January 2011
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Chair's Letter from
Robert T. (Bob) Wilson
Welcome to 2011 and a new decade. I find I must echo my predecessors over the last several years and wish a not-so-fond farewell to the last twelve months. At the same time, however, I am hopeful that my successor won't feel compelled to express similar sentiments come January 2012. Not without reason, I think. The press has been filled with the customary annual assessments of the prior year and predictions for the next twelve months, but what's this: a tone of optimism, a sense of renewal and change, cautiously noted indicators of recovery? Yes, indeed. It's not possible to know whether in 12 months time we'll look back and regard such forecasts as merely wishful thinking or genuinely prescient observations, but my money is on the latter. Here's to a brighter future for Michigan in the coming year!
Since my last letter there have been notable developments in one of the key business entity statues in Michigan. The Michigan Limited Liability Company Act was amended effective December 16, 2010. These important amendments came about through the dedicated efforts of many individuals, but on behalf of the Business Law Section Council and the entire Section, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Section's Unincorporated Enterprises Committee for their vital part in the process of updating the Act. Such work helps improve the climate for businesses in Michigan and represents the Business Law Section at its best. Bravo.
In-House Counsel Event
The Business Law Section is co-sponsoring, with Crain's Detroit Business, its first in-house counsel awards program. The program includes its first list of the best in-house counsel in Michigan. For details and to nominate someone (or yourself), visit Crain's Detroit Business.
This may be the premier event for MI in-house counsel in 2011. There will be a dinner, best practice sharing, and educational seminars with the award program. Although the schedule is not yet final, the event will be held during the week of May 2. Please save time on your calendar for this event. Kim Yapchai of Masco and Theresa Orr of HoMedics are co-chairs of the Section's In-House Counsel committee and can be contacted as well for further information.
January 27-28—Business Boot Camp Two-day Seminar (Inn at St. John's, Plymouth)
March 10—Council Meeting (State Bar of Michigan, Lansing)
March 21—Commercial Litigation Committee Meeting (Brooks Wilkins Sharkey & Turco, Birmingham)
May 6-7—Business Law Institute (Inn at St. John's, Plymouth)
