In a recent speech at the Minority Procurement Conference, Michigan Blues President CEO Daniel J. Loepp said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is striving to further develop its partnerships with Michigan’s Minority Business Enterprises and is dedicated to working to address the economic and health security needs of Michigan’s diverse communities.

Loepp, who was the keynote speaker at the event held in Detroit, also spoke of the value of supplier diversity. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan was honored as Corporation of the Year in Health Care for two consecutive years. In 2008, the Michigan Blues exceeded their corporate goal for doing business with diverse suppliers by 51 percent — procuring more than $59 million in goods and services from MBEs or combined minority and women-owned businesses.

For more information about the company’s supplier diversity initiatives email newsroom@bcbsm.com
PR Newswire contributed to this report

If you have noticed an increase in these types of ads you are not alone. Back in the early part of this year the State of Michigan made the incentives for making movies here in Michigan a bit more sweeter. You can check out the 2008 Michigan Incentive Package at Michigan.gov or Michigan Productions Alliance. So for are you aspiring actors and actress out there be on the look out for some new and exciting opportunity’s.  Learn more here.

Want to find out which movies where filmed in Michigan click here.

The free event, June 6-8 in midtown on Wayne State University’s campus, will feature 20 blocks of art and 10 stages for performances. About 300,000 are expected to attend the 2008 festival.

For details visit www.detroitfestival.com

Art Detroit Now will include exhibitions, demonstrations, and festivals showcasing the great art and talented artists in our area. Organizers estimate that over three days, this first-time event will draw 100,000 people to 100 galleries and museums located in 16 cities throughout metro-Detroit.

Planning for Art Detroit Now began in 2006 with a group of art collectors, patrons and professionals who were committed to finding ways to increase the visibility of Detroit-area contemporary artists and galleries.

“First, there was the opening of Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), then the grand opening of the new Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA),” said Marc Schwartz, event chairperson. “Art Detroit Now is the next step in establishing our area as a major arts center. Virtually every contemporary arts organization in our greater community has come together to be part of this event. Our hope is that everyone will enjoy Art Detroit Now by visiting a gallery or museum May 8-10.”

Some of the 100 participating venues include the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Cranbrook Art Museum, DIA, MOCAD and Russell Industrial Center.

MOCAD will open the exhibition, Considering Detroit, on May 10.It is the first exhibition in a series that explores contemporary art of the Detroit area. “One of the motivating principles for Considering Detroit was to support in every way the Art Detroit Now effort because it is so important,” said Marsha Miro, founding director at MOCAD. “We saw it as an opportunity that could not be missed, and arranged for both our summer exhibition and programs to highlight contemporary art activity in the metro area.”

Graham W.J. Beal, director of the DIA, said the newly renovated museum looks forward to participating in Art Detroit Now. The museum will devote its May 9 Friday Night Live to celebrating Detroit-area visual and performing arts. “DIA staff members and volunteers have been among the earliest supporters of Art Detroit Now and we are delighted to participate in this program,” Beal said. “Art Detroit Now is a terrific way to promote and support the artists whose creativity, it is increasingly being recognized, are crucial to a vital community.”

Cranbrook will hold Here and Now: The 2008 Graduate Degree Exhibition, which showcases students’ studio work. “Metro Detroit attracts students in art, architecture and design from around the world, many of whom remain in the region after graduation, breathing new life into our art scene each year.” said Gregory M. Wittkopp, director Cranbrook Art Museum. “Cranbrook Art Museum is delighted to be able showcase Cranbrook Academy of Art’s most recent graduates during Art Detroit Now.”

For a complete list of participating artists, venues, and a schedule of activities, please visit artdetroitnow.com or thedetroiter.com. For more information, call 248-258-8808 x29.

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