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.
ACG Detroit Announces Winners of 9th Annual M&A All Star Awards
ACG Detroit, an organization of middle-market mergers and acquisitions professionals, has announced the winners of its ninth annual M&A All Star Awards. The winners will be honored at a ceremony from 6–8:30 p.m.at The Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham on May 6
“In the face of constant economic hurdles like steep interest rates and persistent inflation, Detroit dealmakers have been challenged to think more strategically and creatively than ever,” says Danielle Bass, president of ACG Detroit.
“Year after year, the M&A community has continued to exhibit their strength and adaptability. All nominees this year persevered through setbacks and stimulated consistent business development in Detroit. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating their achievements at our annual awards.”
The 2024 M&A All Star Award winners are:
All Star Deal of the Year Over $50M in Revenue
Duro-Last Inc. Sale to Holcim Ltd.
All Star Deal of the Year Under $50M in Revenue
Wasèyabek Development Co.’s Acquisition of VES
All Star Advisor of the Year
Paullin-Hebden, partner at Warner Norcross + Judd
All Star Dealmaker of the Year
Peninsula Capital Partners
All Star Investment Banker of the Year
Andrew Dickow, managing director of Greenwich Capital Group
Rising Star
Evan Haigh, vice president of Blue River Financial Group Inc.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Thomas S. Vaughn, of Dykema Gossett
Foley & Lardner serves as the event’s Diamond sponsor. Ruby sponsors include BDO, Datasite, DBusiness, and Peninsula Capital Partners. Emerald sponsors include AON, Blue River Financial Group, and J.P. Morgan Chase.
For more information about this year’s M&A All Star Awards event, visit here.
To read DBusiness magazine’s exclusive coverage of the 2023 M&A All-Star winners, visit here.
Boys & Girls Clubs Returns to Van Buren Township
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM), in partnership with Van Buren Public School District and Van Buren Township, has announced its return to the community.
In 2008, BGCSM opened the Donahey Club school-based club in Van Buren Township. BGCSM was forced to discontinue services there in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an outdated program delivery model.
“When BGCSM closed the Donahey Club doors in 2020, we were largely an after school “safe space” for elementary-aged youth,” says Shawn Wilson, president and CEO. “Since then, we’ve reimagined our programs and impact to serving a wider range of youth and offering diverse programs including competitive and recreational sports and paid workforce training in highly sought-after industries including, design, AI, fashion, and esports. We are beyond grateful to Van Buren Township and the VBPS District for their partnership and look forward to impacting the lives of youth for years to come.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) Tigers youth sports program will serve youth ages 6-14 and offer basketball, cheer, contact football, flag, and 7v7 football. The announcement marks the return of a local youth tackle-football and cheer program to the community after the Belleville Cougars (no affiliation to BGC) stopped operating.
Detroit Grand Prix Announces Social Media Partnership with Gardner White
The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear today announced a new social media partnership with Warren-based furniture and mattress retailer Gardner White.
Through the new alliance, Gardner White will help power all Detroit Grand Prix social media channels in 2024. As the Grand Prix returns to the streets of downtown Detroit for a three-day weekend celebration in the Motor City, May 31-June 2, the event’s new social media program — Detroit GP Social Media Powered by Gardner White — will create content to help engage, inform, and entertain followers across all platforms.
Through targeted posts, graphics, campaigns, and videos, the Grand Prix and Gardner White will share social media content across channels as both organization’s look to collectively reach new audiences, in addition to capitalizing on new opportunities for collaboration.
“We are excited to build on our partnership with Gardner White in 2024 as they help power our social media engagement and content for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear,” says Michael Montri, president of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “What a great opportunity to bring two great Detroit brands together to highlight all the excitement and activities leading up to and during Grand Prix weekend.
“Gardner White does so much to support the great events happening in Detroit and with their energy, their creativity, and their commitment to our community, we could not think of a better partner to help us drive social media content and engagement at this year’s Grand Prix.”
Consumers Energy Names Finalists for $50K Put Your Town on the Map Competition
The Consumers Energy Foundation in Jackson announced the top 10 finalists for the Put Your Town on the Map Competition, which will provide $50,000 in grant funding for three projects to help small communities in Michigan grow and thrive.
“The Consumers Energy Foundation has been proud to sponsor this competition since its inception, as every year we’re able to provide funding for placemaking projects that enhance Michigan’s small towns as great places to live,” says Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “With dozens of project entries, selecting only 10 finalists was difficult, but we’re excited to learn more about these projects from the community members most passionate about them.”
Communities with fewer than 10,000 residents had until Feb. 15 to apply. The finalists are:
- Au Gres (Arenac County) for Kinder Platz Park “old fashion” transformation
- Bellaire (Antrim County) for a community year-round garden project
- Coopersville (Ottawa County) for a community outdoor fitness park
- Dimondale (Eaton County) for a village history art mural
- Imlay City (Lapeer County) for a public interactive art and audio display
- Napoleon (Jackson County) for a heritage trail project
- Rogers City (Presque Isle County) for a public art sculpture
- Saranac (Ionia County) for a covered community concert pavilion
- Johns (Clinton County) for community artistic benches
- White Cloud (Newaygo County) for downtown planter boxes/benches
The finalists, selected by the Consumers Energy Foundation and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), will make their pitches at the Small Town and Rural Development Conference, which will take place April 29. The top three winners will receive grants worth $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively.
NAI Farbman Closes Receivership Sales in Detroit, and Ann Arbor
NAI Farbman, the brokerage arm of Southfield-based full-service commercial real estate company Farbman Group, has successfully sold properties as receivers in Detroit and Ann Arbor.
“Our receivership services are in high demand at a time of economic turmoil and uncertainty in commercial real estate sectors like office and industrial,” says Michael Kalil, COO and chief revenue officer at NAI Farbman. “Courts look to appoint our expertise to stabilize these properties, identify efficiencies, and promote and sell them to worthy buyers. We are proud to have successfully accomplished that goal with these two significant property sales.”
The first sale was of 521 and 609 Old Saint Jean St. in Detroit, both industrial properties located a few blocks from the Detroit River. NAI Farbman designated Dan McCleary and Nathan Casey as listing brokers, who successfully marketed and sold the receivership properties.
The second sale was of 30 Parkland Plaza and 4621 Park Road in Ann Arbor, both office properties are located off Jackson Road. NAI Farbman appointed Brad Margolis and Wendy Acho as listing brokers, who successfully marketed and sold the receivership properties.
Comerica Bank to Conduct Sixth Annual Prom Dress Drive, Benefiting Jackets for Jobs
Comerica Bank in Detroit is welcoming donations for its sixth annual Prom Dress Drive beginning March 18, and continuing through April 12, in support of community partner Jackets for Jobs.
Individuals and businesses alike can drop off new or gently used dresses, along with accessories, such as jewelry, shoes, purses, and wraps, at participating Comerica locations to benefit southeast Michigan students.
Ten Comerica Bank banking centers and offices throughout metro Detroit will serve as collection sites. For the first time, Comerica will be accepting the donations of dresses and accessories over a four-week span, the longest donation period since Comerica’s Prom Dress Drive first began in 2017.
For the second consecutive year, Comerica will supply the donated dresses and accessories to Jackets for Jobs, a Detroit-based nonprofit that focuses on career development and removes barriers by providing high-quality clothing that makes clients look and feel professional to support workplace success.
Donation locations include Comerica Banking Centers and offices in:
- Ann Arbor, 1969 W. Stadium Blvd.
- Bloomfield Hills, 36440 Woodward Ave.
- Bloomfield Hills, 3910 Telegraph Road, Ste. 100
- Dearborn, 16150 Michigan Ave.
- Grosse Pointe, 415 Fisher Road
- New Baltimore, 50300 Gratiot Ave.
- Northville, 129 E. Main St.
- Novi, 47440 Grand River
- Rochester Hills, 3021 Walton Blvd.
- Detroit, 411 W. Lafayette St.
Detroit Police, Goodwill of Greater Detroit to Host Give for Good Donation Drive
The Detroit Police Department is cracking down on clutter. This spring, the department is teaming up with Goodwill of Greater Detroit to host a citywide “Give for Good” donation drive every weekend from March 22 to April 14.
All metro-Detroit community members are encouraged to drop off their gently used clothing, household items, electronics, toys, books, and furniture at one of five designated recreation center locations in Detroit.
“The Detroit Police Department is proud to partner with Goodwill of Greater Detroit for this donation drive to benefit Detroiters,” says Chief James E. White. “Through the work of our officers, the support of our partners like Goodwill and help from our community, we can keep making Detroit a safer and more equitable place for all.”
The “Give for Good” donation drive will take place on select weekend days from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Drop-off locations will vary each weekend as follows.
Donation drop off locations and dates in Detroit:
- March 22-23 — Heilmann Rec Center – 9th Precinct, 19601 Crusade St.
- March 29-30 — William Rec Center – 10th Precinct, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd.
- April 6 — Farwell Rec Center – 11th Precinct, 2711 E. Outer Drive
- April 12-13 — Crowell Rec Center – 8th Precinct, 16630 Lahser Road
- April 14 — Patton Rec Center – 4th Precinct, 2301 Woodmere St.
Massage, Yoga, Music, and More for Metro Detroiters Caring for Dementia Patients
Metro Detroit caregivers who look after loved ones living with dementia can experience a special day devoted to their own enjoyment and well-being on Sunday, April 7.
The event is free and is being offered by The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program (Brown Program) at its West Bloomfield location. Before the day’s activities begin, caregivers will drop off their loved ones at the Brown Program (6720 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township) at 10 a.m. where they will be taken care of by expert staff, given snacks and lunch, and experience special programming including music, games, and more.
Caregivers will go to the nearby Soul Café (5586 Drake Road, West Bloomfield) and enjoy yoga, massage, music therapy, horticultural therapy, and delicious food, plus educational activities designed to help them take care of their loved ones. The program will end at 3 p.m. with respite care provided until 3.30 p.m.
The Brown Program is a joint initiative of Gesher Human Services and Jewish Senior Life and provides innovative and engaging activities and care for those living with dementia along with support for their families at its two centers in West Bloomfield and Southfield. It welcomes people of all beliefs and faiths. To register for the program, which has limited spaces, call Sharilyn Rowe at 248-592-5032 by March 27 or email her at srowe@jslmi.org. Verbal confirmation is required for registration to be complete.
Downtown Detroit Partnership to Host Job Fair at Fox Theatre March 20
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone, in collaboration with Detroit at Work, will host the first 2024 Downtown Job Fair on Wednesday, March 20 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fox Theatre.
Job seekers are invited to come ready to network with Downtown Detroit employers and for possible on-site interviews. There are full-time, part-time, seasonal positions, and temporary openings for special events.
“Following the success of the several Downtown Job Fairs from the last couple of years, we were eager to bring this event back and help connect Detroiters to businesses looking for employees,” says Gina Cavaliere, chief community impact officer and BIZ Director at DDP. “This event is just one of the many programs that DDP and the Downtown Detroit BIZ offer to support the community, local businesses, and property owners and we are proud to do our part to help our city grow and move forward.”
The opportunities, including with the Downtown Detroit BIZ Ambassador Team, range from jobs in the security, retail, restaurant, gaming, and maintenance industries, among others, and collectively are looking to fill hundreds of job openings. Confirmed employers looking to recruit include the City of Detroit, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, MotorCity Casino, Detroit Grand Prix, Rock Security, and more.
For more information or to register to attend, visit here.
Ann Arbor’s NorthStar Care Community Grows Through Addition of Kalamazoo Affiliate
NorthStar Care Community in Ann Arbor announces its newest affiliate, Centrica Care Navigators in Kalamazoo, effective Feb. 1.
Centrica’s presence in southwest Michigan should be a complement to the capabilities that Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice, founding members of the NorthStar Care Community, bring to the state. The Centrica also should ensure quality not-for-profit hospice care remains available for patients and families across Michigan.
This alliance will create the largest hospice and palliative care organization in the state, as well as becoming one of the largest not-for-profit hospice providers in the United States. With more than 1,000 staff members and nearly 650 volunteers, the combined skills and resources from all three organizations will serve more than 2,700 hospice and palliative patients daily.
Centrica Care Navigators will maintain its brand identity, legacy programs, and continue to provide services to patients and families without interruption while keeping care teams intact.
Ascend Taps Snetor Group for Latin America, European Material Distribution
Texas based Ascend Performance Materials, which has a regional office in Detroit, announced it will expand its relationship with international plastics and chemicals distributor Snetor, which will distribute its polyamide-based engineered materials in Latin America, as well as Ascend’s HiDura MED portfolio for medical applications in Europe.
This marks Ascend’s first distribution agreement in Latin America since acquiring its compounding site in San José Iturbide, Mexico in 2022.
Ann Arbor’s C3 Industries Opens Dispensary in New Jersey
C3 Industries, a multi-state cannabis company headquartered in Ann Arbor, will officially open the High Profile Lakehurst dispensary on March 15, with celebrations throughout the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will be March 16, at 4:20 p.m. and will headline a weekend full of celebrations, featuring product specials, vendor tables from Fernway, Verano, and TerrAscend, and food trucks and prizes. In addition to these festivities, visitors can also expect a live performance from the Bruce Springsteen cover band, Asbury Fever, on Saturday from 2-4 p.m.
Lawrence Tech Wins ACHA Division III National Hockey Title
Southfield’s Lawrence Technological University won the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 3 national championship Tuesday, coming from behind to beat Grand Valley State University 4-2.
The win is the first ever national title for LTU hockey and brings the Division 3 squad’s season record to a final mark of 29-5-2. LTU was seeded No. 1 in the tournament, Grand Valley No. 3.
The win is the third national title for LTU athletics in the last 10 months. LTU is the reigning national champion in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in men’s bowling and women’s lacrosse.
Lawrence Tech beat the University of Missouri 3-2 in Monday’s semifinal to reach Tuesday’s championship game.
LTU also fields a hockey team in the ACHA’s Division 1. That team wrapped up its season last month, falling in the championship game of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference to finish with a record of 21-12.
Public Invited to Free College Week April 8-13 at Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor will open its virtual classroom doors to the public during Free College Week on Monday, April 8, through Friday, April 12. The week will culminate in on-campus, in-person events Saturday, April 13.
In-person activities include hands-on sessions, campus tours and an Esports tournament featuring the popular game Super Smash Bros in the campus Esports arena.
Community members, business representatives, prospective students, and others throughout Washtenaw County and beyond are invited to attend the more than 120 free online sessions.
In recognition of national Community College Month in April, WCC’s annual Free College Week is an opportunity to serve and engage the community that supports it by providing high-quality learning experiences at no cost.
Classes are designed for a wide range of ages and include topics to help people hone computer skills, grow businesses, explore cultures, improve personal wellness and more.
WCC faculty members from academic programs, as well as trainers from the college’s non-credit Economic & College Development division and outside businesses, will teach. Classes are provided at multiple times from morning through evening to offer flexibility to accommodate schedules.
To check the schedule of classes and register, visit here.
