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.
Cottage & Lakefront Living Show Coming to Novi Feb. 22-25
The 17th annual Cottage & Lakefront Living Show will take place at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Feb. 22-25.
Among the many exhibitors, attendees will find expertise, advice, and ideas on family succession planning, group vacation rentals, deck design, lake habitat protection, and how to get the most out of cottage and lakefront life.
“Live your best life this summer by starting at our pre-season show where we bring exhibitors and experts together for cottage owners, cabin renters, and waterfront property,” says Dawn Baker, show manager at ShowSpan Inc. “Begin your planning at the show with eco-friendly project solutions, renovation scheduling, and purchasing outdoor recreational equipment to create this year’s family summer memories.”
Among the attractions are:
- The Beach, a massive sandbox.
- A cornhole tournament
- Photo contest
- The Cottage Art Show
- The Lakefront Marketplace
- A display of historic boats
For more information, visit NoviCottageShow.com.
Global Management Consultancy Roland Berger Relocates to Downtown Detroit
Roland Berger, a global management consulting firm, has relocated its Detroit office to 1217 Woodward Ave., Suite 450, in downtown Detroit.
“We are pleased to announce the move of Roland Berger’s office to downtown Detroit, and to join other global and local companies in the heart of the city center,” says Brandon Boyle, senior partner and Detroit office leader at Roland Berger. “Our new location allows us to be more centrally located to many of our customers, particularly those in automotive and manufacturing, and to better support our current and future employees who want to work in and be part of Detroit’s exciting revitalization story and thriving cultural scene.”
For more information, visit rolandberger.com.
Goldfish Swim School Opens 21 Locations in 13 States in 2023
Goldfish Swim School Franchising in Troy opened 21 new schools in 13 states and inking franchise agreements to develop 40 schools in 10 states over the next few years during 2023.
During the previous 12 months, Goldfish continued expanding its footprint across the United States, opening schools in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. Each of the 21 new locations can bring up to 50 jobs to the community. The new Maine school is the state’s first, opened in Portland by multiunit franchisees Tim and Jennifer Casper, who also own schools in New Jersey.
“Goldfish Swim School’s growth across the nation with new schools opening in multiple states are a tribute to our passion and commitment to kids and water safety,” says Chris McCuiston, CEO and co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. “Almost two decades ago, my wife, Jenny, and I set out with a mission to help educate children to be safe in and around the water. Today, we continue to advance that mission with more than 10 million swim lessons taught over the past year across more than 160 locations.”
Additionally, Goldfish strengthened its pipeline by awarding franchise agreements to develop 40 new schools over the next few years in California, Texas, Kansas, Kentucky, Washington, Connecticut, Oregon, New York, Idaho, and Delaware. Goldfish says it saw noteworthy development in California in 2023, with agreements for six new schools across the state. Franchise opportunities remain available throughout Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles.
“We have awarded franchise agreements over the past year that enable Goldfish Swim Schools to not only help reduce childhood drownings, but also allow entrepreneurs to achieve new heights by providing swim lessons in their local communities,” says McCuiston. “Over the next year, we look forward to opening in new markets, achieving new milestones and educating new Goldfish franchisees to empower them to thrive on their entrepreneurial journey.”
Indra Energy Brings Natural Gas Solutions to Michigan
Indra Energy, an independent provider of electricity and natural gas based in Philadelphia, is expanding into the Michigan gas market.
This expansion brings 100-percent carbon-offset natural gas solutions to residents seeking an alternative energy company with outstanding customer service and rewarding benefits. Indra Energy is equipping Michigan residents who want to reduce their carbon footprints with alternative energy supply options.
“We’re thrilled to expand our natural gas offerings to Michigan residents and provide options that support sustainable living,” says Jeff Rodgers, executive vice president of operations and customer care at Indra Energy. “Our entrance into the Michigan market is about fostering a community of conscious consumers who want to make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying rewarding energy services. We look forward to being a part of Michigan’s journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Indra Energy is a family-owned business supporting customers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Virginia.
For more information, visit here.
Gesher Human Services Offers Financial Repair Program Starting Feb. 19
Gesher Human Services in Southfield is offering HarMoney, a six-week interactive virtual program providing financial education offered by Gesher Human Services and made possible by a $50,000 grant from Huntington Bank, beginning Feb. 19.
Since 2021 when the program began, 33 families have had their financial lives transformed, frequently seeing significant improvements in their credit scores, and some having the ability to afford a down payment for purchasing a home.
Last year there were 19 participants in the program geared toward low- to moderate-income families (as defined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) who have a credit score of 620 or below. The program, conducted every Monday at noon to allow people to join during their lunch period, focuses on improving financial health through budgeting, credit and money management, and savings advice. Upon completion of the program, participants are eligible for up to a $2,500 payment, which can be used toward further paying off debt or even towards purchasing a home. Participants must meet all program requirements and claim their grant within six months of the final session. To join the program, visit here.
State Unemployment Agency Unveils Employer Help Center for Michigan Businesses
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has unveiled a new resource that provides answers to employers on unemployment tax and claim issues. The new Employer Help Center is a one-stop online tool kit that uses plain language and clean design to answer employer questions and explain UIA programs.
Employers can access the new resource at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter.
“The Employer Help Center will make it easier for employers of all sizes to understand their unemployment insurance responsibilities and learn about UIA programs that help businesses succeed,” says Julia Dale, director of UIA. “This forward-thinking resource has been user tested by Michigan employers, who told us they are eager to use and share the tool. Especially popular is the use of plain language and clean design that saves time searching for the information they need.”
There are six categories in the Employer Help Center that empower employers to easily navigate UIA resources:
- Register Your Business: Also, how to authorize an account with UIA.
- Manage Employee Claims: How to handle disputes, fraud, and appeals.
- Submit Reports and Payments: How to keep up with tax rates, quarterly reporting, and payments.
- Manage Account Settings: Set notifications, update business info, and add users.
- Explore FAQs and Resources: Answers to common questions, helpful definitions, forms, and instructional resources.
- Contact UIA: Contact the Office of Employer Ombudsman (OEO) and other areas within UIA to address problems.
Nominations Open for 2024 WCC Parkridge Black Business Community Impact Award
Nominations for the 2024 Washtenaw Community College Parkridge Black Business Community Impact Award are being accepted to honor exceptional black business leaders in Washtenaw County.
The awards for entrepreneurial excellence and commitment to community service will be presented at the first Black Business Excellence & Impact celebration hosted by WCC’s Entrepreneurship Center and College and Career Readiness Department on Feb. 29.
The deadline for nominations is 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15. Nominations are encouraged for individuals who exemplify entrepreneurial excellence and a dedication to positively impacting the community. Nominations may be completed online.
The Black Business Excellence & Impact celebration will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Parkridge Community Center (591 Armstrong Drive) in Ypsilanti.
For additional information about the award or celebration event, call 734-483-7700.
