
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.
BAE Systems in Sterling Heights Delivers New Amphibious Test Vehicle to Marine Corps
BAE Systems Inc., which operates part of its Platforms and Services business sector in Sterling Heights, has delivered the first production representative test vehicle (PRTV) of the new Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm Cannon (ACV-30) variant to the U.S. Marine Corps for testing.
“ACV-30 equips dismounted Marines with direct fire support allowing them to simultaneously find, fix, and engage targets more effectively and efficiently than current systems,” says Garrett Lacaillade, vice president of the amphibious vehicles product line for BAE Systems.
“Innovating for the future, consistent with Force Design 2030 priorities, we have teamed with our strategic partners Iveco Defence Vehicles, KONGSBERG, and the Marine Corps to deliver not only an incredibly lethal capability, but a vehicle and weapon system that has the growth potential to incorporate new technologies to defeat future threats.”
ACV-30 is the third variant in the ACV family of vehicles designed, developed, and built since BAE Systems was selected as the prime contractor for the program in 2018. The vehicle mounts a stabilized, medium-caliber Remote Turret System manufactured by KONGSBERG that provides the lethality and protection Marines need while leaving ample room for troop capacity and payload while keeping the crew under armor.
The remote turret eliminates the space requirement of legacy turreted cannon systems and provides more room to transport troops or mission essential equipment, and reduces weight for better mobility.
Consumers Energy Issuing RFPs for 13 Michigan Hydroelectric Dams
Consumers Energy in Jackson says it will issue a Request For Proposals (RFP) this month to identify potential buyers for its 13 Michigan hydroelectric dams.
The utility has retained the services of Clear Energy Brokerage & Consulting, a Grand Rapids-based firm, to design and manage the RFP process. The RFP will open Feb. 15, with participants moving through a two-stage evaluation and bidding process that should finish by the end of 2024.
Federal operating licenses for the 13 dams, which sit on five rivers, will begin to expire in a decade. Potential options for each dam’s future include renewing operating licenses for 30 more years, transferring ownership, replacement, or removal.
Entities interested in participating can immediately register their interest and submit initial bids by March 15. For more information and to register, contact Ryan Cook of Clear Energy Brokerage & Consulting at ryan.cook@clearenergybrokerage.com or 616-528-4682.
For more information, visit here.
MotorCities Awards $80K+ in Grants to 11 Projects Around Michigan
The MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is now accepting applications on a rolling quarterly basis for its 2024 Challenge Grant program. Challenge Grants are awarded up to $25,000, and funds must be matched by a combination of cash, in-kind, donated goods, and documented volunteer services.
MotorCities’ most recent grants awarded include the following:
Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn — $25,000 toward the production of “The Last Independent Automaker,” a documentary series on the history of American Motors Corp.
Detroit Historical Society — $10,000 in support of an exhibition called “Detroit’s Diesels” and an accompanying series of public programs.
Flint Institute of Science and History — $15,000 in support of an upcoming exhibition on distracted driving at the Sloan Museum of Discovery.
Packard Motor Car Foundation in Shelby Township — $25,000 toward the restoration of a 1942-constructed building where Sherman Tanks were tested before being shipped for use by the U.S. Army during World War II.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing — $640 in support of the replacement of windows in a room from the Bates & Edmonds Motor Car Co. building on display in the museum.
In addition, MotorCities has awarded several mini-grants of $1,500.
To be considered for the next scheduled review on March 15, the next grant application deadline is Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m.
For more information, visit here or contact Brian Yopp at 313.259.3425 x307 or byopp@motorcities.org.
National Business League Launches Inaugural Black Innovators Series
The National Business League (NBL) has joined forces with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black innovators throughout history. The initiative, “Black Innovators,” is scheduled to run for the entirety of Black History Month.
“Black Innovators” draws inspiration from the journey of Henry E. Baker. Despite facing racial adversity in the late 19th century, Baker became a patent examiner and civil rights activist with a mission to dispel the prejudiced notion that black Americans were incapable of being inventors. In the late 1880s, he began compiling a comprehensive list of Black inventors who had been granted patents.
“Black Innovators” aims to continue Baker’s work by educating the public on the past and present achievements of extraordinary Black innovators, ensuring that their historical significance is recognized and celebrated across the nation.
For more information about “Black Innovators” 2024 and the NBL/USPTO collaboration, visit nationalbusinessleague.org.
Detroit Pistons Second Chance Summit Offers Record Expungement Services
The Detroit Pistons will host their Second Chances Summit from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 1 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, bringing opportunities for a fresh start to Michiganders with old criminal records.
In addition to the Pistons, the event is being hosted by the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, Safe and Just Michigan, the city of Detroit, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Project Clean Slate, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and other community partners.
Record expungement enables Michigan residents to remove certain past offenses from their public record, and opens the door for opportunities in housing, employment, and more.
Under Michigan’s “Clean Slate” laws, eligibility was expanded to more than 1 million Michigan residents. Expungement does not apply to offenses punishable by life imprisonment, child sexually abusive material or activity offenses, felony domestic violence, and others. At the Second Chances Summit, people will receive free help from attorneys to clear these old records and move forward with their lives.
As space for the event may be limited, pre-registration is highly recommended. Michigan residents can pre-register using this form. Pre-registration for this event shall remain open until Feb. 19 or until capacity has been met.
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak to Host Salvation Army Benefit Feb. 7
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is staging its 12th annual Comedy for a Cause fundraiser starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak (310 South Troy St.).
Comedy for a Cause will feature stand-up comedian Steven Rodgers. Rodgers’ rapid-fire material is full of observations about his life and the world around him. He has appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and “Dry Bar Comedy.”
“Comedy for a Cause promises the community two experiences: enjoy roaring laughter all while supporting an essential local program,” says Maj. Toni Dorrell, general secretary and metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. “Every ticket sold goes beyond a night of laughter to help feed the hungry and shelter the homeless throughout metro Detroit. Together, we can support our neighbors in need by offering a warm meal and a safe place to rest.”
Tickets are $60 per person and include the comedy show plus an Italian buffet dinner from Sopranos Catering. Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit’s Bed & Bread program to help feed and shelter those in need throughout metro Detroit. To purchase tickets, visit SAmetrodetroit.org. Seating is limited.
Comedy for a Cause is a precursor to The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Club Radiothon, hosted by 760 WJR, which will take place Feb. 22-23.
The Highlands in Harbor Springs Opens New Prime & Vine Restaurant
Prime & Vine is the newest culinary experience at The Highlands in Harbor Springs. It offers a focus on steaks, starters, sides, and soups. Nestled within the Country Club of Boyne, Prime & Vine is a pop-up restaurant open now through March 3.
The new restaurant is open to the public, and lodging guests of the resort can enjoy the convenience of a complimentary shuttle from anywhere on property to and from the Country Club of Boyne.
Serving only the finest quality meats, Prime & Vine’s menu features several cuts of steak, Kurobuta pork chops, and Australian lamb, all with several options of sauces and accompaniments to craft to personal tastes. Additional entrees include coq au vin, pan-friend rainbow trout, and a house burger.
Diners also can enjoy starters such as beef tartar, lobster bisque, and a beet carpaccio salad, plus a selection of sides ranging from parmesan-truffle potato wedges with garlic aioli and loaded baked potato to three-cheese macaroni, asparagus, and roasted Brussels sprouts. A wine and dessert menu also is available.
For Valentine’s Day, Prime & Vine is offering a three-course pre-fixe specialty menu with multiple options for each course allowing for a custom dining experience. To view the menu and pricing, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.
Diners also can experience Prime & Vine during Harbor Springs Restaurant Week, Feb. 23-March 2, with a special three-course menu for $45 featuring entrees like asparagus wellington, seared ribeye, herb roasted chicken, and more.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made online via OpenTable. Prime & Vine is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. The restaurant also can be booked for private parties.
Survey: Automotive Ethernet Market worth $5.5 billion by 2028
The automotive ethernet market size is projected to grow from $2.2 billion in 2023 to $5.5 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate of 19.7 percent, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.
The increasing demand for faster in-vehicle networking is expected to increase the demand for automotive ethernet. Additionally, continuous innovation in connected car features should boost the demand for automotive ethernet.
The network segment is expected to hold the largest share of the automotive ethernet industry during the forecast period. The network section of automotive ethernet is undergoing tremendous growth, exceeding other areas, as the vehicle landscape evolves toward smart features, connectivity, and autonomous driving.
The necessity for high-bandwidth connection for infotainment and ADAS, the cost-effectiveness and scalability of ethernet compared to older bus systems, and its role in enabling crucial technologies like V2X communication are all driving this boom.
Automotive ethernet product and solution providers are working closely with automakers to develop and provide efficient solutions.
Automotive ethernet, with its improved data processing capabilities and futureproof architecture, serves as the foundation for next-generation cars, assuring safer, more efficient, and more sophisticated transportation experiences.
To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com
Planterra in West Bloomfield Township wins Industry Award for Interior Landscapes in Michigan
Planterra, a national provider of specialty of interior landscaping in West Bloomfield Township, earned top honors interior plantings at the Ford Motor Co. in Dearnborn’s Michigan Central Station’s Book Depository project in Detroit.
The award was given by from the International Plantscapes Awards at the Tropical Plant Industry Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The company was also honored for its conservatory garden at the Hickory Hill Academy, in Madison, Wisc.
“These projects are a testament to our dedication to integrating nature and biophilic design within spaces of innovation,” says Shane Pliska, president of Planterra.
The interior planting installation at book depository featured the use of planters containing giant tropical tree ferns that would be more typical of a botanical garden in Hawaii than an innovation hub in Detroit. The plants are meant to humanize the 270,000-square-foot facility, home to Detroit’s mobility tech community.
Rochester Hills-based UL Solutions Large Part of Predicted Global Medical Device Testing Revenue Surge
The latest report published by Kings Research in Milwaukee, the global medical device testing market size was $ 9.12 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow to $15.84 billion by 2030.
The stringent regulations imposed by the government, the rise of small medical device companies lacking in-house expertise, and an increasing demand for thorough verification and validation of medical devices are some of the key factors propelling market growth.
In October 2023, UL Solutions introduced a range of medical device testing services at their Rochester Hills laboratory. These new services aim to assist the growing medical device industry in Michigan by enhancing the safety, security, usability, and interoperability of healthcare products.
Medical device testing involves the thorough evaluation and assessment of the safety, quality, and performance of medical devices to ensure their compliance with regulatory standards and their reliability for use by healthcare professionals and patients. This testing process plays a vital role in the development and assessment of various types of medical equipment, such as diagnostic tools, therapeutic devices, monitoring equipment, and implants. Its primary objective is to ascertain the safety and efficacy of these devices before they are approved and released onto the market.
TIME and Ally Financial Name 2024 Dealer of Year
TIME and Ally Financial in Detroit named Rita Case, president, CEO, and dealer principal at Rick Case Honda in Davie, Fla., as the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year at the 107th National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show.
Now in its 55th year, the TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the auto industry’s most respected honors.
Case, also CEO of the Rick Case Auto Group, was selected for her achievements in the auto industry and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Case and her auto group, the largest woman-owned-and-operated dealership group in the country, pioneered new sales initiatives and founded the Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show, and raised money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County since 1990. She has collected bicycles for children in need during the holidays for the past 41 years and is the founding sponsor of 77 Habitat for Humanity homes in South Florida.
The TIME Dealer of the Year winner and finalists are chosen by a panel from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The panel selects finalists from each of the four NADA regions, and, ultimately, a national winner from those finalists.
As the exclusive sponsor of the TIME Dealer of the Year program for the 13th year in a row, Ally will provide grants to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organizations selected by the nominees, finalists, and winner. For more than a decade, Ally has made donations in connection with the program, totaling nearly $1 million.
This year, Ally will give $10,000 to the charity of Case’s choice and $5,000 to each of the nonprofit organizations selected by the four finalists. In recognition of their achievements, Ally will also give $1,000 to the charities of choice for each of the 49 nominees.
MirrorEye Camera System of Stoneridge in Novi Gets Federal Exemption
Stoneridge Inc. in Novi announced its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) exemption for its MirrorEye Camera Monitor System (CMS) has been renewed for an additional five years.
The exemption, originally granted in 2019, allows owners of MirrorEye-equipped trucks to remove the conventional rear-view mirrors and operate with an integrated system of cameras and digital displays.
“This exemption renewal reinforces the benefits of our MirrorEye system from both a fuel economy and safety perspective,” says Jim Zizelman, president and CEO of Stoneridge. “MirrorEye provides enhanced, real-time visibility from nearly every angle of a commercial truck, which can reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, especially when turning, during lane changes and in close-corner maneuvers.”
In addition to its safety benefits, MirrorEye-equipped trucks can achieve a 2-3 percent increase in fuel savings when traditional mirrors are removed, which translates to roughly 2.5 tons of CO2 reduction annually per vehicle, says Zizelman.
Since MirrorEye first received the exemption, the company has partnered with more than 40 fleets in North America to equip the system on existing vehicles through retrofit applications. In addition, MirrorEye has been integrated on multiple original equipment commercial truck and bus platforms in North America and Europe.
Kroger Co. Zero Hunger/ Zero Waste Foundation Awards Money to Flint Food Bank
The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger/Zero Waste Foundation will be providing a $1 million retail agency capacity grant to Feeding America to support four food banks across the U.S., including the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint.
The other food banks are in Houston, Memphis, Tenn., and Atlanta.
“Kroger is a longstanding partner with more than 200 local food banks in our shared mission to eliminate hunger in our communities,” says Keith Dailey, group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer for Kroger. “This grant will further support Feeding America’s network of food banks and food rescue organizations in local communities so that we can continue making progress toward our bold goal to end hunger and eliminate food waste across America.”
The grants will empower food banks and agencies to increase the number of weekly food pickups through new equipment like refrigerated vans, freezers, and forklifts, and added resources like staffing, training, and new technology. The grant will also support retail rescue programs by building agency supporters’ capacity to conduct direct pick-ups and improve equitable access to nutritious food.
Ault Alliance Subsidiary Sentium in Dowagiac Mines 121 Bitcoin in January
Ault Alliance Inc., a diversified holding company in Las Vegas, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sentinum, Inc. in Dowagiac (southwest of Kalamazoo) mined approximately 121 Bitcoin in January 2024.
Of this total, approximately 65 Bitcoin were mined at Sentinum’s data center in Michigan, with the remaining approximately 56 Bitcoin from mining machines hosted with Core Scientific Inc. in Austin, Texas.
The January mining operations represent a current Bitcoin mining operations annual run rate of approximately $62 million worth of Bitcoin. The mining run rate is based upon a current Bitcoin price of approximately $42,700.
“Our mining operations, especially those managed by Sentinum, continue to meet our expectations in efficiency and performance,” says William B. Horne, CEO of Ault Alliance. “The announced strategic relocation of select mining rigs from Core Scientific to our Montana facility, which is expected to occur by the end of March 2024, underscores our commitment to optimizing our assets and enhancing operational efficiency. This move is not merely logistical but will represent progress towards improving Sentinum’s monthly results. It is important to underscore our conviction that the present market valuation of our stock does not reflect the substantial value Sentinum contributes to our portfolio.”
Ault Alliance notes that all estimates and other projections are subject to the volatility in Bitcoin market price, the fluctuation in the mining difficulty level, the ability to build out and provide the necessary power for miners, and other factors that may impact the results of Bitcoin mining production or operations.
Michigan Association of Intermediate School Advistors Approves Littera as Tutoring Advisor
Littera Education, a leader in K-12 high-impact tutoring based in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., has been approved by the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Advisors, as a vetted high-impact tutoring vendor.
Littera is now aligned with the standard of the 23g MI Kids Back on Track grant program. According to the Michigan Dept. of Education, the MI Kids Back on Track grant funds support programs provided before school, during school, after school, or during the summer.
The program allocates $150 million in funding to support districts implementing high-impact tutoring programs to support students in need.
Through this initiative, Michigan districts can partner with Littera to design and deliver a high-impact tutoring program that follows evidence-based practices to ensure students meet grade level expectations. Littera Education was chosen because its program meets all tutoring program requirements set forth by the Michigan Dept. of Education.
Michigan is the latest state to vet and include Littera in statewide high-impact tutoring initiatives. Since 2022, state departments of education in Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas have also chosen Littera as an approved tutoring provider.
Hino Trucks in Novi to Equip U.S., Canadian Fleets with Hankook Tire Products
Hino Trucks in Novi and Hino Canada have chosen global tire maker Hankook Tire’s truck, bus, and radial (TBR) tires for use in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Hino Trucks manufactures, sells, and services a lineup of Class 4-8 commercial trucks in the United States. Headquartered in Novi, Hino has a nationwide network of over 240 dealers.
The medium-duty truck maker will offer Hankook’s regional AH37 and long-haul DL11 tires on its L Series models.
Hino’s L Series are medium-duty truck series in the U.S. and Canada. They were built for applications ranging from 23,000 to 33,000 pounds. The L6 and L7 models will be equipped with Hankook’s AH37 regional truck tire, which incorporates structural designs to facilitate lower rolling resistance and potential for fuel efficiency. The AH37 also features 3D Sipe Technology, which offers better traction, increased mileage, and improved tread wear.