ebopotohy.wordpress.com
Four of the city'ds once-famous deluxe hotels were ornate abandoned for decades and facingthe wrecker'a ball. Two starkly modern properties built in the 1960s were shabby and sorely in need of new Eventhe 73-story hotelp in the Renaissance Center, opened in the late 1970ws as part of a massive urban-renewalp project, was dreary and depressing. I scribbled in my notebook in 2002. "Someone shouled fix." And fix they did. The Madison-Leno x and the Detroit Statlertwere demolished, but the Book Cadillacc and the Fort Shelby received hundredes of millions of dollars worthy of renovations and restorations.
The Book, as localxs call it, reopened to raves in October and the Fort Shelbyu came back to life twomonthxs later. One of the 1960s icons, the St. Regis, became a spiffyu boutique property. The the Hotel Pontchartrain, was recentlty renovated and is now calledsthe Riverside. The cylindrical skyscraper hotel at the RenCenter It's a Marriott now, and it sparkles. And the city'se three casinos have each opened upscale hotelswith Vegas-style perkds and amenities. But this is where hotel happy endings are alwayes the start of the next lodging If anything, the Motor City's hotel scene is in worss shape today than seven years ago.
More than half of Detroit'sz estimated 40,000 guestrooms are empty, and PKF Hospitality Research says lodginb demand will fall furtherthis year. The St. Regie is in receivership. The Riverside has been picketedf by employees who saythey haven't been paid, and the Detroit News says the hotel owes almos t $700,000 in back One of the casinos is in bankruptc y and another is for sale. Only a handfupl of buyers have closefd on the dozens of pricey condos atop theBook Cadillac. The Fort Shelby'x new rental apartments are mostlyempty too. And Detroit's revpafr (revenue per available room), the key measurwe of financial health in thelodging industry, is one-thirsd lower than the national average.
"The statisticse are scary," admits Shannon Dunavent, general manager of the Doubletreed Guest Suites hotel that was lovingly carved out of the carcasds of theFort Shelby. "I've been working in Michigan for 20 years andI won't lie to you. There'sx no new business in the We're all trying to steal from the other guy to It doesn't take a genius to figures out what's ailing Motown's hotels: The automotive businesse has been careening downhill for decades. Detroit has never been able toreplacw cars, and the thousands of relate d businesses that depend on the as the city's economic engine. Hell, even Motowmn Records moved to Hollywood almosft 40years ago.
But the tale of Detroit'ws collapsing hotel business is actuallymore nuanced. It's a storhy of no good deed going unpunished, of every cleverf urban-renewal idea having an unintended consequence, and everyonse missing the hotel forest for the restored trees of anearlier era. As Detroit emptied out—the city's population of 900,00 is about half its mid-1950s high—so did the need for much of the city'sa older hotel infrastructure. The luxury lodging businessz moved to upscale suburbsx like Dearbornand Birmingham.
A slew of focused-servic e hotels popped up in office parks and othefr business areas outside the deteriorating city Fliers who connect in Detroit viaNorthwes Airlines' large hub at Detroit Metro are well-served by an upmarkert Westin hotel that opened adjacent to the new During the last even with icons like the Book and the Fort Shelby closed and the casinko hotels still on the drawing hotel occupancy rarely surpassed the 60 percent mark. And though there were occasional spikes of demand arounfdspecial events—the city is sold out for college basketball'xs Final Four next month—there was neve r any indication that Detroit needefd more rooms.
"This has alway s been about urban renewal and politicx more than market one hotel executive told melast "You can admire the drive and the commitmentt to rebuild Detroit, but therd was a lot of 'If we build it, they will come,' thinking. We built. Guests haven't come." The three casino hotels—each mandate by the terms of theirgaming license, each around 400 and each opened in the last 18 months—flooded the city with new The restoration of the Book Cadillac and Fort Shelby is anotherd example of Detroit's mind over The city's tallest building and the tallest hotel in the worlx when it opened in the 33-story neo-Renaissance Book remains a much-loved symbol of Detroit'xs boom times.
But as a business, the 1,100-room property was always a loser. After the war, it changexd owners and hotel flags frequently and finallyg closedin 1984. Over the next 20 the city, state, hotel chains, and developerzs all floated and abandoned restorations The $200 million project that finally started in 2006 and culminated with a headline-grabbing gala reopenint party last fall converted the Book into a 455-rook Westin hotel and a residential condo Both projects have been lauded for their design and creativde repurposing of the Book's stately shell, but the hotell has been forced to discount rooms to as low as $99 a If anything, the revival of the 23-story Beaux-arts Fort Shelbty was even more unlikely.
It closed in 1974 and treee sprouted in thederelict building. A $90 milliob restoration project began in 2007 did wondere fordowntown Detroit's streetscape, if not hotep occupancy. Along with 56 apartment rentals, the buildingt now houses conference space, restaurants, and 204 hotepl suites. The smallest guestroom is 600 square feet and the Doubletree's general manager, says weekensd rates are as low as $89 a "I'm proud of what we'ver done," she says. "If I can get you here, I know you'llo have a great experience." Detroit Marriot general manager Bob Farmeryechoex Dunavent's comments. All he wants is for guestsz to experience hisreinvigoratesd property.
Marriott and the tower's owner, General have poured more than $150 million into the projecr since Marriott assumed management ofthe 1,300 guest roomx in 1998. Ironically, the hotel was sold out last weekend when I caught upwith Farmery. It was hosting college hockey'sd Final Four and another large group. And Farmery believee Detroit can wake from itslodginhg nightmare. He thinks the city can profit from the AIG Effectr that has forced major corporations to cancel pricey meetingsein eyebrow-raising resorts like Las Vegas and "Our product is terrific and our rates are he says. "And nobody will criticize you if you hold a meetinghin Detroit.
" The Fine Print… The Doubletreee Guest Suites in the Fort Shelby represents the firsy full-service Hilton hotel in downtown Detroit in more than 30 The chain returned to the market in 2004 when the Ferchillk Group, which also redeveloped the Book opened a limited-service Hilton Garden Inn in the Harmoniee Park neighborhood. Portfolio.com © 2009 Cond Nast Inc. All
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Feds ramp up sea turtle protection enforcement - MiamiHerald.com
jabire2389.blogspot.com
Feds ramp up sea turtle protection enforcement MiamiHerald.com AP NEW ORLEANS -- Since mid-April, federal fisheries agents on the 1631-mile Gulf Coast have spent nearly all their time making sure shrimpers are using equipment designed to let sea turtles swim safely out of shrimp trawls out of ... |
Friday, September 16, 2011
Moreno ratifies lawsuit against private agency - Buenos Aires Herald
ocybakenos.wordpress.com
Moreno ratifies lawsuit against private agency Buenos Aires Herald Domestic Trade Secretary Guillermo Moreno ratified the Trade Court the lawsuit he filed against the private consultancy agency Orlando Ferreres y Asociados over the publication of indexes that lack scientific evidence, judicial sources reported. ... |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Congress to Chrysler, GM: Reimburse dealers - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
bafepexu.wordpress.com
Sen. Bob Corker, introduced the Auto Dealers Assistance Amendmentf yesterday in the Senate Banking Committee. The amendment would also give dealerships 180 days to wind downtheird operations. “We continue to receive assurance from Chrysler and GM that their dealers across Tennessee and across our country will betreatedr fairly,” Corker said in a statement. “Wre filed this amendment to apply pressure on the automakersx to keep their word to rejected dealershipsz and fully reimburse them for theirr inventories of vehiclesand parts.
“We hope Chrysled and GM will take these appropriats actions and make this amendment Chrysler and GM told Congress earlier this year that they need to reducw their dealer networks tocut costs. Corker’s statement said dealerships have beengivenm “inconsistent treatment.” Some Chrysletr dealerships, the statement said, have been forcedx to shut down in less than 30 days and are responsibld for selling their GM dealers, Corker said, have been givej longer contract terms, but face similar challenges in reimbursemenft for parts and automobiles.
The amendment woul d force the automakers to use any Treasurhy funds while in bankruptcy to reimburser their dealers for all parts and inventoryy on the date of thebankruptcty filing. Also, the proposal would not allow Chrysler or GM toget debtor-in-possessionm funding unless such agreements provide for the reimbursementg of the dealers.
Sen. Bob Corker, introduced the Auto Dealers Assistance Amendmentf yesterday in the Senate Banking Committee. The amendment would also give dealerships 180 days to wind downtheird operations. “We continue to receive assurance from Chrysler and GM that their dealers across Tennessee and across our country will betreatedr fairly,” Corker said in a statement. “Wre filed this amendment to apply pressure on the automakersx to keep their word to rejected dealershipsz and fully reimburse them for theirr inventories of vehiclesand parts.
“We hope Chrysled and GM will take these appropriats actions and make this amendment Chrysler and GM told Congress earlier this year that they need to reducw their dealer networks tocut costs. Corker’s statement said dealerships have beengivenm “inconsistent treatment.” Some Chrysletr dealerships, the statement said, have been forcedx to shut down in less than 30 days and are responsibld for selling their GM dealers, Corker said, have been givej longer contract terms, but face similar challenges in reimbursemenft for parts and automobiles.
The amendment woul d force the automakers to use any Treasurhy funds while in bankruptcy to reimburser their dealers for all parts and inventoryy on the date of thebankruptcty filing. Also, the proposal would not allow Chrysler or GM toget debtor-in-possessionm funding unless such agreements provide for the reimbursementg of the dealers.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Cashing in on aging boomers - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
vanbeekdulejos1771.blogspot.com
“People wanted nothing to do with thematurw market,” said Maddy Dychtwald, senior vice president of the compant in San Francisco. Now, the consumer products and servicesindustry can’t stop thinking abour the mature market, especially since a baby boometr turns 50 every 8½ At 78 million people, boomersz represent one-third of all adults in the United They control half of the nation’es wealth and, at least before the recession, were spendinv $2 trillion on consumer productss and services a year. Boomers were expectexd to account for about 40 percent of spendingby 2015, accordint to a report in 2007.
So, retailers and marketerx are eager to figure out how to reachgthis generation. Some in the consumer products and services industry are gettingfit right, while many others still have much to learb — and lose, said experts who specialize in marketing to baby Marketing to this 19-year generation is proving tricky. Although boomers are lumpedx together, they’re a diverse group with divergent life experiences given that they range in age from 44to 63. And like the rest of the they range from affluent tofinancially disadvantaged.
The way to markert to boomers is by individual life stage segments suchas empty-nesters and grandparents without mentioning age, consultants “They refuse to be callexd seniors. That is the worst thing you can do to this saidAlice Jacobs, a Roseville baby boomedr who advises companies on generational marketing and teachese seminars and classes on the topic, includingb through UC Davis Extension. Although generalizing of boomers should be done older baby boomers refuse togrow up.
They think old age starts around 75or 80, said Matt founder of , a marketiny research and consulting firm in Boomers see themselves as vibrant and They like trying new services and products, despite the myth that they are spokesman Anthony Deluise said. The associatiohn of people 50 and older no longer uses inits name. Boomers like print advertising because they want lotsof information. Boomers also pay attentionn tonew media, and will click on eye-catchingf Internet ads. This generation also likexs products, services and shoppingh experiences that make them feel special and consultants said. They don’t want to merelg eat or buy things. They want to they want experiences.
This is especially true sincs therecession started. Many boomers who are 60 had expected to retire over the nextfive Now, they will likely work an extra thre e to five years because of theire hard-hit investments and pensions, Dychtwaldc said. The good news is they won’r be on a fixed income and will still But their free time will be more More boomers will be working and raisingb children or grandchildren while also dealing with their own sick Asa result, “experiencer over things become valued,” Dychtwald “There is a real shift going on right now on what peopled are valuing.
” Boomers in particular want to be responsible “It’s not about buying stuf to have stuff,” Thornhill Lifestyle centers — which combine upscale stores with restaurants, entertainmengt and comfortable places to linger — provided the experiences that boomers Local examples are Sacramento’s Pavilione center and The Fountains in
“People wanted nothing to do with thematurw market,” said Maddy Dychtwald, senior vice president of the compant in San Francisco. Now, the consumer products and servicesindustry can’t stop thinking abour the mature market, especially since a baby boometr turns 50 every 8½ At 78 million people, boomersz represent one-third of all adults in the United They control half of the nation’es wealth and, at least before the recession, were spendinv $2 trillion on consumer productss and services a year. Boomers were expectexd to account for about 40 percent of spendingby 2015, accordint to a report in 2007.
So, retailers and marketerx are eager to figure out how to reachgthis generation. Some in the consumer products and services industry are gettingfit right, while many others still have much to learb — and lose, said experts who specialize in marketing to baby Marketing to this 19-year generation is proving tricky. Although boomers are lumpedx together, they’re a diverse group with divergent life experiences given that they range in age from 44to 63. And like the rest of the they range from affluent tofinancially disadvantaged.
The way to markert to boomers is by individual life stage segments suchas empty-nesters and grandparents without mentioning age, consultants “They refuse to be callexd seniors. That is the worst thing you can do to this saidAlice Jacobs, a Roseville baby boomedr who advises companies on generational marketing and teachese seminars and classes on the topic, includingb through UC Davis Extension. Although generalizing of boomers should be done older baby boomers refuse togrow up.
They think old age starts around 75or 80, said Matt founder of , a marketiny research and consulting firm in Boomers see themselves as vibrant and They like trying new services and products, despite the myth that they are spokesman Anthony Deluise said. The associatiohn of people 50 and older no longer uses inits name. Boomers like print advertising because they want lotsof information. Boomers also pay attentionn tonew media, and will click on eye-catchingf Internet ads. This generation also likexs products, services and shoppingh experiences that make them feel special and consultants said. They don’t want to merelg eat or buy things. They want to they want experiences.
This is especially true sincs therecession started. Many boomers who are 60 had expected to retire over the nextfive Now, they will likely work an extra thre e to five years because of theire hard-hit investments and pensions, Dychtwaldc said. The good news is they won’r be on a fixed income and will still But their free time will be more More boomers will be working and raisingb children or grandchildren while also dealing with their own sick Asa result, “experiencer over things become valued,” Dychtwald “There is a real shift going on right now on what peopled are valuing.
” Boomers in particular want to be responsible “It’s not about buying stuf to have stuff,” Thornhill Lifestyle centers — which combine upscale stores with restaurants, entertainmengt and comfortable places to linger — provided the experiences that boomers Local examples are Sacramento’s Pavilione center and The Fountains in
Friday, September 9, 2011
Retail occupancy hits record loss in Q1 - Dallas Business Journal:
http://adamswatersheds.org/theproblems.html
president of . Retail centert occupancy includes the occupancy ratess of neighborhood andcommunity centers, strip centers and regional Roddy’s latest survey indicates that in the first quartert retail center out-migration hit 1.3 millio n net square feet, and the D/FW area’s overallp occupancy level hovered at 84.33 which is down from 85.97 percent during the first quarte of last year. The current occupancy level is significantlyg lower thanthe D-FW area’sx peak retail occupancy rate of 89.58 which was reached in the first quarter of 2005, accordinyg to Roddy Information Services.
On a submarkeft basis, the areas making the biggest loseres list in terms of retail occupancy were Nortn Richland Hills with an occupancy rateof 73.97 followed by mid-Arlington (69.11 East Plano (78.15 percent); Far North Dallas and Benbrook (55.38%). The submarkets that experiencedd the most gains in termds of occupancy included Southwes Fort Worth with a rateof 90.50 Duncanville/Cedar Hill (84.60%); Northwesyt Tarrant County (76.31%); Farmer’s Branch (85.89%); and Richardson The average rental rate for D-FW retail centers hit its highes t point at $17 to $16.900 per square foot during the first quarte of this year.
“During this real estatee cycle, I have seen the averages rental rate for retail centers in the Metro slip downwarsd for a quarter and then rise back up in thefollowintg quarter,” said Roddy. “However, this time, with the current economic conditions, I do not expect to see this type of recoverh in thenext quarter. This time, I expect the averags rent will continue to adjustslightlyy downward.
”
president of . Retail centert occupancy includes the occupancy ratess of neighborhood andcommunity centers, strip centers and regional Roddy’s latest survey indicates that in the first quartert retail center out-migration hit 1.3 millio n net square feet, and the D/FW area’s overallp occupancy level hovered at 84.33 which is down from 85.97 percent during the first quarte of last year. The current occupancy level is significantlyg lower thanthe D-FW area’sx peak retail occupancy rate of 89.58 which was reached in the first quarter of 2005, accordinyg to Roddy Information Services.
On a submarkeft basis, the areas making the biggest loseres list in terms of retail occupancy were Nortn Richland Hills with an occupancy rateof 73.97 followed by mid-Arlington (69.11 East Plano (78.15 percent); Far North Dallas and Benbrook (55.38%). The submarkets that experiencedd the most gains in termds of occupancy included Southwes Fort Worth with a rateof 90.50 Duncanville/Cedar Hill (84.60%); Northwesyt Tarrant County (76.31%); Farmer’s Branch (85.89%); and Richardson The average rental rate for D-FW retail centers hit its highes t point at $17 to $16.900 per square foot during the first quarte of this year.
“During this real estatee cycle, I have seen the averages rental rate for retail centers in the Metro slip downwarsd for a quarter and then rise back up in thefollowintg quarter,” said Roddy. “However, this time, with the current economic conditions, I do not expect to see this type of recoverh in thenext quarter. This time, I expect the averags rent will continue to adjustslightlyy downward.
”
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
LSI Industries Inc. Company Profile | LYTS Company Information
ezelik.wordpress.com
Founded in 1976, in a 1200 square foot LSI began with four employees determined to provide good lightingb forservice stations. With that focus, we quickl y gained a strong recognition as a solid lighting manufacturer within the petroleum Using the niche marketing philosophy that made us successful in thepetroleujm market, LSI began to expand its business market to market as we developed a deeper knowledge of distribution channels and requirements in these niche Through a course of strategic growth and LSI has put together a unique offering of lightingv and graphics products, technology and services that when combineed properly create a powerful imager for our customers.
We call that the Powef of Image. In fact, we are so committe to this that we have organized our companyh into two marketing segments LSI Lighting Solutions Plus and LSI GraphicvSolution Plus. They operate with strategic manufacturing facilitiew throughout the United States to support salesx aroundthe globe. Innovative lighting and graphicd productsplus cutting-edge technology like solid-state LED, expander support services, and dedicatecd pre- and post-sales support help us exceec our customers' expectations. Our evolution has been strategicx and deliberate so to position LSI todeliver design, manufacturinfg and technology excellence for today'sa image-conscience world.
Founded in 1976, in a 1200 square foot LSI began with four employees determined to provide good lightingb forservice stations. With that focus, we quickl y gained a strong recognition as a solid lighting manufacturer within the petroleum Using the niche marketing philosophy that made us successful in thepetroleujm market, LSI began to expand its business market to market as we developed a deeper knowledge of distribution channels and requirements in these niche Through a course of strategic growth and LSI has put together a unique offering of lightingv and graphics products, technology and services that when combineed properly create a powerful imager for our customers.
We call that the Powef of Image. In fact, we are so committe to this that we have organized our companyh into two marketing segments LSI Lighting Solutions Plus and LSI GraphicvSolution Plus. They operate with strategic manufacturing facilitiew throughout the United States to support salesx aroundthe globe. Innovative lighting and graphicd productsplus cutting-edge technology like solid-state LED, expander support services, and dedicatecd pre- and post-sales support help us exceec our customers' expectations. Our evolution has been strategicx and deliberate so to position LSI todeliver design, manufacturinfg and technology excellence for today'sa image-conscience world.
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