8 Mile Vodka Wins Gold at Singapore World Spirits Competition
Farmington Hills-based 8 Mile Vodka, produced by Detroiters Liquor, has been awarded a Gold medal for Taste at the Singapore World Spirits Competition.
This is the latest in a string of awards and recognition for 8 Mile Vodka. Last year, 8 Mile Vodka won the Masters medal in the Super Premium flight at the Vodka Masters 2023 in London. Prior to that, 8 Mile Vodka won two of the highest recognitions in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Best in Class: Vodka and Best of Class: Overall Vodka along with the Double Gold Medal Award for Taste, and also was the 2022 MicroSpirits Liquor Association Triple Gold Winner.
“We are honored to receive the Gold Medal from The Singapore Worlds Spirits Competition and are thrilled to showcase Detroit’s own 8 Mile Vodka among other outstanding international brands,” says Anthony Tomey, co-owner of 8 Mile Vodka. “Adding this accolade to past awards and recognitions solidifies 8 Mile Vodka’s standing as one of the best in the world.”
For more information about 8 Mile Vodka, visit 8MileVodka.com.
Godfrey Hotel Detroit Celebrates One Year of Business in Corktown
The Godfrey Hotel Detroit, Curio Collection by Hilton, today is celebrating one year since the grand opening of its built-from-the-ground-up property in Corktown on Michigan Avenue.
“This has been an extraordinary year, and I am beyond proud of our incredible team and all of their efforts that helped our property establish itself as an anchor in the community that is greatly appealing to tourists and business travelers alike,” says Aaron Black, general manager, The Godfrey Hotel Detroit. “The overwhelming support from the community and both in- and out-of-town guests has been boundless, and we have fed on that energy. We are honored to be part of the tremendous hospitality industry of this great city.”
In its first year, the newly constructed 227-room, seven-story brick façade lifestyle hotel, was named a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, was recognized as the top ground up developed Curio Hotel with the Best New Build Award by Hilton, and opened Hamilton’s Corktown, a full-service restaurant in collaboration with Samy Eid.
The property features Detroit’s largest rooftop bar with a retractable roof that has become a premier year-round destination: I|O Rooftop Lounge, 6,300FT of event space including the 5,100-square-foot grand ballroom and four flexible meeting spaces all equipped with leading edge meetings technology, the lobby bar, a fitness center, and Hamilton’s.
Domino’s is Saying No to Shrinkflation by Launching MOREflation
Shrinkflation seems to be everywhere these days, but not at Domino’s Pizza Inc. The largest pizza company in the world is taking a stand against shrinkflation by giving customers more food for the same price.
Introducing MOREflation: when online customers mix and match any two or more medium two-topping pizzas from Domino’s for $6.99 each, they can upgrade one of their pizzas to a large for free from Sept. 9-29.
“As a response to high inflation, many companies are shrinking products to avoid raising prices,” says Joe Jordan, president of U.S. and global services at Domino’s. “We understand that consumers are looking for great-tasting, affordable meal options. That’s why we’ve taken our biggest and best offer – our mix and match deal – and made it even better by giving customers more pizza for the same price.”
Customers are encouraged to visit dominos.com or use Domino’s app, select the MOREflation offer, and place their order.
Holland-based PADNOS Acquires Three Locations to Grow Recycling Network
Holland-based PADNOS has acquired Sam Winer & Co. Inc. in Elkhart, Ind.; Howe Auto Sales in Bay City, and Grandpa’s Garage in Traverse City. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
“These three acquisitions align with our strategy to grow our regional network,” says Jonathan Padnos, president and CEO of PADNOS. “PADNOS looks forward to serving the communities in Elkhart and Bay City while continuing to serve in Traverse City.”
Sam Winer & Co. Inc. will operate as PADNOS Elkhart. Howe Auto Sales will operate as PADNOS Bay City. Grandpa’s Garage will be consolidated with the neighboring PADNOS Traverse City location.
Southern California Edison, Ford to Reward Electric Vehicle Owners Who Support the Grid
Ford Motor Co. electric vehicle owners and lessees in Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service area now have the option to be compensated for assisting the electric grid during peak periods of energy demand.
Dearborn-based Ford is the first major U.S. automaker to facilitate customer participation in SCE’s Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP), one of the utility’s ongoing efforts to enhance grid resilience that also advances vehicle grid integration (VGI).
Ford’s support of the ELRP (through Olivine Inc., which administers distributed energy resources) demonstrates the growing importance of coordinated actions by the automotive industry and utility companies to support grid resiliency as millions of electric vehicles enter the U.S. market. Ford is offering electric vehicle customers participation in ELRP through its California Power Response program.
California Power Response will take advantage of Ford’s managed charging solution and is expected to provide a valuable source of load reduction in times of peak demand, which benefits the grid — and customers — while paving the way for future innovations in energy management and grid interaction. Electric vehicle drivers in Ford’s California Power Response program will earn $1 per kWh of energy reduced during peak grid events, creating financial incentives never before possible with gas-powered vehicles.
Ford and SCE are working with Olivine as the formal participant in the VGI component of the ELRP. Olivine’s role is pivotal to managing the seamless integration of EV charging into the ELRP, allowing for real-time adjustments and optimized charging strategies that align with grid needs.
Water Tower Power is the Official Craft Beer of EMU Athletics
The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics in Ypsilanti has partnered with Eastern Market Brewing Co., located in Detroit’s Eastern Market, to launch Water Tower Power. The name was chosen based on fan voting just in time for the fall sports season.
The beer, a crisp and clean American lager with a 4.5 percent ABV, will be made for Eastern Michigan University to honor the school’s rich traditions, its passionate fan base, and the vibrant community of Ypsilanti. EMBC’s EMU beer will be officially licensed through CLC, Eastern’s licensing partner, and will be available for purchase inside Rynearson Stadium, the George Gervin GameAbove Center, and other select locations across the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with Eastern Market Brewing Co. to create something that unites our fans both on and off the field,” says Scott Wetherbee, an EMU vice president and director of athletics. “This collaboration is more than just a beverage; it’s a celebration of EMU pride and a symbol of our deep connection to the community. We can’t wait to see our fans enjoying this special lager at games, tailgates, and throughout southeastern Michigan this fall.”
EMU fans had the opportunity to choose Water Tower Power out of potential names of EM-Brew, Ypsi-Lager, Hats Off To Brew, and 1849 Lager.
“EMU has a rich history as a university, and their mission and values deeply resonate with us as a brewery,” said Pauline Knighton-Prueter, President of EMBC. “We take pride in supporting our local community and greatly appreciate EMU’s commitment to community engagement. We are honored to be selected as the craft beverage partner and eagerly anticipate enjoying a Water Power Tower at the stadium.”
Usher Takes Over Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) will host Usher’s Club Takeover Sept. 12-13.
The event will highlight a critical issue affecting youth nationwide: the lack of access to quality afterschool programming. The Club Takeover is a part of a larger, national partnership between Usher’s New Look, Afterschool Alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, and the Michigan Afterschool Partnership to drive awareness of the need to expand after school programs.
During a dozen tour stops during the Past, Present, Future Tour, Usher hopes to showcase the transformational impact of after school programming and raise awareness for the need to expand access. Currently, 25 million youth do not have access to high quality after-school programs, 750,000 youth in Michigan alone.
Usher’s Club Takeover will feature career booths, a health fair, a skating rink, and career exploration activities in the entertainment, music, technology, and health care industries. Usher’s nonprofit organization, Usher’s New Look will provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore their spark and personal brand development.
Usher will be present at the event to engage with youth, share his personal story of how afterschool programs shaped his life. Usher’s New Look will collaborate with BGCSM and various industry partners to offer teens interactive learning opportunities, including the 3C Sports Zone, an Industry Clubs showcase, and the Corewell Health Wellness Hub, all designed to help them discover their passions and explore potential career paths. During the event, Usher will also announce his role as the honorary chair of ‘Lights on Afterschool,’ a national initiative promoting the importance of afterschool programs.
To learn more visit bgcsm.org.
The Dynami Foundation X Paragon Art Collective Celebrates Healing Power of Art
With a belief in the healing power of art and the sense of community it fosters, The Dynami Foundation, who next month hosts the ninth annual Uncork for a Cure, announces a collaboration with Grosse Pointe native Mary Wysocki of Paragon Art Collective.
Wysocki has curated a selection of works by both local and international artists, which will be unveiled at the breast cancer foundation’s sold-out Neiman Marcus Fashion, Art & Philanthropy event next week.
These pieces are now publicly displayed at Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collective. Interested collectors have the opportunity to participate in an online bidding process. Bidding will culminate at The Dynami Foundation’s signature event, Uncork for a Cure, taking place on Oct. 19 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac.
For more on the Paragon Art Collective, visit paragonartcollective.com.
Advancing Macomb Hosts Second Annual Community Engagement Summit
Advancing Macomb, a 501(c)(3) that convenes resources to solve community challenges and enrich the lives of Macomb County residents, will host its second Community Engagement Summit on Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Welsh Activity Center at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township.
The event will offer practical strategies and valuable tools to help attendees better engage with their communities. Attendees will also learn why community engagement is essential for achieving success in community development, improving quality of life and encouraging greater economic growth.
The summit features keynote speaker Jeanette Pierce, founder and president of the City Institute in Detroit. Pierce established the City Institute to help cities attract and retain residents by fostering understanding and appreciation for their local environments. During her remarks, Piece will discuss community engagement and why it’s necessary, providing examples and best practices for engaging with the community in an impactful and effective way.
General admission tickets for the event are $50 and may be purchased at advancingmacomb.com.
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Soirée on the Greenway Set for Oct. 4
Guests at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Soirée on the Greenway fundraiser on Oct. 4 will be treated to a masquerade under the stars as the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard is transformed into a mysterious circus featuring food and drink, live performances, interactive fall experiences, and carnival games.
Sponsored by Citizens, the event takes place between 6-9 p.m. along the Dequindre Cut Greenway. Soirée is a 21-and-over event.
For the third year in a row, Soirée will serve as a preview of the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally and provide guests with the opportunity to sample a lineup of specially curated eats and drinks before the event opens to the public the next day. Detroit Harvest Fest runs Oct. 5-6 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to don their most creative masquerade masks and costumes for the event. Creativity and originality will again be celebrated during a costume contest.
For more information and tickets, visit here.
Detroit Pistons, Reimagine Life Foundation to Host Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game
The Detroit Pistons and Reimagine Life Foundation, formerly the RIM Foundation, are hosting a Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game presented by Priority Health on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at Wayne State Fieldhouse, bringing together Reimagine Life Foundation’s SportsAbility Program athletes and celebrities to raise funds for Reimagine Life Foundation.
The wheelchair basketball game will feature celebrities and influencers including former NBA player and University of Detroit Titan Desmond Ferguson, former Harlem Globetrotter Chris Staples, Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, comedians Kenny Knox, Soufiane Bernoukh, and Terrell Wade, actor Brooklyn Queen, ESPN reporter Eric Woodyard, radio personalities Dr. Darrius, Neal Ruhl, Randi Rossario Maples and Joey Namou, music artist Terry “PL” Fox, content creators Dale Brown, Robert Slone and Giulia Amato, professional dunkers Tyler Currie and To’ri Brooks, and more. Detroit rapper and producer Trick Trick and Detroit Pistons Legend Rick Mahorn will serve as celebrity coaches.
Tickets for the game are available at pistons.com/celebwheelchairgame starting at $20 with VIP Courtside tickets available for $75. A portion of ticket proceeds will go back to Reimagine Life Foundation.
Michigan State’s Indy Autonomous Challenge Team Sets Record
The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) ran the seventh edition of its autonomous racing competition returning to the famed oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and setting new world autonomous speed records for top speed on a racetrack (184 mph) and fastest passing overtake (180 mph).
PoliMOVE-MSU (Politecnico di Milano, Michigan State University) won the passing competition with a record-setting overtake, and Cavalier Autonomous Racing (University of Virginia) emerged victorious with world record speed in the time trials competition. These two teams delivered remarkable performances powered by cutting-edge AI driver software. Their success in outpacing eight other competitive university teams highlighted the exciting future of automotive innovation.
Lawrence Tech Gets $400K NSF Grant to Build Research Infrastructure
Lawrence Technological University in Southfield has been awarded a $400,000, three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) grant as part of a $18.6 million national effort to build research infrastructure at 48 American colleges and universities.
LTU is partnering with three other universities across the United States in the joint project, called Building Institutional Capacity for External Partnerships (BICEP). Each university in the project has received approximately $400,000 to carry out their joint and individual efforts.
The grant has three objectives:
Operational Maturity: Establishing and refining internal institutional processes and structures to enable efficient and professional support for external innovation partnerships.
Professional Development: enhancing the knowledge of faculty and staff so that they are equipped to participate in, contribute to, and develop mature technology partnerships with regional companies, agencies and institutions.
Partner Engagement: developing a thoughtful and proactive approach to managing partner relationships and strategically evolving partnerships over time.
Troy Chamber of Commerce to Host Top of Troy: Women of Influence Oct. 8.
The Troy Chamber of Commerce announces the return of its annual Top of Troy: Women of Influence event, presented by Henry Ford Health, taking place on Oct. 8 from 8-10 a.m. at the Walsh College Barry Center Auditorium.
This breakfast and panel discussion features some of the area’s most influential female business leaders, offering attendees the chance to gain valuable insights into their journeys, challenges, and successes.
Participants include:
- Kelly Garrett – mayor of Lathrup Village and director of government relations at Baker College
- Heather Geisler – executive vice president and chief marketing, communication, and experience officer at Henry Ford Health
- Sarah Harfield – owner, author and presentation skills coach at The Magic Soiree
- Lori Powe – chief client officer and principal at NBS Commercial Interiors
- Moderator: Lila Lazarus, news anchor and writer at Lila Productions
Tickets are $30 for Troy Chamber members and $40 for nonmembers. Visit here for more information and tickets.
New Detroit Hosting Just Lead: Advancing Racial Equity Conference Oct. 17
New Detroit Inc., the nation’s first racial justice coalition that works toward racial equity and dismantling systemic racism, has announced its third annual Just Lead: Advancing Racial Equity conference will take place Oct. 17 at the Icon in Detroit and that registration is open.
The conference will feature New Detroit’s inaugural recognition of its Just Lead: Racial Equity Leadership Award winners and present speakers from throughout Michigan sharing perspectives on various equity topics.
For more information, visit newdetroit.org.
