Belle Isle Aquarium to Expand Hours for August with Comerica Bank Contribution
The Belle Isle Conservancy is extending the aquarium’s hours of operation to provide community members free access every Thursday in August with support from Comerica Bank. The bank’s assistance, which includes a $10,000 contribution, will not only enable the aquarium to be open an extra day every week in August but also will aid in the ongoing restoration of the building.
Additionally, Comerica is hosting a park cleanup for its Comerica Cares team of volunteers on Saturday, Aug. 10 to give back to the city and continue helping make Belle Isle the “Jewel of Detroit.”
“We’re grateful for this support from Comerica Bank and excited to provide families an extra day of enjoyment and learning before the summer is over,” says Meagan Elliott, CEO of the Belle Isle Conservancy. “And for those who have never been to the Belle Isle Aquarium, now is your chance to come see why it was recently ranked the most beautiful aquarium in America.”
Comerica‘s assistance includes support of Belle Isle Conservancy’s birthday event on Sunday, Aug. 18 commemorating 120 years of environmental preservation. The celebration will include family-friendly activities featuring bounce houses, crafts and story time, as well as a hands-on dockside science activity to educate visitors about the freshwater ecosystem within Belle Isle’s canals.
The Belle Isle Aquarium is located at 3 Inselruhe Ave. in Detroit and open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday until Aug. 29. No tickets are required but a $5 donation is encouraged.
Detroit Pistons Finalize Basketball Operations Leadership
The Detroit Pistons announced Wednesday they have finalized their basketball leadership under President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon.
Michael Blackstone has been named executive vice president of basketball operations, Dennis Lindsey has been named senior vice president of basketball operations, and George David has been promoted to senior vice president of basketball administration.
JR Holden returns to the Pistons, where he served in the front office from 2016-2018, as vice president of player acquisition and development, Greg Smith has been named vice president of player health and care, and Eric Tellem has been promoted to vice president of player personnel.
Additionally, former WNBA champion Mistie Bass-Boyd joins the organization as executive director of player engagement and basketball operations, Marshall Smith joins the club as executive director of basketball strategy and operations, and Cory Schlesinger has joined the organization as executive director of sports performance.
Gianluca Pascucci has joined the team as senior director of global scouting, Dwane Casey continues with the organization as senior advisor to basketball operations, and Roderick “RJ” Hunter has joined the organization as executive assistant to the president of basketball operations.
Blackstone comes to Detroit after five years in New Orleans where he most recently served as vice president of basketball administration, assisting in player contracts and trade negotiations, administration of the salary cap and directing the basketball operations staff, strategy, and implementation.
Lindsey joins the Pistons with 28 years of front office and scouting experience, including most recently serving as senior advisor for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2023-24 season.
David transitions to senior vice president of basketball administration after serving as associate general manager of the Pistons for the last two seasons and assistant general manager in 2021.
New York’s Rand Logistics Acquires Andrie in Muskegon
New York-based Rand Logistics Inc., a provider of bulk freight shipping in the Great Lakes region, has acquired Andrie in Muskegon, a marine transporter of liquid bulk commodity goods, from Auxo Investment Partners. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Andrie is a bulk transporter of specialty liquid products including asphalt, cement, refined oil products, and calcium chloride. It serves a diverse set of customers, connecting flagship North American production assets with distribution networks throughout the Great Lakes region via its diverse fleet of specialty vessels.
Andrie’s safety-first driven business model has enabled it to become a trusted partner for customers in North America. Andrie will continue to be led by CEO Sven Christensen and the current management team, and the company will operate as a Rand business under the existing Andrie brand.
Penske Automotive Group Reports 3% Q2 Revenue Increase
Penske Automotive Group Inc. in Bloomfield Township posted a 3 percent revenue increase in the second quarter of 2024.
Net income attributable to common stockholders was $241.2 million compared to $300.8 million in the prior year period, and related earnings per share was $3.61 compared to $4.41 for the same period in 2023. Foreign currency exchange negatively impacted revenue by $0.8 million, net income attributable to common stockholders by $0.4 million, and had no impact on earnings per share.
The company’s financial performance for the three months ended June 30, was driven by its diversification, which included continued strong performance of the retail automotive and commercial truck businesses.
Highlights during the second quarter included record total quarterly revenue of $7.7 billion, which included a 10 percent increase in quarterly retail automotive service and parts revenue to $753 million, which is also a quarterly record. In addition, on a sequential basis, retail automotive gross profit per new vehicle retailed improved by $73 and equity earnings from the company’s investment in Penske Transportation Solutions increased 63 percent. As a result, when compared to the first quarter of 2024, earnings before taxes increased 10 percent and earnings per share increased 12 percent.
“I am pleased to see that our service and parts business remains strong and contributed to our record total quarterly revenue of $7.7 billion,” says Roger Penske, chair and CEO of Penske Automotive. “In addition, our focus on efficiency and controlling costs drove a sequential decline in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit by 50 basis points to 70.2 percent.”
Victra Unveils No-contract 5G Home Internet at Total Wireless Stores in Detroit
Victra – Verizon’s largest authorized retailer leading the rollout of Total Wireless – unveils pay-in-advance 5G Home Internet service in Detroit. Award-winning unlimited home internet plans start at $35 per month with autopay for current and new mobile customers who have bundled unlimited or higher-tier phone plans, bringing flexible, no-contract, no-credit-check high-speed home internet services to more local residents.
“The reception to Total Wireless’ no-contract, fuss-free plans has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Rich Balot, founder and CEO of Victra. “In an era where convenience, affordability and exceptionality reign supreme, it only makes sense to bring the new no-contract 5G Home Internet to our Victra customers to make their lives easier. With new doors opening all the time, we are ready to continue welcoming more customers who want to make the switch to a home internet service that prioritizes all of the things they care about the most.”
Running on Verizon’s 5G network, local residents will have access to monthly plans with unlimited 5G Home Internet when they purchase the easy-to-install Home Internet Router for $49.99 with activation, bringing faster connectivity for the whole home with download speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
Visit here for eligibility requirements. For more information, visit Total.Victra.com.
TEDxDetroit Announces Fall 2024 Event Sept. 18 at Wayne State
TEDxDetroit has announced the 16th annual gathering of the area’s leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, designers, educators, entertainers, artists, and innovators on Sept. 18, at the Wayne State Field House. Speaker applications and early bird ticket sales are now open at tedxdetroit.com.
TEDxDetroit welcomes thousands of attendees from around the region for a one-day celebration of storytelling and the human experience. The TEDx format features inspiring, short talks from dozens of creative minds all designed to spark fresh thinking and collaborations.
“Michigan is a hub for creativity and innovation with more engineers, more artists, and more entrepreneurs dreaming up the future,” says Charlie Wollborg, curator of TEDxDetroit. “This whole day is designed to spark all of us to put our ideas into action.”
Previous TEDxDetroit events have highlighted flying cars, medical innovations, and groundbreaking technologies alongside a host of poets, performers, and community leaders. This eclectic mix of speakers and performers is something only seen at TEDxDetroit.
“TEDxDetroit has celebrated the hallmarks of forward progress: ideation, innovation, and inspiration for 15 years,” says Terry Bean, executive producer of TEDxDetroit. “After every event I think ‘there’s no way it can get better than this,’ and I’m looking forward to being proven wrong once again on September 18.”
Another facet of the event is TEDx Labs showcasing homegrown tech, art, and small businesses. It’s part business expo, part art gallery, and part science fair. Attendees can demo new tech, sample local cuisine, buy from local artisans, and meet the speakers in between sessions during TEDxDetroit.
Tickets for TEDxDetroit 2024 are now on sale at TEDxDetroit.com. Early-bird ticket pricing of $75 continues through Aug. 13.
Leaders, innovators, performers, and exhibitors are encouraged to submit applications on the TEDxDetroit website for speaking and exhibiting opportunities before the Aug. 3 deadline. A selection committee will review all applications and inform hopefuls of its decisions later this summer.
Single Tickets Now on Sale for Detroit Opera’s 24/25 Season
Single tickets are now on sale for Detroit Opera’s 24/25 season, which begins Oct. 19 with Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The first Dance @ Detroit Opera presentation, Nov. 2, will be the Mark Morris Dance Group performing “The Look of Love,” an homage to Burt Bacharach with musical collaborator Ethan Iverson.
The William Davidson Foundation is Detroit Opera’s 24/25 Season Sponsor.
New this season, Detroit Opera is introducing Student Stage Pass, a $20/month student program for college students; students can sign up for tickets to any opera or dance performance for the eight-month season from October through May.
Student members can request one ticket for any performance the week of the production, based on availability. Now through January, students can purchase Student Stage Pass memberships online, by phone, or in person at the box office. Tickets must be requested through the box office only.
Detroit Opera also will offer military and first-responder discounts: 50 percent off regular prices to any opera or dance presentation. Ticket purchasers must show their ID and military/veteran/first responder ID or card, and up to two discounted tickets may be purchased per ID. Tickets may be purchased by phone or in person at the box office. Detroit Opera will continue to offer a $25 day-of-performance student rush ticket, one ticket per student, available to all students in kindergarten through college.
Full schedule information and single tickets and subscription packages, starting at $100, are available now for purchase at detroitopera.org. The purchase of a subscription package includes priority seating, easy and free ticket exchanges, savings of up to 35 percent on tickets, exclusive access to pre-paid parking in the Opera House Parking Center, and additional perks.
Visit here for subscription details.
The Henry Ford Presents ‘From Selma to Detroit’ in Celebration of The Jackson House Moving to Greenfield Village
The Henry Ford in Dearborn is commemorating The Jackson House in Greenfield Village on Aug. 8 with public events including a site dedication in the village at 9:30 a.m., and “From Selma to Detroit,” a panel discussion on the significance of The Jackson House in American history taking place in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation at 7 p.m.
The public is invited to both programs but must register for the panel discussion here.
The Henry Ford acquired the Selma, Ala. home of Dr. Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson in 2023. The historic home, known as The Jackson House, served as a safe haven where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and others worked, collaborated, strategized, and planned the Selma-to-Montgomery marches of 1965. The marches served as protests against the systemic racist policies within the South and raised awareness of the struggles black voters faced.
Today, nearly 60 years later, as the Jackson House takes its place in Greenfield Village, it will be preserved in perpetuity so that generations of people from all over the world will have an opportunity to learn and experience this important history. The house will open to the public in 2026.
More information on the events and panelists can be found here.
Dynami Foundation Announces Fall Fundraising Schedule
Now in its ninth year, The Dynami Foundation’s Uncork for a Cure continues to grow as its fundraising impact increases. What started as a singular dinner at Bacco Ristorante in 2016 has turned into a 60-day campaign spanning this fall, with all proceeds benefiting Lobular Breast Cancer research while also assisting local women in need.
The Dynami Foundation, founded by Plymouth Township-based breast cancer survivor Flora Migyanka, raises funds for scientific research, education and patient support surrounding breast cancer. This year, along with the popular soirée, Uncork for a Cure now has eight different events slated to support breast cancer awareness and fundraising.
“This year marks my 12th year being breast cancer free,” Migyanka says. “As I head into almost a decade of Uncork for a Cure, I’m blown away by how our efforts have grown and impacted both incredible research and local women in our community battling breast cancer. I’m incredibly thankful for our partners, chefs and supporters who have helped us along our journey.”
This summer, The Dynami Foundation presented a $300,000 grant for Lobular Breast Cancer research to breast cancer researchers at the University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and other leading medical institutions.
This year’s schedule of events:
- 19: Fashion, Art & Philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Somerset Collection
- 26: Shopping Event at Ferne Boutique in Ann Arbor
- 30-Oct. 7: Shopping Fundraiser at Plum Market
- 4: Sip n Shop at Dolce Mode
- 11: Uncork Up North at Hagerty Garage in Traverse City
- 19: Uncork for a Cure at M1 Concourse in Pontiac
- 13: Virtual Breast Cancer Research and Health Symposium
Sponsorship is available now for all events. Visit here and here.
Benefit on the Bay Fundraiser for Capuchin Soup Kitchen Slated for Aug. 23
The 31st edition of the annual Benefit on the Bay, presented by shelving.com, which supports the work of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen (CSK) will take place at 5 p.m. Aug. 23 at MacRay Harbor (30675 N. River Road) in Harrison Township.
VIP Night will take place the evening before at Hook Restaurant (24214 Jefferson Ave.) in St. Clair Shores.
Tickets are on sale here for the Lake St. Clair waterfront party, which includes appetizers, dinner, beer/wine, complimentary valet, live and silent auctions, wine/cigar pull, dancing, and more.
Guests who attend VIP Night are invited to arrive by either car or boat, and can enjoy an exclusive evening with live entertainment alongside the Brothers of the Capuchin Ministries. Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, presented by well-known metro Detroit restauranteur Bobby Nahra, a premium bar by Celani Wines, and desserts from Capuchin’s On the Rise Bakery.
All of the proceeds from Benefit on the Bay go directly to CSK. Last year’s event raised more than $200,000.
