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.
’37 Cadillac and ’53 Ferrari Take Top Honors at Concours d’Elegance
A 1937 Cadillac Series 90 Convertible by Hartmann and a 1953 Ferrari 250MM by Vignale won American and foreign best-in-show honors at the Hagerty Concours d’Elegance of America Sunday at the Inn at St. Johns in Plymouth Township.
More than 270 vehicles representing 24 classes were judged in the event that will move to the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit and environs next September.
“There is a special language surrounding a concours d’elegance — the setting, the cars, (and) the culture,” says McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “The Cadillac and Ferrari selected by today’s judges exemplify that language and the level of competition at today’s Concours d’Elegance of America. Congratulations to all entrants, their teams and the winners.”
The Cadillac was built for Phillippe Barraud, a wealthy paper mill heir of Lausanne, Switzerland in 1937. It’s 22 feet long, with a 154-inch wheelbase and a Cadillac V-16 engine. The current owner purchased the car in 2015 and sent it for a complete concours-level restoration. When acquired, it was intact and retained the original drivetrain and much of the original bodywork. There were numerous modifications, but after intense research and many hours, it has been returned to its original splendor.
The Ferrari was originally owned by legendary racer Phil Hill, who drove it to victory in the Pebble Beach Road Race as soon as it was delivered in 1953. The 3-liter, Colombo-designed V12 Ferrari produced more than 240-horsepower. Of the two Series 1 Vignale Spyders produced, this is the only one that retains its original coachwork.
Final concours class winners will be announced today.
“Our 42nd concours was indicative of this summer’s car community resurgence, says Larry Moss, chairman of the Concours. “The record-breaking attendance wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our host, the Inn at St. Johns as well as the hard work of our volunteers.”
Hagerty officials say planning already is underway for the September 2022 in Detroit.
“This new location honors Detroit’s heritage as a hub of commerce, industry, design, and culture,” Hagerty says. “We couldn’t think of a better place to recognize the automobile than the Detroit Institute of Arts. It, and its 65,000 works of art, serve as the perfect backdrop as we celebrate the automobile — another signature achievement of mankind.”
Amazon Now Hiring for New Metro Detroit Fulfillment Centers
Amazon’s new fulfillment centers in Pontiac and in Huron Charter Township (south of Metro Airport) are hiring.
The Pontiac center is located at the former site of the Pontiac Silverdome.
Candidates for positions in both locations can learn more about both opportunities and apply online here.
Signing bonuses of up to $1,000 are available at both locations. Additionally, a $100 benefit will be offered on the first day of work to any new hire who comes to Amazon already vaccinated for COVID-19.
Opportunities include full-time warehouse associates who will make at least $15.50 per hour (up to $18.50), with no prior experience necessary. In addition to hourly wages, Amazon provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package starting on day one including health care, disability insurance, 401(k) with 50 percent match, company stock, bonuses, and a network of support to help employees succeed.
The company also offers hourly employees programs like Career Choice, where the company will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon.
In metro Detroit, Amazon employees, their spouses, and children, also have access to Neighborhood Health Centers in Royal Oak, Westland, and Brownstown that offer in-person and online appointments for a wide range of affordable health services.
Ross Mortgage Launches Pre-approval Program for Home Buyers
Ross Mortgage Corp. in Troy has launched a new Guaranteed Pre-Approval program, which turns a client’s offer to purchase into a one-of-a-kind cash offer.
“In today’s unparalleled seller’s market, home buyers need a way to stand out from the competition,” says Tim Ross, CEO of Ross Mortgage. “A Guaranteed Pre-Approval from Ross Mortgage does just that for our home buyers. The program ensures that sellers who receive offers to purchase from Ross-backed buyers enjoy a timely, guaranteed closing.”
A Guaranteed Pre-Approval is a commitment to lend. It starts with a Ross Mortgage underwriter reviewing a potential home buyers’ income, assets, and credit, and approving them for the right sales price and loan amount. Ross Mortgage verifies the client’s creditworthiness and approves the funds, so the seller can accept the offer with full confidence of getting the deal done. If Ross can’t close the mortgage, the company will pay the seller $1,000.
This program is the first of its kind in Michigan.
For more information, visit here.
Top 20 Finalists Selected to Advance in Digital Inclusion Competition
Henry Ford Innovations, in partnership with Google Cloud and Miracle Software Systems, have selected 20 semi-finalists to advance into the next round of an international competition aimed at identifying solutions to address the digital exclusion/health care divide for residents of southeast Michigan.
Henry Ford Innovations is the technology commercialization and innovation development arm of Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System.
In April entrepreneurs from around the globe were invited to propose ideas for reducing health inequities through the use of digital technology. More than 135 entries were received from a dozen countries. The next step in the competition is for the top 20 semi-finalists to submit a white paper describing a commercially viable product vision, as well as outlining how the product can be scaled to fit its target audience. A critical component of the selection process will continue to focus on how the proposed product supports digital inclusion and how the product ultimately can benefit Henry Ford Health System’s patients.
“The abundance and quality of entries for the digital challenge well exceeded our expectations,” says Lisa Prasad, vice president and chief innovation officer at Henry Ford Health System. “There is significant need for culturally sensitive and unbiased patient-centric solutions to be developed that bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, and we are very encouraged by the wide array of ideas as they have real potential in closing the gap on disparities in health outcomes due to race, ethnicity, or gender.”
The Digital Inclusion Challenge, which runs through the summer, kicked off May 19. In early August, five finalists will be selected based on their white paper submissions. Those five will present a case study and demonstrate how the proposed product would work during a Sept. 9 live-pitch competition event judged by clinical and industry experts.
The winner will receive $75,000 in-kind support toward developing their digital solution at Henry Ford Health System. All entrants continue to be eligible to participate in a summer series of entrepreneurial and product development workshops and hands-on labs.
For more information, visit here.
Woodward Dream Show Adds to Program
The Woodward Dream Show, set to take place Friday Aug. 20 and Saturday Aug. 21 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, has added to its array of exhibitions and events.
For both days, guests will be able to see a collection of vehicles made famous on television and in movies. The include the Batmobile, the Monkeemobile, a replica Mach 5 from “Speed Racer,” The Mystery Machine from “Scooby Doo,” the Munster Koach, a replica Cheech and Chong Chevrolet Impala, and others.
The Woodward Dream Show also has added a radio-control track for kids.
New Friday events include the Automotive Heritage Awards from 4-5 p.m., presented by the Automotive Heritage Foundation. For more information, visit here.
Another Friday addition is the M1 Concourse’s Insiders. Garage from 5-6 p.m. Speakers include The Ring Brothers, Ken Lingenfelter, Bob Larivee, and others.
Both Friday events are free and included with Dream Show Pass. Patrons can enjoy food and beverages during the presentations.
Toyota Leads Salvation Army Summer Campaign with $250K Donation
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit has launched its second consecutive Summer in the City fundraising campaign presented by Toyota.
The nine-week fundraiser is supported by a $250,000 matching donation from Toyota Motor North America, which has supported The Salvation Army for 10 consecutive years with its Walk in My Boots Program, an annual community outreach project where Toyota donates winter boots and socks to those in need.
The $1.3 million summer fundraiser, which runs today through Sept. 22, focuses on expansion of the Detroit Conner Creek Corps Community Center, located at 3000 Conner St. on Detroit’s east side. Proceeds from the Summer in the City fundraiser, which is the public phase of Conner Creek’s $4.3 million capital campaign, go toward the following initiatives:
- Construction of new classrooms to support additional educational opportunities, computer classes, mentoring and tutoring services.
- Expansion of Conner Creek’s existing senior, student and youth programs, such as general health, living and financial coaching services — as well as children’s after-school programs and summer day camps.
- Construction of a gymnasium to provide additional and year-round exercise and recreational programs.
- Renovation and expansion of the current food pantry.
Conner Creek is one of three Salvation Army corps community centers located within the city of Detroit – and is the only one on the city’s east side. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2021.
“Toyota is honored to sponsor this year’s Summer in the City campaign for the second year,” says Alva Adams Mason, group manager of multicultural business alliance and strategy and dealer relations for Toyota Motor North America. “Many people know Toyota as a car company, but we’re so much more than that. We are passionate about serving in the communities where we live and work. With so many people in need due to the recent pandemic crises, Conner Creek serves as a haven for kids and adults alike. It is a major reason why Toyota continues to do whatever we can to ensure Detroiters are getting the assistance they need — especially at a place such as Conner Creek, which is a longtime staple in the community.”
Adams Mason is the Summer in the City chairperson and member of The Salvation Army National Advisory Board.
Salvation Army supporters can make a $25 sustaining donation to fund the construction and ongoing activities and life-improving services to children, seniors, and families in need at Conner Creek, by:
- Texting SUMMER to 24365
- Visiting salmich.org and clicking DONATE
- Calling 877-SAL-MICH
- Sending a check made payable to The Salvation Army to: 16130 Northland Dr., Southfield, MI 48075
For more information, visit here.
