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The State of Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Purchasing Operations, has a contract portfolio of 1,100 multi-year contracts worth billions of dollars. To help local business owners win contracts, Automation Alley is hosting "Contract Connect," a free seminar 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 6 at the Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham Dr., Troy. Representatives from the state will speak on topics such as bidding opportunities, how to register with the State as a vendor, free resources for research and bid preparation, and navigating the State contracting process. Visit www.michigan.gov/micontractconnect.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter honored the Top 10 Michigan women business owners and women in leadership roles for their contributions that are making a difference in the business arena, their communities and support in uplifting Michigan's economy. The NAWBO 2011 Top 10 Michigan Business Women Award Winners: (front row, from left) Sheila Jensen, Visotek, Inc.; Pamela Rodgers, Rodgers Chevrolet; Vickie Lewis, president, NAWBO Greater Detroit; Tammi Hart, State of Michigan; Rona Lum, The Law Offices of Rona Lum, P.C.; The Rush Group representative. (Back row, from left) Jennifer Willemsen, Curl Up & Dye Detroit; Molly MacDonald, The Pink Fund; Lori Ann Blaker, TTi; Kathleen Boyle, CEED; Rolanda Heard, Chrysler Supplier Diversity and Theresa Thompson,  of Tea Time Events and president of NAWBO/EXCEL received the NAWBO Greater Good Award.

Somerset Collection has new general manager   J. Miles McFee has joined Somerset Collection as its new general manager.  Mr. McFee, 57, will responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 1.443-million-square-foot shopping center in Troy.  His background includes more than 30 years in shopping center management, leasing, human resources and retail store operations. A resident of Rochester Hills, McFee, 57, holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in History from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.  Somerset Collection is owned and managed by Southfield-based The Forbes Company. Karmanos adds board members   The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute announced the appointments of three new members for the Institute's Board of Directors and one new board member for the Karmanos Cancer Center Board of Directors. Each will serve a three-year term. Dan Cornwell is president of Cambridge Consulting Group, an independently-owned insurance agency. He also oversees the...

Join the Novi Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of networking 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 29.   Keynote speaker:  Tim Green, "Taking Referal Marketing to the Extreme"is 3 to 4 p.m. Afterwards, networking with 50 vendors, appetizers provided by: Toasted Oak Grill & Market, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Famous Dave's, Chili's, Hooters, Bagger Dave's, Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza.  Complimentary chair massages by Elements of Novi, Live Jazz Music by Tola Lewis and Cash Bar. The event is open to the public. $5 entry fee payable at the door.

Empowering Michigan Career Fair is  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Quality Inn Hotel, 2537 Rochester Court, Troy. Companies hiring on-site include First Financial Insurance Group, Aflac Detroit Engineered Products, State Farm Insurance, 1-800-Hanson, Global Information Technology, National Airlines, New York Life, HiredInMichigan.com. The first 250 Job Seekers that attend the Career Fair can enter a FREE drawing to win a Walmart gift card. Visit JobFairGiant.com or call 734-956-4550. ICSC presents Michigan Operations Breakfast March 31 The International Council of Shopping Centers Michigan Operations Breakfast features panel discussions surrounding the theme, “Getting your Message Through: Today’s Print & Social Media in Business Marketing” is 8:15 a.m. Thursday, March 31, at The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham. Call 646-728-3515 or e-mail bhays@icsc.org.

Troy Chamber presents program on contract employees Troy Chamber member businesses Miller Canfield and Kelly Services present “How Independent Are Your Contractors? Classifications and Implications For Employers,” 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Kelly Services Headquarters, 999 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy. The program will begin with breakfast and registration starting at 8 a.m. The cost is $15 for chamber members and guests and $25 for non-members. To register, call 248-641-8151, e-mail: theteam@troychamber.com or visit www.troychamber.com/calendar. CREW Detroit luncheon meeting Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Detroit announces its March luncheon program, Sharpening Your Networking Skills, presented by leading Dale Carnegie trainer, Linda Meloche, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Radisson Kingsley Hotel, 39475 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills. The cost is $35 for members; $45 non-members; add $10 after March 25. Visit crewnetwork.org or call Megan at 785-832-1808. Bu...

Social Media is a Party! Social Media is a Party! announces its upcoming business networking event for professionals in Southeastern Michigan. The event will begin with a panel discussion amongst Startup Founders and Investors on ‘How To Launch a Successful Startup.’ Following the panel will be a Live Demo Pit. Local tech Startups will showcase their products and attendees will have the opportunity to try them out and sign up at no cost. The event is 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at The Loving Touch in Ferndale. Visit www.SocialMediaIsaParty.com or call 248-971-0170. Dodge CEO to address Auburn Hills chamber luncheon Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of Dodge Brand and Senior vice president of Design of Chrysler will present to the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce as part of its On Mission! Keynote Luncheon Series. The luncheon is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at the Crowne Plaza, 1500 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills. Tickets are $32 for members, $42 for non-members. To r...