``Turning Brownfields into Greenbacks'' -- Experts to Outline Brownfield Redevelopment at the Society for Marketing Professional Services' Program, on February 19.

Business Editors

DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2004

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Michigan Chapter, will welcome a panel of experts who will speak to the opportunities and challenges of brownfield redevelopment and discuss the roles of the brownfield redevelopment team at it's Thursday, February 19 afternoon meeting. Participants will learn how developers and their professional service providers can navigate the regulatory and technical pathways to manage environmental liability, secure and use available financial incentives, and design safe reuse and construction approaches for impacted/obsolete properties.

James Tischler, AICP, PCP, Development Principal for Steppingstone Properties, Ltd., a traditional-design real estate development firm located in downtown Ann Arbor, will address "The Critical Municipal Role in Brownfield Redevelopment -- Leveling the Playing Field" -- a discussion of ways local and state governments can provide land, financial incentives and development support to level the economic playing field between brownfield and greenfield sites.

Keith West who, as General Motors Corporation's Manager of Closed Plants, was responsible for environmental activities, remediation, and brownfield development of numerous site, will present "General Motors Leads the Way in Redevelopment of Obsolete Industrial Facilities."

Third member of the panel will be Bruce Rasher, Director of Real Estate & Facilities Management for Consumers Energy, who will unveil "The Winning Consumers Energy Headquarters Project -- Public/Private Partnerships Create a Phoenix Award Winning Urban Development." Rasher is also Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of Consumers Renaissance Development Corporation (CRDC),a private, nonprofit Michigan corporation formed in 1996 with the assistance of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Municipal League,and Consumers Energy to promote the redevelopment of brownfields in Michigan.

The SMPS-MI February 19 program to be held at Tapestry Banquet Hall, 24580 Evergreen, Southfield. Reservations may be made by emailing [e-mail]. Cost: $45 for members and their guests; $55 for nonmembers until Monday, February 16, after which a $10 late fee will be charged. Registration will begin at 3 p.m., with the program, 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Tapestry may be approached by taking the Lodge,(M10/ Northwestern Highway) to the 10 Mi/Evergreen exit. Turn right onto Evergreen Road. Or take 1-696 to the Evergreen exit and go south 1 mile. The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) is a non-profit, national organization devoted to the needs of professional service marketers in the areas of architecture, engineering, planning, interior design, landscape architecture, and construction management.