Marketing Resource Group: the Tom Shields-owned Political/PR Firm is a Slave to Ilitch/Malik Affiliates

Tom Shields founded Marketing Resource Group (MRG), a Lansing, Michigan-based political marketing and public relations firm, in 1979. The firm is closely identified with Republican interests but overriding that are the interests of Detroit’s Ilitch Family and their associate Michael J. Malik, Sr.

Mike & Marian Ilitch appear annually on Forbe’s list of 400 Richest Americans. Currently Forbes estimate’s their net worth at $2 billion. The Ilitches are co-founders of Little Caesars pizza. He owns the Detroit Tigers MLB franchise and she owns MotorCity Casino. Together they own the Detroit Red Wings NHL franchise and numerous other affiliates under the Ilitch Holdings, Inc., umbrella. With Malik, they’ve pursued gaming opportunities in Michigan as well as New York, California & Hawaii.

Shields/MRG were among a stable of consultants who planned and executed a secretly funded last minute advertising blitz in 1996 credited with winning voter approvals for Detroit's three Las Vegas-style gambling halls.  Currently Shields is spokesperson and attack dog for a so-called "coalition" of undisclosed interests bankrolling plans for the proposed New International Trade Crossing (NITC), a second international bridge that would link Detroit with Windsor, Canada. Ilitch,. Malik and the portfolio of Ilitch brands are conspicuously absent from that battle; nevertheless, Shields is front and center.

The following is a list of clients posted on Marketing Resource Groups website. Those in bold are believed to be Ilitch/Malik affiliates and related. For at least a decade, Malik/Ilitch affiliates likely represent the overwhelming majority of MRG’s revenues. Shields is certainly obligated to get their blessing for any client that is not affiliated.

MARKETING RESOURCE GROUP CLIENT LIST

Clients	Website links
BarWest Gaming, L.L.C.
Bay Mills Community College	www.bmcc.edu
Bay Mills Indian Community	www.4baymills.com/index.html
Border Crossing Labs	bordercrossinglabs.com
Coca- Cola Operations North America	Coca-Cola Website
Continental Aluminum	www.continentalaluminum.com
Detroit Red Wings	www.hockeytown.com
Detroit Tigers	http://tigers.mlb.com
Gateway Casino Resorts, L.L.C.
Hawaii Entertainment L.L.C.
Ilitch Holdings	www.ilitchholdings.com
Insurance Institute of Michigan	www.iiminfo.org
John Moolenaar for State Senate
Kennecott Minerals Company	www.kennecottminerals.com
Lauren Hager for State Senate
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Michigan Association of Public School Academies	www.charterschools.org
Michigan Deer and Elk Farmers Association
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Michigan Township Association
Minerals Processing Corporation	www.backfortympc.com
MotorCity Casino	www.motorcitycasino.com
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians	http://www.nhbpi.com/
Nestle Waters North America	www.perriergroup.com
Packaging Corporation of America	www.packagingcorp.com
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians	www.pokagon.com
Renegade Charters L.L.C.	www.renegadechartersmanistee.com
Republic Services
Safe-Travel L.L.C.	www.safe-travel.com
Shinnecock Indian Nation	www.shinnecocknation.com
Thomas More Law Center	www.thomasmore.org
Wolverine Pipe Line Company -	www.wolverinepipeline.net

Blogger's Note:  In Hawaii, several lobbyists and lobbying organizations have been retained by Tom Shields' Marketing Resource Group.  It is understood that MRG has retained John Radcliffe, Radcliffe & Associates, Capitol Consultants of Hawaii and George A. "Red" Morris to represent the interests of Shields' client, a Detroit casino syndicate organized by Michael Malik and Marian Ilitch.  That syndicate has pursued various schemes that would allow them to develop and operate a Waikiki casino.  TVT and others believe it's likely that MRG is also the source of funding for a pro-gambling front group that suddenly appeared in Honolulu earlier this year, the so-called "Citizens" for a Better Way, LLC.

Ilitch Hires Larson for Downtown Detroit Development

GlobeSt.com - Ilitch Hires Larson for Downtown Development

10.25.2011

By Robert Carr

Eric Larson | Olympia Development

DETROIT-Ilitch Holdings Inc. has hired Eric Larson, CEO of Bloomfield Hills, MI-based Larson Realty Group, as head of its property group. Mike Ilitch, the founder of the Little Caesars pizza franchise, holds one of the largest portfolios of downtown property through subsidiary Olympia Development.

Ilitch’s son Atanas stepped down as president of Olympia Development in mid-June to “focus on private outside business ventures.” Olympia is known for the redevelopment of the Fox Theatre, the Hockeytown Café and the development of Comerica Park, the Detroit Tigers baseball stadium.

Olympia also has the lease on the Joe Louis Arena, the Detroit Red Wings hockey arena downtown. There was talk this past year of Ilitch possibly building a new stadium downtown if the purchase of the Detroit Pistons basketball team went through, but the team was instead bought by Los Angeles-based billionaire Tom Gores. Olympia continues a short-term lease of the 32-year-old Joe Louis Arena, and Ilitch has been mum on future plans.

Larson will head the Olympia Development team, but he hires on only as an executive real estate consultant, and will maintain his private real estate firm. With more than 25 years experience, he previously worked for Hines and Bruce S. Brickman & Associates Inc. before joining his father, the late Robert Larson, a former CEO of Taubman Centers Inc...

Forbes says Ilitch worth $2 Billion; Ranking #212 among Richest Americans, #5 Richest in Michigan

Forbes 400 | #212 M/M Ilitch

Forbes' 2011 List of 400 Richest Americans is out. The net worth of Detroit's Michael and Marian Ilitch is valued at $2 billion.  That's up from $1.7 billion in September 2010.  They are ranked #212 on the 2011 List of Richest Americans -- climbing 26 spots from 2010 (#238).

According to Forbes:

A stagnant economy continues to benefit Michael and Marian Ilitch's Little Caesar's chain, which sells $5 pizzas to penny-pinching consumers. Revenues are picking up at Marian's MotorCity Casino after a flat 2010. The Ilitch clan passed on the chance to buy the Detroit Pistons, but Mike's Detroit Tigers are in first place in the AL Central. Next up: a new downtown hockey arena for the Red Wings.

They share the #212 ranking with Neil Bluhm, John Catsimatidis, Edward DeBartolo Jr., Doris Fisher, Gordon Getty, Mark Pincus, Stewart & Lynda Resnick, J. Christopher Reyes, Jude Reyes, Eduardo Saverin, Richard Schulze, Ted Turner, Romesh T. Wadhwami and Kelcy Warren.

Forbes ranks Mr. & Mrs. Ilitch as the 5th richest in Michigan behind Richard DeVos, Frederik G.H. Meijer, Al Taubman and Ronda Stryker.

2011 Forbes 400 List - #212 Michael & Marian Ilitch

See also:

• Ilitch affiliate retains former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato's lobbying firm to push New York Casino plans for Shinnecock
• Ilitch Family Amasses Debt for Sports, Entertainment & Gambling Affiliates
• UPDATED: 165+ Affiliates of Detroit Casino Syndicators Michael Malik & Mrs. Marian Ilitch
• Scandal Continues to Plague Political and Lobbying Activities of Detroiters Bankrolling Shinnecock Casino Plans
• Who Really Paid D.C. Lobbyists $5.6 Million? Poor Impoverished Tribes? "Investors" With Their Own Financial Woes?

Detroit's Ilitch Family Could Spend $1 Billion+ on Shinnecock Casinos

Ilitch teams with tribe on N.Y. casinos: Long Island plans could top $1 billion
10.19.2010

by Bill Shea

The Ilitches' high-profile pursuit of the Detroit Pistons and plan to build a downtown arena could be dwarfed financially by the family's quiet effort that could top $1 billion to construct casinos for an American Indian tribe on New York's Long Island.

Marian Ilitch, sole owner of MotorCity Casino and matriarch of the family whose fortune is built from the Little Caesar Enterprises Inc. pizza chain she co-founded in 1959, has a casino development deal with the Southampton, N.Y.-based Shinnecock Indian Nation, which recently said it may build up to three casinos now that it has official federal recognition.

Even if the tribe builds just one hotel-casino, because it will serve New York it's expected to be significantly larger than MotorCity, for which Ilitch financed the purchase and expansion for $600 million. A trio of casinos could each still be as large as or even larger than the Detroit property.

MotorCity reported $446 million in 2009 revenue and had 2010 revenue of $333.5 million through September.

"The location will dictate the size of the casino, but it certainly will be larger than the operation at MotorCity," said Tom Shields, owner and president of Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group Inc. and spokesman for Ilitch and her partner in the casino effort, Birmingham developer Mike Malik.

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs this month rejected final objections to its acknowledgment of the Shinnecock
as a federally recognized American Indian tribe -- one seeking to build a casino, with Ilitch financial backing, to improve the lives of its roughly 1,200 members. They live on about 800 acres, mainly in mobile homes.

Such formal recognition, which the Shinnecock tribe first sought in 1978, is needed to open an Indian-run casino under federal law. It also makes the tribe eligible for federal housing, health and education funding.

Ilitch and Malik have been working with the tribe since 2003 on plans to build and operate a casino in Long Island's upscale Suffolk County -- an area better known as the Hamptons.

Casinos could be built elsewhere on the island to serve a wider population.

Ilitch and Malik are partners in Gateway Casino Resorts LLC and Gateway Funding Associates LLC, the businesses working with the tribe. They are headquartered in Detroit's Fox Theatre, whose offices are home to Ilitch Holdings Inc. and other Ilitch-owned ventures.

Additional state and federal legal, environmental and regulatory approvals are needed before a casino project can start -- something industry insiders have said is a long process with no guarantees and in which longer-recognized New York tribes have been mired for years.

The tribe prefers to negotiate with authorities to build a more lucrative Class III casino, which allows table games in addition to video slot machines under federal law. A Class III casino must share revenue with the state.

Ilitch and Malik will give the tribe financing and guidance on development and operations, Shields said. How much they'll be paid, and how much of a cut of the casino revenue they'll get, isn't yet known.

There is no timeline for the development, Shields added, noting that it's expected to take several years to get approvals and finish construction.

Beverly Jensen, communications officer for the tribe, declined to comment.

Casino spending

Malik and Ilitch have worked on casino efforts in Port Huron and Manistee and in Hawaii and California, but none have reached the stage of the New York project.

Expenditures on the Long Island effort have been significant.

Through Gateway, Ilitch and Malik paid Arlington, Va.-based lobbying firm Wheat Government Relationsmore than $1 million since 2003 to push for federal recognition for the Shinnecock, records show.

The casino project still needs the approval of New York's governor and Legislature.

Gateway hired Washington D.C.-based Mercury Public Affairs to lobby state government on behalf of the casino. The firm reportedly has met with New York Gov. David Paterson and state legislative leaders to discuss the gambling plan.

A comprehensive anonymous website, TheVerifiableTruth.com, for several years has tracked news and public records linked to Ilitch and Malik's casino ventures, and it shows that they have donated money to political candidates in positions to influence the tribal recognition or other casino-related issues.

The tribe's federal recognition suggests it was money well spent and eventually might result in new cash flow for the Ilitch empire.

In the meantime, the Ilitches will be conscious of the dangers of over-leveraging themselves, sports insiders say.

"All sports properties are acutely aware of not burdening themselves with debt," said Maury Brown, president of Portland, Ore.-based Business of Sports Network, which includes websites devoted to the business side of pro sports.

Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, bshea@crain.com

Detroit's Ilitch Family To Develop Casinos with New York's Shinnecock Indian Nation

Shinnecock Indian Nation to Build Casinos
10.17.2010

THE SOUTHAMPTON, L.I.-BASED SHINNECOCK INDIAN NATION HAS TEAMED UP with the wealthy Ilitch family—which built its fortune through the Little Caesars pizza chain and which owns MotorCity Casino—to fund its casino ambitions, according to Crain's Detroit Business. The Shinnecocks, who were recently recognized by the federal government as an American Indian tribe, said they may build up to three casinos on Long Island to improve the lives of their 1,200 members, who live in mobile homes on about 800 acres adjacent to the upscale Hamptons. The tribe has been looking for potential sites since 2003, and it's in talks with private developers and community leaders.

Blogger's Note: Somehow the poor impoverished Shinnecock people came up with $1,250,000 it paid to D.C. lobbyists to win federal recognition and advance Gateway Casino Resorts' schemes for Long Island. Gateway paid an additional $1,085,000 to D.C. lobbyists for a total of $1,905,000 reportedly paid to  D.C. lobbyists.  Malik & the Ilitch family also contributed more than $1,200,000 to Members of Congress and their various affiliated campaign committees and PACs.

Ilitch makes rare TV appearance; takes credit for whatever's good in Detroit right now

Christopher Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. made a rare appearance on CNBC this week. The Ilitch family had hoped their Detroit Red Wings would win the 2009 Stanley Cup and Little Caesars pizza is celebrating its 50th annivesary. Ilitch appears to be Detroit's only voice of optimism these days. He's a one man band when it comes to promoting Detroit. He claims his family's business are the one thing that brings hope to Detroiters otherwise terminal economy.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Ilitch Assault & Battery arrest tied to latest lawsuit alleging Ilitch Conspiracy

from the archives of the

8.12.04

ILITCH SON PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO ABUSE

Frank Witsil
Free Press Staff Writer

Ron Ilitch, one of Detroit Red Wings and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch's sons, was arraigned Wednesday and charged with two counts of domestic violence for allegedly twice beating his former girlfriend, Lisa Wood, at his Troy home.

Wood of West Bloomfield told police Ron Ilitch also assaulted her in Aurora, Colo., on July 10.

Police said the Michigan incidents occurred on June 24 and Aug. 1. Ron Ilitch was released Wednesday on bond of $10,000 after pleading not guilty in 52-4 District Court in Troy. Bond conditions included counseling for substance abuse and no contact with Wood.

"There is a lot I don't know yet," said Ilitch's attorney Harold Fried.

However, he said, in domestic violence allegations, there often is more than one version of events.

Each charge is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail, police said.

According to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, Ilitch and Wood argued at Ilitch's Troy home on Caitlin Court on June 24. He allegedly hit her, causing bruising and a swollen eye and hand. She initially did not report the incident, said Charles Claus, warrants division chief with the prosecutor's office.

Later, they went on vacation to Colorado, Claus said. On the way, they stopped at Valley Community Hospital in Peru, Ill., where Wood was treated for her injuries, Claus said.

On July 10, Wood reported she was assaulted again, Aurora Police Detective Larry Martinez said.

On Aug. 1, after the couple returned, Wood told police she was assaulted a third time.

She said Ilitch hit her in both arms. She ran from the house to a neighbor's home, called Troy police and went to a local hospital for treatment, Claus said.

Wood could not be reached for comment. Ilitch is due back in court Sept. 16.

Mike Ilitch founded Little Caesars pizza restaurant in suburban Detroit in 1959. The family's business holdings now include the Detroit Red Wings, the Tigers, the Fox Theatre and Hockeytown Cafe.

NOTE: Ron Ilitch would ultimately plea "No Contest" to these charges.

Desperate to attract guests; MotorCity Casino throwing in Red Wings tickets, transportation

According to the Website gadling.com, MotorCity Casino is giving away Detroit Red Wings tickets in travel packages designed to entice guests to stay at the one-year-old 400-room MotorCity Casino Hotel:

Detroit's Greektown and MotorCity Casino are not doing as well as last year. Either are Indiana's. This is the time to look to these places for vacation deals. At MotorCity Casino there are overnight packages that include a variety of perks like food credit and Red Wing hockey game tickets.

And an article published on 1.25.09 in the Columbus Dispatch confirms the Red Wings ticket give-away too:

You know the economy is in bad shape when Americans stop gambling.

Like just about every other industry, casinos have taken a big hit recently...

Detroit's Greektown Casino filed for bankruptcy protection in the spring. Revenue was down more than 7 percent at the casino last year. Revenue was also down at Detroit's MotorCity Casino by more than 3 percent in 2008...

MotorCity Casino in Detroit is offering several overnight room packages for $149 with a $50 food credit, $159 with two $30 gaming vouchers or $179 with two tickets to a Red Wings hockey game, including a shuttle to Joe Louis Arena...

Michael Ilitch and his wife Marian are owners of the Stanley Cup winning Detroit Red Wings NHL franchise and their company Olympia Entertainment retains the management contract for Joe Louis Arena. Marian Ilitch is the owner of Detroit's struggling MotorCity Casino. Ilitch Holdings, Inc. is the umbrella company for all Ilitch owned enterprises. Among other companies in the Ilitch Holdings family are also the Detroit Tigers and Little Casesar Enterprises, Inc.

During a recent six-week period, Moody's twice downgraded the credit ratings for Ilitch-owned CCM Merger, Inc., a parent of MotorCity Casino. In 2005, Ilitch financed the acquisition as well as renovation/expansion of MotorCity Casino through borrowing/offerings totalling at least $1 billion. The new credit rating, "Caa," implies investments in the casino parent are now "judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high default risk."

In September 2008, Ilitch injected $25 million in cash into the casino venture to escape a violation of lending covenants (debt-to-EBTIDA ratios). But at the end of 2008, when 4th quarter disclosures were made, it was revealed CCM Merger had violated those loan covenants. As a remedy, Ilitch is seeking to amend those lending covenants, loosening the debt-to-EBTIDA ratios -- apparently higher now than it was during the $300 million construction project. However, investors are demanding Ilitch inject further cash into the casino company and oppose amending the loan covenants.

Revenues reported by MotorCity Casino in 2008 were the lowest reported since 2005 -- before the gambling hall was expanded and a 400-room hotel addition was complete. And in December 2008 alone, MotorCity Casino's revenues fell 11.5%.

MotorCity Casino Hotel: Detroit Red Wings Package

Lawsuit alleges Ilitch, agents committed Conspiracy following 2004 Assault & Battery incidents

Lisa Wood, a Harrison Township (MI) woman, has filed a five count lawsuit in Wayne County's 3rd Circuit Court against Little Caesar Enterprises Inc., Michael Ilitch, his son Ronald Ilitch and including allegations of Breach of Contract, Negligence and Conspiracy. (Lisa Wood v. Little Caesar Enterprises, Michael Ilitch, et al; Case No. 08-018537-CZ).

The conspiracy claims appear to be directly related to an 8.01.04 domestic violence incident in which Troy Police were called to the Caitlin Court home of Ron Ilitch. When police arrived on the scene that day they were unable to locate Ilitch. Newspaper accounts report he was later arrested and charged with two counts of assault and battery.

As reported on 8.12.04 in the Detroit Free Press that call to police was the culmination of a series of domestic violence incidents:

"According to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, Ilitch and Wood argued at Ilitch's Troy home on Caitlin Court on June 24. He allegedly hit her, causing bruising and a swollen eye and hand. She initially did not report the incident, said Charles Claus, warrants division chief with the prosecutor's office.

"Later, they went on vacation to Colorado, Claus said. On the way, they stopped at Valley Community Hospital in Peru, Ill., where Wood was treated for her injuries, Claus said.

"On July 10, Wood reported she was assaulted again, Aurora Police Detective Larry Martinez said.

"On Aug. 1, after the couple returned, Wood told police she was assaulted a third time.

"She said Ilitch hit her in both arms. She ran from the house to a neighbor's home, called Troy police and went to a local hospital for treatment, Claus said."

Ron Ilitch plead "No Contest" to the 2004 assault and battery case.

This new lawsuit brought by Wood against Little Caesars, Mike Ilitch, and others alleges that Wood had been working with the Ilitches and Ilitch affiliates and agents on a new concept for their pizza businesses and that agreements had been executed to compensate Wood for her efforts.

However, as the complaint expresses, after the series of domestic violence incidents and Wood’s call to Troy police, the Ilitches and their agents took part in a conspiracy to cover up crime scene evidence and also destroy any evidence of their existing contractual relationship.

Following the 8.01.04 beating incident, Wood apparently was not personally allowed to return to Ron Ilitch’s home to retrieve her personal belongings. She says her copies of the executed agreements were among her things in the Ilitch home.

The complaint suggests that in the days immediately following the third beating, even authorities were blocked entry to the home. Wood believes Ilitch family members and their agents were working to clean up and destroy crime scene evidence in order to conceal the full extent of the crimes committed by Ron Ilitch; and that the Ilitches and their agents rifled through her personal belongings to locate and destroy the contracts and other things.

Wood believes the Ilitch crew intended to sever the contractual relationships they had previously executed with her to the point of deniability. Wood says in doing so, the Ilitches and their agents took her rightful property and robbed her of evidence to pursue legal remedies.

Although some previous news accounts wrongly suggest Ron Ilitch is not affiliated with any of the Ilitch family enterprises; in fact, since 1999 Ronald Ilitch has been a Director and Vice President of the Ilitch family's Seven I's Inc. (See: Seven I's Coporate Records) And according to Wikipedia, Ronald Ilitch was included as a "minority owner" on the Stanley Cup's Champions Roster in 2002 & 2008.

According to an Appearance document filed in this latest case, attorneys Irwin Alterman (Kemp Klein Law Firm) and Harold S. Fried (Fried Saperstein Abbatt PC) are representing the defendants.

Harold Fried represented Ron Ilitch in the 2004 assault & battery case and other actions. Following Ron Ilitch's 2004 arrest & arraignment, Fried saw to it that the matter was conducted outside of a public forum.

Fried has repeatedly represented members of the Ilitch family and several of Ilitch’s Detroit Red Wings players in potentially high profile or criminal cases during the last two decades.

Archived News Coverage of the 2004 Assault and Battery Incident:

• Ilitch Son Arrested, Charged With Assaulting Ex
• Ilitch's Son Wanted For Questioning About Fight
• Police are investigating possible domestic assault
• Ilitch Son Arraigned
• Ilitch's eldest son charged with assault and battery
• Ilitch Son Pleads Not Guilty to Abuse

List of Ilitch/Malik affiliates updated to include these 29 additional entities

TVT has added the following to the comprehensive list of companies and affiliates maintained by and for Detroit's Ilitch family (Mike & Marian Ilitch) and Michael J. Malik, Sr., their casino and real estate partner:

Ballpark Operations Management, Inc.
Blue Water Equities, L.L.C.
Caesar Fund Inc.
CB Property Holdings, Inc. (Charlotte Beach Real Estate)
Christopher P. Ilitch Revocable Trust
Detroit Tigers Latin American Operations, Inc.
Downriver Properties & Land Development, Inc. (Ronald Ilitch)
J.R. Michigan LLC (Johnny Rockets)
Lakeland Tigers Food Service, Inc.
LC/CS Westland Inc. (Little Caesars/Chicken Shack)
Michael Ilitch Trust
Michael J. Malik, Sr. Revocable Living Trust
M & M Realty Holdings, LLC
M & M Realty Holdings II, LLC
MLC Financial Corporation
MM Holdings, LLC
MM Annuity I, LLC
MM Annuity II, LLC
MM Family Mineral Ventures, LLC (Malik Family)
MMI Holdings LLC
MRS Holding Company, LLC
Northern Michigan Food Services Company
Olympia Building Corp.
PKC, L.L.C.
Ren Cen 4 Theaters, Inc.
Seven I's Inc. (est. 1978)
Seven I's Realty Holdings, LLC (est. 2007)
Tres Vite, Inc.
TS Ventures (Twist & Shout Gourmet Pretzels)

It is worth noting that Seven I's Inc., established in 1978, is the only Ilitch affiliate that TVT is aware of which includes Mike and Marian Ilitch and each of their seven children in executive and board capacities.

Mike serves as Seven I's President and Marian as its Secretary/Treasurer. Each of the Ilitch's seven children is both a Vice President and Director of Seven I's: Denise D. Ilitch, Ronald Tyrus Ilitch, Michael C. Ilitch, Jr., Lisa M. Ilitch Murray, Atanas Ilitch (born Thomas Ilitch), Christopher Paul Ilitch (CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.) and Carole M. Ilitch Trepeck. (See: Report of Officers and Directors).

TVT wishes to express its regards and thanks to all those who forwarded tips and details that contributed to this update.

See: Comprehensive Compiled List of Affiliates

2002 Article sheds light on Ilitch involvement with Port Huron Casino bid

An article originally published on 10.23.02 in the Detroit News sheds light on the Ilitch Family's involvement with plans to build a Bay Mills Indian Community Casino in Port Huron, Michigan:

Pizza matriarch takes on casino roles
Marian Ilitch lobbies to legalize gambling in Hawaii, helps Port Huron gaming effort

...Al Sebastian, a spokesman for Ilitch Holdings Inc., parent company of Little Caesar Enterprises Inc. and other family endeavors said, "She has been successful in Detroit, and she's looking to duplicate that success elsewhere."

Some Detroit casino interests are in a lather about the prospect of a Port Huron casino. But Ilitch, 69, has merely played matchmaker between members of the Bay Mills Indian Community -- with whom she has had a relationship for about 10 years -- and federal lawmakers who ultimately will vote on the St. Clair County project, Sebastian said.

"We would do that for any group, whether it concerns proposed casinos, entertainment efforts or sporting events," Sebastian said...

The Port Huron question
Back home, Ilitch assistance, however tangential, with the Port Huron casino proposal and the Bay Mills tribe could raise eyebrows. Some Detroit casino interests think Port Huron is too far away to significantly dent their business, but others like MotorCity investor Tom Celani and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick contend the casino would take revenues from Detroit casinos -- and the city of Detroit.

Michigan Gov. John Engler and the Bay Mills tribe reached a settlement by which Bay Mills would drop a land claim in the Upper Peninsula if it were allowed to open a casino in Port Huron.

Sebastian confirmed that Marian and daughter Denise attended an Oct. 10 hearing called to discuss legislation allowing the Port Huron deal to proceed. But he said the main reason for the trip was to show off the Stanley Cup trophy won by the Red Wings to legislators.

"Marian and Denise Ilitch observed the hearings, but did not participate,"

Celani, a 10 percent shareholder in MotorCity, said a study by Detroit casinos showed that a Port Huron rival could cost the city of Detroit up to $20 million a year in tax revenues.

"We're disappointed," said Celani, who also co-owns a Harley-Davidson dealership in Farmington Hills. "Why should anybody in Detroit promote anything within a 150-mile radius? It doesn't make sense."

The city of Detroit could have a say, ultimately. Agreements with each of Detroit's three casinos prevent them from owning a piece of another casino within 150 miles.
Ilitch spokesman Sebastian said Celani's concerns are unfounded. "There is no ownership because there is no casino," Sebastian said of Ilitch's role. "It is not an issue."

But Ilitch believes that a Port Huron casino would help Metro Detroit.

"It's a good proposal that will help the tribe, Port Huron and the state if approved," Sebastian said.

"Members of our organization [Michael J. Malik, Sr.] have had a relationship with Bay Mills for 10 years," Sebastian said. "We had initial discussions about casinos before the Detroit casinos opened." At one time, Bay Mills wanted to build a casino near the Fox Theatre.

Recently "the tribe came to our organization to ask for our assistance to open doors for their proposed casino project in Port Huron," Sebastian said. "We introduced some of their members to a number of public officials in Washington, D.C."

In 2001, 54 percent of city voters approved a proposal to build a Port Huron casino.

Ilitch hasn't leaped at every casino opportunity, though. In 1999, she, along with Celani [and Michael Malik], was part of a group that would manage Little River Casino in Manistee. But Ilitch left the group. Ilitch and Celani are the two biggest local investors in Detroit casinos.

Other Detroiters are watching Port Huron developments.

The head of a group of about 100 Metro Detroiters owning 12 percent of MotorCity Casino has asked Ilitch about Port Huron. Ilitch has assured Vivian Carpenter, president of Atwater Entertainment Associates, that her children have no ownership interest in Port Huron, and that Marian Ilitch isn't violating a pact prohibiting the ownership of another casino within 150 miles...

Ilitch Family casino and development partner Michael J. Malik, Sr., and several entities he's affiliated with (Blue Water Resorts, MJM Enterprises, Blue Water Resorts Manager, Inc) are tied directly to the Bay Mills Indian casino scheme.

Seven I's Inc., another lesser known Ilitch Family enterprise

Seven I's Inc. is an enterprise owned by the Ilitch Family. Seven I's appears to own a number of the Little Caesars Pizza stores across the U.S. that aren't otherwise franchised. (See: Mantra Vital Info).

According to the most recent corporate information filed with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Michael Ilitch is President and Marian Ilitch is Secretary/Treasurer and each of their seven children is a Vice President. However, siblings Denise, Mike Jr., Ron and Lisa Ilitch Murray are Directors of the enterprise.

John Kotlar, Vice President of Tax Affairs at Ilitch Holdings, Inc., is the resident agent for Seven I's Inc. and numerous other Ilitch Family affiliates.

Attorney Joseph H. Ehrlich filed articles of organization last year forming a related Ilitch Family entity, Seven I's Realty Holdings, LLC. Ehrlich represented Marian Ilitch in her successful 2005 bid to acquire 100% ownership of MotorCity Casino. (Ehrlich and Ilitch are pictured here in a photograph snapped at a 2005 MGCB hearing)

Ehrlich's law firm is Ehrlich, Foley & Serwer PC. His partner William Serwer acts as corporate attorney for other affiliates of Marian Ilitch and her casino gaming partner Michael J. Malik, Sr.

A collection of Ilitch affiliates with revenues reported at $1.6 billion only spends $14,000 lobbying in Lansing?

Who are they kidding?

Michigan’s Secretary of State maintains a free, online searchable data base with access to information required to be reported routinely under Michigan’s Lobby Registration Act.

That makes it easy for organizations like the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (mcfn.org) to publish, among other things, an annual list of Michigan’s Top 200 Lobbyists. In 2007, those 200 lobbyists each reported spending between $33,700 and $1.4 million on advocacy. In all, Michigan lobbyists reported spending $32.1 million in 2007.

But take a look at that list. You won’t find Ilitch Holdings, Inc., ranked 300th on Forbes' List of America's Largest Private Companies, on that list of Michigan's Top 200 Lobbyists -- nor will you find any of a dozen plus other major Ilitch affiliates including Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Little Caesars Pizza, MotorCity Casino, Olympia Development, Olympia Entertainment, Uptown Entertainment, etc..

In fact, while Ilitch Holdings, Inc. reports its collection of Michigan-based companies has annual combined revenues totaling $1.6 billion or more; the same collection of companies reported spending just $27,650 on State lobbying activity over almost two years. And then consider that, based on information available at OpenSecrets.org, these same people and their partner contributed more than $234,000 to federal political candidates and committees during the same two years – and many of those contributions are capped at $2,300 each.

Considering the mountain of tax and regulatory policy, alone, that is under consideration in Lansing at any given time -- matters which could have very positive or very negative impacts on any number of Ilitch affiliates that span the range from sports, gaming and entertainment ventures to hospitality and food service enterprises to major real estate management contracts and development projects -- it’s curious that only two of the Ilitch affiliates have registered their lobbying activity; and even more curious that, in total, they report having spent less than $14,000 per year on lobbying expenses. Now ... take a moment to recognize that such an amount represents less than 1.5 weeks worth of work by a $250 an hour attorney/lobbyist.

Who are they trying to fool?

Ilitch names cousin as president of family's food distribution service

From a press release issued 10.06.08

Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, an Ilitch-owned company and one of the largest nationwide food service systems distributors in the U.S., today named industry veteran Matthew Ilitch as president of the company. The appointment was announced by Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

"Matt has tremendous experience in the industry," said Christopher Ilitch. "He knows the food service business inside and out and he recognizes the important role Blue Line plays in the success of its many customers. His understanding of the industry and our organization will serve him well and allow him to continue guiding the tremendous growth at Blue Line."

In his new role, Matt Ilitch will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of the distribution company. He will report to Christopher Ilitch.

Matt Ilitch has over 30 years of combined experience at Little Caesars Pizza and Blue Line. Previously, he was vice president of Operations & Distribution for Blue Line. (Complete Press Release)

Focus on the Family suggests boycott of Ilitch Holdings brands

As published by Focus On The Family at CitizenLink.org:

Pizza! Pizza! Casino! Casino!

Before you order another pizza from Little Caesar's, consider the following: Marian Ilitch and her husband, Michael Ilitch — Michigan residents — are the founders and owners of Little Caesar's Pizza chain. They also own the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers (see Ilitch Holdings). Nothing wrong here, as eating pizza and attending sports events are great family activities.

Unfortunately, the Ilitch's are also partners in putting up the money for a casino bid by New York's Shinnecock tribe, and Marian Ilitch recently won state approval to become sole owner of Motorcity Casino in Detroit. Something is wrong here. Gambling exploits children and adults, ultimately destroying families.

The Ilitch's are sending a mixed message: they are supporting family-friendly activities while investing in an industry that exploits people and ruins families.

Maybe Michigan citizens should send them a clear message: "We don't fund gambling ventures through family-oriented activities."

Contact Little Caesar's and encourage Marian and Michael Ilitch not to support anti-family industries like gambling.

What's up in Nashville?

What's got the Ilitch Gulfstream shuttling back and forth between Detroit and Nashville?

The Ilitch corporate jet, a Gulfstream II that sports the Little Ceasars Pizza logo on its tail, made shuttle flights between Detroit's Metropolitan Airport and Nashville International on April 14th, 16th and 20th before heading to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan outside of Denver, Colorado on April 29th.

Mike Malik and Marian Ilitch: noteworthy, not huge

11.25.07

Two noteworthy casino entrepreneurs


MARIAN BAYOFF ILITCH
Born: 1933

Personal: Graduated from Fordson High in Dearborn. Married to Mike Ilitch; six children.

Professional: She and Mike opened first Little Caesars restaurant in Garden City in 1959. They own the Little Caesars pizza chain, a food distribution network, the Fox Theatre, Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings. She was investor in MotorCity Casino when it opened and purchased it outright in 2005.


Marian Ilitch, owner of MotorCity Casino, is one of Michigan's wealthiest women.



MICHAEL MALIK
Born: 1954

Personal: Born in Detroit, avid hunter, has lived in Grosse Pointe Shores and now Birmingham.

Professional: A real estate developer and broker, he also owns MJM Enterprises and Development, which has various casino projects, has been involved in American Indian gaming since the 1980s and teamed with Atwater Entertainment in 1996 to support passage of statewide proposal allowing three casinos to be built in Detroit.

Ilitch Holdings hires director of communications

10.24.07

Haselhuhn Joins Ilitch Holdings as Director of Communications

DETROIT/PRNewswire/ -- The appointment of Jennifer Haselhuhn as director of communications for Ilitch Holdings, Inc., was announced today by Karen Cullen, vice president of corporate communications.

"Jennifer brings more than 13 years of communications practice to Ilitch Holdings," said Cullen. "She has a wide variety of experience that will help us meet our communications goals internally and externally as we continue to grow our organization."

Previously, Haselhuhn was a communications director at Casey Communications, a Detroit-area public relations firm. There she serviced a variety of automotive and non-profit clients while also overseeing daily operations of the agency.

Before working at Casey Communications, Haselhuhn was the manager of communications at GMAC Financial Services. Her main responsibilities included managing the company's charitable contributions and events. As such, she implemented a strategic and standard process for giving and helped streamline event participation, particularly for GMAC's significant involvement with Habitat for Humanity.

Prior to that, Haselhuhn was a financial communications integrator at General Motors Corp., where she was responsible for driving a better understanding of financial performance and business goals and objectives internally. Her responsibilities also included speechwriting for executive members of the finance staff.

She also spent more than six years at Delphi Corp., serving in a variety of communications roles with increasing responsibility. Prior to leaving Delphi, she was the speechwriter for the company's vice chairman and responsible for creating and managing the execution of a communications plan to help transform the corporation into a lean enterprise.

Haselhuhn received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Eastern Michigan University. A Michigan native, she now resides in Orion Township with her husband, Paul, and two-month-old daughter, Hadley. She is a published writer of various magazine articles and poetry. Her other hobbies include trail running and adventure racing.

Ilitch Holdings, Inc., based in Detroit, is an Ilitch-owned company that provides professional and technical services to other businesses owned by Michael and/or Marian Ilitch. Other Ilitch-owned companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries inlude: Little Caesar Enterprises, Blue Line Foodservice Dstribution, Champion Foods, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and Uptown Entertainment. Total revenues for the Ilitch-owned businesses in 2006 totaled $1.6 billion.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-24-2007/0004689316&EDATE=

Has Little Caesar's Gulfstream been shuttling Members of Congress and other politicians?

Gulfstream II, #N559LC, is owned by Little Caesar Enterprises LLC

#N559LC is based out of Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (KDTW)

1974 Gulfstream II, #N559LC: Detailed Leasing Spec Sheet

Is this Gulfstream II (a plane owned by Little Caesar Enterprises LLC), the same plane that Michael J. Malik, Sr. has been using to shuttle Members of Congress and other politicians around the U.S.?

Various political disclosures have suggested that Michael J. Malik, Barwest LLC, MJM Manistee and other Malik controlled entitites have fronted travel and private airfare costs for Members of Congress and othe elected officials over the last four years.

Previously TVT has highlighted several aircraft (1) leased or (2) believed to be co-owned by Detroit's Ilitch family that may have been the aircraft Michael Malik has used to shuttle politicians and others to fund raisers and meetings related to Malik's various casino syndications or earmark-worthy projects.

However, it's most likely that this 22-seat, Gulfstream II, twin turbo engine plane pictured above was the aircraft Malik used. While the plane is owned by Little Caesar Enterprises, LLC; disclosure reports disguise reimbursements for travel costs by funneling payments to third parties associated with Michael Malik rather than reimburse the plane's owners Little Caesar Enterprises LLC.

In 1999 Mike and Marian Ilitch formed Ilitch Holdings, Inc. to provide all companies owned by Michael and/or Marian Ilitch with professional and technical services.

Little Caesars Pizza was co-founded by Detroit's Mike Ilitch and his wife Marian Ilitch. The family also owns the Detroit Tigers baseball team and the Detroit Red Wings hockey franchise. Marian Ilitch owns Detroit's MotorCity Casino and the family has partnered with Mike Malik on various Indian casino syndications.

Little Caesar's Gulfstream II airplane

Thanks to "tips" from TVT readers, TVT has confirmed that the plane pictured below, a Gulfstream II with tail number N559LC, is registered to Little Caesar Enterprises LLC. This plane is believed to be used principally by Mike & Marian Ilitch and their family/associates.

It is unclear if this is the plane that's been used to shuttle Members of Congress like former Rep. Richard Pombo and Alaska's Rep. Don Young. Another plane, a Gulfstream IV with tail number N424QS, is registered to an Olympia Aviation, LLC. The Ilitch Family controls an entity by that same name that also leases a DC-9 with tail number N682RW, used for team travel by the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.

Link: FAA Registration N559LC

Flight Activity History