June 16, 2010
2010 Polisticks | June 2, 2010 | Gallery
For a change of pace and in recognition of enduring political wit, Dome is using this month’s gallery to bring you the latest political stickers from “convergence marketing” firm Brogan & Partners. The Birmingham-based company has been churning out its polisticks books for a decade, proving that politicians never stop being funny...or at least never stop being made fun of. The stick-it-to-’em stickers are released at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, where the humor is always a big hit. The disclaimer on the book reads: “The opinions expressed in this booklet do not reflect those of the Detroit Regional Chamber, Grand Hotel, The Catholic Church, Mark Brewer, Ron Weiser, SpongeBob, nor any entity or person of good will, good taste or good sense.”
Political Humor by Brogan & Partners. Conceived and produced by Deidre Bounds, Marcie Brogan, Bonnie Folster, Maria Marcotte, Ennis McGee, Chris Stamper, Abigale Force
State of the Judiciary Address | April 14, 2010 | Gallery
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Marilyn Kelly delivered her “State of the Judiciary” address to a joint session of the Michigan Legislature, reviving an earlier tradition. It marked the first time in 10 years, since Elizabeth A. Weaver in 2000, that a chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court has presented a State of the Judiciary address to the Legislature.
Youth Legislative Day | March 19, 2010 | Gallery
More than 100 youths from across Michigan received legislative training and participated in mock debates about the state of health care and how it affects them, during 2010 Youth Legislative Day at the Capitol. The event was organized by Michigan’s Children, a nonpartisan voice for children and families, and included several state lawmakers and professional lobbyists working with the students.
Photos courtesy of Michigan’s Children
MPLP Dinner | February 25, 2010 | Gallery
Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program brought together two Spartans who know Michigan and D.C. politics inside and out — former Governors James Blanchard and John Engler — as headliners for the unique training program’s 15th Annual Fundraising Dinner, held at Laurel Manor in Livonia. The two leaders repeated their performance the next morning at the West Michigan version — a breakfast at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.
MSAE Legislative Conference | February 16, 2010 | Gallery
The Michigan Society of Association Executives brought together state political and association leaders for the first major legislative conference of the year. Attendees, gathered in the Lansing Center, heard economic and political forecasts straight from the key players, including the four state legislative leaders, members of the large freshman legislative caucus, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, political pundits, association executives and leading multi-client lobbyists. A reception to network and digest the afternoon’s presentations rounded out the day.
State of the State | February 3, 2010 | Gallery
Governor Jennifer Granholm delivered her eighth and final State of the State Address to a joint session of the Michigan Legislature while, outside, groups braved the cold to try to raise awareness for their own issues or protest government actions and proposals. For more about the governor’s speech, visit her website.
Industry on Parade | January 11, 2010 | Gallery
Federal and state leaders toured the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to defend last year’s federal bailout of the auto industry, focus on a better future, tour the exhibits, rub elbows with top auto execs and, well, see all the new “green” technology in the shiny new vehicles. Political VIPs included U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Governor Jennifer Granholm, Lt. Governor John Cherry, members of Michigan’s congressional delegation and Michigan House and Senate leaders. The show and the dignitaries all put their best face forward for the news media and each other.
Legislators’ Holiday Cards | December 16, 2009 | Gallery
More than a few state legislators appeared this year to be bypassing the tradition of sending holiday cards, often with family or Capitol on the cover. Cost, time and not running for re-election in 2010 were common reasons. But there were still enough traditionalists under the Dome to make a good showing, as evidenced by this colorful sampling of cards. And virtually every card carries this disclaimer: “Not paid for at taxpayer expense.”
Happy Holidays!
Painting by Nancy Bishop
Milliken State Park Dedication | October 22, 2009 | Gallery
Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor along the Detroit riverfront became the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, as the park was renamed in a ceremony honoring Michigan’s longest-serving governor. Milliken, now 87, was on hand along with his wife, Helen, and their son, Bill Milliken Jr. The park “embodies what Bill Milliken worked for as governor and what he still stands for today: environmental protection, a strong conservation ethic and vibrant urban centers,” said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. The renaming was made possible after the DNR, after a bit of a skirmish, lifted its prohibition against naming state lands after people. The 31-acre park is located on a reclaimed brownfield and the harbor has 52 boat slips. The park contains two picnic pavilions, dry dock, wetlands, fishing areas and bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect to the Detroit RiverWalk.
Children’s Trust Fund Signature Event | September 30, 2009 | Gallery
The Children’s Trust Fund’s seventh annual “Cherish the Children” auction held at the Lansing Center raised more than $336,000 for child abuse prevention programs in Michigan and hosted nearly 600 guests. The $100-per-ticket event included both a silent auction and a live auction with feature items such as: a trip to Hawaii, including a visit to the television show “Lost”; a Food Network wine and food festival in Miami; vacations to Mexico, Jamaica, a French chateau and other beautiful destinations; a Cleveland Cavaliers game in the owner’s suite; various university sporting packages; and a 52" Samsung LCD television. DTE Energy’s Nancy Moody, chair of the Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors, said the event is a great way to support the organization’s mission of educating families about how to properly care for their children.
Photos by Gary Shrewsbury
Inforum Fall Kickoff | September 15, 2009 | Gallery
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb delivered their frank assessments and bold visions of “What’s Next for the D” at Inforum’s first luncheon of the fall season. Inforum, Michigan’s largest business organization for women, invited the city’s new leaders to share their perspectives on the vision, strategy and economic future for the city, as well as the action steps the public can take to collaborate, innovate and improve the political, social and economic standing of Michigan’s largest city. The event was held at the Detroit Yacht Club.
MPHS Weekend at Grand Hotel | July 24-25, 2009 | Gallery
A guided tour of the iconic Grand Hotel, led by its longtime proprietors, the Musser family, was a highlight of the Michigan Political History Society weekend at the hotel. The tour focused on the landmark's rich political history and provided the stories behind the countless political personalities who have visited and the many political events hosted at the hotel. Some of the stories are captured in the hundreds of photographs that adorn the walls; others are known only to the Musser family. A small but enthusiastic group of MPHS members made the trip.
Photos courtesy of Grand Hotel
Capitol Lawn Monuments | July 14, 2009 | Gallery
Many walk by them every day, but do the passersby really notice the monuments decorating the state Capitol lawn? Sometimes it takes a photographer’s lens on a sunny summer day to help get beyond the hunks of bronze and granite and actually see the artistry and detail — and significance — of what’s out there. You might be surprised by what you see.
Mackinac Policy Conference | May 27–29, 2009 | Gallery
Maybe it was all the cool, rainy weather, but most likely it was the chilly, damp economy that was responsible for a somewhat more serious tone among the slightly smaller gathering at this year’s Detroit Regional Chamber event on Mackinac Island. The search for state policy solutions, at least by business and nonprofit leaders, seemed more urgent. Still, there was plenty of opportunity for schmoozeworking at receptions and parties, some toned down, at favorite island restaurants and watering holes. Photographer David Trumpie provides an image sampler.
The Center for Michigan Reform Summit | May 13, 2009 | Gallery
As the Ann Arbor-based “think-and-do-tank” described its gathering: “Armed with power point slides, expert discussion and town-hall debate, a large gathering of statewide citizens did in one morning what legislators and the governor have failed to do through years of budget crisis…approve major, sweeping, money-saving reforms to help maximize public services bang for the taxpayers’ buck.” The summit, held at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, was part of the group’s “Michigan’s Defining Moment” campaign to create an effective citizens agenda for the 2010 elections. For more information, visit the Center’s website.
American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer | April 3, 2009 | Gallery
Keying off the excitement of the Michigan State University men’s basketball team’s appearance in the NCAA Final Four championship at Ford Field in Detroit, the American Cancer Society held a highly successful fundraiser at the Detroit Athletic Club through its Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. MSU Coach Tom Izzo also was named the recipient of the Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award, presented annually to a college coach who has been vigorously engaged in the program’s fundraising, education and promotional initiatives and has demonstrated leadership in the fight to save lives from cancer. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation was a key sponsor of the event.
Michigan Political Leadership Program Annual Fundraising Dinner
| February 26, 2009 | GalleryRepublican strategist Mike Murphy and former U.S. Congressman Harold Ford Jr. of Tennessee served up candid assessments of the current Republican Party and insights into the election and administration of President Barack Obama at this annual dinner in Livonia (the program was repeated the next morning in Grand Rapids). The events are two of the state’s largest multi-partisan gatherings and support MPLP, a program of Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research to help develop the skills needed for Michigan’s leaders of the future to serve as successful elected officeholders and citizen activists.
Crain’s Detroit Business Newsmaker of the Year luncheon | February 18, 2009 | Gallery
It was quite a month for Congressman John Dingell. On February 11, the Dearborn Democrat became the longest-serving member of the U.S. House, where he’s served since taking over from his father in 1955. A Capitol reception honoring his outstanding career was filled with dignitaries, including former president Bill Clinton. Then it was the Gov. Granholm-declared “John Dingell Day” in Michigan. And, finally, those close to home had the opportunity to pay tribute to the 82-year-old lion in person at the Crain’s Detroit Business Newsmaker of the Year luncheon held February 18 at the Ritz Carlton in Dearborn.
Governor Granholm’s State of the State Address | February 3, 2009 | Gallery
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s 7th State of the State address to the Michigan Legislature was accompanied by all the pomp and politicking you’d expect from a joint session of the House and Senate, with key members of her administration and the judicial branch also in attendance. Lawmakers and guests arrived far in advance of the 7 p.m. start, for photo-taking and generally nonpartisan schmoozing. For more about the address, visit the governor’s official website.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party | December 12, 2008 | Gallery
Peter Cunningham, chief of staff to House Speaker Andy Dillon, and Matt Miner, chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, took time out from the legislative “lame duck” session near the end of 2008 to host a tribute to hard-working legislative staffers of both parties. In honor of the holiday season, the event was themed as an “Ugly Christmas Sweater Bash.” A host of legislative aides, association execs and lobbyists enjoyed both highbrow (signature cocktails) and lowbrow (beer in brown paper bags) fare as they did their best Clark Griswold impressions at Tavern on the Square in downtown Lansing. Jason Griffin, from the office of Sen. Tony Stamas, beat out a crowded, bipartisan field of staffers for the title of Ugliest Christmas Sweater. Cunningham and Miner hope to turn this into an annual event and remind everyone that “the uglier the sweater, the better the party.”
Photos by David Gregory, Michelle Lange and Monika Wierzbicki
Catharsis Party | November 6, 2008 | Gallery
Pundits, pollsters, victors, vanquished, lawmakers, lawbreakers and many others gathered two days after the elections to grin broadly or blow off steam in the cathartic atmosphere of Beggar’s Banquet in East Lansing. The party, held every two years, brings disparate factions together to bury the hatchet — or at least a couple stiff ones. The event is one of the mainstays of the post-election-analysis season and is sponsored by nearly 100 of the politics and policy community’s leading players.
Photos by T. Scott
Cherish the Children | September 25, 2008 | Gallery
“We must not only take child abuse prevention seriously, we must take it personally.” So begins the program booklet for the Sixth Annual Children’s Trust Fund Signature Event, Cherish the Children. And take it personally, hundreds of participants in the auction fundraiser did. Donations of sponsorships, auction items, tickets, special services, networks and personal involvement contributed to the success of the event at MSU’s Kellogg Center. Auction items included trips to Cancun and Las Vegas, tickets to sporting events, Muhammad Ali boxing gloves, art, theater packages, an Australian Shepherd puppy and much more. The event raised funds to benefit the Children’s Trust Fund — celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, said Executive Director Richard Bearup — and provide resources for child abuse prevention efforts across the state. Former Lt. Gov. Connie Binsfeld served as an honorary co-chair.
Photos by Gary Shrewsbury
Capitol Tailgate 08: Battle of the Domes | September 20, 2008 | Gallery
It was the Capitol Domers (Michigan State fans) vs. the Golden Domers (Notre Dame fans) at the tailgater before the football game in East Lansing. A bipartisan crowd of more than 250 legislators, staffers, lobbyists and association executives gathered near Jenison Fieldhouse in what is becoming a yearly tradition. It all started more than 10 years ago when a group of legislative staffers and Spartan fans began tailgating on the MSU football practice field before every home game. From those humble beginnings, it has grown into a twice-annual tailgate extravaganza for the Capitol crowd, complete with event planners, sponsors, catered food and professional bartenders. The next one takes place October 18 when MSU takes on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Photos by David Gregory
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2008 National Conventions | August & September 2008 | DNC Gallery | RNC Gallery
Not all eyes and camera lenses were focused on the presidential candidates at the national Democratic and Republican conventions in Denver and Minneapolis. Domemagazine.com was more interested in the Michigan delegates in attendance.
Democratic convention photos by Monica A. Morgan. GOP photos by several delegates.
Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks | July 19, 2008 | Gallery
International photojournalist Monica Morgan of Detroit was present for the opening of Dear Mr. Mandela…Dear Mrs. Parks: Children’s Letters, Global Lessons at the Nelson Mandela Museum in his home village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The opening coincided with the celebration of Mr. Mandela’s 90th birthday. Inspiration for the exhibit, which the Michigan State University Museum helped create, came from the hundreds of children around the world who wrote letters to the international civil rights figures. A replica of the exhibit is scheduled to come to the U.S. in December. Ms. Morgan’s photos of Rosa Parks are part of the exhibit.
Jim Barrett Retirement | June 26, 2008 | Gallery
Well-wishers said goodbye to Jim Barrett, leader of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for 32 years, at a reception held at the business group’s Lansing headquarters. The 64-year-old president and CEO was the dean of state chambers and helped build the organization into one of Lansing’s most powerful lobbying groups. Succeeding Barrett is Rich Studley, formerly executive vice president.
Stanley Cup at Capitol | June 25, 2008 | Gallery
Chris Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, brought the National Hockey League championship trophy to the Capitol. Ilitch Holdings public affairs team, including new VP of Public Affairs Mike McLauchlan and public relations firm MRG and lobbying firm Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, helped coordinate activities that started in the Governor’s Office and concluded under the Dome, where more than 1,000 hockey lovers lined up to touch, hug and have their photos taken with Stanley.
Photos by MRG, Patrick Yockey, and David Olds and Cathy Otterson
Mackinac Policy Conference | May 28–31, 2008 | Gallery
The official public policy sessions go on inside Grand Hotel, headquarters for the annual Detroit Regional Chamber conference that attracts more than 1,500 of the state’s business, government and nonprofit leaders to Mackinac Island. But the schmoozworking heart of the get-together beats strongest on the landmark 660-foot-long front porch (and increasingly at watering holes throughout downtown). At pre-lunch and dinner receptions and at all times throughout the day and night, the center of the porch is wing to wing and a hive of conversation.
Sharon Claytor Peters Retirement | May 14, 2008 | Gallery
Sharon Claytor Peters, retired president and CEO of advocacy group Michigan’s Children, was honored at a reception held in the Governors Room of multi-client lobbying firm Karoub Associates. Peters, who held the post for nearly 12 years after an outstanding career in various roles inside and outside government in Lansing, will continue to work with the group as a consultant on various programs and projects. Veteran Detroit Free Press reporter Jack Kresnak succeeded Peters in January.
Empty Plates | May 8, 2008 | Gallery
Lansing notables gathered at MSU’s Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center to raise money in support of the Greater Lansing Food Bank’s network of 58 community kitchens, shelters and food pantries in three counties. The event, the food bank’s largest fundraiser of the year, included dinner served by some of the area’s top chefs and commemorative empty plates decorated by local school children. An auction featured collector plates hand-painted by artists and celebrities.
Pancakes & Politics | April 18, 2008 | Gallery
Southeast Michigan’s political leaders — Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair William Crouchman — gathered at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham for a not-so-syrupy discussion of economic, race and other regional issues (a prequel to the Big Four’s annual get-together at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference). The forum was the second in a series sponsored by the Michigan Chronicle and designed to create dialogue between business, civic and community leaders.
WSU Forum | April 10, 2008 | Gallery
Wayne State University’s Forum on Contemporary Issues in Society brought award-winning journalist and author Bob Woodward to campus for the keynote lecture on “The Press and the Presidency.” And who better than Woodward, whose in-depth, behind-the-scenes reporting of presidents Nixon through Bush has set a new standard for Washington coverage? Woodward was accompanied by WSU President Irvin Reid at a pre-forum reception.
MPLP Fundraiser | March 6, 2008 | Gallery
Michigan’s largest multi-partisan fundraiser, to benefit the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University, drew another large crowd to Laurel Manor in Livonia for the Southeast Michigan leg of the two-day event. Speakers Bill Kristol and Geraldine Ferraro headlined the gathering that raises money to provide full scholarships to 24 future leaders who undergo 10 months of MPLP training in political campaigns, personal leadership and good governance.
PR-Filled Paczki | February 5, 2008 | Gallery
Looking for any good excuse to get scores of newsmakers together with journalists on its Lansing turf, The Rossman Group public relations firm hosted an early morning Paczki and Pundits Party on Fat Tuesday. That was a decade ago, and the party is still going strong—at least on an annual basis. The 10th event, held in a large tent behind the Rossman offices, was even broadcast by local AM radio station WJIM 1240.
Gov. Granholm’s Sixth State of the State Address | January 29, 2008 | Gallery
If you watched Governor Jennifer Granholm’s State of the State Address on television, you saw only a small bit of the pomp and circumstance surrounding the annual speech to a joint session of the Michigan Legislature. Take a look through photographer David Trumpie’s lens at some of the pre-address ceremony and politicking. For more about the address, visit the governor’s official website.
22nd Annual Governor’s Awards for Arts & Culture | November 29, 2007 | Gallery
The 22nd Annual Governor’s Awards for Arts & Culture, held at the Detroit Institute of Arts on November 29, included new “red carpet” glitz, new “and the envelope please” drama and a new “Guvvy” award design. The program honored 18 finalists in 10 arts and culture categories, with awards going to 12 honorees. Michigan native Sam Raimi (above), film director/producer/writer/actor most recently known for directing the Spider Man movies, received the International Achievement Award. For the full story, visit ArtServe Michigan.
Photos by Marco Manicinelli, courtesy of ArtServe Michigan.
Much Ado About Something Wonderful | November 27, 2007 | Gallery
Michigan’s Children, the statewide, independent voice for children and families, drew attention on November 27 to what several lawmakers did right on behalf of children. Its 8th annual “Much Ado About Something Wonderful” event honored Congressman John Dingell, State Sens. Mark Jansen and Mark Schauer, State Reps. Pam Brynes and Tom Pearce, and former State Rep. Alma Stallworth. The fundraising event was held at the “exquisite home” of Charley and LeaAnne Janssen of Lansing. Mr. Janssen is a principal of the Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith law firm.Photos by Bruce Giffin, courtesy of Michigan’s Children.
50th Anniversary of the Opening of the Mackinac Bridge | November 1, 2007 | Gallery
The 50th anniversary of the opening of the Mackinac Bridge majestically spanning Michigan’s two peninsulas was celebrated November 1 at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace, just northwest of the toll booths. The event, organized by the Mackinac Bridge Authority, capped a season of special events and included a reprise of the 1957 ribbon cutting ceremony. For the full account, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority website.
Photos courtesy of the Michigan Department of Transportation Photography Unit.
MPHS Celebration in Honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Election of Governor Blanchard | October 5 , 2007 | Gallery
Michigan Political History Society’s October 5 Celebration of the 1982 election of Governor James J. Blanchard will benefit future generations. Proceeds from the bipartisan event at the Lansing Country Club will establish the Governor James J. Blanchard Living Library of Michigan Political History, an ambitious collection of recorded interviews with a wide range of individuals who have shaped, chronicled and observed Michigan’s political history.
Photos by Michael Quillinan, courtesy of MPHS.
MSAE Diamond Awards | September 13, 2007 | Gallery
Michigan Society of Association Executives held its 6th Annual Diamond Awards Banquet on September 13 at The Henry Ford in Dearborn to recognize excellence and innovation in associations. Inducted into the Michigan Association Hall of Fame were retired Michigan Manufacturers Association Senior VP Louis R. Monticello, Michigan Retailers Association Chairman and CEO Larry Meyer and retired Michigan Bankers Association Executive Director Donald F. Wall.
Photos courtesy of MSAE.
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