Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars in Traverse City to Expand Business
Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars in Traverse City has announced plans to double the size of the company over the next five years as the market opportunity for heart healthy extra virgin olive oil is growing as has sales for Fustini’s assortment of products.
The company says the expansion plan is set on three pillars:
- New tasting room store locations
- Expanding into a broad network of authorized resellers
- E-commerce
“It’s hard to believe that we’re headed into our 17th year in business,” says Jim Milligan, founder of Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to bring the Fustini’s experience to more customers, make it more convenient for our existing customers to shop Fustini’s, and to create personal and career growth for our wonderful Fustini’s team.”
Milligan has restructured Fustini’s leadership team for the expansion. He now is focused on new strategic ideas and gig opportunities as the company visionary, and Liz Lancashire, Fustini’s general manager, has been promoted into the integrator role where she will be accountable for profit and loss, and helping everyone in the company meet their goals.
Fustini’s adds it has been using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) with success the past three years to optimize their efforts around vision, traction, and the health of the team.
Lapels Cleaners Opens New Location in West Bloomfield
Lapels Cleaners, a 100 percent sustainable garment care company headquartered in Naples, Fla., recently opened a new satellite location (5538 Drake Road) in West Bloomfield Township.
“Lapels Cleaners is thrilled to be back in Michigan with the opening of this new satellite location,” says David Grippi, COO of Lapels Cleaners. “At Lapels, we use a sustainable, non-toxic method for dry cleaning clothes. Subsequently, clothes feel better when you wear them and last longer while doing no harm to the environment.”
Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry-cleaning experience over the past two decades. Part of that effort includes a partnership agreement with GreenEarth, the dry-cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative.
Using these kinds of solutions and the latest technology in equipment, Lapels states it is one of the few dry cleaners able to ensure there is no hazardous waste in their process.
Lapels also offers its customers automatic rewards earning them credit toward free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP program eliminating the need to wait in line, the use of a 24 hour drop off service, and home delivery to all its customers.
For more information, visit here.
Grand Circus Park to Host Official Detroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate
The Downtown Detroit Partnership and sponsors Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit are inviting baseball fans to the official Opening Day Tailgate Party in Grand Circus Park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 5.
The event is free to attend and will offer several activities that include the best place to watch and enjoy the game outside of Comerica Park.
The event will feature a Miller Lite beer tent, local food trucks including the Little Caesars Food Truck, ticket giveaways, fun photo opportunities, games, and activities such as speed pitch and cornhole, music, special appearances by Detroit Tigers alumni, Detroit Tigers Energy Squad, Paws, and a video wall and TV screens to watch the game.
Great Lakes Data & Analytics Summit to Address Artificial Intelligence on April 18
The Great Lakes Data & Analytics Summit will take place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 18 at the Troy Marriott (200 W. Big Beaver Road).
The event is targeted toward professionals in analytics, IT, and business. It will feature keynotes from industry experts, in-depth case study sessions from local practitioners, software demonstrations from top vendors, and networking opportunities.
Donald Farmer, with more than 40 years of experience with data, will present an overview of what is working and what is not in the world of business intelligence as well as what’s possible in the next few years.
For more information and to register, visit here.
Survey: Most EV Drivers Rely on Fast Chargers for Long Trips, Use Onsite Amenities
A majority of EV drivers rely on DC fast chargers for extended trips, according to the results of a customer survey released by Flo in Auburn Hills.
The results, gathered from almost 40,000 EV drivers in the U.S. and Canada, provided insight into EV drivers’ charging habits and the activities they regularly engage in while charging.
Among the findings, DC fast chargers are needed for most EV drivers. Forty-two percent of respondents indicated they use them at least once a month and 60 percent reported they rely on them for extended or multi-city trips.
In a question asking what activities drivers engage in while their vehicle is charging at a fast charger, 51 percent of EV drivers said they engage with on-site amenities. When asked which activities they prefer to do while charging, 60 percent of drivers said they use this time to eat or buy refreshments while 19 percent said they use nearby retail stores to shop.
The survey found 29 percent of EV owners in the survey did not have a charging station installed at their residence, highlighting the need for reliable public infrastructure.
The survey also discovered a diverse use of charging station types, with 35 percent of users primarily using Level 2 stations, 27 percent mainly using DC fast charging stations, and 31 percent relying on a mix of both. This variety underscores the need for a comprehensive network that offers both quick top-ups and longer-stay charging solutions and is designed for drivers who live in a range of building types, Flo says.
Most EV drivers stay local and within the range provided by a single overnight charge. Thirty-seven percent of American respondents reported driving between 100 to 200 miles per week.
“FLO’s survey demonstrates the need for more robust charging solutions across North America, enabling drivers to plug in wherever they are — at work, home, or on the go.” says Louis Tremblay, president and CEO of FLO. “Hearing from almost 40,000 EV drivers is extremely informative and points towards the effectiveness of both at home and public charging networks in supporting the day-to-day lives of most EV drivers and providing the best charging experience one session at a time.”
Eaton in Southfield Introduces Next-gen Fuel Shut-off Valve for Hybrid EVs
Southfield-based intelligent energy management company Eaton has introduced its next-generation Fuel Tank Isolation Valve (FTIV) for hybrid vehicles.
The new FTIV is designed to be easier to assemble, and is 27 percent lighter, 39 percent smaller, and contains 24 percent fewer components than its predecessor.
The gas engine in a hybrid vehicle does not operate continuously. As a result, hybrid fuel systems require special measures to address evaporative emissions that accumulate when the gas engine is not in operation.
“Pressure builds up in the gas tank when the vehicle is in electric mode, so that pressure has to be released,” explains Christy Roadknight, business unit director of Eaton’s Mobility Group. “Also, when refueling you want to make sure the tank is depressurized to avoid spit back. Modern hybrids spend more time in electric mode so FTIV is now even more important.”
Eaton’s next generation FTIV comes at a time when hybrids are becoming a popular alternative to fully electric vehicles. As new hybrids come into the market, Eaton’s isolation valve can reduce packing challenges with its reduced dimensions.
Eaton has agreements to supply its next-generation FTIV to two global automotive customers and has drawn interest from other manufacturers.
For more information, visit here.
Chrysler Pacifica Named Best Minivan for Families in U.S. News & World Report
Chrysler Pacifica, from Stellantis in Auburn Hills, has been named the best minivan for families by U.S. News & World Report.
“The 2024 Best Cars for Families winners offer a number of safety features and a comfortable ride for all passengers, making them ideal for daily commutes or family adventures,” says Liz Opsitnik, executive editor of U.S. News.
Chrysler Pacifica earned the vehicle’s first award from U.S News in the Best Minivan for Families category on the strength of family-friendly features, including the most standard safety features in its segment, available all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability paired with Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and an available FamCAM interior camera, which offers a bird’s-eye view of rear-facing child-seat occupants. Pacifica was also first with available Amazon Fire TV integrated into the Uconnect Theater System.
Eastern Michigan University, Henry Ford College Launch New Transfer Program
Embarking on a higher education journey from Henry Ford College (HFC) to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti is now more streamlined thanks to the Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University guaranteed transfer program.
This initiative offers HFC students a seamless transfer experience that paves the way for attaining both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree within four to six years.
Leaders from both institutions will celebrate this partnership at 10 a.m. March 19, at Eastern Michigan’s Welch Hall, room 205.
Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University provides a guaranteed transfer pathway to a bachelor’s degree. It offers a three-year tuition freeze at HFC and resources at both institutions designed to support student success.
“Henry Ford College has been a longstanding and important partner to Eastern Michigan University for many years,” says James Smith, president of EMU. “We understand that for many students, navigating the transfer experience can seem challenging. This collaboration with HFC provides students with comprehensive guidance and resources from the start of their college journey, ensuring they are well-equipped for academic success.”
The program allows EMU to offer guaranteed admission to any HFC student with at least a 2.0 GPA, 60 credit hours, and an associate degree in arts, business, science, applied science, or general studies.
In addition to the transfer process, Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University offers advantages, such as enhanced career advising, EMU scholarship opportunities, access to academic resources and athletic events, and degree-tracking resources.
For more information about Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University, visit the Henry Ford College website.
Olga’s Kitchen Offering $75K in Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Livonia-based Olga’s announced grant applications are now available through the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation for women entrepreneurs building businesses in Michigan.
The Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation will dispense grants totaling $75,000 in honor of Loizon, the brand’s late founder and female food pioneer. Women entrepreneurs can apply for the grants Starting today and continuing through April 17 here.
Women grant applicants must live in the U.S., be actively building their business in Michigan, show financial need, and provide a formal business plan as part of the selection process. Those interested in supporting women entrepreneurs building new businesses in Michigan can donate to the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation here.
“More than 50 years ago, Olga Loizon pushed past the barriers facing women in business as she pioneered one of Michigan’s most beloved brands,” says Loredana Gianino, president of the foundation. “We want to give back to the women in our state who are following in Olga’s footsteps as they overcome obstacles to build their own businesses.”
In 2023, the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation awarded women-owned businesses DA BOMB TACO, No Fear Cafe, Muirneen Equestrian, and Welcome Home Yoga with grants totaling $50,000.
Lawrence Tech Planning LTU Research Day on April 19
Philip Plowright, department chair and professor in the Department of Design in Lawrence Technological University’s College of Architecture and Design in Southfield, will present the Presidential Colloquium at LTU’s 12th annual Research Day April 19.
Each year, an LTU faculty member is selected to present the colloquium, based on the depth and excellence of their research work. Plowright’s research has centered around cognitive processes in design, especially as applied to design methods, teaching and learning.
“Plowright has made major contributions to the field of architectural research and education, research advances that made him a natural choice to present this year’s Presidential Colloquium,” says Nabil Grace vice president for research at LTU, who is also dean of the LTU College of Engineering.
Plowright is an architect and design theorist whose research is focused on cognitive semantics, social semiotics, conceptual processes, and methodology focused on the built environment. His most recent book is “Urban Design Made by Humans” (Routledge 2023) co-authored with Anirban Adhya, associate professor of architecture and urban design at Lawrence Tech.
The public is invited to the afternoon research presentations in the LTU Buell Building Atrium (building 5). All Research Day events are free and open to the public, but registration is requested. To register, visit here.
LTU also is seeking research projects to present at Research Day, as well as sponsors for the event. For more information, visit here. Sponsors of the event currently are the intellectual property law firm Ward Law Office, the Ann Arbor life sciences industry accelerator ArborHive, and the Southfield-based digital marketing agency Yellow Flag Productions.
