​With the season of fall coming upon us, it's important to remember that trees don't care what time it is; they'll fall upon us with the changes in the air, and there are a variety of natural events to look forward to.  Ranging from thunderstorms and our air conditioning units battling the heat of our malfunctioning furnace that now is in need of a repair person to swing by, actually requiring some dusting off, to the chaos of mild weather and the confusion of what to do in the yard when a big challenge comes face-to-face with us; over 40 feet tall, to be more direct.  Our review this week goes to our friends over at Tree Care in Warren Mi.  ​

The owner, a native of the city, is a combat veteran in our community and happy to be serving those around him.  "Everyone who owns a home has a yard that needs to be maintained, and it feels better when it's done right -- with the exact same kind of care one of us would invest into our own grounds," he said in a recent interview at his home.  "To be able to pick up the phone and get the opportunity to help my neighbor with something that they aren't readily equipped to tackle, I would like to imagine my neighbors would do the same for me if I were in a jam and could benefit from a friendly voice and a comforting, resounding willingness to drop everything come over."  

He is so adamant about his goal to be available for his neighbors that the owner has hired a web designer whom he credits for the rapid and massive success of Tree Care in Warren Mi.  In only a matter of weeks, the web site has reached near the top of Google rankings and began generating phone calls almost immediately!  "I don't know where I would be if it weren't for my web consultant; he's probably the top reason I even have clients to serve," he said.  

His search engine optimization (SEO) and lead generation expert-for-hire, Chris Young, told us in a public venue interview that he understands what people go through when they start a business, as well as the seasoned business owners in the marketplace.  

"No one wants to be at the top of Google; period!!!  No one cares where their information is placed.  I can ask any business owner if they want their business cards stapled to page 1 of the Google rankings, and they react like it's another billboard in one of hundreds of hair salons in all of the Metropolitan Area."  

​He goes on to suggest that "...what business owners really want are the results that everyone talks about by being at the top of Google.  That simply means improving their web presence to get their phone ringing and/or getting interested, serious buyers, who have a genuine need, knocking on the company's doors with money in-hand!"   

Since leaving active-duty only recently, this honorably discharged United States Marine has been searching for those hungry business owners.  "Give me a business owner who is in business to get more buyers, is hungry to expand their operation, and take on more clients, and I'll say that's the type of business owner that I want to shake hands with. "  

When asked how he met his tree service client, his response was "...I was just in the right place at the right time.  I sent him a video of a few tips on how he could make himself more competitive in the marketplace, and he called me back to say he didn't only want to compete... he wanted to dominate!"  Thus, began a partnership for years to come as they work hand-in-hand to bring high-quality service at a competitive price to those in the Detroit, Metropolitan area.  

       Though the housing bubble made various parts of the Michigan area look like a complete ghost town, the years since have been a strange time to be a homeowner. We find our mortgage rates lower than ever, average salaries are climbing, there’s more work out there, and the economy as a whole has been climbing, which has been great news for those who struggled through the housing market collapse. Even some of those who lost their homes wound up getting one back, but now we find a different kind of problem.

            Now, there just isn’t any more home out there in the area for people to buy. The number of available starter homes has slowly been declining to the single digit percentiles for almost the first time in history, now that people really know the value and importance of their homes, they are quite hesitant to let them go, and you can’t really fault them. And though this winds up good for the local economy and community, to have so many local residents who are happy in their homes, it hits a point where we just can’t grow anymore.

            Though having a strong housing market is the idea of any city really, it can be daunting when trying to look for expansion in the wake of a housing dry spell. The secondary disadvantage is the inevitable rise in housing costs due to the supply and demand rules, which in turn will raise mortgage costs across the board, and all manner of issues can arise. The solution of course would be to add more housing, but we’re firmly aware that the solution is a lot easier in thought than in implementation in this particular case.

            Now we’re sure that there are wiser brains than ours looking into the matter, but we can’t help but look at the issues that the closed market is putting forth right now. With so little housing, it could fill up quickly, especially seeing as with word of mouth spreading the information that Detroit is turning back into one of the better places to live. It’s a bittersweet result, one that has us happy for the current state of the city, but one that can’t help but wonder what the future holds. No matter the outcome, we can only hope that it’s one that furthers our progression.
​
            We should count our blessings, there are many other cities out there facing the exact opposite of our situation. Many markets still have yet to make the slightest bounce back, and here we are lamenting the high point we currently sit in. All we can do is hope that the balance strikes, and that we can continue to have a solid and strong community with room to make for more members to join. No matter what the outcome, we will always be here, for better or for worse, as we have for so many years now without any form of regret. ​

            SEM Business Review ​aims to deliver the news that your community cares about the most.  If you know of a business owner in the area that performs meaningful, quality work and you would like them to be recognized for the amazing talents that they share with the community, please connect us.  We can have one of our recognized journalists interview the for-profit business owner to get the scoop that is sure to place our readers on the edge of their seats to learn more about them.

            Whether you’re a fan of the music or not, there’s no denying the star power of Kid Rock, and the influence that he’s had on the music scene. Not only a multiple Grammy nominated musician, but also a proud Michigan resident, and one that hasn’t left the area, even in the height of his fame. Staying local and being proud of it has always been a nuance to his music, even though he has been taken around the world and back multiple times across his music career.

            His latest venture though seems to fly in the face of his stage name, as rocks are usually depicted as sinking quickly when involved with water, yet the Chillin’ the Most tour is set upon a cruise ship with yet to be announced stops across the ocean. It is definitely a new and original take on the music tour, as instead of gathering for one night at the stop your favorite artist is making, you get to tour alongside them for a few evenings and enjoy the music on an almost nightly basis. Alongside Kid Rock will also be some other yet to be named acts.

            Whether the venue itself is taking place in the Detroit Metro or not, it can still always be considered a local show as no matter where Kid Rock is, you can be sure that Michigan is always right there alongside him. He is no Motown act, no signifier of the city, and yet proudly wraps himself in an unspoken banner with the city crest emblazoned declaring his pride in where he came from. It’s refreshing in the music industry to see someone come from somewhere and rather than run from it, try all they can to take it with them.

            The event itself shapes up to be one for the ages, as cruising, partying, live music and more are all included in one ticket price, bringing you more than any of the singular items themselves could ever offer on their own. If you’re one fortunate enough to have obtained your ticket already, you may just be counting down the days until launch, but for those who may have missed out, you can already buy your tickets for next year. This way in advance sales tactic is a smart one as it solidifies the interest without needing everyone to actually take part.

            Whether you remember olden days rap rock Kid Rock, or the new country, down to earth tone he’s taken lately, there seems to be a little bit of something that almost anyone can enjoy which makes taking part in an event of this nature something that will bring you enjoyment no matter what. Getting out on the open seas, and partying alongside rock stars can be an event that only happens once in a lifetime, so getting out there and taking advantage of it while you can is always a good idea. Whether on the open seas, or a Detroit dive bar, you can be sure that you’ll still feel at home. ​

​The holidays tend to surround and consume the media, our cities, and everything in-between that we can see, hear, and/or be entertained by.  From stores to online surplus outlets, we end up in a joyous circumstance of opportunities to buy what we can for our loved ones at significant discounts.  These can range from the dolls and action figures for the children that adore their favorite movies and television shows, to the electronics for those that are pursuing an education in modern-day, to the delicious flavors of goods that hit the shelf and the restaurants as incentives to explore something more or new foods and beverages some have never laid eyes on before.

The image of the easter bunny brings a whole variety of rabbit-specific goods and services in the area.  Theatrical entities open up and promote services for children and promotions by offering people whom dress up and deliver an image of the Easter Bunny for acting and pitching as the customer requests.  While this is seasonal, there are similar companies that also hire and deliver child-like heroes from cartoons to be present for birthday parties and other events that could draw an audience; especially when someone can promote the event with the idea that such a character (a princess, for example) will be available to spend time with the audience, take pictures, participate in activities, etc. The market for this is incredible and very interesting to see flourish rapidly.  

A similar fashion occurs when elves and representatives of Santa Claus come out of the woodwork to deliver opportunities to take pictures and listen to citizens share what they desire for Christmas after reporting whether their behavior all year has been acceptable and minimum to deserve receiving gifts.  Notwithstanding the notion of whether such an activity is religiously affiliated, commercializing these times of the year has proven significantly profitable.  Easter eggs as candy, mint in the shape of candy canes, and colors painting a variety of foods at grocery stores were growing commonplace more and more as years go by.  

Godiva has been able to successfully expand on Valentine's Day with their opportunity to market more chocolate than most sources whom claim that their product is home-made or original in nature.  Despite the possibility of running out of products to sell, food and beverage joints similar to the model of Godiva tend to either require an increase with their inventory, or increase the repetition of their delivery in the weeks and months surrounding holidays.  The special deals advertised increase not only in repetition but quantity of notices given to the masses; and amazingly, the sales increase.  Especially with the foundation of the internet, online sales have skyrocketed and ensure that shipping and receiving of goods promote the logistics-related companies, both federal-based and private, presence in-turn for delivering that which is ordered. 

​Clothing follows a similar pattern.  With the popularity of ugly sweater events taking shop and the entertaining competitions that ensue at such events for whom wears the ugliest sweater at the party, and lingerie sales that skyrocket, major occasions tend to ensure that retailers and clothing lines are able to keep goods in-season.  

Such a thought also accommodates the marketing departments of the major corporations.  This paves the way to allow the larger entities, as well as the smaller mom-and-pop shops, to prepare their marketing plans and modify prices to cater to their audience.  Additional considerations include prime positioning of select products on the floor design of their store(s) and ensure that the modified clothing (from past seasons) are positioned in the clearance section or re-advertised within the confines of a sale.  

Indeed, the calendar year is filled with opportunities to advertise.  With romance not necessarily being limited to a specific time frame, according to the habits of humanity and emotion, intimate apparel and delectable foods are sure to appeal to anyone when senses and the buzz of holidays and special occasions are heightened.  You, too, can incorporate such practices in your business, but it is first, and most importantly, absolutely vital to know that there are strategies that your competitors are taking.  

Ironically, when someone dominates on Google, it can take a little more than simply some slick strategy and prime placing of the season's best approaches to try and turn a profit.  Simply put, countless business owners have been pitched by the promises that could come from being ranked on Google.  However, most interviewed business owners are hungry about the products and results that come from being ranked on the top of Google -- like phone calls, and the bottom line increasing from additional prospective clients reaching out and asking for services.  The additional, increased web presence is also a huge compliment for advertising as domination is the key to success when someone wants to climb to the top of the field in the fastest, most effective manner in this capitalistic society that Americans live in.  

To get your custom quote about your company and what can be done to help you climb above your competition online, consult our marketing partner, Mr. Chris Young, by e-mail at info@sweettrickmedia.com.    ​

Drum Corps International, the outdoor major leagues of music in motion, just completed their world championships event in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Culminating a summer, competitive tour season of numerous drum and bugle corps from North America (and, on occasion, members from all over the world), DCI World Championships are held annually to crown a champion -- about 128 champions, to be exact. 

They didn't arrive to these positions by chance; in fact, many of them asked for this experience willingly. 

These artistic musicians voluntarily apply for, and endure, an audition for an extremely selective process in the latter part of November, and compete in a "call-back" acting fashion of auditions for securing their spot in the performance ensemble, often challenging as many as a couple hundred applicants for any given spot within the touring group. 

​Often times, applicants can be heard of spending as much as $1,000 just to travel and cover accommodations to these events. 

​Considering the timing of these Drum Corps International competing ensemble auditions, inclement weather can hinder their travel plans, proving that these applicants can risk and endure great challenges to simply fulfill a passionate drive to experience what they regard to be the biggest thrill for a young American.  ​

For some, the audition process ends in some sorrowful news and a wish for the best of luck and a hope that they find another ensemble to march with. 

Unfortunately, due to the timing of the season and the volume of intense labor they endure over two and a half days of winter rehearsal camps in the off-season, many drum and bugle corps within any of the, now two, echelons of competing circuits are essentially established, filled, and ready to dig into perfecting their show by the turn of the new year. 

​Seeking an open position with another drum corps by this point would be the metaphorical equivalent to finding a needle in a haystack. 

​For the hungry and desirous, they still pursue the endeavor and hope that someone invites them to send in their audition video for evaluation and consideration for placement in the ensemble.  ​

For those lucky enough to fit the bill of what the ensemble is looking for, this is the opportunity of a lifetime and a prize worth putting in the effort for with the audition process. 

​For this bunch, Drum Corps International participation has become a reality; but they still have a long way to go before they can declare themselves a member of the ensemble and having performed for one of the many audiences reaching into the hundreds of thousands for many of the summer events around North America.  ​

We interviewed David, a former Madison Scout, as a member of the Madison Scouts from Madison, Wisconsin, he is a native to the Detroit, Michigan region and willfully made the effort to save up funds from work, along with support from family and friends, to either fly or drive to rehearsals, sometimes as often as twice a month, to get the quality rehearsal time in with their brothers and sisters in the drum corps. 

​Although Drum Corps International is the governing body regarding rules, regulations, limitations, the number of participants any given ensemble can have on the field at one time, age-out restrictions and the ultimate planner of events to both organize competitions and please audiences extending into the six figures with packed stadiums and often standing room only for latecomers, the road to reaching the summer activity is littered with additional requirements for these young starlets and hopefuls.  ​

From required participation in fundraising events, to paying a membership dues tuition cost for the summer event, these weekend camps provide shelter, rehearsal space, instruction, photocopies of composed, transposed, transcribed, and often digital copies of original music (with permission), meals, shower facilities, and safety and security provisions, and require the members to attend the event while prepared to pay a camp fee simply to cover the weekend -- which, often times, may not contribute toward the summer costs to go on the road.  ​

Within these weekend camps, friendships are made, music and drill are learned, past education is perfected, and tendencies are learned and worked at to be overcome.  The idea is to have one ensemble playing music and performing in a similar fashion to make sense of a group that moves and plays in the same way.  It's a unique, blissful combination of individuality and ensemble-like perfection; a truly remarkable demonstration of performance art unlike any other.  This persists through the winter and spring months until May rolls around and the two-week move-in requirement of "spring training" for most drum corps is established.  Drum Corps International allows for winter camps and spring training for a few weeks before the respective ensembles begin touring, competing and entertaining while on the road.  You can visit the Drum Corps International web site, which can be found through a simple search engine query, and find their calendar to discover a show near you.  However, it is recommended that tickets be purchased early so one's friends and family can avoid missing out due to a sold out show... which occurs frequently, unfortunately.  ​

For 17 hours a day, the various ensembles of Drum Corps International train together under the summer sun.  Performers lives are fundamentally simple: they eat, sleep, and rehearse for performances.  However, this short to do list is anything but easy since the days are long, the summer sun is beating down on the shoulders and skin of most all the participants, and the stress of being in groups for long periods of time, all contribute to the chaos of a summer tour.  It requires maturity, mental strength, physical stamina, and a desire to pursue the activity that they once found so enjoyable.  Indeed, many would never give up this summer experience for anything, but enduring it is a unique experience where lifelong friendships are made under the umbrella of Drum Corps International. ​

The drum corps activity dates back as far as the colonial times where Drum and Fife Ensembles were the influence for military leadership to control their ranks.  From the type of beat from a snare drum to the furious melody of a flutist, the platoon or battalion would respond in a manner that was pleasing unto the commanding officer who had direct influence on the musicians associated with the warriors.  ​

The oldest ensemble in American history that remains in existence, to this day, is not one that is necessarily registered with Drum Corps International, but instead is composed of members of the world's most elite fighting force: The Commandant's Own, The United States Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps.  Here, musicians must be selected through a rigorous audition process in addition to becoming a well-qualified applicant for the United States Marine Corps.  Actual Marines compose of this ensemble, for which they are fully compensated under the military pay grades and rank structure while touring and performing in the summer.   An additional duty of the Commandant's Own includes The Evening Parade, where both the Drum Corps and the silent drill team of the Marine Corps are hosted and present an evening of elegant pageantry that dates back to the earliest years of this country's history.  ​

These traditions are deeply rooted, appreciated, and remembered by those who push the envelope of this day and age's Drum Corps. 

​Knowing where they came from is largely instrumental for the creativity they seek in finding new answers to the age-old question: now what?  Through this, amazing, breathtaking, audience pleasing, and inspiring innovations have developed that take this activity to new heights each and every year.  Once upon a time, Drum Corps International began a summer season's audition process with their member ensembles hosting auditions with fundamentally flawed applicants arriving but unfamiliar with the basics of what is expected of a member in these ensembles.  Naturally, these newer members were taught the fundamentals and assisted in their development and progression as not only athletic musicians, but as better citizens upon returning home at the end of their summer tour experience.  ​

According to Mr. Scott Johnson, percussion caption head for the repeat Drum Corps International world champion ensemble, the Blue Devils, out of California, probably had the most influential perspective in the activity today.  Indeed, he is amazed with how very talented the young musicians are that arrive on the first audition day.  "In the past, people would show up to auditions and have trouble with some of our basic rudiments." 

​He would continue to share how the musicians that show up these days are remarkable because they can do so much with playing, marching, wearing a drum, and learning to play together, which makes the audition process more challenging for everyone involved; it's now longer a question of who can play to the standard minimum but now a matter of who should be selected based on their ability to play together... and do it well.  ​

From the colonial times, to the evening parade, to the early days of Drum Corps International, and on to the innovations for our future, Drum Corps is perhaps the best kept famous secret in North America that not many are aware of but can find enjoyment in at all ages. 

The joys of performance art can be appreciated by anyone and attendance at these events are not limited to certain demographics, talent levels, or particular interests; even audiences are participating members in the activity because the performers and judges evaluate the competing ensembles both on their ability to perform and their ability to influence and inspire the audience to raise to their feet in appreciation of something that was just performed on a football field in a National Football League stadium...

Which typically ends up being a packed house before the national anthem has even begun.  ​

Do you have a child that is interested in seeing North America on a summer tour with peers?  Are they hungry to learn and equally appreciative of a unique thrill?  Do they have a talent that they seek to develop and are looking for an outdoor outlet to pair it with?  ​

Find Drum Corps International online and explore the different Drum Corps that are participating in the activity as we speak.  Their auditions are typically held around Thanksgiving weekend, if not the last weekend in November. 

If this is a choice they are willing to make, be sure that the last weekend in December is also reserved as that is typically a "call-back" weekend in which they must attend if they are serious about retaining their spot in the performance ensemble. 

​Without attending this event, notifying the ensemble of their intent, being offered a spot by the end of the first audition camp (which is rare, but can happen), or staying involved in the activity in some way, this tends to be an audition process whereby professionalism is not only expected, but rewarded with the opportunity to maintain a spot within the ensemble... regardless of their performance position or title.  ​

Drum Corps International has been around for years, and there's a very real possibility that DCI is not going away any time soon. 

The supporting entity for a competitive, rewarding, and educational experience of a lifetime is here to stay and Drum Corps International may continue to promote the one initiative that has inspired YouTube videos of parking lot sessions before the show to be actively attended, recorded, and shared among more than just teenagers and college students, but people of all ages. 

Unique as it may seem, the parking lot is a warm-up area for Drum Corps International groups that are warming up for their designated performance time, and these spaces or sessions are open to the public to attend and enjoy but not interfere with. 

​While common customs and courtesies are respected and appreciated in such a professional-like setting, the artistic side of the activity has a way of consuming the hearts and minds of those who attend and all can be mutually edified by simply visiting one of these shows.  ​

In fact, the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps contribute to the Evening Parade (held Friday evenings at the Washington, D. C. Marine Barracks during the summers, when they're not touring and performing across this great nation.

Whether its your first visit or fiftieth, there are always new things arising at these events and something can be available to catch ones attention if they are a music lover of any genre. 

The Blue Devils and Bluecoats emphasize jazz while the Cadets and Santa Clara Vangaurd explore the classical musical tones of culture. 

​Be sure to explore other competing organizations at other shows you might visit, like the Phantom Regiment who indulges in music like the innovative composer of tango, Astor Piazzola.  ​

Come one, come all.  It's not marching band... it's the major leagues of music in motion and performance art.  It's Drum Corps International.  ​

       The flow of red taillights and bumper-to-bumper action as "standers-by" watch vehicles zip past on the 75 interstate, gazing for a means by which to cross; or along a particular stretch of pavement often thought more safe to venture down a street running along the speedway... the intent: keep their livelihood intact.  Still, there are some who view the 45 miles-per-hour plus roadway as simply another road, rolling the dice of life and inescapably taking chances against quick-paced traffic.  Although subjecting themselves to citations of extraordinary fines and risking prison confinement for their chosen behavior, walkers and bikers alike insist on being noticed as travelers along this grand network of interstate-connected roadways.  

       Stories of recent hardly deliver on the possibility of a mobility scooter being seen along these pathways, and yet the last scene on this stretch of highway was a granny with an attitude.  This 76-year-old, without a care in the world, declared that the safe routes were for chumps and started down the entrance ramp, groceries-in-hand, and attempted to cross the busy landscape with little time for motorists to react and/or respond to the astonishing scene.  Capturing the attention of what few automobile owners and operators that were safely able, the police were contacted with more than simply a few calls from concerned citizens.  This elderly daredevil didn't last long, as the local police force were privileged with attending to the seemingly unconcerned woman and proceeded to administer their civil duties on her behalf -- this time, in the form of a much safer ride home... with police escort.  

       Left with a verbal warning but recorded for future possibilities of incidents, not many would come to know whether the several attempts to facilitate an educational conversation into assisting the experienced citizen into seeing the error of her ways were, indeed, successful.  Slightly above snail's pace with her motorized scooter, a full mile was conquered by this insistent traveler, though who knows if she will venture further on her next attempt.  As some may perceive this story to be funny either in reporting or consuming as newsworthy content, perhaps this is one left for the book as an isolated incident and not worthy of a repeat performance -- by her or anyone.  In the end, some may be pleased to know that this story resolved with a happy, and albeit humorous ending, since not many similar conditions actually arrive to the same comforting end result.  

       More than sufficient fatalities have occurred along this particular stretch in recent years, with and without automotive involvement.  Perhaps this can double as a public service announcement that there are some unnecessary risks one is simply not required to take... and this story could have simply illustrated one.  As for observing a quicker means of travel across our local ravine of one-ton, traffic-laden current, new developments in our society have provided several other, and more viable solutions for our need to get around the city.  The Q-Line was recently installed and has successfully endured one winter.  Uber, Lyft, and other taxi-like alternative service providers have made themselves available via internet connection, telephone and mobile application.  Then, of course, there is always the friendly and trusted side street route that, while inconvenient for some, the safety level can be said to escalate significantly.  The rules of the road can be said to provide a guide toward best practice when traveling without a motorized vehicle, as they are in place for a reason, and whether we agree with them or not, penalties have been established to reinforce the need to follow these laws.  

       The speed demon of her elderly years; her days may be over for venturing into the traffic-filled abyss, though she perhaps acquired a thrill of the chase and could find new and fashionable ways to return from the grocery store.  Regardless of how that story might end, let society hope that our streets are one of relatively safe atmospheres and avoid erroneous judgment involving unnecessarily putting one's own -- or others -- lives at risk.  Allow the freeway to be available for the 2,000-pound, motorized vehicles.  Let us keep our wits about us as we travel home at any time of the day, since all it takes is a moment of veering off course to change, or end, one's life.  Although ideal and perhaps even excitingly convenient, reducing our travel time by only a few moments just may not be worth the risk in our regular commutes.

Like most members of the Detroit Metropolitan Area community, or communities -- for those whom have owned property in multiple cities -- the thriving times of the growing environment in and around Detroit brought a lot of business and community members to get involved in providing and purchasing services and / or products in the area.  For the hardware store industry, competition was growing fierce well into the mid-2000s.  This holds true for even the most fundamental staples of names in the region; more particularly, Damman Hardware.

In a desperate act to reserve lasting existence and correct once questioned leadership decisions in where to take the direction of the company, a selling of several stores to competitor -- ACE Hardware -- was a strategy that some may have perceived as a desperation for additional funds in which to recover and progress, regardless of the direction of the company.  While there could be assumed that inconclusive evidence suggests the nature of the downfall, Damman Hardware ended up closing their doors more than approximately 10 years ago from this month (to-date).  

There were questions raised early in the process of closing its doors, which especially started in their spotlight of high business profiling when a motion was filed under The Bankruptcy Court in Detroit (of The United States of America) in August of one of the years surrounding the fall of the agreement.  Accusations regarding the agreements of the partnerships could have been included in case studies by college students and/or university professors as a reference for why partnerships tend to possess a tracking record with statistics incorporating rates of high failure.  Alas, there was suggestion that the partnership wasn't entirely adhered to, with a lack of funds provided for additional merchandising and inventory purchasing credit, nor for the actual in-store assistance support which was expressly discussed.  ​

​Damman's selling of several stores to ACE Hardware was something that the ruling judge declared a higher delegation of authority and enforceability since the new transaction of high value also carried with it specific and deliberate terms as well.  

Therefore, there might have been the concluded assumption that, while Damman Hardware may have refuted counter-allegations of the conflict, ACE Hardware evidently still accused Damman Hardware that the entity's agreements had not been lived up to and that such was sound logic and fair grounds by which to refuse providing agreed upon support for the remaining additional stores which were still owned by Damman Hardware itself.  

After filing for bankruptcy in January of 2004, and reviving in July of that same year due to an agreement with their competitor, ACE Hardware, an Illinois-based and headquartered creditor for the Southfield, Michigan-based Damman Hardware, additional agreements were probably associated with nearly all agreements and orchestrated deals in order to accommodate and facilitate the attempted progress made on, and by, both parties, with what appears to have been for the sake of Damman Hardware keeping their doors open and ACE Hardware's notional ability to gain profit.  

Yelp!, a platform by which other organizations can be listed, and hopefully, collect additional referrals for a hopeful increase in revenue -- be it short-term or long-term -- continues, to-date, to list no less than fourteen locations for Damman Hardware, in and around the Detroit Metro Area.

Upon initial inspection, one could assume that the company is still going strong, even though there are several years difference from the declared bankruptcy filing petition for disorganization and failure to adhere to disagreements.  

Today, there are several options of large-chain hardware stores which provide similar products for cheaper prices than small companies, probably, ever could due to a variety of factors which might include, though are certainly not limited to, bulk shipment and bulk purchase discounts, corporate agreements, and much, much more.