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.
Birmingham Architect Wins Lego Replica of West Bloomfield Project
Michael Poris, whose Birmingham firm McIntosh Poris Architects has helped preserve Detroit’s architectural history since 1994, recently was awarded a Lego model of one his firm’s residential designs.
Poris attended prominent door manufacturer Clopay Corp.’s Bricks ’n’ Lagers happy hour at the 2023 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention, where he won a random drawing to have one of his projects replicated in Lego bricks. Clopay commissioned Hazel Park Lego artist Benjamin Radell of Benji’s Bricks to create the replica.
“It was fun participating in Clopay’s Bricks ‘n’ Lagers event,” Poris says. “Legos are a memorable part of my childhood, so it was really rewarding to see my work represented in a Lego model.”
The Lego brick replica is modeled after a Midcentury Modern-inspired 4,700-square-foot residence in West Bloomfield Township. Clopay representative Alexis Dabdoub and artist Benjamin Radell recently presented the model to Poris at the home.
“I enjoyed collaborating with Michael Poris and his firm to identify a project that would look impressive in Lego form,” Radell says. “The design stage is the most important part of the project, and input from McIntosh Poris was invaluable.”
The model includes about 7,000 pieces and took some 40 hours to build, following extensive design and research.
“Bricks ’n’ Lagers was a total hit and overwhelmingly successful at bringing creatives like Michael Poris to our booth at the AIA Convention,” says Alexis Dabdoub, architectural product representative at Clopay Corp. “It was a great opportunity to talk with architects and designers about our overhead doors and closure products and how they fit into modern design.”
Henry Ford College Expands Partnership with Apple to Offer Free App Development Courses
Henry Ford College (HFC) in Dearborn has announced an expansion of its partnership with Apple to offer the Apple Foundation Program, an introductory app development course at no cost to HFC students and all interested learners in the community.
With sessions beginning in March, this program will teach the fundamentals in iOS app development and will introduce participants to the growing and in-demand specialty for careers in technology.
“We are excited to enhance our offerings through this expanded collaboration with Apple,” says Cassandra Myers, program manager for workforce development at HFC. “This is an excellent opportunity for students to harness their creativity and immerse themselves in the world of iOS app development.”
The Apple Foundation Program will be available as one-month or three-month courses on HFC’s East Campus, with daytime and evening classes available. Through Apple’s learning framework, students will be introduced to Swift — Apple’s programming language — and fundamental principles of app design and development.
Students will leverage Apple technology to enhance their creativity, collaboration, and conceptual thinking skills as they develop app prototypes. Apple devices will be provided to participants for the duration of the program. No previous coding experience is required.
“At Apple, we believe that coding empowers people with invaluable skills to create, innovate, and shape their future,” says Alisha Johnson, director of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. “We’re thrilled to grow our partnership with HFC and offer even more learning opportunities to aspiring developers of all backgrounds, as they explore future careers in the tech industry.”
For program schedule, more information, or to register for the Apple Foundation Program, visit hfcc.edu/apple.
Detroit City Council Approves Incentives for Future of Health
Detroit City Council on Tuesday voted 6-3 to approve incentives and a community benefits package for the $3 billion New Center area development known as the Future of Health.
The development is a six-project collaboration with Henry Ford Health, the Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State University. It includes a major expansion to Henry Ford Hospital, 662 units of mixed-income housing to be built by the Pistons organization, and a new medical research center.
“Detroit City Council approved an important investment in the revitalization of Detroit and the health and well-being of its residents,” the partnership said in a joint statement. “Long-standing Michigan community stewards Henry Ford Health, Tom Gores and the Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State University have brought the Future of Health development forward as part of a historic partnership to turn Detroit’s New Center neighborhood into a vibrant, walkable community delivering the future of health care with an expanded state-of-the-art hospital and cutting-edge medical research combined with mixed-income residential, commercial, retail, and recreational components.
“The approvals lay the groundwork to execute the reimagination of our shared campus, creating meaningful economic opportunity and redefining what health and well-being means for the city of Detroit.”
Red Wings Foundation, Children’s Foundation Open Esports Lounge in Eastpointe
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) and the Detroit Red Wings unveiled the latest Esports and Gaming Lounge at the Eastpointe Club (15320 E. 9 Mile Road).
Michael Rasmussen and Christian Fischer from the Detroit Red Wings participated in the Wednesday ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 1,000 children were impacted by the BGCSM Esports + Hockey program in 2023. The Eastpointe Esports Lounge is the fourth esports lounge opened at BGCSM locations.
As part of a $300,000 investment to strengthen the career and entrepreneur pipeline for youth in the sports and esports industries, kids played NHL ‘24 with the Red Wings players in the lounge, which is designed after the Red Wings dressing room at Little Caesars Arena. Club members had the opportunity to participate in floor hockey drills with the players alongside Learn, Play, Score program ambassador and 2023 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award winner Jason McCrimmon.
“This is amazing to see our fourth club unveil a world-class esports lounge,” says Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM. “Thank you to the commitment from the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and The Children’s Foundation for helping us to invest in the development of youth through sports and technology which will have a long-term benefit, potentially contributing to a more vibrant and skilled workforce.
“This partnership will absolutely bring about positive changes, creating new opportunities and pathways for the youth not only in sports and technology, but with any career path they decide to take.”
To learn more or become a member of BGCSM, please visit bgcsm.org.
Goldfish Swim School Franchisee Gets Award from International Association
The International Franchise Association (IFA) has recognized Troy-based Goldfish Swim School Franchising franchisee Jeffrey and Larisa Posner in New Jersey with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix.
The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model.
Nominated by Goldfish Swim School Franchising, the Posners were selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a workforce that establishes a strong and healthy culture, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon.
“We nominated Jeffrey and Larisa for IFA recognition as they have been exemplary Goldfish Swim School franchisees, allowing our brand to carry on our mission to help educate children to be safer in and around the water,” says Chris McCuiston, co-founder and CEO of Goldfish Swim School. “Their schools continue to achieve extraordinary results, which is why their Livingston location was awarded School of the Year last year and we are proud that they live out our Goldfish Swim School Core Values each and every day.”
Butzel AI Institute Presenting March 6 Seminar on Navigating the Generative AI Landscape
The Detroit-based Butzel law firm has announced a series of professionally tailored seminars dedicated to the evolving realm of generative AI.
Butzel will host an in-person seminar from noon-1:30 p.m. March 6 in the firm’s Detroit office (150 W. Jefferson Ave). The seminar is free and includes lunch. Seating is limited and registration is required. Notably, attendees can participate virtually as well. To register online, visit here.
The program is crafted to equip industry frontrunners and corporate leaders with in-depth insights and actionable knowledge on generative AI’s burgeoning landscape.
It invites professionals from all industries to explore generative AI’s expansive potential and inherent challenges. Butzel will guide participants through an immersive overview, laying a solid foundation in AI technologies while emphasizing their strategic application and ethical considerations. The focus will be on empowering attendees with the knowledge to navigate the AI innovation frontier confidently.
The seminar will feature the following Butzel attorneys:
- Angela Emmerling Shapiro
- Claudia Rast
- Barrett R. H. Young
Troy Chamber to Announce Business Excellence Award Winners March 7
The Troy Chamber will reveal the winners of its Business Excellence Awards, presented by Horizon Bank, March 7 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy.
Breakfast, coffee, and networking will be available before the program starts.
The Troy Chamber will present awards in the following categories:
- Choice Group Leadership Award
- Austin Benefits Group Chamber Advocate Award
- Entech Staffing Solutions Woman in Action Award
- Leadership Oakland Young Professional Award
- Austin Benefits Group Customer Service Excellence Award
- The IFF Nonprofit Excellence Award
- Chief Financial Credit Union Innovation Award
- The Baker College Diversity Champion Award
- Creative Disruptor Award
- Community Impact Award
- Inspiring Tomorrow Award
- Excellence in Tech Award
To attend the event, visit here.
Kirk Gibson Foundation Offers Free Adaptive Yoga Classes
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s has announced Yoga Moves MS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing adaptive yoga classes, will be launching a new program specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
The program, called Yoga Moves Parkinson’s, starts March 6, and aims to help participants cope with the symptoms of Parkinson’s through the practice of yoga and mindfulness principles. The program will be free for participants and is made possible through a grant from the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s.
The classes will take place every Wednesday from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Congregation Shaarey Zedek (27375 Bell Road) in Southfield.
Participants in Yoga Moves Parkinson’s will have the opportunity to learn from specially trained instructors who understand the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s. The classes will focus on improving breathing, balance, strength, flexibility, mood, and overall well-being. Participants also will learn techniques to calm their nervous system and reduce stress.
To reserve a spot in the Yoga Moves Parkinson’s program or for more information, call 248-417-5985 or visit www.YogaMovesMS.org.
Gilda’s Club Receives $30K Grant from Simon Foundation
Royal Oak-based Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit has received a $30,000 grant from the Donald R. and Esther Simon Foundation to sustain Gilda’s Club’s Mindful Living program.
Mindfulness programming at Gilda’s Club addresses the need for comprehensive support for the mind and body. Mindfulness, a transformative practice centered around awareness and living in the present, has proven benefits in enhancing overall well- being. Individuals incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives often report heightened levels of happiness, patience, acceptance, and lower levels of stress – factors that contribute to more positive recovery outcomes.
“Our mindful program is crucial in the lives of cancer patients and caregivers,” says Megan Nikolich, program director at Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit. “Through this funding, we empower individuals with tools and practices that promote mental, emotional, and physical wellness, easing the path of a cancer diagnosis. We’re so grateful for the support of the Donald R. and Esther Simon Foundation for making this programming possible.”
Caribou Coffee Opening New Shop in Allen Park March 4
Caribou Coffee, a global premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, has opened a new coffeehouse in Allen Park at 16006 Southfield Road, between Allen Rd and I-94.
The location is owned and operated by Manna Development Group under the leadership of Paul Saber and Patrick Rogers.
The Allen Park location joins another Caribou Coffee cabin in Ferndale that opened late last year. Manna also says it’s enthusiastic about the opportunity to generate more than 25 jobs at this and future locations to help strengthen and fuel the community.
The Allen Park Caribou cabin is just under 600 square feet with a “Cari-blue” exterior. It features convenient drive-thru and pick-up windows. The design was engineered to scale efficiency and guest experience while maintaining the quality of Caribou’s signature beverages.
The store is planning a grand opening for 10 a.m. on March 18. The first 100 guests that day will receive a free Caribou coffee mug.
