Business & S ROFILE Game Changer from page 21 when it was awarded the contract to create a Ben Hogan video game for the Nintendo Wii console. With this agree- ment, the company became the first within Michigan to receive the go-ahead for video game production and interac- tive website since the incentive legisla- tion was passed. "This is the biggest milestone for the state yet with the approval of this application and should pave the way for more and more studios to look at Michigan closer, realize the local talent and expertise and bring more digital production projects here': said Hurwitz. "Digital media and content development relates directly to long term jobs that will not only employ the local talent, but also bring back our talented artists and pro- grammers that have left the state:" Pixofactor, a privately held company, has already begun working on the $2.7 million project to develop the Ben Hogan game across multiple digital platforms, including: the Nintendo Wii game, mobile applications, an interac- tive website and DVD. Based on the size and scope of the project, PixoFactor will contract and employ approximately 20-30 additional artists, animators and programmers. The mobile apps and website will be launched in the spring and summer, while the game is expected to be released towards the end of the year for the holidays. 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Assisting Pixofactor along the way was tax attorney Marc Seyburn, with Birmingham-based Seyburn Knox Law Firm, who worked closely with the state to understand and leverage the tax credits. Seyburn acknowledges there has been some trial and error through the process, something to be expected with a combination of a new industry and bureaucracy. But he sees significant potential for Pixofactor in the emerg- ing field thanks in part to their recent project win. "The incentives were put in place to kick-start an industry' said Seyburn. "This is a good foundation for PixoFactor and will help build the momentum and create a permanent job base in Michigan." Family Impetus Entrepreneurship in times of adversity is a family tradition. Both sets of Hurwitz' grandparents were forced out of Germany and Lithuania in the late 1930s and settled in South Africa. With nearly nothing to their names, separately, they both built substantial retail businesses. Hurwitz' entrepreneurial endeavors have included commercial real estate and a successful landscape and snow removal company he started at age 18 in his parents' garage. Key Support In addition to the guidance and exper- tise Seyburn provided, PixoFactor received the financial support from Dan Bayer and Sanford Aaron, managing partners from Farmington Hills-based Envy Capital, who committed to raise approximately $2 million in investment capital. With all the key elements in place — film tax credit, investors, partnerships with outside studios and added jobs — PixoFactor is poised to bring home a piece of the $60 billion video gaming, mobile and digital industry. But Hurwitz is realistic about his business and gives some sage advice for others. "Not every opportunity will bear fruit," he said. It was his father who taught him the most important life lesson: "Keep standing, keep afloat and keep pressing forward. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." JFS' Legacy Corps Assists Daily Tasks Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit is launching the Legacy Corps Enhancing Lives Program, which will match volun- teers with those who need help per- forming daily tasks. Responsibilities could include assisting with errands, providing transportation, helping with daily schedules and offering companion- ship. Participants will be asked to make a one-year commitment begin- ning April 1 and should be 18 years or older, unless accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will receive a monthly stipend of $110 and a $1,415 educa- tion award upon completing their service year and hours. Volunteers will need to attend a pre-service orientation, monthly development training and support sessions and maintain regular con- tact with the program coordinator. They should anticipate spending about eight hours each week with cli- ents and between two and four hours of training each month. To volunteer or for information, contact Ariella Rubin, (248) 592-3972 or arubin@jfsdetroit.org . ❑