DBusiness Daily Update: America’s Oldest Grocery Store Celebrates 140 Years on Mackinac Island, and More

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.
By
-
21
Doud’s Market has been operating under the same family on Mackinac Island for 140 years. // Photo courtesy of Doud’s Market

America’s Oldest Grocery Store Celebrates 140 Years on Mackinac Island

Doud’s Market on Mackinac Island, believed to be America’s oldest family operated grocery store, is celebrating 140 years of serving island residents and visitors.

“It’s a wide variety of people we are serving,” owner Andrew Doud said. He has run the store since 2008 and represents the fourth generation of Douds at the helm.

Opened by brothers James and Patrick Doud, the store first was known as Doud Bros. and later as Doud’s Mercantile. Originally Doud’s was located on top of the now Starline Dock. In 1938, the Doud Bros building caught fire during the night forcing the brothers to relocate to the current location adjacent to Marquette Park. At this time, Patrick (the older brother) decided to branch off on his own and begin building houses on Mackinac Island. He built several beautiful homes that are still present today (Michigan Governor’s summer residence, Stonecliffe, Market Street Inn, Windemere Hotel, Wawashkamo Golf Club Clubhouse, and many others).

James ran the grocery store until his son Francis (current owner Andrew Doud’s grandfather) took over.

Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores Reveals Its Best-kept Secrets and Autumn Splendor

Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, the National Historic Landmark and former home of Eleanor and Edsel Ford, announces two guided tours that invite visitors to explore the estate like never before.

First, the Autumn Landscape Guided Tour, available Tuesdays through Sundays between Sept. 24 and Nov. 10, invites guests to experience Ford House’s gardens and grounds as they transform into a palette of fall colors. Enjoy a leisurely walk while expert guides share stories about the estate’s landscaping and seasonal beauty.

The Nooks and Crannies Guided Tour, available Tuesdays through Sundays between Sept. 24 and Dec. 31, takes visitors beyond the usual areas to explore the estate’s lesser-known parts. On the tour are the third-floor infirmary, basement, and underground tunnel. Discover architectural details and historical artifacts often overlooked. Led by our expert guides, this tour provides a deeper understanding of the estate’s rich history and the intriguing stories behind its hidden gems.

“We’re thrilled to offer these unique tours, as they provide a rare glimpse into Ford House that’s only available during specific times of the year,” says Loren Stevens, tour manager at Ford House. “Both the Autumn Landscape and Nooks & Crannies tours offer exclusive experiences that quickly capture the imagination of our visitors.”

To purchase tickets, visit here.

Chase Opens New Branch in Canton Township

Chase continues its nationwide branch expansion with a new branch at 45345 West Ford Road in Canton Township. Along with its convenient location, the branch is staffed with a bilingual team ready to meet the community’s diverse banking needs.

Customers will discover a branch that looks and feels different from a “typical” bank. Beyond being a full-service location, it has a modern design and state-of-the-art banking technology, reflecting how customers engage with Chase today.

Chase Branch Manager Thomas Grozenski and his team welcome customers in a variety of meeting spaces, featuring charging stations and an inviting café-style seating area. The location also includes a walk-up ATM as well as two 24-hour drive-thru ATMs.

Winners Announced at Visit Detroit’s 28th ROSE Awards

Excellence in hospitality and service was honored by Visit Detroit at the recent 28th Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards at the Sound Board Theater at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.

The 2024 category winners were:

  • Volunteers — Sandra Stevenson, Volunteer, The Parade Co.
  • Attractions and Casinos – Brittany Grams, Logistics and Administration Specialist, Guest Services, The Henry Ford
  • Transportation – Connie Solimanto, Customer Service Lead, Delta Airlines
  • Restaurants – Cheryl Cusumano-Gadson, Lead Server, 200 West Lounge – Detroit Marriott Troy Behind the Scenes – Kendrick Ashford, Guest Services/Security, St. Andrew’s Hall, The Shelter & Society Room
  • Hotels – Michelle Kelley, Events Specialist, Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

The 2024 Overall Service Champion was Valerie Myaard-Martin, Front Desk Agent, The Henry, Autograph Collection.

The William F. McLaughlin Award for Service Excellence was awarded to the House of Pure Vin.

For more information about the ROSE Awards, go to theroseawards.com.

Grand Haven Township Selects 123NET for Broadband Project

Grand Haven Township in Ottawa County and 123NET in Southfield have entered into an agreement to construct 5.5 miles of high-capacity fiber in rural areas of the township that lack high-speed internet access.

This project follows a previously announced partnership between 123NET and Ottawa County to bring high performance internet access to approximately 4,000 underserved residents, and further bridges the large digital divide that the county has historically faced.

The Grand Haven project includes 5.5 miles of additional new network to be added in rural parts of the township, placed in areas designated for future commercial and residential development. Grand Haven held ARPA funding for the most impactful project to the township, understanding that broadband infrastructure will significantly help the county’s residents and community both in the present and future.

Grand Haven Township fiber installation will be completed in sections over the next few years, in coordination with the larger Ottawa County project, where construction is just beginning. 123NET plans to use both internal and local resources for the project – including West Michigan contractors and 123NET’s ten in-house construction crews.

Luxury Cars Zoom into M1 Concourse in Pontiac on Saturday

The public is invited to visit M1 Concourse in Pontiac from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday for Cars & Coffee, during which rare supercars and top-of-the-line European vehicles will be available to view up close.

Register to bring a car to put on display or come check out the hundreds of vehicles at the meet. This event is open to the public with free admission and complimentary coffee. Supercars are fun, flashy and fast, high-performance sports cars that are street legal and have similar specs to a race car.

On-site activities include both complementary and specialty coffees from vendor Rootless Coffee, a food truck, special M1 merchandise, outdoor games, and a display from Ziebart.

Tickets are available at no cost in advance here. 

Meadow Brook Starts Fall with Floral Art Tour 

Art, music and even mystery will transform Meadow Brook Hall this fall, with a series of fun, glamorous, and spooky autumn events.

Visitors will be enchanted with the event lineup, from an outdoor floral art exhibit to screenings of classic films, flashlight tours, mystery dinners, and more. All events take place at Meadow Brook Hall, the National Historic Landmark located on the campus of Oakland University.

For a full list of activities and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Study: Frontline Construction Supervisors Need to Be Empowered to Improve Safety

A new study conducted by the Construction Safety Research Center at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield asserts that safety starts with construction frontline supervisors, the people who work directly with construction crews on the job site.

Combining the results of two national surveys, meetings with construction safety experts, and a review of prior studies, the new study identifies 19 safety actions that could be undertaken by frontline supervisors to improve safety performance.

The study has been published in the online journal Advances in Civil Engineering. To view the study, visit here.

Detroit Tech Innovators Can Receive $120K in Grants

Tech entrepreneurs and small business owners in Detroit have the opportunity to receive $120,000 in grants to boost their businesses thanks to a partnership between Black Tech Saturdays and Rocket Community Fund.

Recipients will be announced on the final day of Black Tech Saturdays’ Digital Empowerment Summit, which runs Oct. 3-5 at the Michigan Science Center and the College for Creative Studies.

Detroit-based entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply now at this link.

Up to six grants of $20,000 each will be awarded for projects that:

  • Provide tech-based programming and training.
  • Are anchored to community institutions in Detroit.
  • Promote mass technology adoption.

Black Tech Saturdays also is looking for local and national speakers for the summit. The ideal speaker is someone who can inspire and provide actionable insights, whether they are from Detroit or beyond. Apply to be a speaker here. Learn more about the Black Tech Saturdays’ Digital Empowerment Summit here.

SMZ Chosen as Agency of Record for The Henry Ford 

Simons Michelson Zieve (SMZ), a 360-degree agency providing everything from media to creative to performance marketing, announced it has been selected by The Henry Ford in Dearborn as its agency of record.

The agency will manage a wide variety of services for the multivenue museum, including strategy, brand stewardship, creative and media. The Henry Ford includes Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour along with the Benson Ford Research Center, Giant Screen Experience, Henry Ford Academy, and offers specialty programs throughout the year and an online presence at thehenryford.org.

SkillFusion, Elevate Partner to Train Underserved Communities for EV Charger Maintenance!

SkillFusion, an industry-first software platform for electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) operations and maintenance (O&M) providers, has announced a partnership with Elevate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring access and readiness for opportunities in the clean energy sector.

This partnership will provide access to SkillFusion’s EVSE Diagnostic Technician (EDT) certification program to ready organizations and entrepreneurs in Detroit for endless opportunities servicing and maintaining electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Elevate is a nonprofit organization that seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities — prioritizing frontline communities.

Individuals will have access to SkillFusion’s first-of-its-kind skill enhancement and certification. The program provides electricians and non-electricians with the needed skills and certifications to carry out specific technical work on EV chargers, such as servicing communication and networking systems.

Individuals interested in obtaining EDT certification through SkillFusion and Elevate can reach out to Crystal Bernard at Crystal.Bernard@elevatenp.org.

FloridaMakes, LIFT Team Up to Accelerate Advanced Manufacturing in Florida 

LIFT, the Detroit-based Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, announced FloridaMakes has joined as a member of the institute in support of the advanced manufacturing industrial base in the state of Florida.

FloridaMakes is the official representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network and National Institutes of Science and Technology (NIST) in Florida, with a focus on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

The partnership will allow both organizations to connect their member bases of manufacturers to accelerate the development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies on behalf of the Department of Defense and the broader Florida manufacturing base.

For more information, visit floridamakes.com and lift.technology.

Connect 313 Names Eight Neighborhood Technology, Resource Hubs 

Connect 313, a Detroit city-wide, data-driven digital inclusion strategy aimed at bridging the digital divide, has relaunched and funded eight tech hubs as Neighborhood Technology and Resource Hubs across Detroit’s seven districts, adding a digital skills curriculum.

The Accenture Learning Exchange Portal, a professional development skills training platform, will be offered at each of the Neighborhood Technology and Resource Hubs listed. The hubs are located within established community organizations.

The Accenture platform is a self-paced learning module providing digital literacy and workforce-readiness training for Detroit residents. Once residents have registered for the training at a tech hub, they can continue the program anywhere they have access to a computer and internet. Courses include: Computer and Internet Basics, Career Assessment, Resume Building, Healthcare Customer Service and Communications, and other foundational online and computer basics.

The eight Connect 313 Neighborhood Technology and Resource Hubs include:

Founders Beer Coming to the Big House This Fall

Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids is a craft brewery sponsor of University of Michigan Athletics. Following the announcement that U-M will now serve alcohol at the Big House, Yost Ice Arena, and Crisler Center, fans will see Founders products at Wolverine sporting events.

Additionally, a Founders-branded concession area will be available at the Big House for fans looking to take a break from the action – and enjoy Founders beers like the All Day IPA and MI P1LSNER, a Michigan exclusive crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

While Founders has teamed up with U-M on several initiatives in recent years, this multi-year agreement further strengthens the relationship between two time-honored Michigan brands.

Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors Announces $8K in Student Scholarships

The Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors (GMAR) announced that eight children of current GMAR members were awarded scholarships to attend Michigan colleges and universities. The students each received $1,000.

The recipients and the schools they will be attending are:

  • Noah Bradley, Livonia (Wayne State University)
  • Sylvia Comer (Washtenaw Community College)
  • Bryce Gibbs, Sterling Heights (Eastern Michigan University)
  • Luke Jamieson, New Baltimore (Macomb Community College)
  • Kennedy Lint, Dexter (Wayne State University)
  • Hugo Rodriguez, Beverly Hills (Michigan State University)
  • Afton Ross, Rochester Hills (Michigan State University)
  • Mackenzie Shoskey, Clarkston (Western Michigan University)

Council Re|Sale Store in Berkley Announces Expansion by End of October, Fall Showcase

Council Re|Sale (3297 W. 12 Mile Road) in Berkley will be expanding into the adjacent store, currently occupied by Time Travelers, a comic book, cards, toys, and video games store. The 4,400-square-foot expansion is expected to take place at the end of October and will offer more floor space, additional room for the store’s popular sales, and an increased area for donation processing.

Ahead of expansion, the store will conduct its annual Fall Showcase event, featuring women’s and men’s fall fashions and accessories at bargain prices. The Fall Showcase will take place on Sunday Sept. 15 from 12:30-4 p.m., with a special $25 VIP early entry from 11 a.m.-12.30 p.m.  Shoppers interested in VIP Early Entry should pre-register with payment at the store or by calling 248-548-6664.

Community Invited to Nominate a First Responder for Distinguished Service Award

The Detroit Public Safety Foundation (DPSF) is recognizing the work of Detroit’s first responders by creating a new award to be presented at the annual Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony. The Public Safety Distinguished Service Award is an opportunity for the community to nominate individuals within Detroit Police and Detroit Fire who go above and beyond in distinguished service for the community.

Nominations will be accepted through Oct. 9 here.

Short’s Brewing Announces New Thirst Mutilator Grape Flavor, New IPA

The non-alcoholic sparkling hop water, created in collaboration between Michigan’s Short’s Brewing and musician Billy Strings, launched a new Grape flavor at the end of June. The brewery also launched a new hazy IPA called Only Tourists.

Thirst Mutilator Grape boasts zero alcohol, zero calories, zero carbs, and zero gluten. All-natural hop oils and grape flavors make for a “surprisingly delicious” concoction with just a dash of nostalgia.

Thirst Mutilator Grape will be available in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Only Tourists is a hazy IPA designed to be enjoyed more than one or two at a time, something that would hit with all the juicy, fruity, hoppy goodness of a big hazy beer but without any of the “sludgy, gut-punching sorta blerg” that can come out of most hazies.

For more information, visit shortsbrewing.com.

Gesher Human Services Offers Recharge! Program for Metro Detroiters Age 45+

Gesher Human Services in Southfield is offering Recharge!, a career development program for adults 45 years and older, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-noon, Sept. 9-25.

The program will take place at the nonprofit agency’s headquarters (29699 Southfield Road) and is being offered to assist the increasing number of older workers wanting to reinvent their working lives, or in the case of retirees, get back into the workforce.

The program requires registration and a $40 material fee, although scholarships are available to ensure there is no financial barrier to participating. For more information and to register contact Sherrie James sjames@geshermi.org or call 248-233-4472. One-on-one career counseling is also available at Gesher; contact employmenthelp@geshermi.org.

The Whitney Announces CityFest 2024 Schedule 

“CityFest,” The Whitney restaurant’s ninth annual “Celebration of Spirited Dining,” runs from Sept 6-17 at the iconic Woodward Avenue mansion-turned-restaurant.

CityFest is a series of unique events designed to celebrate food and drink while exploring every part of the 1894 mansion’s property from the oasis-like outdoor gardens to the sometimes-creepy basement, to the popular third floor Ghostbar. The events emphasize local products and raise funds for local charities and social service agencies.

For a complete lineup of CityFest events, visit here.

Chefs Join Forces for Upscale Forest to Table Dining Event 

Two renowned chefs will work side-by-side in a wooded setting to create an enchanted open-air dining experience filled with flavors from the forest.

Chris Gadulka with Sylvan Table in Sylvan Lake and Johnny Prepolec of Alchemi in Royal Oak will create seven distinct courses served along a quarter-mile trail during Forest to Table, an upscale dining event from 5:30-9:30 p.m. (rain or shine) Sept. 14 at Johnson Nature Center (3325 Franklin Road) in Bloomfield Hills.

Each dish will feature Michigan-foraged ingredients including plants, flowers, berries, mushrooms, and other items you might find in the forest, paired with locally sourced fish, game, and other fare. The event, hosted by Friends of the Johnson Nature Center, is designed to connect attendees with their natural environment in a whole new way.

Funds raised at the event will benefit Johnson Nature Center. For more information and tickets, visit here.





RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR