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In a manor most fowl: urban chicken farming

As sustainable living and homegrown foods continue to grow in popularity, residents in the Capital region find simple pleasure and a sense of community in transforming their backyards into small-scale farms for feathered friends and livestock.

Speaker Series: How incubator spaces support our local economy

If you've ever wondered about the types of businesses that can be found at the NEO Center or the Technology Innovation Center, or wondered how they've been supporting our economy by giving entrepreneurs a hand up - then you won't want to miss this conversation at our speaker series on May 30. Also, did you know the NEO Center has a slide?

Fusion Shows, amplifying the music scene in Lansing

Something's changing in the live music scene in Lansing. There are more shows, bigger names – and did you catch the Common Ground lineup this year? Though there are a number of reasons why, one of them is definitely Lansing's own Fusion Shows.

All of the Above: building community in Lansing through hip hop

What comes to mind when you think of hip hop? For many, it's the ever popular rap artist persona prevalent in media and pop culture ... but mentors of youth in All of the Above, Lansing’s own hip hop academy, would beg to differ. Come find out why.

The rebirth of REO Town

Multi-million dollar investments by the City of Lansing, the federal government, and the Board of Water and Light are transforming a dormant Lansing district for the 20-teens. Just south of downtown, REO Town promises to light up with festivals, new business and revitalized neighborhoods. There’s even a restored train depot in the deal.

The Many Faces of Lansing Theater Part 3: The Future of Theater

We're at our final stop in our three-part series on Lansing area theater: the evolution of the theater experience. We talk to the folks who are in the midst of ensuring a theater legacy in the area through spearheading new and innovative ways to bring film to Lansing.

Speaker Series: Creating A Vibrant Night Life

Wondering what fun things happen in Lansing after dark, and who's behind it all? Join us Thursday, Apr. 25 for our speaker series on creating a vibrant nightlife to hear from folks who are working to give us a happening after hours scene.

Quest for the best vegetarian meal in Lansing

If you're a vegetarian in the Capital region, or simply one who adores veggie cuisine, make sure you've already eaten before venturing into this piece about one writer's quest to find the best vegetarian meal here.

A Speaker Series Recap: Art in Public Places

If you missed the speaker series about art in public places last month, here's a snippet of the great conversation.

Lansing bowling scene rolls with the changes

Arcades, private suites and laser tag are part of an extensive makeover of an iconic Lansing alley that keeps bowling top-of-mind for the next generation of recreational and professional bowlers in the Capital region. Learn more about bowling culture, its future and what you've been missing out on.

What I've learned during Michigan's fight on home foreclosure

MSHDA is partnering with the state’s religious leaders and faith communities to help homeowners avoid foreclosure with a program that addresses each homeowner’s unique situation.
 

Choosing Lansing: Dylan and Jeana-Dee Rogers

Meet Dylan And Jeana-Dee Rogers ... a musically and artistically inclined husband and wife duo who love the community, starting spectacles, creating art and keeping the Capital region full of surprise and whimsy.

Old Buildings With New Uses Inspire Development

Sometimes it seems historic preservation and economic development are at odds with one another, but innovative business owners across Michigan are proving otherwise. Learn how entrepreneurs in Pontiac, Ypsilanti and Lansing are blending the two to create neighborhood growth.

The Many Faces of Lansing Theater Part 2: Nostalgic Theaters

Join us for the second stop in our three-part series on Lansing area theater: the theaters of time gone by. We'll explore the local venues still alive and kicking, and reminisce on some of the haunts that exist only in memory and photographs.

Speaker Series: Art in Public Places

Most of us appreciate and value the placement of art in public places, but are we familiar with how it functions as an economic driver? Join us for a community conversation on Thurs., Mar. 28 at our speaker series!

Landing in Lansing with a love for comics

For some, the word 'comics' summons images of Garfield hating Mondays, or Superman saving the day. But for others, like Ryan Claytor, who teaches comic creation and produces his own, comics are more than just funny drawings or heroes in tights: they are a way of life.

Little Free Libraries: Building communities, one book at a time

The Little Free Library phenomenon is taking the world by storm, and Lansing is no exception. What started as a neighborhood building concept in Wisconsin has turned into so much more. There are four little libraries registered in the Capital region, and more in the works. But just what is a little free library?

Dreaming of owning a Michigan home?

With low mortgage rates and many houses to choose from, there’s never been a better time for state residents to buy their own home.

Crowdfunding dreams in Lansing

Last year, crowdfunders worldwide raised nearly $320M on Kickstarter – with Lansing area entrepreneurs among them. Our development news editor Natalie Burg recounts her first-hand experience with the innovative funding platform and the impact it's having throughout the region.

The Many Faces of Lansing Theater Part 1: Performance Theatre

Where does your mind go when you hear the word theater? Popcorn and a flick? Playbills and a stage? Glitzy marquees and red velvet seats? Come along with us as we explore all three in the Lansing area in an on-going series. First up: performance theatre!

Speaker Series: What could a unified Capital region look like?

Join us at the Avenue Cafe on Lansing's Eastside this Wednesday, Feb. 27, for an important community conversation regarding a unified Greater Lansing. What could it mean for the Capital region to start thinking about regionalism? Where could it take us? If you've been wondering about this, now is the time to talk.
 
 

Empowering our youth through computer science

When MSU identified a lack of qualified computer science applicants, the Information Technology Empowerment Center was created with a big goal: to foster a new generation of IT enthusiasts right here in Lansing. Here's how ITEC and an array of community partners are making it happen.

Speaker Series: What could a unified Capital region look like?

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 27, for an important community conversation regarding a unified Greater Lansing. What could it mean for the Capital region to start thinking about regionalism? Where could it take us? If you've been wondering about this, now is the time to talk.

A Speaker Series Recap

Missed last month's speaker series on Conscientious Eating and Food Sales? Lucky for you we have a video recap. Thank you to everyone who participated, and big ups to Kris Bargen on creating this video for us. 

Capital Gains - Conscientious Eating and Food Sales from Kris Bargen on Vimeo.


Venturing into Lansing's Open Mic Scene

If you haven't had a chance to attend some of Lansing's many open mic opportunities, here's a quick synopsis of what they're like, who's going and what it's doing for the performers and our city.

Thanks for listening, Michigan!

People across the state have helped "the Prosperity Agenda" radio show on Detroit news/talk 760 WJR win international acclaim.

No More "What if?" on Michigan Ave.

Michigan Avenue is the central corridor of the Lansing region, and for years it has also been front and center in the minds of area planners and developers. Now, everyone from municipalities to non-profits to private developers are getting in on the excitement that is Michigan Avenue's future. Here, we look at how those development plans are going, and what's already underway.

Choosing Lansing: Cyndi and Geary Morrill

Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery owner Geary Morrill and his wife Cyndi chose Lansing to start a business and raise a family. Find out why they were called back from Southern California to begin a new adventure together.

The Spartan Line: Connecting Spartans in Chicago to the Capital region

What better way to connect the more than 25,000 Chicago-based MSU alumni to the Lansing area than a train wrapped in green and white? That's exactly what the Prima Civitas Foundation has done with The Spartan Line. Learn all about how the new initiative is a lot more than just a fun ride.

Speaker Series: Conscientious Eating and Food Sales

When you sit down to eat a meal, how often do you think about where your food comes from or what impact this process has on your community, environment, your health and beyond? Join us for a community conversation about conscientious eating and food sales, Thursday, Jan. 31!

License to snoop: retro home edition 1920-1960

Are you one of those house-crazy people? You know, the kind who can’t resist looking through local real estate listings or driving past an open house without going in. Are you the party guest who wants the tour before a drink hits your lips? Do you find yourself oohing and ahhing over cool old architecture or keeping track of the renovation job down the street? No? Oh, well, then, definitely not us, either. We also aren’t especially geeked to feature four Lansing area homes that pay homage to the decade in which they were built ... please note the tone of sarcasm, and click on!

Upper floor housing rehabs spur neighborhood growth

When shopping in your favorite downtown store, ever wonder what's upstairs? For decades, the answer has been "not much" for many Michigan cities. Take a look at how that trend is changing across the state, in communities like Manistee, Portland and Detroit's Eastern Market, where local property owners are redefining downtowns by reviving upper floor residences. 

Eli and Edythe Broad Museum Slideshow

If you haven't had a chance to take a peek at the exhibitions within the Eli and Edythe Broad museum, or more of the structure itself, here's your chance to understand what your missing!

The broad reach of the Broad Museum

We’ve been anticipating the opening of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on MSU’s campus for months now, and the time has finally come! The $40-million museum opened to the public on Sunday, Nov. 11, and even in its short reign as the hub of contemporary art and architecture in the southeastern part of the state, it has had quite an impact on the Capital region.

Happy Holidays, see you next year!

'Tis the season to be jolly, right? And in order for us to oblige, we all need to take a little hiatus to enjoy the holidays! With that, we bid you adieu for 2012, and we'll hopefully (if the world doesn't end, of course) be back with more local lovin' goodness on January 9, 2013! Happy holidays from the team at Capital Gains!

Speaker Series: LAUNCHED 2012

Capital Gains will be celebrating local entrepreneurs this month at the fourth LAUNCHED event - the last of our Speaker Series for 2012! See you at the State News Tech Center in downtown East Lansing this Thurs.!

Lansing Startup Weekend: launching a biz in 54 Hours

What would you do if you had 54 hours to spare? Laundry? Start a new project? How about start a business? That’s what budding and experienced entrepreneurs alike did one weekend in October when they gathered from around the globe at the Center for New Enterprise Opportunity and the Henry Center for Executive Development for Lansing Startup Weekend. By Sunday evening, five new businesses had been launched, complete with business models, research, working websites and pitches to venture capitalists.

Placemaking the Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper way

What is placemaking? And what does it look like? Thanks to the Michigan Association of Realtors Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Grant, we now have at least nine great examples of placemaking projects throughout the Lansing area. Take a look at what these projects mean to their respective neighborhoods, and how placemaking will play a role in Lansing’s future.

Speaker Series: Inside the STEM studio

Want to know how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are making the Capital region (and the world!) a better place? Join us this Thursday for our November speaker series to hear from innovative women working in STEM.

Winning the battle for a bike lane on a busy road in Lansing

How big of a deal is a bike lane? For the Westside Commercial Association, the recent changes to Saginaw shake out to a lot more than a line on the road. Learn how the long-fought volunteer effort to bring a bike lane to one of Lansing's busiest thoroughfares is also the kick-off to a new redevelopment effort on the Westside.

CG Fashion: Stylish work attire in Lansing

From the nonprofit environment to a global IT company, people from all backgrounds and industries are exercising their fashion freedom in the Capital region. So, put down your Vogue magazine and see what a few locals are wearing to work this season.

Grow. Cook. Learn. teaching kids about food from the ground up

Stephanie Reuter has melded her expertise and passion to create Grow. Cook. Learn., her exciting new Lansing business that uses a hands-on approach to teach kids about community, gardening, and cooking.

The Business of Halloween

There are many benefits to the holiday that is Halloween; you get to know your neighbors, supply happy children with treats for tricks, and maybe even save some Reese's goodness for yourself. But at the end of the day, what long-lasting or local impact does Halloween really have on our region? Enter if you dare ... mwahahahaha!

Welcome Veronica!

Please join us in welcoming our new Innovation Editor, Veronica Gracia-Wing! We hope you are as excited as we are to see what she brings to the mag, being a true Lansingite - and our first one in editorial staff to boot!

Keeping The Heart of a Spartan in Lansing

Business owner, Camron Gnass knows a good story, and a good opportunity, when he sees one. So he jumped at the chance to publish local author Jack Ebling’s tale of the Michigan State Spartan’s renaissance.

Lansing Beer Week: Where beer gets paired with chocolate and more!

Lansing loves beer. And now, Lansing is getting to know beer better, thanks to the inaugural year of Lansing Beer Week. Experience a bit of the first year’s events and get ramped up for next year through the eyes of Capital Gains’ resident Michigan beer enthusiast.

Speaker Series: The Importance of Housing in Placemaking

If you want to see the inside of a beautifully remodeled Ingham County Land Bank home in the Westside neighborhood, and talk about placemaking and how housing has an impact ... then join us on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.!

517 Shirts, mixing state pride with area code pride.

Lansing resident, Ty Forquer, loves Lansing so much he launched 517 Shirts, an online t-shirt company capturing Lansing landmarks with a unique edge and providing Lansing-lovers with a hip way to wear their pride.

The quest for Lansing's best pancakes

Freelance writer, Ken Kingery, takes to Lansing's restaurants and breakfast joints in search of the city's best pancakes! Find out where to go the next time you have a hankering for these delicious dollops of batter goodness.

Business evolution: From incubation to visibility

So what happens to startups and other small enterprises after they're fully baked in an entrepreneurial incubator? That's what we set out to find in this special report from three Michigan cities - Detroit, Lansing and Kalamazoo. 

Speaker Series: The impact of social media on small business growth

Join us on Thursday, Sept. 27, to learn how our local businesses are championing social media and using it to grow!

Making it anywhere: Crowdfunding fuels startup companies in surprising places

In this IMG-wide feature, we take a look at how corwdfunding sites like Kickstarter are supporting entrepreneurs sometimes overlooked by traditional investment sources, and helping them launch their startups. In addition to raising money, these sites are proving invaluable for testing new ideas, developing a customer base, gaining exposure and launching ideas into a larger marketplace.

A Deeper Shade of Green: Michigan Energy Options unveils renovated demonstration center

Just how green is the East Lansing-based nonprofit, Michigan Energy Options? While the local energy efficiency gurus await the announcement of their level of LEED certification this Friday, we'll learn how MEO members and staff have worked to make their Grove Street energy demonstration center a unique, working model of sustainability that is open and available to the community.

Celebrating five years and reintroducing the team behind the scenes!

Capital Gains is five years old! Wondering who is behind the news? Meet the team working hard every week to put together an informative magazine, aiming to bring you the news of our region's influencers, innovators, entrepreneurs and more!

CG Fashion: The Thrill of the Hunt

Meet Andrea Kerbuski, Capital Gains' fashion columnist! Andrea is a successful personal style/fashion blogger with a day job and a love for horses and leather accessories. She attributes her eclectic sense of style to her father. For her first column, she shares how Lansing is the place to thrift for fashion finds.

Community bike sharing in the Capital region. A possibility?

Across the world, community bike shares are becoming popular car alternatives. They’re great for traveling short distances, and cities call them community and economy builders. For more than two years, Lansing has dreamed of becoming a bike share hub, and that dream could soon become a reality.

Speaker Series: City Saunter - What I've Learned About Lansing

Curious about Lansing and want to know more about its history, the future or hidden gems you have yet to discover? Join us on Thursday, Aug. 30, as Ariniko O'Meara shares what she's learned about our city, just by walking its streets.

Hamilton Home Restoration: A Labor of Love

The marks on the brickwork tell visitors that while there is a kind old lady who will offer you a free hot meal; you are also liable to get cussed out and thrown to the curb if you misbehave. The markings, commonly referred to as Hobo code, are just one of the many unique traits of the 140-year-old house in Okemos that Dave Delind took time to restore, while retaining as many remnants of history as possible.

Hip Thinkers of the Broad Art Museum

Whether it’s because of the angular building rising out of Michigan State University’s north campus, the buzz all over social media, Founding Director Michael Rush or the ongoing news articles, most of Greater Lansing knows that the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is coming soon. But what about the hip thinkers behind the museum, the yet unknown faces that will soon fill the Zaha Hadid designed halls of the region’s newest cultural asset? Capital Gains spent some time getting to know three of the Broad Museum’s - and Greater Lansing’s - newest team members.

Lansing Growth Series Part 3: A place to play

During the Lansing Growth Series, we’ve been looking at how Lansing has dramatically changed over the last decade as a place to work, a place to live, and now, as a place to play. While all three work together, Lansing’s rise as cool place to hang out is a little less straightforward.

Editor's Pick: Turner Street Outdoor Theater

Looking for something fun, different and nostalgic to do this week? Head to Old Town at dusk (10 p.m.-ish) for this summer's last Turner Street Outdoor Theater movie!

Landing in Lansing: Justin Bugsy Sailor

Justin Bugsy Sailor has made the move from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Lansing twice now. In between, he spent time in more than 100 homes spread out across each of the 50 states. Find out more about how this ultimate road tripper landed in Lansing, and what he really wishes you knew about him.

Editor's Pick: VACANT II

VACANT Lansing is back! Is anything more clear this time? Nope. You're still supposed to "Expect Nothing" when you buy tickets to the event this Saturday, July 21. I'm going. Will you be there?

Ele's Place: Healing Through Listening

A positive fixture in the Lansing community for over 20 years, Ele’s Place is now nationally recognized for their work in helping countless children heal and cope with grief. In January, the organization received a $25,000 grant from The New York Life Foundation to use toward their efforts in expanding the success of their unique program to new Michigan communities. Whether it’s listening to the needs of a community or those of a grieving child, Ele’s Place is clearly doing something very right.

Editor's Pick: Common Ground Music Festival

This Monday marked the beginning of Common Ground Music Festival's 13th year! You may have already missed two days worth of music, but check out what else they have in store for the rest of the week.

How place impacts entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship isn't what it used to be. The scene today is explicitly about social engagement and collaborative leadership. This special report finds examples in three key Michigan places where new models for growth are being created and nurtured.

Editor's Note: Fourth of July Break!

Seeing as the Fourth of July falls on Wednesday this year, it is imperative we inform you ... we will not be working!

Building robots and hanging out on campus, in high school

The Lansing Community College Board of Trustees meeting this past April wasn’t a bit typical. For one thing, the room was full of high school students. For another, a major item on the agenda was a basketball-playing robot built by those teenagers. Want to know more? Read on to learn about LCC's program, The Early Learning College.

Capital Gains Reader Survey

We'd like to thank you for reading our publication and showing interest in the people and companies driving change in your community. To help us better understand our readers and improve our coverage of the issues you care about, we're asking if you'll take 30 seconds and answer a few questions. We appreciate your interest and continued support. 
 

Lansing Growth Series Part 2: Housing - Where Are We Living?

So, how far has Lansing come in a decade? Have we grown, developed? Are we on the right track? Let's take a look and see, shall we! In the second part of our Lansing Growth series, we take a look at how Lansing has changed as a place to live.

Capital Gains Speaker Series: What to know about Complete Streets.

What does walkability mean to you? Whether you're already volunteering to audit the streets of Lansing, or have no idea what this word even means, you should join us for an important discussion about walkability, Complete Streets and more on June 28, at Dublin Square Irish Pub!

Editor's Pick: Festival of the Sun and Moon

The Capital region's premier wine, beer and food tasting event is upon us once again! Yes, this Friday and Saturday is the return of the Festival of the Sun and Moon!

Lansing's Budding Brew Culture

Although there is certainly a love for Michigan beer and homebrewing here in the Capital region, we aren't quite known for our microbrews - because we didn't really have any ... until now. Meet the microbrewing pioneers of the Lansing area in this week's feature!

Building Pure Michigan places begins with celebrating great places

The goal of the MIplace™ Sweepstakes is to inspire individuals, communities and organizations to develop even more Michigan great places.

Ingham County Land Bank: A thriving national model for government partnerships

The Ingham County Land Bank is often recognized in passing. It might be mentioned in an article or conversation about a unique local development, a “for sale” sign staked in a yard as you drive through local neighborhoods ... or it might be a crime-ridden hotel being transformed into a public destination for graffiti art. But what is a land bank, exactly? And why is the Ingham County Land Bank seen as a national model for how land banks can function? Read on to get the scoop on this thriving national model for government partnerships.

Getting Paid for Vision: Lansing Illustrators Who Made Their Passion A Career

Starving artist, we’re all familiar with the term. But illustrators in the Capital region seem to be doing pretty well for themselves. We couldn´t highlight them all, so here’s a look at how some of our well-known local artists are making it by following their passion and doing what they love: art.

Memorial Day Holiday: Capital Gains is off next week!

The weather finally permits some time for Capital Gains staff to scope out the city and dig up some interesting stories while enjoying time with family and friends this long Memorial Day weekend.

Lansing Growth Series Part 1: The New Way To Work in Town

So, how far has Lansing come in a decade? Have we grown, developed? Are we on the right track? Let's take a look and see, shall we! In the first part of our Lansing Growth series, we take a look at how Lansing has changed as a place to work.

Editor's Pick: GAFBO Love Through The Ages: A Prom for Adults

Have a fabulous bridesmaids dress you've wanted to wear again? Want to relive your high school prom surrounded by beard folk and merriment? Then don't miss the Great American Fierce Beard Organization's Love Through The Ages: A Prom for Adults this Saturday!

Sustainability Planning and the Private Sector

What does a new $3 million federal planning grant offer developers and the private sector? Capital Gains gets the scoop from leaders with skin in the regional economic development game.

Choosing Lansing: Lauren Aitch

After hometown girl, Lauren Aitch, played basketball for the Spartans and abroad, she decided to come back to the Capital region to launch her fashion line and a foundation. Read more about her journey, and why she no longer sees Lansing as just a great place to raise a family.

Speaker Series: Wine and Brew Culture and its Positive Influence on the Economy

So, what do you know about beer and wine, sustainable brewing and growing practices and the industry's influence on placemaking - perhaps even the economy? Join us at Taps 25 this Friday, May 4, to find out!

Editor's Pick: Mighty Uke Day

If the ukulele is to have a festival, it should be nothing but mighty, right? Join in on the festivities at Mighty Uke Day throughout Old Town Lansing on Saturday, May 5!

CG Slideshow: The Great Redhead Migration

When a design studio in the Capital region moves to a bigger and brighter location, it isn't just news worthy ... it's slideshow worthy! The folks at Redhead Design Studio moved a few blocks to their new space in Old Town and invited the entire community to join the precession - appropriately named The Great Redhead Migration - equipped with a pack mule named Duke, and a junior traffic director. If you missed the spectacle, check out Dave Trumpie's great pictures from the event.

Spinning Night to Day: The Minds Behind The Music

Have you ever wondered about the person behind the turntable? They’re much more than just the talented hands that spin the music to get you moving, and the keen ears that drop just the right beats. Take a behind-the-music look at some of Lansing’s most in-demand and talented DJs.

Speaker Series: Art and Urbanism

Why is it important to have art in urban areas? Is there more to it than creating a sense of place in our city? Come find out next week at Fenner Nature Center!

Refugee Development Center Provides Bridge of Hope for Refugee Children

Lansing’s Refugee Development Center has been helping refugee families find hope and build new lives for more than 10 years. Today, the organization serves hundreds of refugees and has created specialized programs that support and help children making this difficult transition into American life; so they can start anew.

Michigan Transportation Odyssey

“After the Greeks won the Trojan War, it took Odysseus about 10 years to get from Troy to Ithaca,” says James Bruckbauer, policy specialist at the Michigan Land Use Institute. “Unless you’re in a car or an airplane, getting around Michigan can often seem as difficult.”

Speaker Series: Art and Urbanism

Why is it important to have art in urban areas? Is there more to it than creating a sense of place in our city? Come find out tonight at Fenner Nature Center!

The Land Grant: Art, Agriculture, Sustainability

Want to see an Eli and Edythe Broad Museum collaboration before its doors open? Then head out to see exhibitions from The Land Grant: Art, Agriculture, Sustainability, a new annual residency program for artists, April 20 and 21.

Michigan communities are dancing to a new beat

Our state is blessed with Pure Michigan "placemaking" success stories -- from beautiful Campus Martius Square in Detroit to the chic cafes and boutiques in Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula splendor of Presque Isle Park in Marquette.

Meet catalysts for neighborhood growth

The people and places behind innovation and jobs are where we can really take the pulse of statewide recovery. Take a look inside at case studies in three cities that put a human face on community engagement and economic growth.

CG Slideshow: Shuto Con

Do the words interactive cosplay mean anything to you? Then you can thank Dave Trumpie for this awesome slideshow from Shuto Con 2012! If they don't mean anything to you, it'll still be worthwhile to check out these photos. Trust me.

Drawn Together: One Couple's Love for Anime Brings Shuto Con to Lansing

What were you doing on St. Paddy's day? Did it involve animation, costumes, video games and more? Then you must have been one of the 2,000 odd folks who headed to downtown Lansing for Shuto Con. If not, Daniel J. Hogan will tell you all about it in this week's issue.

Editor's Pick: CCFF, TEDx Lansing and more!

Want to know what do this week in Lansing? Well, seeing as I couldn't decide myself, I'll just tell you to head to all three awesome events occurring from Thursday to Sunday: Capital City Film Festival, TEDx Lansing and Taste and Tour of Old Town!

Why is "Placemaking" picture-perfect for Michigan's economy?

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) are getting the message out that placemaking matters. 

Jackson Kaguri: Raising Awareness from Okemos to Nyakagezi

Jackson Kaguri’s journey has taken him from a tiny village in Uganda to NYC to California - and now to Greater Lansing, where he works daily to ensure AIDS orphans in Nyakagezi, Uganda, have an education, food and healthcare. Find out how one man is making a difference for thousands of children on the other side of the world, from right here in the Capital region.

Editor's Pick: Just Bring It - Open Mic Night at Just B Yoga

Consider yourself a performance artist? Well, whether you're a poet or a sculptor, JUST BRING IT to Just B Yoga studio this Friday evening!

Choosing Lansing: Khalid Ibrahim

Meet Khalid Ibrahim: scientist by day, artist by night! Pakistani by early upbringing, Ibrahim has fallen in love with what Lansing has to offer, professionally, recreationally, artistically and culturally. Whether fulfilling his passion behind a camera lens or in working to understand disease in the lab, he strives to be a teller of the diverse stories he considers himself lucky to encounter.

Editor's Pick: Pay It Forward: Sharing the Books

Have you ever read a book that inspired you, brought tears to your eyes or made you to take action? Ever had a book turn your life inside out? If so, bring said book with you to Gibson's Cafe in Downtown Lansing for The World's First Globally Coordinated Book Read Flash Mob.

Speaker Series: Community Collaboration - A Conversation

We all know the Capital region is bursting with talented individuals, organizations, businesses, schools and communities ... but how often are they collaborating? Join us this Friday evening, March 30, for a healthy conversation on community collaboration!

CG Slideshow: VACANT Lansing

Dave Trumpie teamed up with the fabulous Jena McShane of McShane Photography to bring you some of the best photos from VACANT Lansing.

VACANT Lansing: An Event Shrouded in Mystery

Have you been wondering about the curious mystery behind VACANT Lansing? Writer, Kate Tykocki, reveals some of the evening’s secrets and gives some hints on another mystery to come. Scary clowns, dancing unicorns and blind tigers are just the beginning of this little adventure.

The Future of Transportation in Michigan

Writer, James Bruckbauer, explores how the current transportation framework of Michigan cities may have a direct impact on talent retention. Learn how organizations are actively exploring ways to change the outlook of transit systems across the state.

Editor's Pick: Flapjacks for Fenner and Chicago at Everett High School

You had it coming. Fabulous weather, maple syrup and flapjacks ... at Fenner Nature Center! Oh, and if beer, wine and pancakes are not enough to complete your weekend, a little taste of "Chicago" theatrics at Everett High School should do the trick.

Lansing Business Dynasties

The offspring at Granger Associates, Two Men and a Truck and Dean Transportation could go anywhere.  They’re degreed, skilled.  But they are working in their family’s Mid-Michigan companies and are bringing their generations’ green ethic with them. While getting their jobs was no cakewalk, they’re beating the poor odds for family dynasties while making huge contributions to their industries.

Editor's Pick: Lansing Derby Vixens 2012 Season Home Opener

The Lansing Derby Vixens are back with a vengeance this year, with a doubleheader for the season home opener this Saturday!

Thanks for listening, Michigan!

MSHDA and the Michigan Municipal League are proud to announce "The Prosperity Agenda" has won a 2011 MarCom Award for broadcast excellence from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

CG Slideshow: NEO Center

Want to see what NEO Center looked like before the slide? Well, here's a "slide" show for you! 

Businesses behind the NEO Center Buzz

You’ve heard the buzz about the NEO Center. You’ve seen the features and the smiling faces of the fabulous founders. Maybe you’ve even taken a ride on the slide. Now meet three of the incubator tenants that are helping to give an old building new life, and the innovative partnership that made Lansing’s first incubator a reality.

Capital Gains Speaker Series: The Growth of Niche Networking Groups

If you live or work in the Capital region and read Capital Gains, then you probably know a thing or two about professional networking. But, what kind of networking are you looking to do in town? Why not come to the Speaker Series on Tuesday, Feb. 28, listen to some live music, get some popcorn and get your toes wet by hearing about some of the many niche networking groups in the area!

All-of-us Express Children's Theatre: Curtain Up on Lansing's Youth

Sure, as an up-to-date person about town, you’re familiar with of the richness of the theatre culture present in the Lansing area. But have you heard about a 23 year old organization that works year-round to help raise the leaders of tomorrow through a truly community theatre experience?  Children, regardless of ‘age, color, creed, gender identity, disability, height, membership in any labor organization, national origin, parental status, political identification, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or weight’, are welcomed with open and supportive arms at All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre. Read on to learn more about the remarkable things happening both on and off the stage.

Choosing Lansing: Amelia Marschall and John Miller

When two student athletes came together in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight.   “I couldn’t figure out why this senior was talking to me, a sophomore. I thought it was weird,” says Amelia Marschall, with an infectious grin on her face.   But she gave him a chance, and after a first date of bowling and Red Lobster - “They didn’t have places like Fork in the Road in Marquette,” John Miller is quick to point out - this swimmer and hockey player knew they had something special going on.

CG Slideshow: Frost Fest 2012

Did you miss the frosty Festivities at Frost Fest this year? Well, Dave Trumpie gives you a glimpse into what you missed so you don't make the same mistake next year! Enjoy our Frost Fest 2012 slideshow

The Ladies of Lansing's Creative Agencies

Lansing should take pride in providing an environment that fosters the leading ladies of women-owned creative agencies. Take a peek inside the minds and lives of some of Lansing’s top creative entrepreneurs. Through their successes and challenges, we find out why Lansing is bursting with creative agencies that are perfectly suited to serve a diversity of clients across the region and throughout the state.

Editor's Pick: Frost Fest 2012

Celebrate winter in downtown Lansing at the third annual Frost Fest this Saturday, Feb. 18! You can't go wrong with microbrews, great live music and all kinds of frosty entertainment in a heated tent!

Editor's Pick: Company

I've heard about some awesome plays at the Holt and Dimondale Community Players. If (like me) you've been meaning to head over there, Sondheim's "Company" will be performed again this Friday and Saturday!

Choosing Lansing: Sam and Meghan Short

Sam and Meghan Short have spent quality time living in a variety of big cities, but have recently chosen the Lansing area to start their family and establish roots. Meghan spends her day cultivating the next generation of attorneys at MSU, while Sam is dedicated to the continued revitalization of Old Town, with an eye on introducing some hip concept restaurants in the area. Check out what the Shorts have to say about our “small city, big town” community and why their roots are taking to the Lansing soil.

Search for the Best Pad Thai in Town

Lansing has many Thai restaurants, and writer, Daniel J. Hogan went on a quest to find out which one has the best Pad Thai.

Editor's Pick: Green Drinks Lansing

The Michigan Environmental Council is kicking off a brand new season of drinking and learning, Head over to Tavern on the Square this Friday to hear from a panel of experts leading the $3 million 19-mile Michigan Avenue-Grand River Avenue Corridor Study.

A Tribute to Trumpie

We editors at Capital Gains must confess – we love to highlight all of the awesome on-goings and awesome people here in the Capital region … but Dave Trumpie adds an exhilarating visual component that makes our work even more rewarding.  So today, we pay tribute to the man behind the cam, where he came from and what he plans to do next!

Editor's Pick: "Chili" Winter Evening at Woldumar

Enjoy a warm chili dinner while listening to fantastic music from Lansing's own Powerlight Band. Kick up your heels and dance, then head out for a horse-drawn sleigh ride ... all at Woldumar Nature Center!

Dig that Vaudeville Beat: The Lansing Unionized Vaudeville Spectacle

What happens when you mix ghosts of the Lansing Rust Belt with a delightfully kooky musician whose purpose is fun? The Lansing Unionized Vaudeville Spectacle, that’s what. Singer and founder, Dylan Rogers, explains what this representative and diverse troupe of musicians brings to the Lansing stages via props, skits, unicorns and hypnotic beverages.

Editor's Pick: The Boy In The Bathroom

It's an award-winning musical about a boy living in his bathroom for a year ... aren't you the least bit curious?

Baked Goods That Feed Your Karma

When Anna Kaschner decided to go gluten-free after a kidney transplant, she didn't just change her diet ... she provided the Capital region with a tasty local source for gluten-free goodies through her business, Feed Your Karma.

Editor's Pick: Inaugual MINGLE MLK Jr. After Service Mixer

Are you planning to give back by volunteering on MLK Jr. Day? If so, why not join others for some socializing and networking after a day of service in your community!

Holiday Hiatus

It's that time of year again when everyone (including the staff here at Capital Gains) gets too busy to read all the fun publications they subscribe to. So, we make life easier by taking a break over the holiday season!

Best of Development 2011

Two-thousand-eleven has been a banner year for key development in the Greater Lansing area. It’s not just that there was an influx of any old type of building projects. The kind of development we saw in Lansing this year has been groundbreaking and innovative. They are the kind of projects inspired by collaboration, history and community - furthering growth across the region.

CG's Best Photos of 2011

A year-end issue wouldn't be complete without a recap of some of the awesome mastheads that have graced our publication in 2011.

Viewing The World From A Different Angle

A little over a year ago, Just B Yoga opened its doors, providing donation-based and free yoga, meditation and Tai Chi classes. Today the community is booming, offering people a new path for finding calm, stretching their muscles and their imaginations and looking at life in a new light.

Editor's Pick: Third Annual Launched Event

Join Lansing-area business leaders for a celebratory event toasting the recent accomplishments of innovators and entrepreneurs in the community.

Editor's Pick: NEO Center Grand Opening

NEO Center is finally open ... join them in celebrating this awesome partnership coming to fruition right here in the Capital region!

Shifting Perspective on the Local Holiday Economy

Holiday business is definitely booming in the Lansing area, but independent business owners don’t simply measure their success in only dollars and cents. The gauge for a profitable holiday season reaches beyond percentages for independents and ultimately does result in both a strengthened economy and, some would argue, more importantly, strengthened relationships and community.

Editor's Pick: Downtown East Lansing's Inaugural Winter Glow

Downtown East Lansing's first-ever Winter Glow event promises marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, live reindeer and pictures with Mrs. Claus, too! You can't beat that kind of fun.

Inspiring A Greener Lansing

Five years ago, Denny Duchene decided his construction work needed a focal point. After some careful research, he noticed a void in the green building industry and piloted Inspired Green in 2009. Little did Denny know his company would see a 700 percent growth two years in a row. As he explains, though, his success has taken a lot self-evaluation and persistence.

Cultivating Art in Lansing

Lansing has tech incubators, and now it has an art incubator—or rather, a space for artists to work and interact. Yes, 4th Culture Studios is offering artists a place to work, play and create ...

Editor's Pick: 27th Annual Silver Bells in the City

One of the many perks about living in Michigan's capital is direct access to awesome events like Silver Bells in the City. Don't miss out on the action this Friday, Nov. 18, as we light the tree on the Capitol lawn and celebrate the coming holiday season with parades, fireworks and more!

Lansing Artisan Goes Against The Grain

Conscious design is the backbone of Old Town’s against the Grain design studio. Over the last few years, the company has worked to bring local artisans together to share their skills. Now they’re ready to grow on a bigger scale, building on a long-time dream of creating a truly sustainable artist community and teaching center.

Editor's Pick: East Lansing Film Festival

If you're tired of watching indie movies via Netflix in the comfort of your own home, then you'll be pleased to know the 14th annual East Lansing Film Festival will be delivering cinematic awesomeness from November 9-17.

Editor's Pick: MMCA 2011 Studio Crawl

Have you been curious about what the creative community of Lansing is up to? Thursday, November 3 is your chance to find out at the Mid-Michigan Creative Alliance 2011 Studio Crawl

Lansing's House Concert Scene

Where do local musicians go when Lansing music venues for the original artist start to dwindle? The same place up and coming musicians love to go to create a connection with their audience or test out a new song: your living room. Underground house concerts in the Lansing music scene are thriving. Public listening rooms cut of the same cloth are emerging. Read on to see how you can get on the guest list and get up close and personal with music. 

Capital Ideas: Alan Hooper

When people think of Old Town’s six square miles of arts and culture, they often think of someone like Alan Hooper: A person who's involved and invested in his community. We talk to him about his work, his exciting ventures and his passions in this issue of Capital Gains.

Editor's Pick: Third Annual Zombie Night at Schuler and Haunted House at Mac's Bar

Kick off the Halloween weekend with Zombie bowling, authors telling ghost stories, pin-up calendars and some of the areas best DJs this Thursday at Schuler Books and Mac's Bar!

Artists "Attack" REO Town

Although it sucks that a three-alarm fire destroyed Discount Dave’s furniture store back in May of 2009, some good has come of it.  Dave Sheets, owner of the now-vacant lot at 1121 South Washington in REO Town, allowed his property to serve as the site of the Art Attack! Festival on September 24 ... and didn’t charge a penny.  Local artists created right before spectators’ eyes and there was a definite feeling of being in the right place on a Saturday afternoon. The organizers were cool, the artists were friendly – even the guy selling hot dogs was a likable fellow.

Editor's Pick: Inaugural Downtown Lansing Fall Festival

The leaves are finally falling and it's time to welcome the most celebrated season in the Capital region with the inaugural Fall Festival in downtown Lansing.

Speaker Series: Downtown Living and Environmental Sustainability

Downtown living and environmental sustainability go together better than we give them credit. Join us for this month's Speaker Series!

The rebirth of the Mid-Michigan Creative Alliance

What was once the Lansing Advertising Club is now a group of individuals from a diverse creative backgrounds called the Mid-Michigan Creative Alliance ... and they are reinventing the ideals of one of Michigan's oldest advertising clubs.

Editor's Pick: Fenner Nature Center's Apple Butter Festival

Two words ... apple butter. Learn how to make apple butter deliciousness this weekend at Fenner Nature Center's Apple Butter Festival!

App Makers in Lansing

Everyone knows “there’s an app for that,” but who is making all these apps? Capital Gains takes a look at three Lansing firms who make apps: Traction, Web Ascender and Gravity Works.

Editor's Pick: Capital City DJ Olympics

This weekend will be the second of four Capital City DJ Olympic trials going on throughout the month of October. This is a talent-filled event you don't want to miss!

Innovation at Impression 5

Impression 5 Science Center ... a place chock-full of innovation and creativity. But who are some of the folks responsible for making it all happen? Meet them in this week's issue.

Capital Gains Speaker Series: Embracing Diversity

Why is diversity important to the growth and development (both economic and cultural) of a city? Join us at Art Alley for this month's speaker series as we discuss how diversity plays a key role in a city's depth, and how well Lansing's doing at embracing it.

Choosing Lansing: Jeff and Allie Siarto

Last year over Thanksgiving, Jeff and Allie Siarto visited family and friends in Michigan. The newlyweds, both in their mid-20's, had been itching to leave Chicago for some time and always entertained the idea of returning. That quickly became a reality after a fantastic few days in Michigan. Less than two months later, they made the big move.

Capital Gains Speaker Series: Embracing Diversity

Why is diversity important to the growth and development (both economic and cultural) of a city? Join us at Art Alley for this month's speaker series as we discuss how diversity plays a key role in a city's depth, and how well Lansing's doing at embracing it.