As we settle into the New Year, some big changes are happening with our little firm.   We say "goodbye" to our young friend, and say "hello" to a trusted long-time friend.

WELCOME RICK PERKINS

We are pleased to announce Rick Perkins will join our firm as Licensing Consultant effective February 1.  As Licensing Consultant, Rick will work in conjunction with our three attorneys to assist our clients in all phases of the licensing process.  Rick recently retired after a 33-year career with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.    Rick previously served the MLCC as its Director of Enforcement from 2003 through 2010.   As Director of Enforcement, Rick was responsible for managing the MLCC's four District Enforcement offices, developing and implementing the Commission's policies, and coordinating efforts of the Commission's field enforcement staff.

From 1998 to 2003, Rick served as Assistant Director of Licensing.    As the "2^nd in Command" in the Licensing Division, Rick assisted the Director in all aspects of the Licensing process for the State's 17,000 retail and 8,000 non-retail licensees.  Rick worked with license holders, local governmental officials, police agencies, legislators and other liquor industry members to implement Michigan's complicated Liquor Control Code.

Rick established himself as a key member of the MLCC staff in 1985 when he began his long service as leader of the Manufacturers and Wholesalers Section.  For many in Michigan's alcoholic beverage industry, Rick will always be synonymous with the "M & W" Section he led for so many years.   Under Rick's leadership, the "M & W" Section processed all of the required reports and filings from 2 tiers of Michigan's "3 tier" regulatory scheme.

Rick is a 1976 graduate of Michigan State University (B.A. - Accounting.)   He  resides in Grand Ledge with his wife Donna, and sons Nick and Mitch.   Rick will work primarily in the firm's Lansing office and can be reached at 517-321-4623 or by email at [email protected].

GOOD LUCK PAT HOWE

Pat recently decided to pursue other opportunities and has left our firm.  We thank Pat for his 4+ years of service to our firm and our firm's many clients.

NEW FIRM INFORMATION

With Pat's departure, it is necessary for us to change our firm name.   Please note our new firm name is Carlin Edwards Brown PLLC.