Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
313 Presents Brings Pine Knob Name Back to Clarkston Venue
The legendary Pine Knob name is back on the Clarkston concert venue with the expiration of DTE Energy’s 20-year naming contract. 313 Presents made the announcement this morning.
In addition to putting the original name on the music theater prior to its 50th anniversary season, 313 Presents announced United Wholesale Mortgage in Pontiac and Livonia-based Trinity Health as its new multi-year sponsors. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“As a company rooted in metro Detroit for the last 35 years, we are thrilled to be a Proud Partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre, and look forward to everything we will accomplish together during this historic rebrand, and beyond,” says Sarah DeCiantis, chief marketing officer at UWM.
Rob Casalou, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan and Trinity Health Southeast Regions, says, “Like myself, colleagues from across our health system have fond memories of having spent many summer nights with friends and family out at Pine Knob Music Theatre. I congratulate the 313 Presents team on bringing back such an iconic name and look forward to promoting good health and good music together here in our community.”
As part of the rebranding, 313 Presents unveiled a new venue logo with a font that offers a vintage feel and art that captures the scenic landscape symbolic of Michigan’s premier summer concert destination.
Designed by Troy-based Simons-Michelson-Zieve Inc., Pine Knob Music Theatre’s new logo pays homage to the venue’s 50-year history.
Pine Knob Music Theatre is ranked among the top amphitheaters in the world and is a preferred venue for many of the nation’s top touring acts. Ranked No. 1 in the world in Pollstar’s 2019 Year-End Rankings, the venue plays host to world-class entertainment events, concerts, comedy, family shows, and community functions.
At the time of its opening, on June 25, 1972, with a performance by David Cassidy, Pine Knob was the largest amphitheater in the U.S. and became one of the most active and successful outdoor venues in the country.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as Proud Partners of Pine Knob Music Theatre,” says Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents. “These two premier Michigan-based organizations share our passion for providing unparalleled service and understood the importance the Pine Knob brand resonates in our community, and they embraced the opportunity to help bring it back to life in a new and exciting way. This is only the beginning as we look to our 50th anniversary and beyond to engage and bring the best in live entertainment and activation to our guests.”
To view a video of the logo unveiling, visit here.
West Michigan Door Glass Firm Acquires Canadian Company
Door glass manufacturer ODL Inc. in Zeeland (southwest of Grand Rapids) has acquired Verre Select, a specialty glass company in Quebec, Canada. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition merges two of North America’s leading door glass suppliers and positions ODL for new opportunities and strategic long-term growth, according to ODL.
“Today is a very exciting day for the Verre Select team, as we have taken the bold step to protect our future growth by partnering with ODL, the leading door glass supplier in North America,” says Patrice Lamy, president of Verre Select. “This important partnership positions our organization so we can enhance our product lines, improve our processes and expand our reach right here in Canada and beyond.”
Dave Klein, president of ODL Inc., says, “The addition of Verre Select is the perfect foundation for new growth with two already reputable and trusted brands. We see this as a very important step toward a new level of business growth for ODL.”
With this acquisition, ODL will absorb Verre Select’s operations and employees, with the Verre Select current organizational structure remaining unchanged.
Michigan Works! Southeast to Host Career Showcase for Students, Job Seekers
Michigan Works! Southeast and the Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry in Hudson will be hosting a “Careers of Today & Tomorrow” event on May 12.
At the event, expected to be attended by thousands of local students and job seekers, participants will have access to hands-on, interactive demonstrations in occupations engaging their interest.
“This is an innovation on career fairs,” says Shamar Herron, executive director at Michigan Works! Southeast. “CT2 is an opportunity for individuals to learn about growing industries right here in Southeast Michigan as well as a chance for businesses to satisfy their immediate and future employment needs.”
Students will attend an exclusive morning session to discover in-demand occupations in leading industries such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, energy, health care, transportation, and more. An afternoon session will be offered to adult job seekers looking to find immediate work — providing employers the opportunity to satisfy their current and future workforce needs simultaneously.
“Our industry is excited to help students understand and experience energy careers,” says Sharon Miller, director of strategic talent pipelines at Consumers Energy. “Careers of Today & Tomorrow introduces them to a broad range of hometown opportunities that can provide prosperous futures. Our team can connect directly with young talent to inspire and engage them.”
Businesses, educators, and job seekers interested in attending the event can learn more and register online here.
SUBTA Announces Details for Cube Awards and SubSummit Pitch Competition
The Detroit-based Subscription Trade Association (SUBTA) has announced the details for its 2022 SUBTA Cube Awards and the SubSummit 2022 Pitch Competition Presented by Pitney Bowes and Praella.
The Cube Awards ceremony recognizes promising businesses across 15 categories such as Best Pet Subscription, Best Subscribe and Save, and Best Streaming Subscription. Applicants may enter up to three categories as well as the Community Choice Award, a brand new category dedicated to acknowledge the subscription businesses that have the biggest impact on the community.
The winner of the Community Choice Award will be determined through two rounds: first, nominations from the subscription community to identify the final nominees followed by crowdsourced voting to determine the overall winner. The deadline for all nominations is March 24.
The Pitch Competition Presented by Pitney Bowes and Praella, is an opportunity for startup brands to showcase their subscription’s potential and to win the largest grand prize in SubSummit’s history, $10,000 in cash and $40,000 worth of in-kind services, including a full website rebuild. The runner-up will receive $3,500 in cash, third place will win $1,000, and fourth place will get $500.
To enter, applicants must be in business for two years or less. Applications for the first round are due Jan. 21. Applications for the second round are due March 25. After two rounds of virtual pitching in February and April, this year’s competition will culminate with four finalists pitching live on the SubSummit 2022 stage in Orlando, Fla. on June 1. The winner will be announced at the conference the next day.
“We’re thrilled to once again welcome startups for this compelling pitch competition that helps shape the leaders in the subscription industry year-after-year,” says Paul Chambers, co-founder and CEO of SUBTA. “Last year’s finalists were beyond impressive, and we’re honored to support these promising companies with capital to amplify and expand their services and offerings.”
To apply to the Cube Awards, visit here. To enter the Pitch Competition, visit here. Tickets to 2022 SubSummit are available now and can be purchased here.
WCC Invites Public to Jan. 21 Virtual Health Care Career Fair
Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor will host a virtual Health Care Career Fair from 9 a.m.-noon on Friday, Jan. 21, featuring more than 20 employers throughout the region hiring for multiple types of positions.
The public is invited to attend. Visit the WCC career fair webpage to register and view job openings for each employer.
Employers include major hospitals, nursing home facilities, and other types of health care organizations.
Jobs listed include nurses (BSN, RN, LPN), nursing and medical assistants, home health aides, radiologic techs, ultrasound techs, patient therapy techs, rehabilitation technicians, sterile processing techs, patient transportation, childcare workers, and a wide array of other types of positions.
Interviews will be conducted on the spot. Job seekers should register with a copy of their resume so employers can invite them to chat.
