Features

Nick Offerman at The Michigan Theater - photo by Annette Janik

Arts and Culture

How independent bookstores and the Michigan Theater kept authors coming to Ann Arbor, post-Borders

Patrick DunnWednesday, May 10, 2017

With Borders out of the picture, Ann Arbor started to fade off publishers' radars for big-name author tours. But innovative partnerships and a collaborative mentality have helped to keep literary luminaries in play.

TrueJob cofounders Mike Kling and Scott Goci.

Technology and Innovation

Ann Arbor tech company TrueJob aims to eliminate online job-hunt headaches

Sarah RiggWednesday, May 10, 2017

Founder Scott Goci aims to improve upon clunky and outdated popular job search services by creating a site that offers meaningful feedback to both employers and job seekers.

Entrepreneurship

Ann Arbor's GDI Infotech celebrates 25 years in business

Sarah RiggWednesday, May 10, 2017

The IT company has experienced continued growth through two economic downturns, a major shift in corporate focus, and the spinoff of a successful second company.

J Keller Properties staff at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business ceremony.

Entrepreneurship

Three Ann Arbor firms named in "50 Michigan Companies to Watch" list

Sarah RiggWednesday, May 10, 2017

The annual awards ceremony is intended to be the Academy Awards for small business in Michigan.

Arts and Culture

Looking back on 45 years of music and memories at the Blind Pig

Jenn McKeeWednesday, May 3, 2017

With the legendary Ann Arbor venue currently listed for sale, we take a look back at its remarkable history – from its origins as a European-style cafe to its glory days hosting music titans like Nirvana and Dave Matthews.

Detail from John Gutoskey's "Queer Pop."

Arts and Culture

Essential arts events for May 2017

Omari RushWednesday, May 3, 2017

Check out our picks for this month's essential local arts events, including a dragon boat building class, neighborhood art festivals, and an exhibition that celebrates the integration of words and pictures.

Sustainability

Blake Transit Center receives LEED Gold certification

Eric GallippoWednesday, May 3, 2017

Opened in March 2014, the 12,000-square-foot, $8 million center features locally sourced build materials, as well as energy-saving lighting, heating and cooling, water, and snow-removal systems.

SPARK 2016 and 2017 FastTrack Award winners.

Economic Development

See which companies were recognized for up to a decade of 20% annual growth at FastTrack Awards

Sarah RiggWednesday, May 3, 2017

Ann Arbor SPARK honored 18 area companies showing above-average growth at its recent annual meeting, including software company Llamasoft, which has received the award for 10 years in a row.

Entrepreneurship

Zingerman's Creamery cofounder to open cheese shop in Saline

Sarah RiggWednesday, May 3, 2017

The Cheese Shop of Saline will offer a variety of cheeses, along with accompaniments like cured meats, olive oil, bread, wine, and craft beer.

Kevin Spall and Gregg Swanson at Thomson-Shore in Dexter

Technology and Innovation

How Thomson-Shore beat the Great Recession and a publishing industry in turmoil

Patti F. SmithWednesday, April 26, 2017

The recession marked the end of an era for the Dexter-based publisher. But it also sparked fresh innovation that's moved Thomson-Shore into an entirely new era of success.

Design rendering of the renovated Strong Hall.

Kids and Education

Designs released, WEOC contribution announced for EMU Strong Hall renovation

Sarah RiggWednesday, April 26, 2017

The Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium will recognize EMU's commitment to its early college program with a financial contribution to the $40 million renovation project, set to begin this summer.

Technology and Innovation

Online Tech expands Midwestern reach with Kansas City acquisition

Sarah RiggWednesday, April 26, 2017

The acquisition of Echo Cloud brings the Ann Arbor company up to a total of seven data centers across Missouri, Indiana, and Michigan.

Kathleen Gina at Ann Arbor Running Company

Healthy Communities

Runner's paradise: Washtenaw County's top five running routes

Elizabeth PearceWednesday, April 19, 2017

"Going for a run" may not be first on the list for many people when they think of outdoor activities, but in Washtenaw County, maybe it should be. We picked the county's top five runs for all ability levels.

Sustainability

Take a look inside the Lodi Township home seeking an ultra-rare green building certification

Sarah RiggWednesday, April 19, 2017

Washtenaw County residents will have a chance to mark Earth Day with a tour of the home, which was built to the stringent, eco-friendly requirements of the Living Building Challenge.

Entrepreneurship

HOMES brewery opens, spotlighting sour beers and Asian street food

Sarah RiggWednesday, April 19, 2017

Ann Arbor's ninth brewery has been delayed due to red tape and building renovations, but it plans to distinguish itself through unique offerings and a focus on its west-side community.

Technology and Innovation

Quantum Signal seeks test subjects for USDOT-funded driver education simulator

Sarah RiggWednesday, April 19, 2017

Drivers fresh out of training understand the mechanics of navigating in an automobile but don’t have the real-world experience that helps seasoned motorists avoid hazards. That’s where the LookOut driving simulator comes in.

Michigan Venture Capital Association executive director Maureen Miller Brosnan.

Entrepreneurship

Report: Ann Arbor still the center of Michigan's growing venture capital ecosystem

Sarah RiggWednesday, April 19, 2017

The Michigan Venture Capital Association’s 2017 research report shows growth both in the number of venture-backed startups and the number of venture capital investment professionals working in the state.

Larrea Young, Sue Dean and Grace Hsia of Warmilu

Entrepreneurship

Washtenaw County's social entrepreneurs are saving babies, fighting hunger – and making money

Patrick DunnWednesday, April 12, 2017

Multiple Washtenaw County businesses are pursuing a path of social entrepreneurship, blending a traditional for-profit mentality with a nonprofit's sense of philanthropic mission. Here's how they're pulling it off.

Mark Maynard and Jesse Kranyak in the lobby of Landline Creative Labs.

Economic Development

Take a look inside Ypsi's newly opened Landline Creative Labs

Eric GallippoWednesday, April 12, 2017

Founders Mark Maynard and Jesse Kranyak spent 10 months converting the second floor of the onetime Michigan Bell Telephone Co. building into affordable office spaces for local creative professionals.