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.
Barkside Dog Park/Beer Garden Coming to Detroit This Summer
Barkside, a combination dog park and beer garden, is coming to 7960 Kercheval Ave. in Detroit this summer, offering the first destination in the Motor City where unleashed dogs can play and socialize safely in the park and indoor play areas while owners enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and coffee.
“Barkside is a social destination for dogs and their humans to relax and enjoy a beverage in the company of others,” say David Oh and Cody Williams, owners of Barkside. “Our safe, monitored play yard allows dogs to have fun with their furry friends while their humans enjoy local beer, all among a friendly staff and community of fellow dog lovers.”
At the new facility, a menu will be available for dogs to lick up their own “dog beer,” treats, and birthday pupcakes. Barkside also will host special events including dog yoga, adoption events, puppy training classes, trivia, singles mingles, and breed meetups, just to name a few.
Barkside will offer day passes for the casual visitor who brings their dog, as well as monthly and annual memberships for those who want to make Barkside part of their regular routine. Admission is free for humans who visit Barkside without a dog.
The venue will feature more than 3,000 square feet of indoor space with an indoor dog park, bar, check-in/lobby area, and restrooms. Additionally, there will be 7,000 square feet of connected outdoor green space with seating for more than 100 guests. The outdoor space at Barkside will be completely fenced in and feature space for dogs to play, a covered patio, TVs, and a secondary bar.
Menu items include a focus on Detroit and Michigan brands including draft beer, canned beer, wine and spritzers; drink specials; mocktails, and other non-alcoholic beverages and sodas; quality coffee, espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos.
For more information, visit barksidedogbar.com.
Survey: Businesses Seeing Revenue Increases Despite Recession Risk
Citizens announced that its national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) rose to 53.9 in the first quarter, reflecting continued strength in the labor market, more new business openings, and positive corporate revenue trends.
The Index had dipped below 50 during the fourth quarter of last year and the bounce-back during the first quarter signaled a return to positive business conditions.
The labor market has remained resilient despite aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes aimed at slowing the economy to curb inflation. Citizens’ proprietary data on client revenue grew across industries during the first quarter with Consumer Services and Healthcare among the top sectors due to their ability to pass on rising costs to customers. The manufacturing sector slowed as higher borrowing costs impacted expansion by limiting capital expenditures.
“The U.S. economy bounced back during the first quarter and, despite the disruption in the financial sector, there are several positive signs going forward such as improving inflation measures and still-strong labor numbers,” says Eric Merlis, managing director and co-head of global markets at Citizens. “Policy-makers are still trying to thread the needle amid heightened recession concern, but companies that have made it through the pandemic and recent headwinds continue to prove their resiliency.”
Among the findings:
- The underlying components of the Index showed improving dynamics in the business environment. Three of five components boosted the Index level while one was neutral and one weighed on the reading.
- The proprietary activity data of Citizens’ commercial banking clients, a key component of the Index, was very strong across regions, suggesting that the conditions at middle-market and mid-corporate businesses remained positive.
- The Institute of Supply Management (ISM) non-manufacturing component grew as consumers spent more on services and companies in these sectors were more able to pass on any increased costs.
- New business applications increased, helping to boost the Index.
- Employment trends, which are measured by initial jobless claims as an Index component, were flat for the quarter, but nationally the number of jobs gained overall was surprisingly high despite much-publicized corporate layoff announcements.
- The ISM manufacturing index decreased as the sector is more sensitive to rising interest rates.
The mix of trends captures a quarter where demand for goods was lower while demand for services was steady amid broader employment stability.
The first quarter CBCI revealed a business environment that continues to adapt to the year-long rate hike campaign from the Fed. The strong labor market continues to have a stabilizing effect as business conditions search for a new post-tightening normal.
“The first-quarter CBCI showed a business environment where activity has adjusted as interest-rate hikes seem to be working to curb inflation,” says Merlis. “The still-strong job market continued to be a source of support during the quarter.”
In Related News: Citizens announced it Sixth Annual Small Business Community Champion Award winners, drawn from nearly 9,000 nationwide entries that described how recipients would use the grants to further build their businesses, bring valuable products and services to customers, and strengthen the communities in which they operate.
This year’s program will again award $10,000 each to 30 small businesses across Citizens’ footprint.
Local winners were Fall Harvest Urban Farms and Next Generation MIHP, both in Detroit.
For more information, visit here.
Ross Mortgage in Troy Expands to Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Tennessee Markets
Ross Mortgage Corp. in Troy has hired Melissa Ketchel, Brad Stinson, and Tim Ross Jr. as part of the firm’s ongoing expansion into the Grand Rapids and Chicago markets. It also opened a new branch in Johnson City, Tenn.
“We are thrilled to have these three professionals join our fantastic team to help us serve the Grand Rapids and Chicago communities,” says Tim Ross Sr., CEO of Ross Mortgage. “Each of them comes to the Ross family with a proven track record of excellence in the industry. I have every confidence they will excel in their new roles.”
Ketchel, who will work out of the Grand Rapids office. Stinson will serve as the Grand Rapids branch manager and bring his expertise in VA loans to the west Michigan community. Ross Jr. will be branch manager of the Chicago office and manage outbound origination efforts to meet local home financing needs. He also will be responsible for spearheading growth efforts for the mortgage lender in the Windy City.
Gregg Pechmann has been hired as branch manager for the new Tennessee location, where he will oversee the branch’s staff and operations. Pechmann also will be responsible for promoting Ross Mortgage in the Johnson City market and investing in the branch’s team to ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed.
Benzinga, Stock Analysis Expand Partnership through Earnings and Ratings
Detroit investor information service Benzinga is partnering with Stock Analysis to share earnings data and analyst ratings with retail investors.
Benzinga’s Analyst Ratings API helps retail investors understand how professionals feel about the growth potential of specific companies. The information can be displayed in creative ways to help illustrate professional sentiment.
Benzinga says it has made improvements to its Earnings API, showing a 54 percent increase in TAT (turn-around-time) due to new hires and optimized workflows. Benzinga’s Earnings API is displayed on more than 50 major brokerages and media sites worldwide.
“Stockanalysis.com is my favorite site to compare ETFs and monitor IPOs,” says Andrew Lebbos, Benzinga’s vice president of licensing. “We’re excited to see how the team at Stock Analysis will leverage our Earnings and Ratings data to provide valuable insights and ideas for their users.”
98Forward Public Relations Celebrates 25 Years of Service Elevating Brands
Detroit-based 98Forward, Michigan’s largest Black-owned full-service public relations agency, is celebrating 25 years of providing its services, expertise, and communication solutions for its clients.
Since its founding in 1998, 98Forward has worked with an array of companies, nonprofits, individuals, and more across the region to help them connect with audiences and best tell their story.
The agency originally founded by Georgella Muirhead and the late Bob Berg as Berg Muirhead and Associates has grown to be one of the region’s leading public relations agencies. The agency has executed communications campaigns tailored to meet the needs of more than 150 clients from a diverse group of industries. In 2016, Muirhead and Berg passed the torch onto Marilyn Horn, 98Forward’s current owner, president and CFO, and her former business partner. Muirhead has remained engaged with the agency.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of delivering one-of-a-kind strategic communications solutions that help our clients tell their stories, reach the right audiences, and make a lasting impact,” says Muirhead. “Our team of experienced professionals is committed to helping our clients achieve their goals. We look forward to continuing to provide top-notch PR services in the years to come.”
During the past quarter-century, 98Forward has thrived as a woman- and minority-owned company and holds the following certifications:
- Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) Certified Business
- Detroit Based Business (DBB)
- Detroit Headquartered Business (DHB)
- Detroit Small Business (DSB)
“We are so thankful to our clients, media colleagues, and industry partners for their trust and support over the last 25 years —and forever grateful to our past and present team members,” says Horn. “We’re honored and understand that one of our greatest assets is maintaining a diverse team of like-minded and highly skilled professionals dedicated to understanding our clients’ industries and providing creative, results-driven communications, public relations, and marketing solutions. I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years have in store.”
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, 98Forward Public Relations will take part in 25 acts of kindness throughout the year to give back to communities in Detroit which that has been the agency’s home since the beginning.
For more information, visit 98forward.com.
Grosse Pointe Farms’ Dirty Dog Jazz Café Marks 15 Years
The Dirty Dog Jazz Café (DDJC) in Grosse Pointe Farms is celebrating 15 years of legendary jazz and fine food with a new format.
Beginning in May, the Dirty Dog’s new format will be food-forward Tuesday through Thursday with an all-day menu set to signature sounds of live-streamed jazz. Live jazz performances will be amped up Fridays and Saturdays with local headliners and a prix-fixe menu starting with a signature cocktail and ending with a sumptuous dessert.
“After 15 years in business, our world-class staff thought it was time to freshen things up, while keeping the essence of the Dirty Dog – excellent food and jazz – at our core,” says Mark Valade, owner of DDJC. “The Dog was so special to my mother, Gretchen, founder of the café. She was passionate about supporting local jazz talent and audiences. We believe this format will bring in new customers, while continuing to build our dedicated jazz audience and honoring my mother’s legacy.”
Live music weekends kick off in May with a tribute to Detroit talent including jazz guitarist Kris Kurzawa (May 5-6). Following Kurzawa, May 12-13 is vocalist, Kimmie Horne.
Jazz weekends will feature a prix-fixe menu with seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. where diners will be able to select from four-courses that open with a chef selected appetizer and signature cocktail, a selection of entrees including filet mignon with roasted mushrooms, shrimp pappardelle or short ribs with truffled pommes puree, and the sweet finish – flourless chocolate torte or seasonal crème brulee. The cost is $75.00, including entertainment.
Comerica Bank, Samaritan Center Offering Prom Dress Boutique April 28-29
Comerica Bank, Jackets for Jobs, and the Samaritan Center (5555 Conner St.) in Detroit are hosting their Prom Dress Boutique, April 29-29, where local teens can visit and select a prom dress and accessories or a of their choice.
From April 3-21, Comerica conducted its fifth annual Prom Dess Drive at 11 different locations in metro Detroit. In all, Comerica collected more than 2,200 dresses to donate to Jacket for Jobs.
Jackets For Jobs has coordinated requests to attend the Prom Dress Boutique through local high schools and community organizations.
Comerica’s partnership with Jackets for Jobs also includes donating $14,000 this year to support the nonprofit’s prom dress and workforce development outreach programs.
Comerica Cares volunteers are teaming up with Jackets for Jobs to assist in the boutique buildout and operations and will help serve as personal shoppers for each teen who attends.
Teens who would like to participate can register here.
Bank of America Offering Free Financial Counseling Through Operation HOPE
Bank of America is expanding HOPE Inside, a program in partnership with Operation HOPE, offering free, in-person financial coaching services in select Bank of America metro Detroit locations.
The program, now available in 17 markets nationwide, is designed to help people build savings, improve their credit scores and decrease debt.
In metro Detroit, 10 BofA financial centers now offer one-on-one financial health sessions with a HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach, available in-person and virtually, including:
- 25001 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line
- 13024 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- 13020 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn
- 4001 8 Mile Rd., Detroit
- 3031 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- 17540 Grand River Ave., Detroit
- 13900 Livernois, Detroit
- 3670 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- 950 Dix Hwy., Lincoln Park
- 25177 Greenfield Rd., Southfield
In addition to the comprehensive credit and money management counseling HOPE Inside coaches provide, metro Detroit clients also can participate in financial education workshops with Bank of America’s Better Money Habits guides, tools, and content on topics including establishing and repairing credit; budgeting, savings, and money management; and home buying.
For more information, operationhope.org.
Northwood University Esports Team Brings Home Two National Titles
The esports teams from Northwood University in Midland has won two national championships.
The varsity Overwatch team became the 2023 National Champions after defeating Illinois State University, 4-1. Northwood’s Counter-Strike team became the 2023 North American Champions after defeating Drexel University, 3-0.”
The Northwood Overwatch team finished the regular season with a record of 12-0 and group stages with a record of 8-0, earning the No. 1 ranking and seed in the 16-team National Championship bracket. Key wins over Boise State University, Maryville University, and The University of St. Thomas resulted in the Timberwolves facing Illinois State University in the national championship game. Northwood took the series 4-1, becoming the 2023 National Champions. They were led by juniors Christopher “CJAY” Smith and Donovan “Cowman” Koch.
This is the first national title for Northwood Overwatch, as the Timberwolves finished No. 2 in 2021 and 2022.
The Counter-Strike Timberwolves also finished the regular season with a 12-0 record and blazed through the playoff bracket. Northwood had key wins in the playoff bracket against the University of Florida, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and Clemson University. In the North American Championship, the Timberwolves played the nearly unbeatable Drexel University and came out on top with a 3-0 series win. The Counter-Strike team was led by Connor “TiCx” Hartmon-Birge, a transfer from Virginia Tech, and James “SolGoat” Wallace, a transfer from the University of Colorado Boulder.
For more information about Northwood esports, visit here.
