In recognition of his significant contribution to strengthening ties between the United States and Japan, Mr. Dennis W. Archer, former Mayor of Detroit, has been chosen to be honored with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. The Government of Japan made the formal announcement today, declaring the foreign recipients of the Spring 2013 Imperial Decorations.

During his term as mayor from 1994-2001, Mr. Archer cultivated ties with the Japanese business community in the state of Michigan, and worked to promote friendship between the U.S. and Japan. His achievements factoring into selection for his award include: his recognition of the social and economic contributions made by the Japanese business community in metro Detroit, his promotion of understanding and goodwill between Japan and the U.S., his participation in various international conferences in Japan, and his support of the Japan America Society of Greater Detroit and Windsor (now Michigan and Southwestern Ontario).

Mr. Archer was the first Detroit mayor to attend meetings with the Japan Business Society of Detroit, showing his high esteem of the Japanese community. His effort in opposition to a post-9/11 ban on drivers’ licenses for non-citizens was of great benefit to the Japanese nationals in Michigan. He also promoted bilateral relations with the planting of cherry blossom trees on Belle Isle.

Mr. Archer has been directly involved in activities in Japan, including his leadership of a trade and investment mission in 1995, sending exhibits on loan from the Detroit Institute of Arts to Detroit’s sister-city Toyota City, also in 1995, and supporting the performance of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in Japan in 1998. He has also supported bilateral education exchange between Japan and Michigan.

Mr. Archer participated in various conferences between Japan and the U.S., including mayoral/chamber of commerce conferences held in Japan in 1995 and 1999. He also co-represented the U.S. with the Mayor of Honolulu at an environmental conference in Tokyo in 1995, and attended an Asian-Pacific environmental summit in Hawaii in 1999.

After his term as mayor, Mr. Archer served as chairman of the Japan America Society (JAS) of Greater Detroit and Windsor from 2009-2010, continuing to encourage international relations. He led the 20th anniversary general meeting of the JAS and also participated in the 50th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Detroit and Toyota City. He also discussed economic development and sustainability at a Japan-U.S. Midwest join-conference in Detroit, co-hosted by JAS and Detroit.

Detroit Consul General of Japan, Mr. Kuninori Matsuda had these words: “I am delighted by the announcement of Mr. Dennis Archer’s decoration, and congratulate him for his accomplishments. His endeavors to promote U.S. – Japan relations and to further Detroit’s role as an international partner for progress are reflected in this award. The Japanese community and companies here in Michigan have benefitted from Mr. Archer’s support, and in effect, the local community has received more recognition from Japan. This is a special day for Detroit.”

Mr. Dennis W. Archer currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of Dickinson Wright PLLC in Detroit and has been praised as one of the top lawyers in the U.S. He also served as Chairman of the Detroit Regional Chamber, was the first African-American President of the American Bar Association, and served as Associate Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court. Archer received his J.D. from Detroit College of Law, and his B.S. from Western Michigan University.

Mr. Archer was honored in Detroit at an official conferment ceremony and celebration on June 3, 2013.  

The city of Southfield was recently awarded $60,000 from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for environmental investigations of contaminated land to determine if it can be redeveloped.
The funds are part of a $600,000 EPA Assessment Grant the Oakland County Brownfield Coalition (OCBC) received to conduct investigations for contamination to clear the way for future development of brownfield sites. Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Madison Heights and Pontiac also each received $60,000 with the remaining $240,000 to be distributed to other Oakland county communities.
"These grant funds will assist Southfield in identifying potential sites that can be redeveloped and put back into productive use – spurring economic growth and investment in the city," said Mayor Brenda Lawrence. "The program also provides attractive incentives to prospective buyers and developers by covering the cost of assessments thus reducing the risk associated with unknown environmental conditions."
Brownfields are defined as abandoned, idle, or under-utilized industrial and commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Regardless of their classification, all brownfield properties face economic impediments to reuse and redevelopment.
Grant funds are used for assessment of sites believed to be contaminated by hazardous (non-petroleum) substances, including identification, profiling, inventory and prioritizing of brownfield properties.
In 2008, Southfield received a direct allocation of $200,000 from the EPA which was used to conduct environmental investigations at eight sites throughout the city that investors were seeking to redevelop, including: 26500 Northwestern Hwy (800-LawFirm)–completed; 30161 Southfield Road (McDonald's)–completed; 23600 Telegraph Road (Maxitrol) –completed; 22800 W Eight Mile Road (Advanced Auto Recyclers)–rehab project currently under construction; 22100 Telegraph Road (Shaw Electric) – completed; 24541-24555 W Twelve Mile (Shops on Twelve Mile)– proposed development currently at Planning Commission; 25250 Evergreen Road & SE Adjoining Parcel (former People's State Bank) –still in planning stage; and 20830 Rutland Drive (Adult Rehabilitation Facility)–rehab project currently under construction.
The City of Southfield Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will offer developers and investors the opportunity to access grant funds for Phase I or II environmental investigations that are required before brownfield properties can be purchased and redeveloped. The city's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority can assist businesses in redeveloping vacant or underutilized industrial sites that may require environmental cleanup as part of Southfield's continuing effort to address urban core industrial redevelopment.
For more information about brownfield redevelopment or other economic development opportunities in Southfield, contact Business Development Manager Rochelle Freeman at (248) 796-4161 or visit www.cityofsouthfield.com.

Wayne State University's Forum on Contemporary Issues in Society (FOCIS) will hold a community discussion and workshop on June 13 at the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, located at 111 E. Kirby.
The free event, titled "What would you do?," continue the successful FOCIS series, which is designed to educate high-performance (active and registered) voters about historical factors and events that contributed to Detroit's economic crisis.
During this year's tabletop exercise, participants will act in the roles of mayor and city council as they deal with the presence of an emergency manager navigating the complex landscape facing city leaders and elected officials.
The event will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is expected to draw approximately 100 attendees from various backgrounds. They are being coordinated by FOCIS and its CitizenDetroit initiative, the Irvin D. Reid Honors College and the Eugene Applebaum Chair in Community Engagement.
Reid and former Detroit City Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel are the event hosts. Reid, president-emeritus of Wayne State, is inaugural holder of the Applebaum Chair, director of FOCIS and a principal organizer of CitizenDetroit. Cockrel is a CitizenDetroit co-organizer, WSU Honors College faculty member, and the budget committee chair.
As a member of Governor Snyder's Detroit Financial Review Team and a co-signer of the Financial Stability Agreement between the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan, Reid has a unique perspective on the value of CitizenDetroit as a catalyst for putting the power of change back into voters' hands.
Reid pointed out that the city's elected leaders continue to face daunting challenges as they work to provide badly needed resources to residents and try to revitalize the regional economy.
"Following the recent appointment of an emergency manager, Detroit's elected officials now must work within the new dynamics established under the laws and guidelines of the EM position," he said. "This is a considerable challenge, and one that must be met in order to achieve success. The role of Detroit's citizens in this process is critical as they become earnestly engaged in the political process and motivated to initiate constructive action. For this to occur, citizens must be educated about the social and political issues facing Detroit."
For more information about FOCIS and CitizenDetroit, visit focis.wayne.edu/.
Admission to the event is free, however, seating is limited and reservations are required. RSVP to: http://specialevents.wayne.edu/2013focis-CitizenDetroit, or call 313-577-0300.
About FOCIS
Established in 2007, FOCIS is a special initiative that focuses Wayne State University's problem-solving resources on an eclectic range of topics important to the campus community and beyond. FOCIS lectures and related events bring together the institution's teaching, research and service missions to advance the frontiers of knowledge, promote informed debate and encourage responsible citizenship in an increasingly fast-paced, interconnected and complex global society. FOCIS involves coordinated public programs, foreign-study projects, research opportunities and ongoing community dialogue addressing specific issues that confront the citizens of Detroit, the United States and the world.
The Honors College
The Irvin D. Reid Honors College promotes informed, engaged citizenship as the foundation for academic excellence in a diverse global setting. The Honors College encourages students to enter public service and prepares them to do so in ways that benefit the communities they serve. The college integrates instruction and reflection with meaningful community service to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities. Through this concept, known as service-learning, students use what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. They learn the practical applications of their studies to become contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform.
About the Eugene Applebaum Chair in Community Engagement
The Eugene Applebaum Chair in Community Engagement was created through the generosity of alumnus Eugene Applebaum, founding chair of the Wayne State University Foundation. The Applebaum Chair is a catalyst for cooperation between the university and community organizations on issues in business and economic development, education, health, international outreach, politics and other areas. FOCIS is the Applebaum Chair's primary public platform.
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.

Musician Jack White has stepped forward to pay a $142,000 back tax bill owed by the Masonic Temple. Had the bill not been paid, the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, could have been put on the auction block.
According to reports, the Masonic Temple's 1,586 seat Catherdral Theatre is being re-named in honor of the Detroit native. Not only has White played there (both with the White Stripes and as a solo performer, but so have such acts as the Rolling Stones.
The donation, made on May 30, was initially anonymous. Construction on the Masonic Temple began in 1920 and was completed in 1926. The 14-story building takes up a block and has more than 1,000 rooms. It was built by the architectural firm of George Mason and Company.
In addition to the theatre, the Masonic Temple's features include a chapel, eight lodge rooms a barber shop and a 16-lane bowling alley.

The Masonic Temple is located on Temple Street (formerly Bagg Street) across Cass Park from the Michigan Chronicle.