UNLEASHING AGRICULTURE'S ALAR PRODUCTIVITY LAWSUIT AND POTENTIAL DISMISSED Two interesting items dealing with international trade recently came across my desk. A federal judge in Spokane, Wash., has dis- One was a document that excerpted a speech by Dennis Avery of the Center for Global Food missed a $250 million lawsuit against CBS, Inc. Issues of the Hudson Institute. Avery told the US. Meat Export Federation that "viewed The court ruled that Washington apple objectively from a global standpoint, there is no question that US. agriculture is, potentially, one growers failed to prove that a "60 Minutes" of our most important growth industries. " Avery pointed out that billions of people in Asia are broadcast falsely linked the agricultural chemi- gaining the higher incomes to upgrade their diets - and what they want most is meat, milk and eggs, most of which they will have to import. cal Alar to cancer, according to an Associated Press report. That puts US. agriculture is an enviable position. "America has the world's biggest compara- tive advantage in agriculture, " said Avery. "We have the climate and the cropland, cleared and CBS apparently slipped past the suit under ready. No tropical forests need be cleared to expand our farm production. The land is served cover of the First Amendment, which requires by the world's best infrastructure. We have the world's best-trained farm managers. This plaintiffs bringing product disparagement law- competitive edge in farming is larger and more permanent than a comparative advantage in any manufacturing industry. " suits to prove media reports were false. Reading those kinds of comments from a respected economist helped remind me why all The court found a stand-off between apple farmers should be enthusiastic about the export growth opportunities presented by passage growers' claims that no proof linked Alar to of NAFTA and, further down the road, successful completion of the GA IT agreement. cancer risk and the CBS contention that its However, another article reminded me of some of the subtle trade barriers that have to be evidence was valid. overcome before American agriculture can reach its fufl export potential. Marcia Zarley Taylor, writing in Top Producer magazine, described a meeting she had with some of the European "Even if CBS' statements are false, they were Community's top food safety regulators. They assured her that there was no scientific basis about an issue that mattered, cannot be proven for banning imports of US. beef treated with natural hormones. "But the facts didn't matter, " as false and, therefore, must be protected," the she wrote. "Public attitudes had been scarred by a steroid scandal decades ago. Until someone judge said. could convince the Western European public that these hormones in no way mimicked synthetic steroids, a ban would stay in effect. Bingo, millions of dollars of perfectly safe US. The dismissal was a bitter pill for apple growers sirloin barred from the five-star restaurants of London, Berlin and Paris, " she wrote. who spent approximately $1 million in pursuing Not all trade barriers can be overcome by negotiations and treaties. Public perceptions of our the lawsuit. There is no word yet whether the products mean a great deal. We as farmers continue to be sensitive of how our production decision will be appealed. practices are perceived by our customers. And to support our commodity organizations' efforts to aggressively promote our farm products abroad. The CBS story relied heavily on EPA rulings on the chemical use and a study provided by the At the same time, there's no way we can tolerate obviously unjustified "non-tariff" trade barriers like the European hormone ban. Your Farm Bureau organization fights to make sure Natural Resources Defense Council, a Califor- our government doesn't let our competitors get away with unfairly labeling our products as nia based environmental group. The court ruled "unsafe. " that "a news organization is not a scientific But despite the occasional problem, I'm very optimistic about the future of farm exports. When testing lab, and these seNices should be able to I was on an AFBF-sponsored trade mission to Mexico in 1992, I saw first-hand how the Mexican rely on a scientific government report, when supermarkets were stuffed with US. -made food products. Because of our reputation for they are relaying the report's results." quality, consumers in Mexico demand the "Grown in US.A." label. That's a label we can be proud of. Jack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau RURAL LIVING. FALL 1993 MACMA Jioficfa!J Safe r:= A Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Fall 1993 Order by November 17 You're invited to attend Michigan Farm Bureau's annual meeting November 28 - December 1 at the Westin Hotel, in Detroit. Come see your organization in action and learn more about Michigan Farm Bureau member service pro- grams during the MFB Family of Companies Trade Show on Monday, 11 :30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Tuesday, from 9:00a.m. t05 p.m. Youandyourfamilywillalsowant Photo: Michigan Travel Bureau to tour the Showcase of Agriculture held on Monday and Tuesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. to In This Issue 4:30 p.m. respectively. For more information, contact your local county Farm Bureau office. 4 FARMERS HELPING FARMERS Michigan farmers provide Iowa farmers welcomed relief. Let the MACMA Direct Marketing 14 THE CLINTON HEALTH PLAN Program fill your Christmas wish Learn what's included. for convenient, tasteful Michigan FARM BEST holiday gifts. 16 TAKE IT TO THE BANK Michigan farmers help our state's food banks fill their shelves. Turn to the order blank on page 9 of this issue for a complete prod- 18 ETHANOL PERFORMS IN ucts/price listing. INDY TEST DRIVE This Michigan farmer plans to use ethanol in {> Chicken Cordon Bleu, next year's Indy-500. read y to bake for family dinners or buffet suppers. NAFTA: OPENING THE DOORS {> Chilly and Delicious Fresh Frozen Fruits in convenient SO MEXICO CAN BUY WHAT serving-sizes. MICHIGAN SELLS {> Crisp Frozen Vegetables in handy to use serving sizes. The RURAL LIVING (ISSN 0743-9962) is published quarterly in the months of October, January, April, July, as a service to associate members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, {> Tempting varieties of All- Lansing, MI 48917. Oct.. 30, 1992, Vol. 11, NO.4. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual Michigan Gift Boxes, attrac- dues of Michigan Farm Bureau associate members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing tively package. Rural living to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Rural living, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. Contact your county Direct Mar- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Rural Living, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. keting coordinator. See county list- Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. ing on the order blank. Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Orders must be placed no later Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. than November 17. Deliveries are Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle. Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; scheduled for the weeks of Decem- District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; ber 6 and December 13. You will District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, be notified of the delivery date and Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber. Young Farmers, location. Kurt Inman, Sturgis. RURAL LIVING. FALL 1993 For Dubuque County, Iowa farmer Charles "John Koetje, a builder from the Grand Rapids programs. "People would gladly donate hay, Recker, September normally means the begin- area who owned the hay ground, said he'd but it's always been a problem to get it there," ning of a busy fall harvest season on his 550 acre donate the hay if we could find someone to put he said. "Often we've got people with product operation. It normally means that he also has it up and get it where it was needed," explained and people with a need - all we have to do is get 30,000 square bales stacked away for his 100- Representative John Gernatt (R-McBain). "We the two together." cow dairy operation. But this year has been ended up with different farmers mowing hay, The hay convoy left the McBain area at 9 p.m., anything but normal for Recker. raking hay, and baling hay, while others helped arriving in Iowa at the designated time of 10 haul it in and load it." "This year, we'll be lucky to have about 4,000 a.m. the next morning in Dubuque County. bales by mid-September," said Recker. "We As word got out about the goodwill project, calls Reckers coordinated the drop-off location and had no first cutting at all, and it looks like we'll be started coming in from local businesses and activities. Seventeen grateful Iowa farmers were lucky to get one cutting off this year due to wet other churches on how they could help as well. on hand to greet the semis. ground conditions and lost alfalfa stands." Local trucking firms and businesses donated "You can't buy hay in this area, because it's trucks, tractors, trailers, and drivers for the Thanks to the efforts of several Wexford County simply not available," said Recker. "We're very eight hour drive. Ryder Truck Rental and Star farmers and local businesses near McBain, pleased with the hay we've received from Michi- Truck rental donated semi-trailers for a week to Falmouth, and Marion, hay from Michigan has gan, and it's certainly filling an empty spot for aid the project. been able to provide at least a little bit of relief us. We appreciate getting it." to Recker and 17 of his neighbors in the "We even had a call from a local cement firm As for Recker's corn crop, he estimates it might Dubuque County area. that requested the semis stop by their place on be able to yield 75 percent of normal, provided the way out so they could fill them up with fuel Nearly 40 Michigan farmers, all members of the first frost can be avoided long enough to allow before leaving for Iowa," said Gernatt. "Farm- Prosper Christian Reformed Church, in the crop to reach full maturity. "It's greened up ers from the Dubuque area in Iowa also fur- Falmouth, teamed up to bale the nearly six real well the last two weeks, and it's currently nished fuel to get the trucks back." semi-loads of hay, after property owner John about three weeks behind right now," he said. Koetje made an offer that area farmers could According to Gernatt, trucking, or lack of it, is a "But it all depends on the frost date." not ignore. challenge that can often hinder similar relief RURAL LIVING-FALL 1993 Fact What's in a Bean? Beans are packed with goodness. They are building blocks for good nutrition. The nutri- Beans Across the U.S. The following beans are grown in 14 states anc are available in grocery stores across the coun- Sheet What is a Bean? tional values of the many varieties are very similar. Beans are: • High in dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble) try. • Navy • Great Northern • Pinto • Dark red kidney Beans belong to the family of plants called • Light red kidney • Small red legumes. A legume is a vegetable that is the • High in complex carbohydrates. • Garbanzo • Black seed of a plant having pods. The physical shape • High in protein. of the seed helps distinguish beans from peas • Black-eye • Large lima and lentils. Usually, beans are kidney-shaped or • Low in fat. • Baby lima • Pink oval, peas are round and lentils are flat disks. • Low in sodium. Most dry beans grown in this country belong to History the species phaseolus vulgaris, or common • Free of cholesterol. Beans are one of the oldest foods known to bean. • Rich in vitamins and minerals. humanity; they have been an important part of the human diet for thousands of years. They were one of the earliest food crops cultivated. Bean Up On nutrition When separating the "haves" from the "have blood cells, and keep the digestive and nervous to eight-week period, even if it's a bite or two nots" on the playing field of nutrition, beans line systems healthy. per day. Adding beans to soup or salad is a good up as first-string all-stars. Beans are grouped in way to gradually increase consumption. It is In addition to being high in protein, vitamins and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Guide also important to drink plenty of liquids as bean minerals, beans are loaded with complex carbo- Pyramid with high-protein foods such as meat, intake increases, because fluids aid in the diges- hydrates - a natural, healthy source of energy eggs, poultry and fish and with vitamin rich tion of beans. The key is to continue eating just right for today's active lifestyle. Ounce for vegetables. The double dose of nutrition packed beans once the body's system is adjusted. ounce, complex carbohydrates provide half the into beans makes them a "must have" in the calories of fat. They are absorbed more slowly Nutritional Facts for Cooked Beans daily diet. than simple carbohydrates, such as table sugar Serving size: 1/2 cup (88 grams) Beans are an extremely beneficial component and candy, so beans satisfy hunger for longer Calories: 115 in all diets because they are high in complex periods of time. Calories from fat: 6.75 carbohydrates, protein and dietary fiber, low in Nutrient Amount % Daily Value Adding beans to the diet can help satisfy the fat and sodium, and completely cholesterol- Fat 0.75 g 1 recommended daily allowances of protein, es- free. As little as a half-cup of beans added to the Saturated Fat 0.0 g 0 sential vitamins and minerals, and can help daily diet can be very helpful in reaching impor- Cholesterol 0.0 mg 0 provide energy. tant nutrition goals. Sodium 5.0 mg 0.2 Beans and Fiber Potassium 310.0 mg 9 Packed With Power Beans are one of the best sources of dietary Carbohydrate 23.2 g 8 Beans are packed with nutrition power, includ- fiber, containing both insoluble and soluble fi- Fiber 4.5 g 18 ing protein, vitamins, minerals and complex ber. Insoluble fiber, generally thought of as Sugars 0.0 g 0 carbohydrates. "roughage," that moves quickly through the Protein 8.0 g 16 Protein is an essential nutrient that our bodies digestive system, and is important in our diets Vitamin A 2.0 iu 0 need daily for sound bone, muscle, cartilage, because it helps promote a healthy digestive Vitamin C 1.1 mg 2 blood, skin and proper working of lymph glands. tract and can reduce the risk of some types of Calcium 21.0 mg 2 A constant supply of protein keeps your body cancer. During digestion, soluble fiber forms a Iron 2.7 mg 15 working at peak efficiency. Beans are an excel- gel-like substance which helps the body handle Thiamin 0.15 mg 10 lent source of protein, and are an ideal alterna- fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Soluble Folacin 61.5 mg 15 tive to animal proteins. fiber plays a role in helping to lower blood Magnesium 46.0 mg 11.5 cholesterol levels, one of the main risk factors Copper 0.25 mg 12.5 As members of the vegetable group, beans are for the development of cardiovascular disease. Manganese chock-full of vitamins and minerals. Beans are 0.50 mg 20 Since fiber-rich foods are filling, beans also are rich natural sources of the B-complex vitamins Zinc 1.05 mg 7 helpful in weight control. - thiamin, pyridoxine, niacin and folic acid. These 'Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 vitamins trigger the processes that release en- Beans should be added gradually to the diet calorie diet. These figures are based on ergy from carbohydrate foods, help absorb and with a goal of one-half cup serving per day. the FDA's January 1993 Food Labeling metabolize proteins, help in the formation of red Consumption should be increased over a four- Regulations. RURAL LIVING »FALL 1993 ,. Be1an Smart About Beans two hours to cook. They are also Lima Beans are flat-shaped, called Mexican Bean. Red Kidney creamy white-colored beans that Beans are most often used in chili; have two main varieties: Large Lima popular in salads and with rice. and Baby Lima; smooth, creamy, sweet flavor. Large Limas take one Small Red Beans are dark red to 1-1/2 hours to cook and Baby color; flavor and properties are simi- Limas take one hour to cook. They ,. lar to red kidney, only smaller. They are also called butter beans and are take one to 1-1/2 hours to cook. popular as a vegetable sidedish or Small Red Beans are also called added to soups and casseroles. Mexican Red Beans; hold shape and firmness when cooked, and Black-eyed Beans are medium most often used in soups, salads, size, oval shaped, with black dot on chili, and Creole dishes. creamy skin; subtle, savory flavor and light, smooth texture, and take The Black Beans are medium 30 minutes to one hour to cook. black-skinned ovals; earthy, sweet They are also called black-eyed flavor with a hint of mushrooms, peas; can be cooked without pre- and take 1-1/2 hours to cook. Black Pinto Beans are medium ovals, used in soups and stews; great soaking because they have thin Beans are also called turtle beans, mottled beige and brown color, pureed. skins; and are popular in Southern Mexican black and Spanish black earthy flavor and powdery texture. cuisine. Black-eyed Beans are used They take 1-1/2 to two hours to The Great Northern Bean is me- beans. They are most often used in with rice in dishes such as Hoppin' cook. Pintos are closely related to dium size, white color, oval shape; thick soups or with rice; basic for John, which is traditionally served red kidney beans; when cooked, mild flavored with a powdery tex- many Mexican, Caribbean and Latin in the South on New Year's Day to lose mottling and turn brown. They ture. They take one hour to cook. American soups and side dishes. bring luck. are most often used in refried Great Northern Beans belong to Garbanzo Beans are round, me- beans; great for Tex-Mex and Mexi- the "White Bean" or Haricot bean Pink Beans are small, pale, pink- dium size, beige color; nut-like fla- can bean dishes. family and are most often used in colored; rich, meaty flavor with a vor and firm texture. They take one soups, stews and cassoulet. slightly powdery texture. They take Navy Beans are small white ovals; to 1-1/2 hours to cook. Garbanzo one hour to cook and are related to mild flavored with powdery tex- RedKidneyBeansarelarge, kidney- beans are also called chickpea and the kidney bean; turns reddish ture. Take 1-1/2 to two hours to shaped beans; two varieties: deep are most often used in soups, sal- brown when cooked. Pink Beans cook. Navy beans belong to the reddish-brown (this variety is only ads and Mexican dishes; main in- "White Bean" or Haricot bean fam- are often used in chili; a favorite in available pre-cooked in cans) and gredient in popular Middle Eastern ily. They are most often used in Old West recipes. light red; robust, full-bodied flavor dishes hummus and falafel. pork and beans or baked beans; and soft texture, and take 1-1/2 to RURAL LIVING • FALL 1993 WORRIED FACES O F OUR INSUREDS. Worry? Not them. And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care.1 With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how devastating this can be. But it doesn't have to be this way. With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.3 Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the options available to you. Representing: AMEX Life Assurance Company a subsidiary of TRAVEL RELATED I SERVICES 1. Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 2. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 13, 1990 3. Independent analysts of the insurance industry who base their analysis on financial strength and operating performance. TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPUCATION , PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 2742. Please Print I MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Name Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Address Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 City State ZIP Lansing, M l 48909 Phg_ne_ County RLVG FARM BUREAU ~ ALCONA ~ Shetrl ApsI!f Phone 517-736-995: ALlEGAN AIegan Cony FB Office 61~1 -. ALPENA ANTRM AAENAC ErmaWyfllS t.c8riIwl Parsons Marvi1 Schwab 517-727 -235i 616-547-204: 517~(x HOL/DAY SALE BARRY BAY BENZIE BERRIEN Tom Otto KShy Fedak Bonrie Nney Berrien Cony FB OIIiee 616-795-373l 517-879-232' 616-352-494C 616-473-479' ~ t" . 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Indeed, NAFTA will remove a major Reality: In the last six years, U.S. exports to U.S. health, safety and environmental stan- reason for U.S. companies moving to Mexico Mexico have increased by $31.6 billion, from dards by allowing the U.S. to continue to pro- today: high tariffs, quotas and other non-tariff $12.4 to $44 billion annually. We now have a hibit entry of goods that do not meet U.S. barriers. Failure to pass NAFTA and lower trade trade surplus with Mexico of $8.3 billion. In standards. NAFTA will also allow the parties, barriers would mean U.S. companies would Michigan, exports to Mexico have grown by including states and cities, to enact even tougher have more reasons than ever to move to Mexico, nearly $500 million in the last five years. Mexico standards and encourage NAFT A parties to since its economy is growing faster than that of is our fastest growing market, and has more harmonize their standards upward. the U.S. room to grow - if trade barriers are reduced. Economic development attributed to NAFT A Myth: Labor costs in Mexico are so cheap that Myth: NAFTA's passage will weaken environ- will also provide the Mexican government .. U.S. workers will have to take pay cuts if their companies are to compete. mental standards. with additional resources of environmental protection and environmental infrastructure Reality: In the last two years, Mexico has It. Reality: Although Mexican wages are lower, development. This is a major opportunity for dramatically increased its environmental en- the cost of labor is only one of several variables environmental control technology companies forcement activities, closing permanently or in investment decisions by U.S. manufacturers. in Michigan. temporarily over 1,000 polluting firms, boosting Michigan enjoys clear cOrT]parative advantages its enforcement budget from $6.6 million to $77 in transportation, communications infrastruc- million in 1992, and increasing the number of ture, financial business services, high-quality border area environmental inspectors from 50 and reliable suppliers and an educated, skilled to 200. and productive work force. With the passage of , S.... ccess Sto..ies Detroit Diesel Mexican buses and are beginning to make a the passage of the NAFT A. Detroit Diesel, in Detroit, tops the list of compa- decisive contribution to cleaner air in Mexico John McGill, executive vice-president of the nies now engaged in successful trade with City," said Doughtery. Michigan Bean Shippers Association, also sees Mexico. Since Detroit Diesel has been trading a possible boom in Michigan's black bean trade Co-Op Elevator Company with Mexico, it has seen a steady increase in Ted Leipprandt, marketing specialist from Co- with Mexico. McGill said that Mexicans con- sales and employment here in Michigan. Ac- op Elevator Company in Pigeon, MI. said that sume an average of 35 pounds of beans per cording to Ursel Dougherty, vice president of Co-op's trade with Mexico has helped add to person each year, compared to 6.8 pounds in business development and corporate affairs for Michigan's job base. If not for Co-Op's trade the U.S. However, Mexico traditionally has been the Penske Corporation - parent company of contract with Mexico, the company wouldn't unable to grow enough beans to satisfy its Detroit Diesel- Detroit Diesel's sales to Mexico have built its bean plant in Pigeon. "The addition domestic demand. ''If we were allowed, we in 1992 were in excess of $65 million. of the (Pigeon) bean plant has increased our could ship twice as many black beans to That's an increase of 80 percent over 1991 staff by 10 percent and has maintained those Mexico," said McGill. sales. Dougherty said, "A large portion of the full time jobs since it opened in 1981," said increase in our sales to Mexico is related to the Leipprandt. Detroit Diesel heavy-duty, low-emission elec- tronic diesel engine which now holds 26 per- Along with adding em- Michigan's Top Ten Exports to Mexico ployees, Leipprandt in Millions cent of the heavy truck market in the United said that trade with States." Mexico has helped the 816 Along with increasing its sales, Detroit Diesel local farmers who sell has added Michigan workers. According to beans through Co-Op. Dougherty, total employment at Detroit Diesel Farmers in the Thumb increased seven percent in 1992 compared to area used to grow only 110 Electronics 1990. Employment directly related to the pinto beans, but now company's Mexican business increased 46 black beans, red kid- percent. Company officials say 26 percent of neys, and Great I *' 45 Primary Metal Products Chemicals the increase in total new jobs at Detroit Diesel Northerns are also be- is due to business with Mexico during the past ing farmed for sale to two years. Mexico. According to Leipprandt, the black 28 Textiles In addition to Detroit Diesel's increase in sales bean industry has flour- 28 Furniture and expansion of its Michigan work force, De- ished since Co-Op troit Diesel has made a considerable contribu- started trading with 22 TechJMedicallnstruments tion to the environment. "Detroit Diesel en- Mexico. The trade gines, both our low-emission diesel and, lately, would increase with 0 200 400 600 800 1000 our alternative fuel engines, increasingly power Soiree: u.s. Department of Coomeree G-D7 RURAL LIVING. FALL 1993 You can leave your children more than A future that includes college, a paid-off just your good looks. mortgage. and enough money to keep the With a plan from Farm Bureau Life family together. r Insurance Company of Michigan, you can You live on in your children ... and in the leave them the kind of future you want them life insurance you leave behind. Call your to have. Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. __ FARM BVREAV MAKING YOUR FUTURE • __ @ INSVRANCE MORE PREDICTABLE fARM BUREAU MUTUAL • fARM BUREAU LIFE • fARM BUREAU GENERAL • FB ANNUITY Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine P.O. Box 30960 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, MI 48909