Our May 2010 issue received quite a bit of both positive and negative feedback. We heard from more readers than we normally do with any given issue. While everyone was happy for the recipients of the 2010 Entrepreneurial Awards, some of the feedback we received was regarding the fact that there were no women nor minorities recognized with the 2010 Entrepreneurial Awards of Greater Lansing. Therefore, I feel the need to explain the process a bit further.

For someone to be considered for the awards, a nomination process must take place. First and foremost, anyone can nominate someone he or she feels is worthy of an award. Once someone is nominated, the person is then sent a packet to complete, including information on the company’s history, financial information, relations with employees and customers, plans for the future and references. While this awards program in its 15-year history has recognized many women and minorities (nearly 40 percent of all winners in 15 years), this particular year there were very few nominated, or were business owners who did not meet the criterion of being in business for a minimum of three years. Therefore, the reason none were featured in the issue.

All of us here at the Business Monthly know there are many successful women and minority entrepreneurs out there—we have featured many of them in our 24-year history of publishing this magazine. We appreciate the ability to portray the hurdles and obstacles many people have had to overcome in order to find success. Through your feedback, our readers have stated that they, too, are aware of many successful women and minority entrepreneurs that could have been featured, so I urge all of you to nominate them for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Awards of Greater Lansing. The nomination form is available 24/7 on our website at lansingbusinessmonthly.com. Again, I thank all of you who took the time to contact us.

Moving on to June, this issue is dedicated to a great spring/summer (and hopefully fall) pastime here in Michigan, the sport of golf.  We are so fortunate to have such wonderful courses to play in our area, many of them with four-star banquet and conference facilities. Those of us that golf know quite a bit can be accomplished on the golf course, and I don’t mean just birdies and pars. Being a businessman and an active participant in the industry as a course owner, I see first hand the pleasure that can be found in spending a few hours on a pristine course, enjoying this special time of year in our state.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue, and I also hope all of you will find time this summer to frequent those featured in this month’s issue.

Wishing you a prosperous month,

		Chris Holman Publisher