Here is a roundup of the latest news concerning the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to announcements from local, state, and federal governments, as well as international channels. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Doner Agency to Open New Headquarters in Southfield
The Doner advertising agency today announced that it is moving its headquarters to a modern space at 400 Galleria Officentre in Southfield.
The new space is designed for today’s new hybrid working model, according to Doner.
“I thrive on the energy of my colleagues, whether in-person or virtually,” says David DeMuth, CEO of Doner. “Our new space will allow the entire Doner team to experience that connection as we transition into the next phase of the post-COVID-19 workplace.”
Designed by the Vocon interior design firm, the 62,000-square-foot space “reimagines collaboration and creation” for Doner’s more than 375 employees. Every meeting space will feature the latest video capabilities, allowing for in-person and virtual co-creation as the agency evolves. The space also will include an advanced air filtration and purification system.
“This new space — and the state-of-the-art content studio we are building — will deepen the value we provide our clients, while allowing teams to work on- and off-site easily, safely, and efficiently,” says Eric Weisberg, global chief creative officer at Doner.
Headquartered in Detroit since 1937, Doner works with many brands including Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, McDonald’s, Johnson & Johnson, Netflix, Amazon, UPS, Coca-Cola, and others.
Transfiguration Place to Provide $3M in Affordable Detroit Housing
Alliant Co., the City of Detroit, and the Archdiocese of Detroit are collaborating to transform the former Transfiguration Catholic School in northeast Detroit into an affordable housing complex.
The $3 million project — expected to be completed in April 2022 — will result in 19 single-family housing units for families earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area median income.
Built in 1925 and opened in 1926, Transfiguration Catholic School originally served the predominantly Polish community in northeast Detroit. It was operational until it closed in 2005 and was used for other parish purposes until 2013.
McLaren Macomb Debuts New Medical Outreach Vehicle
McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens is set to debut its updated and larger Mobile Outreach Clinic, or MOC, to benefit the uninsured and medically underserved population of Macomb County.
A large vehicle described as a “doctor’s office on wheels,” the MOC travels to various locations throughout the county to provide no-cost primary care needs to those seeking treatment.
McLaren Macomb’s Medical Outreach Clinic program began more than 25 years ago with the original vehicle staffed with physicians providing a full range of primary care services — screening, treatment for chronic conditions, diagnosis, and initial treatments for illnesses.
“As a health care provider, we recognize the responsibility we have to care for the wellbeing of our community and those who call it home,” says Tom Brisse, president and CEO of McLaren Macomb.
The new vehicle features increased size, adding more than 10 feet from the original MOC, allowing for additional treatment space and expanded services. For the first time, the program now will include dental services thanks to a partnership from the Delta Dental Foundation and Baker College.
Brisse says gifts and fundraising efforts made the purchase of the new MOC possible. Contributions were made from the employees and medical staff at McLaren Macomb, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Mount Clemens Rotary, and the Delta Dental Foundation.
Emagine Theatres Re-opening Wednesday
Emagine Theatres will be re-opening on Wednesday after being closed since Nov. 18 due to government COVID-19 mandates.
Movie theatres may open to show movies only. No food or beverage can be consumed while in the building, according to state pandemic guidelines. Concessions are available on a limited basis for take out on a location-by-location basis. Masks must be worn at all times. Gift cards are available for purchase at each location.
The Riviera Powered by Emagine in Farmington Hills will not open at this time.
Emagine theaters continue to undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfecting program and instituted a variety of protocols to ensure the cleanliness of the venue for employees and guests, as well as social distancing procedures. For more information on Emagine’s protocols, visit here.
For a complete list of films, showtimes, and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Next Gig Career Snapshot Helps Job Seekers
My Career Snapshot is offering job seekers looking for an edge in a competitive environment.
The metric-based career infographic communicates a candidate’s strengths graphically and is designed to inspire hiring managers to view a candidate’s resumé or professional profile.
The My Career Snapshot team members — each from metro Detroit — were all laid off due to COVID-19 from Detroit’s event marketing and communications industry.
The Career Snapshot helps job seekers, even those looking for first jobs or internships, discover and present important metrics that are then crafted into an attention-getting infographic by designers with Fortune 50 creative experience. Snapshots are also available for businesses, athletes, plus high school and college graduates.
For more information, visit here.
‘Home for the Holidays’ TV Special to Feature Downtown Detroit
The Downtown Detroit Partnership and the DTE Foundation are sponsoring a TV special that offers viewers an opportunity to experience a festive downtown Detroit during the holidays from the comfort and safety of their homes and relive musical and ice-skating performances from years past.
The hour-long special captures downtown Detroit in its entire holiday splendor including holiday lighting, and musical and skating performances from this year’s and past years’ tree lighting ceremonies.
“The holiday season is marked in Detroit with many important and cherished traditions, and this special is just another way for us to bring that joy and wonder to families across Michigan, who were unable to gather for Detroit’s Annual Tree Lighting,” says Robert Gregory, chief planning and public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Downtown Detroit is open and full of seasonal spirit, which we believe ‘Home for the Holidays’ captures so vividly.”
Hosted by Detroiter Imani Mixon, a freelance writer and storyteller; Joey Namou, co-owner at Woodward Sports Network; and Eric B. Larson, CEO of DDP, “Home for the Holidays” is scheduled to premiere at 8 p.m. on DDP’s Facebook page and then tonight on Comcast Channel 900 at 10 p.m. Afterward, it will air on Comcast Channel 900 (and Channel 81) multiple times every day following through Dec. 27. It also will be available on Xfinity On Demand.
The show features performances by Motown’s Smokey Robinson, CeCe Winans, Ben Sharkey and the Woodward Horns, champion figure skaters Karen Chen, and Maia and Alex Shibutani.
Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Present Michigan Mitten Drop at Canterbury Village
The Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers are presenting the Michigan Mitten Drop at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
The event, which takes place from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 31, will feature a 6-foot illuminated mitten dropping 80 feet at 6:30 p.m. to ring in the new year a few hours early.
Family-friendly activities including live entertainment, kid’s karaoke, kid’s trivia, a fire show, horse-drawn carriage rides, fire pits to make smores, hot chocolate, food trucks, and a special appearance by the Ghostbusters Detroit are planned. The evening will be hosted by Shannon from the Mojo in the Morning show.
Tickets are $5 per person. Children under 2, active military, and veterans are free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
