Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber

Awesome April Morning Edition

Patrick Savage and JPaul Dixon, representing Hylant Group, kicked-off Morning Edition sporting matching red tennis shoes. The pair introduced a trivia game to the audience with questions about Hylant Group, the sponsor for April’s Morning Edition Breakfast. Participants who answered the trivia questions correctly were given a ‘cash’ prize from the collection of coins already placed on everyone’s table. Following the trivia game, Patrick and JPaul brought Tim Marshall, President & CEO of Bank of Ann Arbor, up to the stage to talk about the upcoming Battle 4 Change to raise money for the United Way of Washtenaw County. The gentlemen asked the audience to dig into their pockets to kick-start their Battle 4 Change competition, raising  $219.96 from the generous Morning Edition attendees.



Megan Torrance, Owner of Torrance Learning, was our first speaker. Clients of Torrance Learning need to teach something to a group of people and the old way just isn’t working for them anymore. Some companies struggle to get everyone together at one time, other companies need to train several people at different times. Torrance Learning creates custom internet based learning solutions that provide quick and cost-effective business training. The internet based solutions Torrance Learning creates provide more flexibility; and can measure how many times they are used and who they are used by. Megan and her company are continuing to provide quality solutions for their customers.



Torrance Learning created the e-Click map for the Ann Arbor Chamber’s m2m iPhone application.



Art Timko is the Executive Director of WEMU-FM, a public local radio station licensed to Eastern Michigan University, featuring the best local news, jazz and blues in addition to excellent NPR programs. Being that we are in a college town and college student are getting ready for final exams, Art gave his presentation through an exam that was at everyone’s place setting. The letters associated with the correct answers spelled one of their most humorous, popular and informative segments they broadcast, CINEMA CHAT.



Jim O’Connell is the Associate Director of Business Formation for the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer. The University of Michigan is a leader in creating startup ventures. U of M is also responsible for creating Michigan Venture Center, a one-stop hub for entrepreneurs, investors and faculty inventors to access technology, expertise, recourses and connections to create new startup ventures. The University continues to promote the creation of start-up ventures.



Terry Bertram of Legacy Law Center focuses on estate planning and elder law. He explained that they used to be in the death planning business, but now the focus has shifted to the life planning business. There is an ‘explosion’ of services available to families; the problem is that people are now aware of how to get access to these services. Terry helps families access these services. Between 2011 and 2030 the number of elderly people will grow from 4.2 million to 70.2 million. With the growing number of elderly people, the services of Legacy Law Center are reaching an even larger audience.



Sean Duval is President and CEO of Golden Limousine International, a company providing transportation for clients using sedans, vans, limousines and buses, while providing exceptional service. Golden International does much more than provide clients a ride to the airport or limousines for your wedding party. They recently started Golden Wine Tours, a tour through on of Michigan’s beautiful winemaking region in the comfort and style. Golden is proud to be a local company and support local organization’s such as Ele’s Place. Sean is committed to helping the community through volunteering his time as well as donating and sponsoring other local organizations and non-profits.

The next Morning Edition is Wednesday, May 19th at Weber’s Inn from 7am - 8:45am.

Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber