  Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 525 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
To persuade them that a new downtown hq is the ONLY option. Let's utilize the power of the forum, the passion we all have for Detroit and mobilize to influence Mr. Gilbert to make the right choice. Who knows what could happen if they received hundreds of emails championing a new downtown hq, along with the persuasion of the governor and George Jackson. We could concievably outweigh the few morons who would be vehemently opposed to working in 'scary' Detroit. I know I don't have to ramble on about the impact a move like this would have, but all the empty buildings would have a better chance of being rehabbed, hundreds of potential new city residents, thousands of new customers for city businesses, more money in Detroit's tax coffers, the benefits would be enormous. The impact on downtown would be monumental. Fellow forumers, we can't stand idly and let Mr. Gilbert choose a suburban location, we must act now. | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 526 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
Rock Financial email address is above. | ||
Goat Member Username: Goat Post Number: 8283 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.53.98.36 |
Not to be rude but I don't think our 50+ Emails is going to make Rock Financial swing towards downtown. Tax abatements, parking, future taxes...will be the only thing that will persuade them to move to Detroit. But, if you must have at it. | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 872 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 146.9.52.115 |
Maybe if we all promise to refi our mortgages with Rock.....*shrugs* | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 527 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
Goat, HOW FUCKING RUDE OF YOU! Just kidding  you're right there are many, many factors that are behind the scenes and out of our control, but it can't hurt to try, right? If they recieved enough public support for a downtown move, that would have to weigh SOMEWHAT in a decision, even if it ends up being negligible. And this forum has far, far more than 50 members and I have other avenues that I'm persuing to boost public support. We can't just shrug our shoulders and say "Oh well, Rock will go where they want". Detroit deserves better. United we grow, sprawling we fall. Send those emails! | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 591 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.221.183.120 |
The Company I work for was in the process of building a new HQ a few years ago. There were several smaller cities in MI under consideration and the financials were most important, but feeling like the community wanted the HQ Bldg did matter in the end. I was involved in the selection process and copies of letters from citizens and community groups and leaders were distributed to our internal team. It was a nice to read the letters of support and all financial things equal, the letters did sway some people's decisions. | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 528 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
Thanks for that post Bobj, encouraging. WE CAN make a difference. A defeatist attitude never accomplishes anything. | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 592 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.221.183.120 |
I plan on writing a letter/email to Mr Gilbert in support of a Downtown Detroit HQ - why it is good for him, his Company, his employees ,and the area we all live in. I really need to organize my thoughts first though. | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 995 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
I am writing as well. I believe that his company will help bring a new life to downtown Detroit. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 230 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76 |
Maybe Sharmaal's friend shouldn't draft the email: https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/62684/67288.html | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1426 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
I am all for letter writing and using any sort of personal appeal that one can make. But can we please use spell check, grammar check, and maybe even proof read the letter before it is sent? Nothing says "I need to move someplace else where I can recruit an educated workforce" more clearly than many of the letters that have been posted on this forum. There is (arguably) a time and a place for quick notes, dis-jointed thoughts, improper grammer and spelling, and ignoring of syntax. An Internet forum may be one of them. A letter to the CEO of a $500+m company urging them to take some action, any action, is certainly not. | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 1675 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244 |
Dabirch, if I write a letter can I send it to you for review? | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1427 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
You know where to reach me... I am sure Ndavies will give it a once over as well. | ||
Manrooter Member Username: Manrooter Post Number: 397 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
I'm gonna write a letter on flowerly, pink letterhead, scented with Chanel. And sign Daburch's name to it. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3384 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
jjaba sends strong supportive letter. His letter is written with his Cass Tech. Printshop experience in mind. jjaba, Class of '59. | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 566 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 209.69.221.253 |
Maybe we could also encourage them to change that horrible jingle and shoot David Hall - or at least remove his larynx. "It's time to DIIIIIIIIE." | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3387 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
jjaba told them to try a Coney at both American and Lafayette, then vote on building in Detroit. jjaba, follow the food. | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 146 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 206.208.94.60 |
(What I wrote Today) To Whom It May Concern: My name is Aaron Bussey and I am writing in regards to the story I saw in the Free Press recently. The story centered on your company’s possible move to downtown Detroit. While many factors obviously will go into this decision, I would like to say that many people, including myself, are very excited about this possibility. My fiancé and I have just purchased a condo in Detroit after both graduating from Wayne State University last May. Both of us grew up in the suburbs, Royal Oak and Macomb Twp, and are optimistic about living in the city; a project like yours would be wonderful. A grand and iconic HQ for Quicken/Rock would not only bolster your won company’s image but the whole Detroit area as well. As you probably know this region has suffered from a depressed economy and status for many years. Bringing the core of Detroit back is extremely vital, especially now as the U.S. automobile industry is rapidly losing its market share. When you think of cities such as New York and Chicago their landmarks and reputations come to mind. Having that positive national image will help Detroit and all of the suburbs. Most of our suburbs have favorable economies and great standards of living, yet Detroit is sorely lacking in both. A move by your company to downtown Detroit will not be an end-all be-all for the cities ills, however, it will be a terrific addition. Sincerely, Aaron K. Bussey | ||
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 73 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.50.91.234 |
Livonia has......Applebess...how can you compete with the uniqueness of that???? | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 732 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
I already wrote one and posted in online. | ||
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch Post Number: 69 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 67.38.87.62 |
Actually there is not an Applebee's in Livonia, but there is a Lafayette Coney Island. | ||
Goat Member Username: Goat Post Number: 8287 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.53.98.36 |
jjaba, type-setting is the old way. Are you still arranging the type blocks to press ink over them. Make sure you don't have it arranged backward. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3391 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
Can Goat explain his references on PDJ March 20? Something about "big cluster fuck." Goat, jjaba learned more at Cass Tech. than hand composing, hand fed letterpresses, and the Caifornia Job Case. Yikes! Dies jjaba have to recite a 10 ten list about Cass Tech.? jjaba, riding the Grand River-Lahser feeder bus. | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 483 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 68.2.191.57 |
Origin of California Job Case | ||
Hamtramck_steve Member Username: Hamtramck_steve Post Number: 2812 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.209.164.236 |
What was that about proof-reading? "A grand and iconic HQ for Quicken/Rock would not only bolster your won company’s image..." | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 147 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 206.208.94.60 |
oh so shoot me like they wont be reading hundreds of these a day. neurotic--- | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 608 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 68.79.92.234 |
Just sent mine as well. Cant hurt | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3394 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
Jimaz, thanks. That was a great history of Calif. Job Case. jjaba, Cass Tech. Printer setting type on 6th Floor. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 237 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76 |
Maybe we could write letters, print them on paper, sign them, and then mail them to Rock Financial? A signature -- like a handshake -- still means something. | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1428 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Not neurotic. Professional. Like the type of person that tries to persuade somebody to make a business decision. This is not a letter to council, or signing a petition. The sheer volume of letters does not matter. The quality and persuasiveness of the voice that is raised matters. Do you really want to try and make a difference? Craft your email, turn it into a letter, get some letterhead, print it, put it in a business envelope, and then send it certified to Mr. Gilbert's attention. He will read that one. Trust me. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 609 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 68.79.92.234 |
youre right Daburch. Yours in the mail yet? | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1429 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Let's just say that I have appropriately weighed in on the situation. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 611 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 68.79.92.234 |
Well, someone is paying attention! Within an hour of sending an email to QuickenLoans I received this reply: "Dear Nick, Thank you for your email as well as your insight. I am forwarding your email on to be read and considered. Have a lovely day! Katie Janowski Quicken Loans Client Relations " Keep sending them in everyone! | ||
Wazootyman Member Username: Wazootyman Post Number: 28 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 68.75.220.9 |
I have a couple of thoughts about this. First of all, and I believe this has been mentioned previously, what about the massive loss of jobs in Livonia? I realize this board is completely anti-suburb, and I do want a stronger downtown Detroit. However, put aside your "Livonia is Hitler" thoughts for a moment, and realize a vacancy such as what Rock/Quicken would create would be very, very hard to fill. I don't think it's a win for the region if a major vacancy is created by this relocation. Secondly, while I appreciate the explosive growth that Quicken is experiencing, what is their fall-back if interest rates shoot up? That's an actual question - I'm speculating on this one. Right now they are growing very, very quickly. Recruitment is top priority. My girlfriend who has zero mortgage/financial experience (mostly retail sales) was hired in almost immediately upon application. However, their growth all seems to be based on an urge for individuals to refinance. If the rates for some reason hit double-digits again, I'm not sure how a company of their size will continue to prosper. Just a thought since so many users on this board see them as the savior of the Detroit CBD. | ||
Rms Member Username: Rms Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 141.211.114.43 |
Woo hoo. I got my (paper) letter out on March 7! I don't know that I tried to be "professional" in my short letter. I just tried to weigh in on the community support side, and list just a few of the many reasons for which this would be good for Detroit. ______________________________ ________________ Dear Mr. Gilbert, Word on the street has it that the rapidly growing Rock Financial may be looking to build a new corporate headquarters. I hope that since you are already located in the Metro Detroit area, that your business is considering a move to the City of Detroit. The central business district of Detroit has seen building and growth in the last 5 years that we have not seen in decades. Now is the time for a few key large businesses to commit their strength, adding to the foundation of growth which is already occurring. The Woodward corridor in particular has seen a renaissance of lofts and retail due in part to the new Campus Martius Park, and recent flagship headquarters being built in that area. You are no doubt aware of the former Hudson’s block, and its availability for prime development. That location is certainly in the heart of all of this new activity, and is the location that I am sure many hope that you are considering for your headquarters. Eyes are certainly “on Detroit” right now, so it would be a perfect location for an interesting landmark building to draw further regional and national attention to your business. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 612 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 68.79.92.234 |
No, no one sees them as the savior. Just a piece of the puzzle. With GM Motors and Compuware moving their HQ downtown, the new Ernst and Young building, 3 casinos and hotels worth a combined investment of over $1 billion. a possible renovation of the Book-Cadillac into a 4-star hotel, the 15-story River East project, and the numerous other projects going on in Detroit (Henry Ford expansion, riverfront developements, etc), Rock Financial would be ahuge boost to this process. Another big company like Rock giving Detroit a shot in the arm may in fact lead to more out-of-state, or out of country companies (Geely, for instance) to relocate in Detroit. This would not only positively impact Detroit, or Livonia, but the whole state of michigan as well. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7019 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.251.24 |
The reality is that this region is and has been completely cannabilistic. The reality is that many jobs in Livonia were 'lost' Detroit jobs. We have OC and MC and other areas trying to use Detroit against Detroit businesses on a daily basis to lure them away. This is one area were Detroit does not and should not be the bigger man. The suburbs have looted 10s of thousands of jobs from the city as well as numerous businesses. I don't believe that they gave two shits about regionalism so it is not the time for Detroit to step up when their will be absolutely no reciprocation. This is not anti-Livonia. It is pro-Detroit and I find it amusing that someone would consider posting 'think about the poor suburbs' on this topic. Maybe Livonia shoudl be worried about the job loss of those that can no longer take the bus to work (after SMART is ended). Of course those are minimum wage jobs and poor people so why should the tax payers of Livonia care about them. To be honest while I think your heart is in the right place I find your post to be rather insulting to the city and the citizens of the city of Detroit. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7020 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.251.24 |
PS - I realize that Detroit and Detroit policy caused many jobs to leave but my origianl post still stands. | ||
Jsmyers Member Username: Jsmyers Post Number: 1491 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.68 |
Remember that the company has numerous offices spread all over the region. They are not just in Livonia. I also believe they are in Troy and Farmington Hills. If they consolidate like they want to, somebody is going to have to loose jobs. It is also unlikely that they will consolidate 100% of their operations, probably the majority, but I would doubt all. BTW - What is the function of the current Rock Financial building on E. Larned? | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 529 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
Are you serious Wazootyman? Poooooor Livonia....give me a damn break! The suburbs are not hurting for investment at all. And like Jt1 stated, how many THOUSANDS of jobs fled Detroit to be gladly accepted by the suburbs and how many millions of dollars in tax money of middle class Detroit residents have left the city, leaving it economically devastated. Look at the spinoff and new investment that Compuware has created at it's new headquarters, this is for Detroit and Michigan. I highly doubt that amount of investment would have occured had Mr. Karmanos chosen to build on some greenfield in a sprawlburb. | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 533 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.212.45.176 |
Thank's Mind_field, I was just about to go there with Wazootyman. The nerve! later - naturalsister | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 535 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.212.45.176 |
Anyone know of any documented letter-writing campaigns that were effective? I'd love to read about that. later - naturalsister | ||
Dhugger Member Username: Dhugger Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 66.167.58.120 |
I have worked on a few political campaigns & done a bit of lobbying in Lansing & DC. I am told that written letters are more effective than e-mails or e-mail type petitions. Hard copy letters are glanced at, sometimes read and one will often get a written response. They go into their committees with stacks of letters on subjects being discussed and quote authors. This is what my contacts in Lansing and on the hill tell me. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 372 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161 |
Compuware did more good for the region moving than staying in Farmington Hills,which isn't hurting last I checked. I'm sure you've seen it with your own eyes the changes that have taken place. Detroit, in particular downtown, reflects more on the region than anyplace else. Detroit wouldn't have got half the positive press in SBXL it did in pre-Compuware downtown. You can't deny C-ware's move hasn't had a large effect on how people view Metro Detroit. The same would hold true if Quicken moved Livonia would be hurt short tern in the long run a vibrant downtown is more critical to all of Metro Detroit | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 74 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 68.60.133.115 |
I will be writing..... | ||
Dhugger Member Username: Dhugger Post Number: 33 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 66.167.58.120 |
I like Bussey's letter above. Let's make this forum a formidable lobby. Writing letters to pubs like Crain's Communications might get the issue some press. | ||
Ray Member Username: Ray Post Number: 647 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.42.220.37 |
Just sent my letter. I offered a 20 year tax abatement. I hope that does the trick. | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 149 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 69.212.58.28 |
Thanks Dhugger | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 527 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.176.123 |
bump | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 596 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.221.183.120 |
My son works in the office of Sander Levin in DC. One of his duties is to answer letters on particular topics that he assigned and then to brief the Congressman on the number and tone of the letters and to supply copies when it would be of interest. He tells me that all letters are read, recorded and catagorized to be reported. Also, most are answered. He has also said that it does not take very many letters on a particular topic, with the same point of view to get the Congressman's attention. Mostly because they really don't get that many letters from the voters especially with a singular point of view. These letters are taken seriously and do impact the behavior of the Congressman. That is what I heard. | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 531 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
Bump... Did anyone send a letter and not post in this thread? If you think sending a letter is a waste of time, think again....Rock Financial is a company that cares about public perception. | ||
Harsensis Member Username: Harsensis Post Number: 35 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 71.227.102.82 |
On channel 7 tonight, they said that quick in Loans might be going south to Cleveland. I looked at 7's web site but didn't see anything therer about it. | ||
Wazootyman Member Username: Wazootyman Post Number: 29 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 71.65.15.68 |
Moving to Cleveland would seem silly. First of all, it's Cleveland. I've only been there a couple of times, but I wasn't particularily impressed. I don't think it has anything to offer that Detroit doesn't. Plus, I have a friend who has been doing contract work down there for a month or two, and says the women are FAR better here. Who wouldn't be sold by that? Plus, are their employees really going to want to relocate to Ohio? I guess they could start over with new people, but that would seem silly. I think if they move anywhere, it really seems like Detroit would be the sensible choice. Even though we'd miss them in Livonia ;-) | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 555 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 68.2.191.57 |
Harsensis, it's on the 6PM broadcast here: http://web.wxyz.com/video_inte rface/videofriday.html About 10 minutes into the video, a very brief mention. (Message edited by Jimaz on March 24, 2006) | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 384 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161 |
It was already mentioned in the News' story about Quicken earlier this week. Though I'm sure he's playing both sides to get a better deal in Michigan
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