DBusiness Daily Update: Annual Birmingham Winter Markt Opens Dec. 3 for Three-day Run, and More

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
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Visitors to the Birmingham Winter Markt will be able to visit more than 50 vendor displays. // Courtesy of City of Birmingham
Visitors to the Birmingham Winter Markt will be able to visit more than 50 vendor displays. // Courtesy of City of Birmingham

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.

Annual Birmingham Winter Markt Opens Dec. 3 for Three-day Run

The annual Birmingham Winter Markt (sic) returns to Shain Park, Dec. 3-5, with local vendor displays, European-inspired foods, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa House visits, and entertainment.

The event starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 with live entertainment, giveaways, and the lighting of the holiday tree adorned with more than 45,000 led lights. WXYZ sports anchor and Birmingham native Brad Galli will MC the festivities.

Throughout the weekend, visitors are invited to browse more than 50 displays from local artists and vendors selling fresh holiday greenery, home décor, and gifts including jewelry, kids’ toys, apparel, and more.

European food and drinks including crepes from The French Lady and Bavarian-inspired fare including strudel and freshly baked soft pretzels from Auntie Anne’s.

The Community House terrace will be open to the public on both Friday and Saturday during the event. Also featured are Ice sculptures, reindeer (on Sunday only), horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa House, and a Kinderhaus children’s activity area.

“We are looking forward to the Winter Markt event this year,” says Jaimi Brook, events and operations manager for the Birmingham Shopping District. “This event is a great way to enjoy timeless holiday traditions with family and friends.”

For more information visit here.

HAP Medicare Experts Available to Help Seniors with Medicare Advantage Plan Choices

With a week to go for Medicare’s annual enrollment, Health Alliance Plan (HAP) in Detroit wants to help seniors to make informed choices before the Dec. 7 deadline. HAP Medicare experts are available to discuss strategies and tips for seniors on how to evaluate plans on factors beyond just cost.

HAP says it feels strongly that the public should have access to the following information:

  • The importance of understanding if your primary care doctor takes your Medicare plan.
  • How to determine if your dental plan with your Medicare benefits meets your need.
  • The importance of researching plans before enrolling.
  • How to evaluate one’s needs when it comes to coverage.
  • How to use the Medicare Star Rating Program, which evaluates the quality of all available plans.
  • How to avoid scams that are prevalent during the annual enrollment period.
  • How to determine what extra benefits to which seniors may be entitled.

For more information, visit www.hap.org.

Olympia Entertainment to Host Job Fair at Little Caesars Arena Dec. 2

Olympia Entertainment in Detroit is hosting an open job fair from noon-4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2 at Little Caesars Arena.

Candidates interested in getting paid to work at Detroit Red Wings and Pistons games, as well as world-class live entertainment, are encouraged to attend the job fair. No reservation or appointment is needed. Available part-time positions to be hired on-site include crowd managers, concierge, parking, and restroom attendants.

For additional information or to apply online, please visit here.

Michigan Capital Network Adds BlueWater Angels to Organization

Grand Rapids-based Michigan Capital Network (MCN), the state’s largest association of regional angel investing groups, announced the addition of Saginaw’s BlueWater Angels to its network.

This latest addition extends MCN’s statewide reach to mid-Michigan, including the Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw region.

Since its inception in 2008, BlueWater Angels has engaged more than 50 investors and invested more than $21 million in 34 companies. The addition of BlueWater brings MCN’s total angel fund investments under management to more than $50 million.

“We are extremely pleased to have the BlueWater Angels join our statewide association,” says Paul D’Amato, CEO of Michigan Capital Network. “The financial success and economic impact of this group is exceptional, and we look forward to working with their leadership to further enhance business growth in our state.”

MCN members have invested more than $5.5 million in early-stage Michigan ventures in the first eight months of 2021, representing a nearly 20 percent increase over the total annual investment in 2019.

“We have long-admired the success and effectiveness of the angel investing groups in MCN,” says Leland Richards, director of BlueWater Angels. “Joining this statewide investing association brings more insight and resources to our members and the companies we support.”

Public Hearing for State Historic Tax Credit Program Draft Rules Slated for Dec. 10

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. is conducting a public hearing for the current draft rules on the new State Historic Tax Credit Program at 10 a.m. on Dec. 10 in Lansing.

The current draft rules are a revised version of the rules previously presented to the Michigan Strategic Fund board in May and made available to the public for initial comment in June. The draft rules for the new State Historic Tax Credit Program, as signed into law by the governor on Dec. 30, 2020, will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources in communities throughout every county of the state.

“The new State Historic Tax Credit Program will assist in the revitalization of Michigan’s historic resources, resulting in vibrant, unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play,” says Mark A. Rodman, Michigan’s state historic preservation officer. “We encourage all interested Michiganders to submit their comments on the current rules either in person or in writing by the day of the hearing.”

The hearing will take place at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. building in the Lake Michigan Room, 300 North Washington Square in Lansing.

Public comments on the current draft rules will be accepted in person during the hearing or may be made in writing via email or in hard copy. Emailed comments must be sent to preservation@michigan.gov. The subject line should include Draft Rules Comments.

Hard copy comments can be mailed to Robbert McKay, State Historic Preservation Office, 300 North Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48913. Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 10.

To learn more about the State Historic Tax Credit Program, visit here. The full Public Act can be reviewed by visiting here.