Plante & Moran, Warner Norcross Seminar Offers Sessions Focused on Innovation, Practical Solutions

GRAND RAPIDS, MI September 11, 2010 (Press-News.org) The joint seminar from Plante & Moran, PLLC and Warner Norcross & Judd LLP on Oct. 6 will feature eight sessions focused on innovation and practical solutions designed to help businesses grow.

The seminar, "Innovation: Solutions 2 Drive Profitability," will feature presentations from nearly 30 accountants, attorneys and business consultants from both firms and P&M Corporate Finance, LLC designed to help West Michigan companies take the next step in their growth plans. The seminar is targeted to C-suite executives of companies with $10 million - $200 million in revenue, including chief executive officers, chief financial officers and chief operating officers, as well as board members and other decision makers.

Sessions include:
• Using tax incentives as financing. Plante & Moran partners Jim Manning and Curtis Ruppal, along with Warner Norcross partners John Byl and Cam DeLong will lead a discussion on the many federal, state and local incentives and credits available to fund expansion and innovation.
• Strategy as a tool to drive growth. Developing a strategic plan is one of the best ways to focus an organization on growth. Warner Norcross partner Bruce Young and Plante & Moran partner Dennis Graham will explore the process of setting goals, creating action plans, establishing accountability and related issues needed to create an effective strategic plan.
• Attracting and retaining top talent. Plante & Moran partner Jim Proppe and Warner Norcross partner Lou Rabaut will discuss the role of employee engagement in finding - and keeping - the right staff. They will share insights on culture, staff development systems, performance measurement and mentoring.
• Raising capital. Warner Norcross partners Tim Horner and Loren Andrulis, along with P&M Corporate Finance managing director Phil Gilbert will focus on the various sources of capital and debt financing for a growing business, including venture capital, private equity, subordinated debt and other alternatives.

The seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 6, will be held from 7:30-11 a.m. at the Western Michigan University Conference Center at 200 Ionia Ave. SW in downtown Grand Rapids. Breakfast and networking will begin the day from 7:30-8 a.m., followed by the keynote address and eight breakout sessions. Attendees will choose two 45-minute sessions.

There is no charge to attend, but advanced registration is required.

Nate Young, president of NewNorth Center for Design in Business in Holland, will be the keynote speaker. His opening talk, "Creating a Culture of Innovation," is focused on helping business leaders succeed by leveraging design, creative process and innovation methodologies to enhance their product and service portfolios.

A longtime West Michigan resident and business leader, Young has worked with leading West Michigan companies, including Herman Miller, Whirlpool, Hudsonville Ice Cream and Zondervan.

For more information or to register, visit innovation.plantemoran.com.

About Plante & Moran, PLLC
Plante & Moran (www.plantemoran.com) is among the nation's largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, providing clients with tax, audit, risk management, financial, technology, business consulting, and wealth management services. Plante & Moran has a staff of more than 1,600 professionals in 21 offices throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois with international offices in Shanghai, China; Monterrey, Mexico; and Mumbai, India. Plante & Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including FORTUNE magazine, as one of the country's best places to work.

About Warner Norcross & Judd
Warner Norcross & Judd is a corporate law firm with 220 attorneys practicing in six offices throughout Michigan: Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, Muskegon, Southfield and Sterling Heights. The firm has more than 75 practice groups that work in virtually all areas of business and civil law. By providing sound legal advice and alternative billing options, Warner Norcross & Judd forges a better partnership with its clients. To learn more visit http://www.wnj.com.

Sabo Public Relations is a full-service public relations company specializing in media relations, litigation communications and crisis management.