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.
Consumers Energy Acquires Southwest Michigan Power Plant
Consumers Energy in Jackson today announced it has acquired the Covert Generating Station in southwest Michigan’s Van Buren County from Newkirk Electric Associates in northwest Michigan. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The company says the 1,200-megawatt, natural gas-fired Covert Township plant will play an important role in its Clean Energy Plan to meet Michigan’s energy needs this summer and for years to come.
“Consumers Energy is doing its part to ensure a cost-effective, reliable energy generation supply to our customers and all of Michigan by welcoming the latest power plant into our generation fleet,” says Tim Sparks, vice president of electric supply at Consumers Energy. “Covert will supply reliable electricity to meet Michigan’s needs 24/7 and support clean energy sources like wind and solar that we will continue to add.”
The plant, which opened in 2004, can produce enough energy to power more than 1 million Michigan homes. Adding the plant to Consumers Energy’s portfolio adds affordable, reliable power generation without creating new greenhouse gas emissions, according to Consumers Energy.
The Covert plant’s 29 workers are expected to become Consumers Energy employees as the transition proceeds.
Auburn Hills’ FLO to Showcase New EV Charging Tech at California Trade Show
Auburn Hills-based FLO, an electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and smart charging solutions provider, will showcase its latest charging technology at the 36th Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS36) June 11-14 in Sacramento, Calif.
FLO will demonstrate the FLO “Ultra fast” charger, which it states can charge most EVs to 80 percent in 15 minutes and is built to meet both NEVI and Buy America Act requirements. The 320kW dual-port ultra-fast charger is designed to maximize energy delivery with “future-proof performance” and “smart design” that enables the ultimate EV charging experience.
Organized and hosted by Electric Drive Transportation Association, EVS36 is the premier showcase for industry innovation and is the longest-running international conference devoted to electric transportation and technologies.
Alongside the FLO Ultra fast, the company also will showcase its CoRe+ MAXTM, FLO Home, and SmartTWO chargers at EVS36. FLO product experts and leadership will host visitors to the FLO booth, No. 521, during the show.
Additionally, on Monday, June 12, FLO’s senior director of public and legal affairs, Elizabeth France, will discuss emerging trends in North America light duty EV charging regulation during a dialogue session. The session will review regulation aimed at encouraging deployment of charging stations, addressing consumer protection concerns and promoting accessibility.
For more information, visit here.
First Detroit Grand Prix Champion John Watson Named Grand Marshal of 2023 Edition
John Watson, the first winner of the Detroit Grand Prix when it was a Formula 1 event, has been named grand marshal for Sunday’s activities at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, which will be run just a few days before the 41st anniversary of his victory in the Motor City.
“I have some fond memories of racing in Detroit and I am very excited to travel to the States to see the new track layout and return to the scene of one of my five Grand Prix race wins,” says Watson, a native of Northern Ireland who now lives in the United Kingdom.
Watson’s victory in Detroit on June 6, 1982, is considered among the greatest drives in F1 history. After qualifying at the rear of the field, he drove through the field and passed eventual F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg on Lap 42 to claim his fourth career win. The revolutionary McLaren MP4/1B that Watson used to win the 1982 Detroit Grand Prix was pivotal in the development of modern racing cars as it introduced the first entirely carbon fiber monocoque chassis.
“What a great way to celebrate the return of the Grand Prix to the streets of Detroit with one of the greatest champions in the history of this event,” says Michael Montri, president of the Detroit Grand Prix. “As the winner of the very first Detroit Grand Prix, we are so excited to welcome him back and honor his legacy as we carry this event forward and into the future.”
Opus IVS and CARS Co-Op Network Join Forces to Boost Diagnostic Capabilities
Opus IVS, a provider of automotive diagnostic tools and services in Dexter, has announced a partnership with CARS Co-Op Network, a network of automotive collision and repair shops.
This collaboration is designed to enhance diagnostic capabilities for more than 1,200 collision and 600 mechanical repair facilities within the CARS Co-Op Network. By leveraging Opus IVS’ advanced tools and software solutions, network members will gain access to cutting-edge vehicle diagnostics and technical support, enabling them to provide efficient and accurate repairs. The partnership will also focus on strengthening mechanical programming and diagnostic capabilities for network members, offering an enhanced comprehensive range of solutions to automotive repair professionals.
“We are excited to partner with CARS Co-Op Network,” says Brian Herron, CEO of Opus. “Our goal is to empower automotive repair professionals with top-notch diagnostic technology and resources. This partnership enhances our ability to support the industry and drive diagnostic innovation.”
Codex IT Acquires Minnesota Professional Services Company
Codex IT, an Ohio-based health care technology solutions and managed services provider with a service center in Detroit, has acquired EyeDeal Consulting in St. Cloud, Minn.
This acquisition is the third for Codex IT this year and will allow it to scale and grow its professional services division.
“Our strategic acquisition of EyeDeal Consulting significantly deepens our professional services division,” says Wes Strickling, CEO of Codex IT. “Now, with (EyeDeal Consulting Owner) Chris Dean leading professional services at Codex, we will be able to bring an unparalleled level of expertise, consulting, and service delivery to healthcare organizations across the country.”
American Acle in Detroit Sponsors EcoCAR EV Challenge
Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. is sponsoring the EcoCAR EV Challenge, a competition between university teams engineering next generation electric vehicles, automation, and vehicle connectivity.
“AAM has a long history of supporting STEM education at all levels and helping grow the next generation of automotive talent,” says David C. Dauch, chairman and CEO of AAM. “As a Visionary Sponsor of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, we are helping students learn about sustainable mobility and fuel their engineering passion.”
AAM’s four-year sponsorship is comprised of financial contributions as well as in-kind credits such as software and engineering support. AAM also is supplying five college teams with its premier 3-in-1 configurable platform electric drive unit. This next-generation EDU combines a high-speed motor, compact gearbox, and integrated inverter, offering a 40-percent reduction in packaging space. AAM’s EDU provides best-in-class improvements in mass and volumetric efficiency, power density and reduced power loss. It also has the potential to improve range – further helping EVs create a carbon footprint advantage.
Through its sponsorship, AAM says it’s developing relationships with premier engineering talent — a total of more than 2,600 diverse students from across North America are participating in the EcoCAR EV Challenge. AAM plans to host a winter workshop at its Detroit Campus in early 2024 where students can see firsthand the products and processes being developed by AAM engineers.
To learn more about the EcoCAR EV Challenge, visit here.
Stradvision Opens Autonomous Driving Workshop in South Korea
Stradvision, a provider of deep learning-based vision perception technology for the automotive industry that has its North American headquarters in Troy, has opened a new Autonomous Driving Workshop in Dongtan, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, to strengthen vehicle object recognition technology.
The new workshop is available for optimizing and calibrating cameras and sensor equipment for autonomous driving within its nearly 18,000 square feet of space. It is equipped with an environment to verify and develop camera-based autonomous driving and various advanced autonomous driving technologies such as lidar and radar, enabling multiple research and development tailored to the level of autonomous driving technology.
This is an independent workshop where up to 40 engineers can simultaneously test and develop six test vehicles.
Corewell Health Lung Nodule Clinics Leading to Early Cancer Detection
Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital Lung Nodule Clinics in Trenton and Wayne are making a difference by detecting pulmonary nodules, which are small masses found in the lungs, early.
“The whole idea of the lung nodule clinic is to diagnose lung cancer as soon as possible so that treatment can get started as soon as possible,” says Dr. Mohamad Hazem Raslan, a pulmonologist at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital Lung Nodule Clinics in Trenton and Wayne. “If you treat the cancer early enough to surgically remove the lesion, it could potentially cure the patient of the disease.”
In 2022, about 530 patients were screened for lung nodules — 193 patients at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Wayne, and 337 patients at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Trenton.
“Of those patients, 44 were diagnosed with lung cancer,” says Dr. Abdulrazak Alchakaki, a pulmonologist at the Lung Nodule Clinics. “And 70 percent of those patients were in the early stages of lung cancer (stages 1, 2, or 3A), which means they were potential surgical candidates as opposed to the national average of 20 percent, so this is the difference we are very proud of.”
Already in 2023, Corewell Health’s Trenton and Wayne clinics have diagnosed 29 individuals with lung cancer. Nineteen of them were in the early stages, making them potential candidates for surgery.
Determining whether a lung nodule is benign or malignant is an important first step in achieving the best possible outcome. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, which can initially present as a lung nodule, may be the best chance for curing cancer.
“We keep a close eye on the nodules,” Raslan says. “Ninety percent of them are benign, but the other 10 percent could change the course of a patient’s life. Our job is to identify them and work on them as soon as possible.”
To learn more about Corewell Health’s lung nodule clinics and how to schedule an appointment, visit here.
Sterling Bancorp in Southfield Completes the Sale of Problem Loans
Sterling Bancorp Inc. in Southfield has completed plan to sell nonperforming and chronically delinquent residential real estate loans, primarily consisting of Advantage Loan Program loans.
The pool consisted of 84 loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $43.5 million. The transaction, with an institutional investor, closed May 26 and the company realized net proceeds of $36.1 million.
“We are extremely pleased with the competitive pricing and execution of this sale,” says Thomas M. O’Brien, chairman, president, and CCEO of Sterling Bancorp. “Removing these loans also eliminates the servicing costs and financial uncertainty caused by their chronic delinquent status.
“This residential sale eliminates virtually all of Sterling’s nonaccrual and delinquent loans reported as of March 31, 2023, and follows the disposal in 2022 of all our nonaccrual commercial real estate loans and a significant amount of the remaining loans secured by single room occupancy hotels, along with other higher risk commercial real estate loans. Sterling’s balance sheet is now in a very healthy position from the perspective of capital levels, liquidity, and credit risk.”
Priority Health Expands Diabetes Management Program with Virtual Support Program
Priority Health in Grand Rapids has expanded its high-performing diabetes management program to support members with type 2 diabetes.
The CDC reports 37 million Americans are living with type 2 diabetes, and many will experience at least two other chronic conditions as a result.
Priority Health says it can better help people manage their disease by providing access to the Livongo by Teladoc Health diabetes management program that includes expert coaching, monitoring tools, and lifestyle interventions tailored to best suit each member’s needs and optimize their health outcomes. The program is available for Priority Health members who are enrolled in a group health plan.
Livongo is the latest tool to join Priority Health’s diabetes management program for employer groups — an initiative that has resulted in top health outcomes compared to regional and national benchmarks.
“Managing a chronic condition like diabetes can be overwhelming and stressful,” says Alicia Coronas, vice president of product solutions and marketing for Priority Health. “Our personalized approach to care at Priority Health is designed to ensure our members are surrounded by collaborative and compassionate support throughout their health journey.”
For more information, visit here.
MIU Planning Activities for Men’s Health Week June 12-18
The MIU Men’s Health Foundation is recognizing International Men’s Health Week June 12-18 with its longstanding signature events to advocate for men’s health and prostate cancer survivorship.
The week kicks off on June 12 (known internationally as Blue Monday) with its annual cycling event Cogs & Kegs, continues with an event at Top Golf on June 15, and culminates with the Run for the Ribbon at the Detroit Zoo on Father’s Day, June 18.
“The key to prostate cancer survival is early detection,” says Dr. Michael Lutz, urologist and president of the MIU Men’s Health Foundation. “We need to reach as many men as possible — and the partners and families who care about them — so we can save more lives, while raising funds that support survivorship and other programs all year long.”
To register for Cogs & Kegs, visit here. For more information on the Gale at TopGolf, visit here. To participate in the Run for the Ribbon on Father’s Day, visit here.
Soul of Philanthropy Opens National Exhibit at Detroit Historical Museum
“Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited” is a multimedia visual arts and photography exhibit that will run from June 2 to Aug. 27 at the Detroit Historical Museum.
The exhibit is sponsored by TSOP Michigan, a statewide initiative and grassroots movement established to bring awareness to Black philanthropy across the state.
“This is a unique opportunity to showcase not only the history of Black philanthropy but also honor those that have led by example to support and empower the Black community through giving,” says Collin Mays, co-chair of TSOP Michigan.
“A little-known fact, the Black community is the most philanthropic group in America, and we count philanthropy not only through dollars but through service. We’ve seen this national exhibit thrive in other cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and in other parts of Michigan, so it was imperative that it stop in Detroit as well.”
“The Soul of Philanthropy” exhibit presents stories of generosity among Americans of African descent. Centuries-old cultural customs and beliefs about giving, though rarely acknowledged as philanthropy in Black communities, have long been an integral and transformational force in lives and communities throughout American society. Last fall, the collective completed a pop-up exhibit in Grand Rapids, and another in March in Ann Arbor where five local Black philanthropists were honored.”
TSOP will host two large-scale ticketed events and 15 community programs open to the public to tell the stories of Black philanthropy. To see a complete list and register to attend the events, visit here.
Detroit Lions Players Go ‘Old School’ vs. ‘New School’ in Lake St. Clair Fishing Challenge
Two generations of Detroit Lions offensive linemen and NFL Draft first-rounders put it all on the line Tuesday in a charity fishing challenge on Lake St. Clair to promote Michigan’s charter fishing industry as “the best time you’ve never head,” and to earn bragging rights for the biggest catch.
The contest aboard the Huskie Muskie, out of St. Clair Shores and piloted by Capt. Matt Pressnell, pitted Lions All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow against former Lions great Lomas Brown Jr. The pair faced off as part of a campaign by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to encourage anglers of all skill levels or those new to the sport to book a “trip of a lifetime” on a Michigan charter fishing boat.
“Lomas and I spent the afternoon on beautiful Lake St. Clair to encourage others to follow our lead in having the best time you’ve never had by planning a charter fishing trip in Michigan today or in the near future,” says Ragnow, a seasoned angler. “Our goal is to spread the news that charter fishing in Michigan is an experience everyone should try at least once.”
At the end of Tuesday’s event, the total weight of each competitor’s catches determined the winner, and a brief awards ceremony took place.
And beginner’s luck ruled the day. Ragnow came up empty in his quest for smallmouth bass. Brown reeled in more than enough to score a victory. All fish caught were released.
The first-time charity challenge also earned the participants donations to the Lomas Brown Jr. Foundation, which provides scholarships and financial aid to college-bound high school students, along with physical fitness training, nutritional advice, and academic assistance for youth, and the Frank Ragnow’s “Rags” Remembered Foundation, which was inspired by Ragnow’s father, who passed away in 2016. The foundation provides outdoors experiences for grieving youth.
For more information on fishing charters in Michigan, visit here.
Olga’s Kitchen Distributes $50K in Grants to Women Entrepreneurs
Livonia-based Olga’s Kitchen, owned and operated by Team Schostak Family Restaurants, is distributing $50,000 in grants to woman-owned, Michigan-based entrepreneurs through the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation.
DA BOMB TACO, Muirneen Equestrian, No Fear Café, and Welcome Home Yoga each have been awarded $12,500 grants to continue to build their business.
“We were absolutely blown away by the amount of quality, deserving applicants we received this year and are thrilled to provide grants to four women entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level,” says Loredana Gianino, president of the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation. “Olga’s Kitchen founder Olga Loizon was a female trailblazer who approached building her business with heart, with innovation and persistence fueling her to make an impact on the community. These grant recipients are focused on meeting real, tangible community needs, embodying Olga’s spirit. We look forward to seeing how these grants will fuel the growth and success of these businesses and supporting their journey.”
Those interested in donating to the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation to support women entrepreneurs, can visit here.
Belle’s Lounge in Ferndale Starts Season with a Summer Event June 8
Belle’s Lounge in Ferndale is opening its new patio and inviting the public to join the Valentine Distilling Co. team to start summer starting at 4 p.m. on June 8.
The event will feature cocktail specials including $2 off the Frozen Floradora, Frozen Berry Blossom Lavender Lemonade, and Moon Bird. There also will be opportunities to enter to win prizes like a bottle of the 15-year Mayor Pingree Black Label Bourbon or the Mayor Pingree Green Label Rye. Must be present to win.
“As one of the country’s first micro-distilleries, Valentine Distilling Co. has continued to grow as a leader in craft distilling,” says Rifino Valentine, founder and president of Valentine Distilling Co.
In 2016, Valentine Distilling Co.’s production relocated and expanded from the Vester Street location to a warehouse down the street located at 965 Wanda St. in Ferndale, now utilizing 20,000-square feet of space. The warehouse is lined with state-of-the-art copper stills and whiskey barrels from floor to ceiling. Valentine has seen immense growth throughout the years which has been critical to keep up with high demand for its award-winning products.
Our Neighborhood Academy Announces Special Needs Camp for Young Adults
Our Neighborhood Academy, a Berkley-based nonprofit serving young adults with special needs, today announced its 2023 Summer Camp program from June 19-Aug. 10. The program runs Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with activities in or around Our Neighborhood Academy at 3096 12 Mile Road in Berkley.
The program offers summer activities that foster independence and community engagement for young adults of high school age or older with special needs. It also aims to provide essential structure and routine during the summer season. Camp participants will engage in various activities, such as practicing acts of kindness with peers and community members and immersing themselves in nature exploration.
Each week of the program has a different theme for students to explore:
- June 19 – All American Road Trip
- June 26 – Kindness Week
- July 10 – Color Me Crazy
- July 31 – Explore the Great Outdoors
- 7 – The Game of Life
Our Neighborhood Academy is a fully accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists young adults with special needs as they transition from high school to independent living. Students learn real-world skills through classes, job training, microenterprises, and social opportunities in an enriching environment tailored to their needs.
The Summer Camp program costs $300 per week or $1,200 for the summer. Scholarships are available.
For more information, visit ourneighborhoodacademy.com.
