Member Spotlight: Oopgo

 

patrickOopgo is a start-up company providing services in advanced Digital Marketing Intelligence.

It specializes in providing solutions in the areas of insight, customer experience and feedback, with direct application to all areas of e-commerce (retail, financial institutions, travel, hospitality, insurance, transportation, healthcare, and others).

Digital marketing is enhanced by Oopgo’s intelligent tracking that provides continuous multi- dimensional monitoring and strategies’ guidance for maximal effectiveness.

Direct benefits to a business are numerous and include increased ROI, streamlined customer service and dispute resolution, higher efficiency, enhanced visibility and lead generation while closely monitoring marketing initiatives and the competition.

In summary, whether you are a small business considering a web presence or an enterprise looking to optimize your online operations, contact Oopgo and let us start a dialogue.

Patrick Haddad – Oopgo’s CEO – has a background in Business and Computer Science. He started several companies in California from 2006 to 2011, offering services utilized by over 5000 companies
worldwide, including over 10% of all fortune 500 companies.

Oopgo incorporated in Delaware in June 2011, opened an office in California, registered in Michigan the following year and is offering services to businesses of all sizes and city governments.

For more information, email us contact@oopgo.com.

 

 

Member Spotlight: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

hands-on-pic-(1)The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (AAHOM) opened 32 years ago in an historic firehouse in downtown Ann Arbor and quickly became the cornerstone of informal science education in the community. Today, the AAHOM occupies 40,000 square feet and features more than 250 interactive exhibits designed to promote science discovery and literacy. Nearly 5 million visitors have visited AAHOM since it opened its doors in 1982, making it one of the most popular science centers in the State of Michigan. The Museum is open to the public daily.

The AAHOM’s regional and national reputation was built on visionary planning and implementation of interactive STEaM-based exhibits; the delivery of groundbreaking educational programs to 47 counties throughout the state, 44 states across the country, and multiple foreign countries; and the unique ability to establish strong collaborative bonds with public and private organizations from a variety of disciplines.

Many of these relationships are formed through community activities and events. One of the most exciting is TechTwilight, an annual event coming on May 16 that provides local and regional companies with the opportunity to share their innovations with Museum guests and each other in a rousing evening of discovery. More information can be found at http://techtwilight.org.

Now in its 6th year, TechTwilight welcomes dozens of innovative companies who feature and demonstrate their advanced interactive technologies or science-based achievements. The event also provides opportunities for companies to sponsor regional student groups so they may share their science aspirations and knowledge though demonstrations, inventions, and activities. Most important, TechTwilight encourages young people to pursue careers in, and develop life-long interests in, science, technology, arts, and engineering.

For questions about the Museum, please call 734.995.5439 or visit www.aahom.org.

Member Spotlight: Dawn Farm

dawn-farms

Dawn Farm was founded in 1973 as a functional treatment community in a farm environment based upon group interdependence and cooperation, hard physical work, and rigorous honesty. Originally a long term residential facility, the “Farm” has expanded into a continuum of care agency, providing an array of services to help addicts and alcoholics – treating more than 3000 men and women each year.

Dawn Farm’s mission has always been the continued provision of care for individuals who lack financial resources. The philosophy remains simple-no individual will be denied services for lack of insurance or other funds.

Our community of specialized programs includes:

• a 36 bed residential facility (Dawn Farm)

• a 13 bed residential facility (Dawn Farm Downtown)

• an 18 bed detoxification unit (Spera Recovery Center)

• an outpatient office (Dawn Farm Outpatient Services)

• a detox outreach for homeless clients (Dawn Farm Detox Outreach)

• an adolescent program (Youth & Family)

• a transitional housing & supportive case management track for pregnant addicts and women with children (Women’s Transitional Program)

• a transitional housing program for homeless addicts and alcoholics (The Chapin Street Project):

o 6 men’s transitional facilities (capacity: 38)
o 2 women’s transitional facilities (capacity: 18)
o 3 apartment complex sites (capacity: 116)

• a program providing treatment for more than 200 incarcerated addicts a year (Washtenaw Jail Outreach)

• a program offering help to homeless addicts and alcoholics, working with the local business community (Dawn Farm Street Outreach)

• an education series designed to educate the community on addiction and reduce stigma (Dawn Farm Education Series)

 

 

Member Spotlight: USA Hockey

usa-hockey-2-(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1996, USA Hockey launched a revolutionary new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. In its 17th season of play in 2013-14, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers.

The program is composed of two squads – the U.S. National Under-18 and Under-17 Teams. The Under-17 Team competes in the United States Hockey League and also participates in three international events annually.

The Ann Arbor Ice Cube, a first-class facility consisting of three ice sheets, locker rooms, offices, a training area and weight room is home to the NTDP. Over 30 home games are played at “The Cube” each season and tickets range from $5 for students / seniors to $7 for adults, with special discounts for youth hockey players.

Annually, the NTDP averages over 60 former players skating in the NHL. Famous alumni include Jimmy Howard, Patrick Kane, Ryan Suter, Phil Kessel, Ryan Kesler, James van Riemsdyk and Jack Johnson. Nine players on the 2014 Olympic Team once played for the NTDP right here in Ann Arbor.

Member Spotlight: Martopia

Christi-Rankin-Photo-(1)Martopia Public Relations Group (MPRG) is a Michigan-based public relations practice with offices in the Ann Arbor, Charlotte, Chicago, and Denver areas. The firm helps clients create excitement and build awareness for their companies, products, services, people, culture and causes. It also works with clients to transform crises, build reputational equity, and tell their unique stories in a way that is authentic, engages their stakeholders and influences outcomes.

With a diverse group of PR professionals that range from Baby Boomers to Millenials, the MPRG team brings impeccable public relations credentials and an insatiable hunger for results that keeps them focused and motivated every day.

So is it all blue skies and sunshine at MPRG? Yes it is – not only because the MPRG office has blue sky ceiling panels, but because a well-planned and well-executed public relations program connects companies and their audiences in ways that can make a positive difference. It can help shape the discussion, make a measurable impact on brand awareness, boost credibility, help bridge divides, change minds, and inspire action.

From the Fortune 200 to the start-up entrepreneur, MPRG has been there and promises to bring value to the conversation.

(Martopia’s President, Christi Rankin)

Member Spotlight: Ann Arbor Summer Festival

ANesbitt-(1)

Amy Nesbitt has been part of the senior management team at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival since 2007. She has been responsible for overseeing all production, operational, and logistical issues for the festival while also programming the talent for the festival’s outdoor, free activities at Top of the Park. Initially hired as the festival’s operations manager, she then was appointed the festival’s general manager and associate director prior to becoming the festival’s interim executive director and now executive director since February 2014.

Prior to the festival, Amy worked as a national booking agent for the Ann Arbor office of Fleming Artists. Additionally, Amy has a diverse producing history of both film and nonprofit management projects from her tenure in the New Orleans arts and culture sector. She is a graduate of Syracuse University.

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is a celebration of performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. An international arts gathering, the nearly 4 week festival offers over 140 events each season and attracting a diverse audience of more than 75,000 people. The festival continues to grow as a major cultural event in the Ann Arbor community, and as a leading multi-arts celebration that enriches the cultural, economic, and social vitality of the region.

Member Spotlight: Lewis Jewelers

lewis-jewelers-(1)

Serving the Ann Arbor and Detroit regions since 1921, Lewis Jewelers’ reputation and continued success stems from our belief that a successful jewelry store is built on integrity, quality customer service and quality products.

To ensure every client that walks through our doors, or peruses our virtual store, is taken care of, we have a non-commissioned sales staff that’s always ready to provide professional experience, advice and expertise.

With a location in the bustling city limits of Ann Arbor, Michigan, we proudly serve the Ann Arbor and surrounding Southeastern Michigan communities by providing an exquisite selection of designer jewelry and the Pandora jewelry collection, as well as excellent customer service to its residents and visitors.

Member Spotlight: Sharon Ragland-Keys – College Nannies + Tutors, Ann Arbor

15326_148A-(1)The College Nannies + Tutors franchises have one common goal- to Build Stronger Families®. Sharon Ragland-Keys knew her years in Human Resources Leadership roles combined with her passion for helping others made owning a CNT franchise an easy decision.

Sharon looked at several businesses and chose CNT because it aligned with her professional experience, and it’s a full services model for families needing assistance from cradle to college. As a working parent, Sharon identified the need for an agency like CNT, and since opening in 2009; she has been dedicated to providing nanny and tutoring role models for families across Southeastern Michigan.

Her positive impact on the community doesn’t stop there. In 2009, Sharon joined the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan’s board and serves on the governance committee promoting the organization’s work to make professional services available to women who need help at affordable costs.

Sharon hopes to continue CNT’s vision and is committed to helping families and her employees have an amazing experience.

Member Spotlight: TEL Systems

Karl-1-copy-cropCelebrating their 49th Anniversary in 2014, TEL Systems designs, installs and services professional audio and video systems primarily for the Higher Education, K-12 and Corporate markets. Former Board Chair of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber, Karl Couyoumjian is President and CEO of TEL Systems.

TEL’s installed systems range from a basic video/data display system in a conference or classroom, to the digital signage system at the newly renovated COBO Center in Detroit and to the complex audio and broadcast video systems at The University of Michigan Stadium, Crisler Arena and Yost Fieldhouse.

A Strategic Vendor Partner with The University of Michigan, TEL Systems works with colleges and universities throughout the state. TEL is also very active in the K-12 educational market having installed technology systems in thousands of classrooms in school districts throughout the state.

TEL Systems has also designed and installed boardroom and video systems for corporate clients throughout Michigan. These range from internal video production systems for employee information and training to sophisticated boardroom video conferencing systems.

An employee-owned company, TEL Systems has been located in Ann Arbor since its founding as Thalner Electronic Labs in 1965.

 

 

 

Member Spotlight: Tom Harrison

Thomas-Harrison-Picture-(1)Tom Harrison was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Ladder Company in 2004. The company was founded in 1901 and is the oldest ladder manufacturer in the United States. He is only the fourth leader in the company’s history.

Under Tom’s leadership, Michigan Ladder Company reversed its decline in sales and returned to profitability within a year. During his tenure he has significantly improved the company’s financial position, including substantially reducing its debt.

Prior to joining Michigan Ladder, Tom held a variety of sales, marketing, and international business positions with Ford Motor Company and was one of four selected, division-wide, to the team charged with developing and leading the complete reorganization of Lincoln-Mercury Division.

Following his career with Ford, Tom was named Director of International Business for Carhartt, Inc., and led the acquisition of its European subsidiary. Following the purchase, he was appointed Managing Director of the European operation and lived in the Netherlands for three years.

Over the course of his career, Tom has had the opportunity to live in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia as well as overseas and has conducted business in over 70 countries.

Tom is actively involved in the community and sits on the board or chairs committees of several community and charitable organizations. Tom has developed a close relationship with Eastern Michigan University’s College of Business where he co-authored a paper with two professors and has been a frequent guest lecturer. For his professional and civic contributions, he was honored with the local chamber of commerce’s Business Person of the Year Award.

Tom’s personal and professional accomplishments have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fox News and the Kudlow Report, featuring Larry Kudlow, on CNBC. He was selected to participate in one of the regional White House Economic Roundtables and subsequently selected as one of 30 people invited to the White House in Washington DC for an economic summit.

Tom has extensive strategic and operational management experience as a chief executive as well as experience leading companies through substantial organizational change and challenges. He has demonstrated an ability to return companies to profitability and improve productivity through technology and streamlined business processes.

Tom received a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from the
University of Michigan. Tom and his wife reside in Saline, Michigan, and have four children.