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.
Conde Nast Traveler Places Detroit Among Best Places to Go in 2024
Conde Nast Traveler, one of the world’s most prestigious travel publications, has placed Detroit among its Best Places to Go in 2024.
The list highlights extraordinary travel destinations worldwide, and Detroit’s story as one of the most important music cities in the world, the longstanding global leadership in mobility innovation, and the transformational investment occurring in the city were the key reasons for the Motor City being selected.
Conde Nast Traveler highlighted the opening of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, new and refurbished hotels, the opening of the Hudson Site and Michigan Central, and the NFL Draft as reasons to head to the Motor City next year.
From Conde Nast Traveler’s article on Detroit:” In 2024, Detroit will welcome a host of new hotels, green spaces, and cultural attractions – not to mention the NFL Draft, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.”
“With our world-changing music, innovation, art, and exceptional culinary scene, Detroit is a city that moves people,” says Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit. “Visit Detroit proudly embraces our role in helping millions of visitors fall in love with the stories of southeast Michigan, and Conde Nast Traveler’s recognition will help even more people discover Detroit next year and for years to come.”
Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., says: “We as Michiganders take great pride in the city of Detroit and we are honored to have the Motor City recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as a top place to visit in 2024. Detroit offers a fresh experience for travelers whether it’s taking in the amazing architecture, tasting the global cuisine, learning about the deep automotive history, or immersing oneself in the rich arts and culture. And with the NFL Draft and several new businesses and attractions on tap for the year ahead, Detroit is ready to shine in 2024.”
To check out Condé Nast Traveler’s full list of The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024, visit here.
Area Nephrologist Dr. Robert Provenzano Honored at NKFM Kidney Ball
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) hosted 500 guests and raised more than $480,000 through a silent auction, donations, and a live auction at its Nov. 11 Kidney Ball. It also honored area nephrologist and NKFM volunteer Dr. Robert Provenzano with its Kidney Crusader Award.
The funds raised will support the NKFM’s mission of preventing kidney disease and improving the lives of those with it in the state of Michigan.
Provenzano is a partner in Renal Care Innovations Holding and CEO of INNOCURA Nephrology. He has been a leader within the NKFM’s volunteer board of directors for more than 30 years. During that time, he has served as chair of the board and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board. He has provided ongoing consultation in medical, professional, and business matters. He is currently co-chair of the Healthy Futures Initiative, the largest fundraising campaign the NKFM has embarked upon in its history.
“He has given a remarkable amount of his time and expertise to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, spending considerable time, energy, and talent to help the NKFM make an impact on kidney disease,” says Dr. John Magee who presented the award. “He’s often the one to push for more work, challenge the norm, and inspire us to leave a legacy.”
For more information about the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s programs and services throughout the state, visit nkfm.org.
Howard & Howard Wins $13.5M+ from Ford for InterMotive Vehicle Controls
Howard & Howard Attorneys in Royal Oak secured InterMotive Vehicle Controls in California more than $13.5 million in a counterclaim suit against Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn.
After an 11-day trial at the U.S. District Court in Detroit, a jury found Ford had infringed on InterMotive’s “Upfitter Interface Module” trademark, engaged in unfair competition, misappropriated InterMotive’s trade secrets, and breached a non-disclosure agreement by improperly using InterMotive’s technology.
Ford could appeal the ruling.
An initial claim filed by Ford in 2017 stated InterMotive and its president, Greg Schafer, improperly used Ford’s “Blue Oval” logo to promote a variety of InterMotive products used with Ford vehicles and sold into the specialty vehicle aftermarket.
In response, InterMotive filed counterclaims against Ford, asserting misappropriation of InterMotive’s trade secrets, infringement of InterMotive’s trademark, unfair competition, and breach of contract. Ultimately, the jury awarded InterMotive $13.65 million in damages from Ford in the countersuit. Ford dismissed its previous claims against InterMotive and Schafer mid-way through the trial.
The Howard & Howard team representing InterMotive throughout the trial included:
Andrew (Jake) Grove, Joseph Barber, Gerald E. McGlynn III, and Dane Lepola.
Report: Electric Utilities Unable to Halt Slide in Business Customer Satisfaction
Business customers are paying more than ever for their electricity, and they’re not satisfied with the steps utilities are taking to support their business needs, according to the J.D. Power 2023 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study.
Overall business customer satisfaction with electric utilities has reached an all-time low of 754 (on a 1,000-point scale) driven by a combination of steadily rising prices and a perceived lack of concern for their needs, support, and engagement.
“There is not a lot that electric utilities can do to reduce costs, but they can offset the negative sentiment their business customers are feeling by ramping up communications, delivering more personalized service and making sure customers are aware of infrastructure improvements,” says Adrian Chung, director of utilities intelligence at J.D. Power. “Right now, far too many business customers are not receiving proactive outreach, including power outage updates. They are largely unaware of tree trimming and other infrastructure improvement projects and they have no dedicated service when they contact their utility for service. Utilities need to establish a stronger collaboration with these high-value customers.”
Following are some key findings of the 2023 study:
- Personalization and proactive outreach make a difference: Nearly three-fourths (71 percent) of business customers say their electric utility did not provide power outage-related updates. Among the 29 percent of customers who did receive an outage-related update, overall satisfaction is 62 points higher than among those who didn’t receive an update. Similarly, 42 percent of business customers say their typical contact method is the utility’s main telephone number. Just 15 percent of business customers say they have an assigned account representative.
- Awareness of infrastructure maintenance declines: The percentage of business customers who say their electric utility does a good job to maintain the infrastructure has declined 4 percentage points this year, while overall business customer satisfaction is down 20 points, while power quality and reliability satisfaction is down 13 points (786 vs. 799 in 2022).
- Can’t hide from higher prices: While overall business customer satisfaction with the price of electricity is down 38 points this year, the effect is less severe when customers receive advance notice to prepare for rate increases, the utility provides ways to reduce bills and there is awareness of budget billing options or assistance programs.
- EV charging ports help boost business customer satisfaction: Nearly one in five (19%) businesses currently have an EV charging station at their business location and 60% of businesses say it is “somewhat important” or “very important” to have EV charging available at their business. Price satisfaction among business with EV chargers is 93 points higher than among those with no chargers installed.
For more information about the Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study, visit here.
Physicians Health Plan Expands Network for Commercial and Medicare Products
Lansing-based Physicians Health Plan (PHP) announced two new agreements that expand its network.
PHP Medicare’s statewide network now includes MyMichigan Health hospitals in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Midland, Sault Ste. Marie, and West Branch.
PHP launched PHP Medicare plans in 2019 in collaboration with Covenant HealthCare, Sparrow Health System, and University of Michigan Health to offer Medicare beneficiaries throughout Michigan access to quality, affordable health care.
PHP Medicare plans are offered throughout 17 counties in Michigan: Bay, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Livingston, Montcalm, Sanilac, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Tuscola, and Washtenaw.
Additionally, PHP’s commercial network now includes Trinity, in addition to Bronson, Corewell Health, Covenant HealthCare, McLaren, Memorial Healthcare, MyMichigan Health, Sparrow, University of Michigan Health, and more.
Comcast RISE Follows $5K Grants to Detroit Small Businesses with Support Event
In September, Comcast awarded 100 businesses in metro Detroit comprehensive grant packages through Comcast RISE which include business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedule and a technology makeover.
To provide ongoing investment and help ensure the long-term success of these small businesses, which are the bedrock of economic growth in their communities, Comcast RISE brought grant recipients together for an in-person event on Nov. 6 at the Garden Theater in Detroit.
The event connected Comcast RISE recipients to additional resources to help them thrive, including:
- Education – Content and resources that recipients can use to improve business effectiveness.
- Collaboration – A forum where the business owners can share knowledge and best practices with each other.
- Networking – Opportunities to discuss ideas with local elected officials and local business leaders, in addition to introductions to national and local partner institutions.
- Recognition – Recognition of their business success and for being selected as a Comcast RISE. recipient—this will include the creation of a business directory of local RISE winners.
Hospitality Professionals Honored at Stars of the Industry Dinner Nov. 9
The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) in Lansing celebrated the excellence within Michigan’s hospitality industry by honoring the industry’s top leaders during its annual Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner at the Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth on Nov. 9.
A total of 18 awards were presented throughout the evening and included four winners from southeast Michigan.
Emily Moir of Epoch Hospitality in Novi received the Emerging Hospitality Leader Star of the Year Award.
The Sales and Marketing Star of the Year Award was given to Jennifer Suchocki of the Daxton Hotel in Birmingham.
Marcelo Ponti of Saint John’s Resort received the Engineering + Operations Star of the Year Award.
The Allied Partner Star of the Year Award honors a company that steps up for the hospitality industry. This year’s winner was Royal Oak’s SpotOn.
Jim Johnson Hosting His Final His Final Turn Up the Miracles Radiothon Today
Jim Johnson, who is retiring the end of this year after 52 years in radio broadcasting, is hosting his final 104.3 WOMC Turn Up the Miracles Radiothon today.
Presented by Bridgestone Americas, this annual event supports Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s. The radiothon is broadcasting live from the WOMC studios located at 26455 American Drive in Southfield until 6 p.m.
Anchoring the production along with Johnson are JoAnne Purtan, Jason Raithel, and Beau Daniels. In addition, Karen Newman is pitching in.
For more information and to donate, visit here.
Full Plates, Full Hearts Events in Detroit and Lansing Help Those in Need Nov. 20
Detroit Shipping Co., Lansing Shuffle, the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, and the Detroit Restaurant and Lodging Association will host two free community meals this Thanksgiving season from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Nov. 20.
Full Plates, Full Hearts is an annual event where local chefs create Thanksgiving meals for individuals and families in need. The events will take place at Detroit Shipping Co. (474 Peterboro St.) in Detroit, and at Lansing Shuffle (325 Riverfront Dr.) in Lansing.
All Four One Detroit Holiday Toy Drive for Beaumont Children’s
The All Four One Holiday Harvest Toy Drive is taking place between Nov. 27-Dec. 22 at Sun Valley Market Redford Township and LaCasa Cigar and Wine Bar Detroit.
Multiple studies have shown that toys help health care workers build trust with young patients, reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, and can even accelerate the healing process, according to All Four One.
The hospital has a particular need for infant toys such as rattles and teethers, but stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, board games and kids’ movies are also in high demand.
Those who can’t bring an unwrapped toy to one of the two drop-off locations, can donate here.
All donations are 100 percent tax deductible.
Brown Program Offers Dementia Caregivers a Day Off Dec. 3
Caregivers Day Off, a relaxing, enjoyable, and supportive event for metro Detroiters responsible for the care of loved ones living with dementia, is being offered Dec. 3 by the Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program at its West Bloomfield location (6700 W. Maple Road).
Attendees will benefit from yoga, massage therapy, music for the soul and gardening along with some educational activities designed to help make their day-to-day lives easier; snacks and lunch will be provided.
Adults living with dementia will be dropped off at the Brown Program (6720 W. Maple Road) in West Bloomfield) at 10 a.m. and caregivers will then walk across to the Lillian and Samual Hechtman Senior Apartments for the day’s activities which begin at 10.30 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m.
The Brown Program, a joint initiative of Gesher Human Services and Jewish Senior Life, provides innovative and engaging activities and care for those living with dementia along with support for their families at its two centers in West Bloomfield and Southfield. It welcomes people of all beliefs and faiths. For images of a previous Caregivers Day Off click here; to register for the program, which has limited spaces, call Sharilyn Rowe at 248.592.5032 by Nov. 22.
Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township Plans Holiday Events
Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township is planning a slate of Thanksgiving and other holiday festivities on its 200-acre campus.
Among the scheduled events are:
- Thanksgiving To-Go: Get rid of the stress this Thanksgiving and order ahead with Saint John’s Thanksgiving meals to-go. The menu features a selection of delectable appetizers, turkey, fixings, and mouthwatering desserts. Schedule your pickup time at the link above.
- An Evening of Enchantment with Michigan Philharmonic (Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.): Step into an evening of enchantment with the Michigan Philharmonic Christmas Brass, starting with a reception featuring delectable appetizers and pasta stations, and two complimentary drink tickets. Finish the night with a concert filled with magic and Christmas spirit.
- Grace West & Friends Christmas Concert (Sunday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.): The enchanting voice of Grace West returns this holiday season along her exceptional choir group singing timeless classics and seasonal favorites. Secure your tickets at the link and concessions for food and drink will be available for purchase.
- Brunch with The Michigan Philharmonic String Quartet (Sunday, Dec. 17 at noon): Enjoy a brunch followed by a musical performance from Michigan Philharmonic String Quartet in the chapel. Tickets are priced at $75.
For more information, visit here.
$2.2M Federal Grant to Help Grand Valley Close Equity Gaps
A $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will help leaders at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, near Grand Rapids, address equity gaps and increase the number of students engaged in a high-impact education.
The five-year grant was awarded to the GVSU’s Center for Experiential Learning in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The center was created as a hub supporting the CLAS Voyage, a program set to launch in 2025 that ensures every student studying a CLAS major engages in multiple hands-on, career-connected educational experiences, from internships to intensive research projects.
Some key uses of the grant include creating a fund to support student access to hands-on learning, developing data dashboards to provide real-time information for faculty to help foster student success, hiring for two positions and funding for faculty members working on course designs and revisions.
Funds from the grant also will help launch high-impact learning opportunities that were already developed but needed financial support to implement, says Kris Pachla, director of the CLAS Center for Experiential Learning.
The grant, which specifically supports institutions building the framework and capacity to ensure student equity and a quality education, will help fund numerous initiatives, including:
- Seeding $250,000 for an endowed fund, which must be matched by CLAS and university fundraising efforts, to support student access to hands-on learning. An example of this use might be increasing the number of paid internships available to students.
- Building a data dashboard that allows faculty members teaching courses that particularly pose challenges to students to quickly identify those issues and seek support on how to keep students on track academically.
- Hiring a faculty member to lead Voyage curriculum development and assessment as well as a faculty data analyst to work with people across the university to use data for developing best practices around student retention, student success and other goals.
