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2006 Programs

December, 2006 - Liquor Control Commission

Guest: LCC Chair Nida Samona

A recent underage drinking study found that 65% of underage drinkers said they got the alcohol from family and friends. That includes parents, older siblings or family members or older friends - with or without permission. This show features the Liquor Control Commission and what it’s doing to address underage drinking and other alcohol-related issues. To report an establishment for underage drinking, visit www.michigan.gov/reportunder21

October, 2006 – Fire Safety

Guest: Andy Neumann, Acting State Fire Marshal, who oversees DLEG’s new Bureau of Fire Services.

Governor Granholm proclaimed Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week to encourage homeowners to protect themselves and their families by installing and testing smoke alarms and using precautions while cooking. Fire Prevention Week has been sponsored nationwide for 84 years by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This year’s theme is: “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat.” Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires, as three in 10 home fires start in the kitchen.

July/August, 2006 – Carnival Ride Safety

Guests: Andy Metcalf, director of DLEG’s Bureau of Commercial Services, which regulates the ski and amusement industry in Michigan and Mark Doman, who supervises the division.

Amusement rides are traditionally part of summer fun in Michigan. That's why on today's show we're going to focus on how the state regulates amusement parks, fun centers, water parks, as well as countless fairs and festivals. The majority of accidents that occur on rides are caused by riders themselves so we'll also talk about tips for parents and riders to stay safe this summer.

June, 2006 – How to Choose a Contractor

Guests: Henry Green, Director of the Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety
Dave Schertizing, a residential home builder from Lansing.

If you are even thinking of building a home or working on a home construction project, you'll want to see this show which offers tipson how you can avoid making costly mistakes or being "taken" by unscrupulous contractors.

May, 2006 – Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority

Guest: Semone James, Executive Director of the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority (pictured at top of page with show host Director Swanson)
The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority was created by Governor Granholm in 2003 to return blighted tax reverted properties to productive and economically viable use.

The State of Michigan is selling more than 900 tax reverted properties in Genesee, Saginaw, Ingham, Monroe, Lake, Ottawa and Wayne counties. If you are looking to invest in property to build a home or business anywhere in Michigan, contact http://www.michigan.gov/landbank.

April, 2006 – Public Service Commission

Guest: Peter Lark, Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission

The Michigan Public Service Commission plays a key role in many aspects of your daily life at home and business – and you may not even realize it. The PSC protects consumers by regulating natural gas, electric and telephone utilities. And PSC recently added a new service - the Protect Michigan Child registry - in an effort to block minors from receiving electronic messages for products that are illegal for young people.

March, 2006 – “Best Of” Consumer’s Corner with Former Director David Hollister

Topic: Office of Financial and Insurance Services and MI Opportunity Partnership

Chances are you had someone special in your life who has encouraged you and showed you the ropes …a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, family friend or family member. Unfortunately there are many kids today who don't have a mentor in their lives. Governor Granholm has proclaimed January as Mentoring Month in an effort to encourage adults to get involved. This show focuses on the need for mentors, particularly males and people of color.

Website: Mentor Michigan www.michigan.gov/mentormichigan

February, 2006 - Cool Workplaces

Guest Host: Michigan's First Gentleman Daniel Granholm Mulhern

Guests: Mary Kramer, Crain's Publisher
Deb Hanses, Republic Bancorp's Executive Vice President of Corporate Human Resources
Deidre Bounds, Brogan & Partners Managing Partner

The State of Michigan teamed up with Crain's Detroit Business, Grand Rapids Business Journal and the American Society of Employers to launch the "Cool Places to Work" Competition. Together they had a statewide hunt for employers who have created work environments that attract and retain quality workers, especially younger workers. Find out what makes a workplace "cool" by watching Consumer's Corner.

January, 2006 – National Mentoring Month

Guest Host: Michigan’s First Gentleman Daniel Granholm Mulhern

Guests: Janet Lawson, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission
Randy Walker, member of 100 Black Men Detroit, which provides mentors for young
African-American males.
Sylvester Jones, Jr., executive director for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Flint