HR Notices From March 1
Rave Computer Appoints John Branstetter as Vice President of Marketing and Communications: Sterling Heights-based computer manufacturer Rave Computer Tuesday announced the appointment of John Branstetter as vice president of marketing and communications. Branstetter, a resident of Highland Township, is responsible for leading Rave's overall marketing and communications objectives. "John's extensive knowledge and insight in driving strategic marketing initiatives will make him a valuable addition to our team," said Rick Darter, CEO and president, Rave Computer. "His past experience is a great fit for Rave's growth strategy to increase our presence in our military, OEM and ISV markets. We're proud to welcome him to our executive team." Branstetter has more than 30 years experience in supply chain management and corporate marketing consultative initiatives. He most recently served as president of Incontrol Logistics, which consults with companies seeking professional expertise for strategic marketing and sales planning, business reengineering, corporate customer service training, and functional technology consultation. Branstetter holds a Masters of Science from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Education from Lincoln University of Missouri. Additionally, Branstetter is a Vietnam veteran having served in the U.S. Army as an infantry ranger advisor. He was honorably discharged as a captain. More at www.rave.com.
Lansing Chamber Promotes Case: Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Tim Daman has named Brent Case vice president of International Business Services. Case has served as the director of Foreign Trade Zone and International Trade Development since July of 2009. "Brent's new position is recognition of the importance of our international trade initiatives in recent years," Daman said. "Brent's leadership and collaboration with Capital Region International Airport have been very valuable in the continued growth of Port Lansing, the Foreign Trade Zone and the International Trade Center." Case was initially brought into the LRCC to oversee marketing and development efforts for the Foreign Trade Zone, Port Lansing development and lead LRCC initiatives in international business education. He has been instrumental in working with the Capital Region Airport Authority to develop awareness of Port Lansing and identify businesses to utilize Foreign Trade Zone No. 275, located at the Capital Region International Airport. Port Lansing is the newest U.S. Port of Entry in mid-Michigan which allows passengers and goods to clear customs through the U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Case also worked with 11 community organizations to establish the new International Trade Center of Mid-Michigan located at the LRCC. The ITC provides businesses with a range of services to support the international trade process as well as leverage existing partnerships and resources in the Greater Lansing region and beyond. Case's continues to assist area companies with global logistics. Current efforts also include increasing the amount of international freight moving through Port Lansing, assisting companies access the recently established General Purpose Foreign Trade Zone at the airport, and developing an import/export incubator to support young companies involved in global commerce.
Wayne State Hires New Commercialization Principal: Wayne State University announced the appointment of Andrew M. Olson of Canton Township as commercialization principal in Technology Commercialization. Olson joins Wayne State from his most recent post as executive-in-residence at Ohio University. He has extensive experience in technology commercialization, business development and venture development. In addition, he has worked in Fortune 500 industries as well as startup ventures, and he has held a variety of positions, from front-line salesperson to CEO. Olson comes from a family of entrepreneurs, including his father, who took a company from the basement of his childhood home to IPO; an uncle who owns and operates one of the largest bridge contractors in Minnesota; and his grandfather, who owned one of the largest sand and gravel companies in the state. Olson earned his MBA with emphases in finance and corporate strategy from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor of arts with high distinction in marketing and Japanese from the University of Minnesota. More at www.research.wayne.edu.
Trivalent Appoints New Staffers: Grandville-based Trivalent Group has named several new staffers. Ryan Camp recently joined Trivalent as a title systems engineer. With an ITIL certification, Camp will provide support for Trivalent's network operations. Deanna Freisen recently joined Trivalent as a medical application specialist. An electronic practice management and electronic media record software expert, Freisen will provide training and support to Trivalent's clients. Freisen recently served as a software analyst for Saint Mary's Health Care.
Andrew MacDonald recently joined Trivalent's Mt. Pleasant location as a title systems engineer, where he will provide technical support to mid-Michigan clients. Previously, MacDonald worked as a network administrator for Community Mental Health for Central Michigan. Carl Strickland recently joined Trivalent as a title senior systems engineer. Strickland previously worked as a network engineer at Forex Global Trading. Finally, Andy Talsma recently joined Trivalent as a title systems engineer and will provide network support for clients. Talsma holds a CCNA certification. Established in 2003, Trivalent Group is headquartered in Grandville, with offices in Mt. Pleasant and Kalamazoo.
