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.
Bloomfield Township’s Johnson Nature Center to Host Fundraiser Sept. 9
The Friends of Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Township is planning its Forest to Table fundraiser from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
Chef Chris Gadulka from Sylvan Table and Chef Johnny Prepolec from Alchemi will be catering a strolling dinner of forest foods throughout the trails at the center. The chefs will intertwine Michigan native and invasive species of flora and fauna throughout multiple stations. Attendees will have an opportunity to connect with the center’s natural environment and engage their senses.
Guests will stroll the trails as they listen to live music and taste chefs’ creations. Naturalists on site will provide education and community awareness around ecological conservation. The evening will conclude with sweet endings, photo opportunities, and performing artists.
JNC is focusing current fundraising efforts in the following areas:
- Land conservation work, including continued invasive species remediation and native species planting.
- Restore the aging sugar bush.
- Complete phase two and three of the wayfaring and interpretive signage throughout Johnson Nature Center.
For more information, visit johnsonnaturecenter.org.
Hudsonville Ice Cream in Holland Introduces Novelty Bar Line
Hudsonville Ice Cream in Holland has launched its Novelty Ice Cream Bar product line available in three flavors: Salted Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake, and Vanilla Milk Chocolate.
“Our new ice cream bars are the result of listening to our devoted fans,” says Rob Heider, chief marketing officer at Hudsonville Ice Cream. “Our fan-favorite ice cream recipe made with real ingredients has remained largely unchanged since 1926, and we’re thrilled to bring that same great Hudsonville quality to ice cream bar lovers.”
The release of Hudsonville Ice Cream’s Novelty Bars follows the recent launch of the company’s “Go to Town” marketing campaign to communicate the brand’s accessibility at national retail partners and wide assortment of flavors.
For more information, visit here.
WOW! Internet Upgrades Video Offering with YouTube TV Deal
California-based WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone has signed an agreement with Google to offer YouTube TV as its dedicated live television offering.
Through this partnership, consumers can purchase WOW!’s internet, together with YouTube TV service, all on one monthly bill.
This agreement transforms how WOW! offers pay TV service and reinforces its broadband-first strategy by bundling YouTube TV with WOW! Internet. WOW!’s fiber-rich network powers all connected devices allowing multiple users to stream movies and music, games, video conference and stay connected to what’s most important to them.
The process of migrating WOW!’s residential video customers to YouTube TV will begin this summer as it discontinues the marketing and selling of its TV services, including WOW! tv+, and sells YouTube TV across its footprint. WOW! Says it will maintain and support its current video services as its existing base of video customers can switch from WOW!’s current video products to YouTube TV.
WOW! customers that sign up for YouTube TV can benefit from:
- Access to YouTube TV’s industry-leading live TV streaming service.
- More than 100 channels, Spanish-language packages and add-on packages such as NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Features such as multiview, the ability to hide spoilers, view real-time stats, and watch key plays.
- Special promotional offers with the potential for significant savings.
- The convenience of bundled Internet and YouTube TV on one bill.
- No long-term contracts and hidden fees.
“We are thrilled to begin offering YouTube TV and give our customers access to this best-in-class pay TV service,” says Teresa Elder, CEO at WOW! “We are very pleased to deliver a seamless TV experience to our customers with this new partnership while continuing to execute on our broadband-first strategy. This furthers our commitment to provide our customers with the highest quality services at the best value.”
For more information, visit wowway.com.
Biggby Coffee Co-founder Releases Book on Growing a Business
Mike McFall, co-founder and co-CEO of Lansing-based Biggby Coffee, is publishing a book on growing a business. It is due out June 6.
“Grow: Take Your Business from Chaos to Calm” discusses the importance of leadership awareness and cultivating a nurturing work environment for business sustainability. It is designed to be a strategic blueprint for entrepreneurs seeking business sustainability and is the second book in a three-book series. McFall’s first book is titled “Grind.”
In “Grow,” McFall draws on his personal and professional experience as a successful entrepreneur and leader to help guide readers through the transition from bootstrapping entrepreneur to effective leader. Among the lessons are:
- How cultivating a work environment that encourages people to thrive can move businesses from chaos to long-term sustainability.
- Insights on the skills, strategies, and behaviors required for entrepreneurs to become effective leaders who achieve their own benchmarks of success.
- The definition of a sustainable business: one in which the leader becomes irrelevant, and the business thrives.
- The most powerful productivity hack in corporate America since the microprocessor: a nurturing, supportive, and loving environment.
- The importance of being a leader who has the awareness to meet the organization where it needs to be met.
- How trust is the baseline for healthy relationships and relationships are everything.
To order a copy of “Grow,” visit here.
Armada Township Auctioning Off Used Ambulance to Help Local Community
Armada Township is auctioning off a 2012 Chevy AEV Trauma Hawk Type III ambulance, which can be converted into a camper for road trips. This online auction is open to the public at municibid.com and ends June 1.
The township says the ambulance had excellent maintenance, yearly DOT inspections, and comes with a stretcher. It was an ALS transporting unit in a rural fire department and has 95,300 miles on it.
“Travel enthusiasts and DIY fanatics would have a blast converting these ambulances into the road trip vessels of their dreams,” says the press release announcing the auction. “Upcycling has exploded in popularity over the years, and it is now being seen all over the automotive space. Creative visionaries are now refurbishing vehicles like ambulances that are no longer being used and repurposing them by giving them a completely new look and life. The winning bidders can customize the ambulances to their heart’s desire by adding a kitchen area, sleeping area, TV, a meditation space, and more.”
All of the proceeds from this auction will go toward improving Armada Township’s local community. These funds can be used for road maintenance, setting up local events for residents, community programs, public safety initiatives, and more.
Macomb Township to Dedicate Veteran’s Wall at Oakleigh of Macomb
The community is invited to the unveiling and dedication of a Veteran’s Tribute Wall at 2 p.m. on May 19 at Oakleigh of Macomb (49880 Hayes Road) in Macomb Township.
The Veteran’s Wall is a testament to the courage and dedication of this nation’s veterans. The wall serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these individuals and will serve as a symbol of our nation’s gratitude.
Vietnam Veteran’s Chapter 154 members will present medals to veteran residents at Oakleigh of Macomb as well as perform a flag presentation honor guard ceremony. Guests also will hear remarks from dignitaries.
The unveiling ceremony will be followed by appetizers and music to celebrate the service and sacrifice of our military personnel. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. RSVP by May 15 by calling 586-789-8883 or emailing kbrent@oakleighmacomb.com.
