I was very honored to be asked to join the Michigan Production Alliance Board of Directors. This organization is made up of people involved in the Video & Film industries in Michigan.

The Michigan Production Alliance Mission is as follows…

• To encourage and enhance the professional quality of our members.
• To promote the use of the State of Michigan as a location for commercials, corporate video, feature films and live shows.
• To develop cooperative relationships with other organizations within the state for mutual benefit.

I will be serving on the membership committee and encourage everyone in the video/film industry to join. Even if you’re not an industry professional, but would like to become one, you’re welcome to join.

The website is http://www.mpami.org and contains more information about MPA. Check it out for meeting times, dates and agendas. The next meeting is Thursday, February 18th at 6:00pm. This meeting will focus on talent, including everything from how to be an extra, to on-set etiquette. What about joining the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), reading a teleprompter and what is this thing called "the Ear"?

Full membership is only $50.00 and the student rate is $35.00.  If you can't commit to joining, the non-member fee to attend a meeting is only $5.00.  The learning and networking opportunities offered by the MPA are the best for those wishing for a career in film or video.

I will be serving on the membership committee and encourage everyone in the video/film industry to join. Even if you’re not an industry professional, but would like to become one, you’re welcome to join.

Major congratulations to two of our favorite grads, and members of our Hall of Fame, on the births of their children. Best wishes to Glenda Lewis on the birth of Kamerian Diana Hall and to Grandma Diana. On New Year’s Eve, Sari Zalesin gave birth to Laila Rose just before midnight. Sincere congratulations to them and their families.

Finally, it’s always a delight to be “friended” by grads on Facebook, and see that they’ve listed Specs Howard School under their education. If you haven’t done so yet, please add Specs Howard to your profile, so we can acknowledge all of our great talent out there!

Andrea DeLyon graduated in 2002 and has been on the road of success. She worked in Lansing for six years at WILX TV and progressed from Production Assistant to Technical Director. She rang in the New Year with an exciting new position as an Operations Technician for the ESPNews Department. Andrea credits Specs Howard School and staff for her professional journey. “Tell everyone to never give up and keep trying. Soon you will be where you want to be, as long as you put the effort into it. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.” Thanks Andrea!

25 years can fly by in this business. Gerry Gava just celebrated his 25th year anniversary with CTV Globemedia. He started his career in radio, and after a couple years, he took a chance on an up and coming sports channel in Toronto. Gerry was able to grow with the company and turn it into thepowerhouse it is today. Congratulations Gerry!

In other news, we’ve made big changes in our Placement Department. For openers, we’ve changed the department name to Career Services, to reflect the progress we’ve made. We’d like the new name to represent our willingness in helping students and grads make their careers successful. Last year, Barbara Jones joined the team as our Graphic Design Career Services Advisor. Barb is a Specs Howard graduate working on her master’s degree with years of experience in Cable TV and Radio. 

After the first of the year, Nicole Bonneville came aboard as the Career Services Administrative Assistant.  Nicole is a Specs Howard graduate and is working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She has spent most of her career in radio promotions. Brent Carey is our most recent addition. He attended Central Michigan and graduated from the Broadcast and Communication Arts program. He brings years of experience as on-air talent and several positions as Program Director in Michigan and Ohio markets. 

Of course the veterans also remain, including: Kevin Scollin, The Director of Career Services; Katie Peters, Internship Coordinator and Advisor; Denise Lippert, Advisor; and yours truly…Dick Kernen.

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