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 to Host Automotive Update at Ford House Sept. 13
In advance of the 2022 Detroit Auto Show, ACG Detroit is hosting its annual automotive update from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.
The program will be led by Steven Wybo, senior managing director at Riveron, and Mike Wall, executive director of automotive analysis and S&P global at IHS Markit. They will discuss timely topics, the outlook for the rest of the year, trends for 2023, as well as a broader discussion on challenges that lie ahead for the sector.
ACG members and non-members are welcome to attend. Registration for members is $100. Registration for non-members is $150. To register, visit here.
Epiphany Studios to Open Expansion of Pontiac Glassblowing Studio Today
This afternoon at 3:30 p.m., Epiphany Studios in Pontiac will celebrate the opening of the 2,600-square-foot addition of its state-of-the-art glassblowing studio with a ribbon cutting attended by several dignitaries.
The new addition will allow owner April Wagner, a master glassblower, and her team of skilled glassblowing artisans the ability to create large-scale works of art.
For more information, visit epiphanyglass.com.
MEDC Announces $83.8M in Statewide Grants via Revitalization and Placemaking Program
Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced Wednesday Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approval of $83.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding across 22 statewide community development projects around Michigan through the Revitalization and Placemaking program (RAP).
The MSF also approved support for a new multifamily project that will bring much-needed housing to the city of Portage.
The RAP program is intended to spur investments that will address the inventory of vacant, underutilized office, commercial, and community spaces due to the pandemic by supporting efforts to repurpose them for the community to enjoy. Projects also can include the development of permanent place-based infrastructure associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, outdoor dining, and placed-based public spaces. Projects that include housing must include units that are priced to be attainable to the local workforce, including households with less than 120 percent of the area median income.
The program is designed to address a rise in vacancy rates throughout Michigan’s downtowns and commercial districts by supporting building conversions and renovations that will attract new users and build increased vitality. Additionally, the program is intended to invest in public space place-based infrastructure to help reverse the adverse economic impacts of the pandemic.
Grants were allocated in three categories:
Public Space Place-Based RAP Awards – $9,058,627 awarded to 10 communities around Michigan for infrastructure improvements, public facility enhancements, affordable housing, downtown improvements, and more.
Real Estate Rehabilitation RAP Awards – $9,843,045 awarded to mixed-use development projects in Clare, Marquette, and Grand Blanc.
Subgrant RAP Awards – $64,904,067 awarded to nine local economic development organizations/units of government for different community development projects around the state.
Southeast Michigan communities receiving grants include: Detroit ($13.7 million), Dearborn ($787,718), Ecorse ($1 million), Wyandotte ($1 million), Mount Clemens ($813,282),
Google Selects Michigan Startups for Black Founders Fund Investments
Google and its parent company, Alphabet, today announced its latest financial support for Black-led startups and venture capital firms.
Three of Michigan-based founders are among the recipients, amounting to $100,000. In addition, CapitalG, on behalf of Alphabet, announced that it plans to deploy the remaining funds from its $100 million commitment to Black-led investment firms. Recipients Athlytic, Hush, and NixCode will receive the investments.
Detroit-based Hush is built with leading AI technology to reimagine privacy from the ground up to give families control of their digital lives. It harnesses the power of technology to offer comprehensive digital monitoring across the web, intelligent analysis to identify financial, physical and reputation risk, and expansive remediation to keep private information private.
Athlytic, also in Detroit, is a fully integrated marketplace that connects student athletes with potential monetization opportunities so that they can take advantage of monetizing their likeness without taking away from their ability to perform at a high level in their prospective sports.
Kalamazoo’s NixCode is an online software service company for tech startups that provides the CTO non-tech founders need via AI-based product development guides and no-code app development software to build, validate, launch and scale a mobile app.
Emagine, PurposePoint, Meta Media Partner on Purpose Summit Experience Film
Troy-based Emagine Entertainment Inc. has announced a new partnership with Meta Media and PurposePoint to create and distribute a film based on The Purpose Summit conducted at the University of Notre Dame earlier this year.
“The Purpose Summit Experience” premiered Wednesday at Emagine Royal Oak. Paul Glantz, chairman of Emagine Entertainment, came up with the idea after seeing a video clip from the summit.
“Getting in the content development business is something different for us, but after watching some of the summit speakers, I felt it was incredibly compelling and something that theatre audiences would respond favorably to,” Glantz says. “This type of content is perfectly suited for viewing in a communal space with other like-minded individuals, and a movie theatre is an ideal venue for events like this. We are always looking forward and creating alternative uses for our buildings.”
The film is a 2.5-hour interactive leadership experience based on the three-day leadership summit that brought hundreds of companies from around the world this past May to the University of Notre Dame.
MetaMedia, the world’s first global entertainment platform that delivers movies, premium content, and live events to theaters, will deliver the interactive movie experience to hundreds of theaters across the United States and Canada this fall.
The lineup of speakers from The Purpose Summit featured in the film include authors and thought leaders including:
- Garry Ridge, CEO of WD40 Co.
- Chester Elton, author and co-founder of The Culture Works
- Davin Salvagno, founder and CEO of PurposePoint
- Amber Selking, author and founder of Selking Performance Group
- Jason Lippert, CEO of Lippert
- Amish Shah, CEO of KemKrest
- Paul Epstein, author and CIO of PurposePoint
- April Hansen, group president of Aya Healthcare
- Rich Sheridan, author and CEO of Menlo Innovations
- Sam Thevanayagam, CEO of Parts Life Inc.
The film is slated to be delivered to theaters later this month by MetaMedia, beginning with a dedicated window for private showings, and then a mid-October release to the public that will run through November in various markets. Additional information, as well as an official trailer, can be viewed here.
STIIIZY Cannabis Co. Looking to Fill 200 Job Openings Immediately
STIIIZY Cannabis Co. in Orion Township needs to hire 200 workers immediately for its manufacturing facility and is conducting hiring events from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 10 and 17.
It will take place at the Ferndale Maize Manufacturing Facility, 163 Premier Dr. in Orion Township.
Those hired will be responsible for producing blunts, joint, and pods. The facility currently is expanding to include the production of gummies and other products. The salary is up to $18 per hour along with benefits after 90 days.
STIIIZY representative, Ryan Jundt stated, “We realize that every industry is in dire need of employees,” says Ryan Jundt, a STIIZY representative. “We are no different than the restaurant industry, department store, or a factory. We need workers now and we are willing to pay for the right people.”
Resumes can be sent to Plus, mioffice@shrynegroup.com or call 248-805-4239.
Units of The District Lofts in Birmingham Available for Sale
The District Lofts, Birmingham’s first single-level loft community that opened for occupancy in 2008, now is offering homes in its original Villa building for purchase.
The Villa at the District offers “modern urban living with a distinct neighborhood feel.” Starting at $775,000 to $1.2 million, The Villa at the District is designed with the highest attention to detail and a special focus on a sophisticated lifestyle. For sale opportunities are now available on 18 spacious residential one-, two-, and three-bedroom loft homes ranging in size from 1,525-1,950 square feet.
The building is constructed with the same post tension concrete method as the Four Season Hotel and Tower in Miami, Fla. and the Hyatt Grand Resort in Huntington Beach, Calif. Eight-inch-thick concrete floors topped with sound absorbent matting ensures the privacy of each resident.
Other amenities include Italian designed and crafted 42-inch imported cabinets; stainless steel kitchen appliances; kitchen island with seating; in-suite washer and dryer; 1 1/8-inch solid surface countertops in kitchen and baths with under-mounted sinks; Euro style glass shower door and solid surface flooring in owner’s bath; designer closet system in owner’s suite; wood flooring throughout foyer, kitchen, living and dining area; private, indoor heated and secure parking; separate individual storage lockers for each residence; on-site private fitness center and secure interior package delivery area. A new outdoor living space will be coming soon complete with a dog park and sitting area with firepits and barbecues.
For more information, visit here.
Local Family Brings USDA-certified Clean Juice to New Hudson
Clean Juice, the original USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, is coming to New Hudson (30785 Milford Road) starting with a soft opening Sept. 10.
The New Hudson fast-casual juice bar is owned and operated by local residents and married couple Jill and Scott Minke.
“Clean Juice will provide the New Hudson area a fast and healthy option where people will be able to try a variety of great tasting menu items,” Jill Minke says. “Our family fell in love when we first tried Clean Juice, and we are so excited to bring this kind of concept to the New Hudson area.”
Minke says her family believes in the core values of Clean Juice and wants to encourage others to pursue a healthy and clean lifestyle.
Clean Juice is hosting a grand opening at the New Hudson location on Sept. 17 and will be offering free Clean Juice for a year for the first 50 customers, buy-one get-one smoothies, free smoothies for kids, and a wheel to spin for free prizes.
For more information, visit cleanjuice.com or call 248-264-6288.
Detroit Tigers, Belfor Property Restoration to Honor First Responders Sept. 13
To express gratitude and show appreciation for first responders, the Detroit Tigers and Belfor Property Restoration will honor the frontline heroes of our region at Comerica Park on Sept. 13, during a ceremony prior to the Tigers’ 6:40 p.m. contest against the Houston Astros.
Prior to the on-field ceremony, four first pitches will be thrown by local first responders, including Chelsea Fire Authority Chief Rob Arbini, Village of Holly Fire Department Chief Steve McGee, City of Ferndale Fire Department Chief Teresa Robinson, and Farmington Director of Public Safety Ted Warthman. Belfor CEO Sheldon Yellen will catch each of the first pitches.
“The world will always remember the tragic events of 9/11 but we will also remember the heroic bravery from our first responders that day,” says Yellen. “And for that, we are humbled and honored to show support for the men and women who serve our communities each and every day but especially as we remember a day that changed our lives forever.”
Chris McGowan, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, says: “We are proud to team up with our friends at Belfor in paying tribute to first responders and heroes on the frontlines. As we collectively remember the tragic events of 9/11 and the personnel that helped save so many lives, it will also be a tremendous opportunity to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of first responders right here in our community.”
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to Host Annual Evening of Hope Oct. 1
The Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation will host its 45th annual Evening of Hope “There’s No Place Like Hope” Gala from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 1 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel.
This “Wizard of Oz” themed event is expected to be filled with entertainment, special guests, silent auctions, and inspirational stories.
The 45th Annual Evening of Hope “There’s No Place Like Hope” Gala will bring together the IBD community to raise critical funds for the Foundation. This event will help ensure that research and patient programs can continue.
Evening of Hope is designed to be an inspiring, fun, emotional, and entertaining event. Tickets will include opportunity to bid on auction items, seated dinner, open bar, live auction, dancing, and live music. More than 300 guests are expected to attend.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
YMCA of Metro Detroit Throwing 170th Birthday Block Party Sept. 10
The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is celebrating its 170th birthday with a free Y-170 Big Block Birthday Party from noon-5 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Boll Family YMCA (1401 Broadway) in downtown Detroit.
The event is being staged by The Parade Co. and sponsored in part by Bedrock and Deneweth Vittiglio Sassak PC.
Among the activities planned are:
- Dancing in the streets with DJ Resurgence
- A kid zone
- Video gaming truck
- Giant obstacle course
- Scavenger hunt
- Magician and balloon animals
- Face painting
- Corn hole and can jam
- Y Samplers: Yoga. Zumba. HITT.
- Basketball games
- Hourly raffles
Parking will be available at the Detroit Opera House garage for $10 while spaces last.
