Topouzian appointed MEDA vice president
The City of Novi announced the appointment of Ara Topouzian, Economic Development director, as vice president of the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). Topouzian previously served as the treasurer for MEDA since 2007.
MEDA was created more than 50 years ago to advance economic development in Michigan by providing a range of services and programs to enhance economic development skills. By offering programs, education classes, public relations, and networking opportunities, MEDA makes it possible for economic development professionals statewide to remain educated on the most successful economic development practices.
Novi's Economic Development director since 2007, Topouzian works with a diverse group of businesses and organizations to maximize Novi's tax base. To manage growth and continue to attract commerce at its convenient
location, Topouzian maximizes partnerships with local, state and federal organizations. He interacts daily through retention, attraction, and expansion visits to the more than 2,400 business which call Novi “home.”Girodat joins Walsh College Board of Trustees
David Girodat has been elected to the Walsh College Board of Trustees.
President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan, Girodat is responsible for the growth and strategic direction of the four lines of business including: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Investment Advisors for the affiliate.
A Clinton Township resident, Girodat has been in banking since 1981. Prior to his current position as president and CEO, Girodat served as senior commercial executive for Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan. Experienced in all aspects of banking, Girodat began his banking career as a teller and traveled through the ranks serving as a credit analyst, loan officer and head of commercial real estate
.He holds a bachelor's of science degree in business administration and a master's degree
in finance from Walsh College.“We are delighted to welcome David as a new member of the Walsh College Board of Trustees” said Stephanie Bergeron, president of Walsh College. “His experience as an alum in both our undergraduate and graduate programs, and as a business and community leader who cares about the vitality of the Michigan economy makes him an exceptional addition to our governing board.”
An active community leader, Girodat serves on the boards of Detroit Regional Chamber and New Detroit. He is a member of the New Detroit Finance and Executive Committees and the United Way Cabinet. Girodat also sits on the board of directors and Finance Committee for Henry Ford
Macomb Hospital and is the chairman for the Macomb Executive Leadership Committee.Crawford named chair of regulatory reform committee
State Rep. Hugh Crawford, R-Novi, will continue to chair the House Regulatory Reform Committee for the 2013-2014 legislative term. This is Crawford's second term as chair of this committee.
“I am looking forward to my second term as chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee,” said Crawford, R-Novi. “Regulatory issues play a big part in the success of our state's economy, and it is important to continue looking for ways to remove obstacles and help residents of our state succeed.”
Crawford says the committee will focus on continuing to eliminate and reform regulations where possible to help make Michigan's economy even healthier.
In addition to chairing the Regulatory Reform Committee, Crawford will serve on the Education, Health Policy, and Tourism Committees.
Crawford represents the 38th House District. Residents may contact Crawford at his Lansing office by calling (517) 373-0827 or by e-mailing him at hughcrawford@house.mi.gov.