driving strategic communications programs across the United States, partnered with Ronald McDonald House of Detroit for the agency’s spring corporate giving initiative. Identity Managing Partner Mark Winter made the announcement.

The firm collectively donated 54 hours of time preparing lunch for residents, cleaning, and maintaining the yard and gardens on Tuesday, April 17, at the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit. Identity employees also worked together to contribute nearly 10 bags of cleaning supplies for the house, along with pillows and pantry items.

“Ronald McDonald House is a wonderful organization and we are very proud to support them,” said Winter. “We are fully committed to our corporate giving initiative, both as a means to give back to the local community and to build camaraderie amongst the Identity team.”

Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House of Detroit is part of Identity’s yearlong corporate giving program, during which the agency will support four local nonprofits. The 2012 initiatives will include a backpack drive for The Samaritan House, participating in The Michigan Humane Society’s Mega March fundraiser and working with Starfish Family Services to Adopt-A-Family over the holidays.

Click here to view and download a picture of the Identity team at the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit

About Identity

Identity is an integrated public relations firm driving strategic communications programs for a diverse portfolio of clients across the United States. Comprised of a unified team of discipline specialists, the company provides strategy, counsel and execution in the areas of branding, media relations, marketing, social media and creative design. Identity was founded in 1998 and is based in Bingham Farms, Mich. For more information, visit http://identitypr.com.

Media Contact  

Erin Sabo

248.258.2333

esabo@identitypr.com

]]> http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/identity-marketing-public-relations/identity-supports-ronald-mcdonald-house-of-detroit/feed/ 0 http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/identity-marketing-public-relations/identity-supports-ronald-mcdonald-house-of-detroit/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/IdentityPR-Releases/~3/wJ4qZj6IlWw/ http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/identity-marketing-public-relations/msxi-appoints-reilly-as-chairman-asia-pacific/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:45:46 +0000 ahellebuyck http://identitypr.com/pressrelease/?p=5241 WARREN, Mich., April 19, 2012 – MSX International (MSXI) announced today that D. Nick Reilly has joined the company as Chairman, Asia Pacific, effective immediately. Fred Minturn, President and CEO of MSXI made the announcement saying, “Nick’s global expertise, business acumen, and passion for the industry are invaluable as we drive to accelerate growth in... Read more »]]> WARREN, Mich., April 19, 2012 – MSX International (MSXI) announced today that D. Nick Reilly has joined the company as Chairman, Asia Pacific, effective immediately. Fred Minturn, President and CEO of MSXI made the announcement saying, “Nick’s global expertise, business acumen, and passion for the industry are invaluable as we drive to accelerate growth in this important region.”

Reilly brings more than 35 years of experience working in the global automotive industry with General Motors. Most recently, he served as President of GM Europe. His career with the automaker included senior leadership positions in Asia, Europe and Latin America. He was also the first President and CEO of GM Daewoo Auto and Technology in Korea when it was founded in 2002 and moved on to spearhead GM’s growth in Asia Pacific and Latin America.

“The Asia Pacific region is a market with tremendous opportunity for us and Nick will be pivotal as we expand our presence there,” said Minturn.

To view and download a photo of D. Nick Reilly, click below.

About MSX International
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, MSX International is the leading global supplier of outsourced services primarily to the world’s automotive industry. With decades of experience and more than 4,500 experts in 48 countries, the company is a valued partner for the recruitment, administration and supply of contract talent and for increasing the efficiency and profitability of automotive dealer networks worldwide. For more information, please visit www.msxi.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com

Jones is responsible for organizing and coordinating Identity’s office operations and procedures, including all human resources, IT and administrative functions. Prior to joining Identity, Jones served as human resource coordinator for Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Plante & Moran.

A graduate of Baker College, Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in business management.

She currently resides in Auburn Hills, Mich.

To view and download a photo of Elaine Jones, click below.

About Identity

Identity is an integrated public relations firm driving strategic communications programs for a diverse portfolio of clients across the United States. Comprised of a unified team of discipline specialists, the company provides strategy, counsel and execution in the areas of branding, media relations, marketing, social media and creative design. Identity was founded in 1998 and is based in Bingham Farms, Mich. For more information, visit http://identitypr.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Sarah Collica
248.258.2333
scollica@identitypr.com

NOVI, Mich., April 18, 2012 – The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund (FWSF), a Livonia, Michigan-headquartered nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to assisting U.S. veterans who return from the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, and their families, as they find themselves in need of support and assistance; in coordination with Families United and Operation Care Package Michigan, will host its Seventh Annual Dinner & Auction on April 28, 2012. Special guests include award winning journalist and best-selling author of War and The Perfect Storm Sebastian Junger, Commander Kirk S Lippold, US Navy (Ret.) of the USS Cole and current Miss Michigan America Elizabeth Wertenberger, of Dundee. Mich. All three guests are attending the event to lend their support to a cause they hold in the highest regard.  FWSF Co-Founder Chris Cornelius made the announcement.

The FWSF Seventh Annual Dinner & Auction, which includes both silent and live auction elements, begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 28^th and will again be held at the Suburban Collection Showcase, located at 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, Mich. FWSF anticipates the 2012 event being the highest attended yet, with over 1,200 guests expected.  Sebastian Junger will be featured as the night’s keynote speaker.  In addition to being an internationally acclaimed, best-selling author, Junger has covered major international news stories and has been awarded the National Magazine Award and an SAIS Novartis Prize for Journalism. He most recently co-directed the documentary Restrepo with photojournalist Tim Heatherington.  The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary and received the 2010 Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Restrepo documents the year that Junger and Hetherington were embedded with Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, in the remote and heavily contested Korengal Valley of eastern Afghanistan. Reporting on the war from the soldiers’ perspective not only produced Restrepo but also resulted in Junger’s latest best seller War.

This year marks the first time that attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a special donation from Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger, the Miss Michigan Organization and Southfield, Mich.-based The iGroup, the talent and modeling agency that represents Miss Michigan.  During the live auction, guests will bid on the chance to “Spend The Day With Miss Michigan,” an ideal opportunity for young women interested in learning more about the roles and responsibilities of Miss Michigan and for those considering becoming Miss Michigan one day.

WDIV Detroit’s Chuck Gaidica has graciously extended his pledge to help the cause by acting as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies for the sixth consecutive year.  During the event, he will introduce honored veterans from all branches of service as well as state officials.

In addition to the entertainment, auctions and inspirational stories that will be shared by wounded Michigan soldiers and their families, guests will be presented with detailed information on how donations to FWSF have made a positive impact on Michigan’s military families. Since its inception in 2006, the FWSF has raised over $1,000,000 to help wounded or fallen soldiers and their families.  Returning troops often face delays in getting assistance from the government. The FWSF has the ability to quickly help those families in need, from paying medical bills and travel expenses for families to visit their recovering loved ones at Walter Reed Hospital in D.C., to living expenses, foreclosure assistance and home modifications to create accessible living quarters.

“The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund was created with the goal of giving back to the troops that have done so much for all of us,” said Cornelius. “To consistently see so many people and companies from Michigan support the cause has been amazing.  Realizing that we are all helping make life a little bit easier for the brave men and women who have risked so much for our country is a truly gratifying experience.”

Tickets for the event, which includes dinner and an open bar, are available now for $100 per person. Table sponsorships are also available for $1,000. Please keep in mind that tickets and auction items are tax-deductable and organizers of the event are still accepting sponsorships and auction items.  For more information, or to RSVP to this event, please contact Ann Cornelius at (248) 346-5976 or ann4fwsf@aol.com.

About the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund
Established in 2006, the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund
(FWSF) is a Livonia, Mich.-based nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to helping those veterans (and their families) in Michigan who return from the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns and find themselves in need of financial support and assistance related to a variety of areas, from medical expenses to housing costs. The FWSF is an all-volunteer organization and its members are a diverse collection of concerned people from Michigan’s business and private sectors.  For more information, please visit www.fwsf.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Meghan O’Brien
248.258.2333
mobrien@identitypr.com

Prior to joining Jaffe, Ms. Balakrishnan served as an associate attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC, with a focus on private company mergers, acquisitions, private equity investments and restructurings. Prior to her work at Dickinson Wright, she spent three-years as an associate attorney at the law firm of Anand and Anand in New Delhi, India.

Ms. Balakrishnan earned her Juris Doctor from the National Law School of India University, where she graduated with honors. She completed her Master of Laws degree at Columbia University School of Law, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and a recipient of the J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship. She is currently a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

To view and download a photo of Jyotsna Balakrishnan, click below.

About Jaffe

Michigan-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss is recognized throughout the nation as a relationship-based, highly qualified, full-service business law firm. With an outstanding reputation for providing sophisticated legal services and counsel to businesses of all sizes, family-owned enterprises, individuals and entrepreneurs, Jaffe has more than 100 attorneys in its Southfield, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, and Naples offices.

Among the Firm’s practice areas are appellate, aviation, corporate, criminal, e-commerce, electronic banking, employee benefits, environmental, estate planning, family law, financial services, immigration, insolvency & reorganization, insurance, intellectual property, information technology, litigation, labor, mergers & acquisitions, mortgage banking, property tax appeals, public finance, real estate, securities and tax law.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Hellebuyck
248.258.2333
ahellebuyck@identitypr.com