Cucina Lab Torino in Troy Becomes Michigan’s First Eccellenze Italiane Restaurant
Cucina Lab Torino in Troy has become the first restaurant in Michigan to receive certification from Eccellenze Italiane as a true authentic Italian restaurant.
For the past three years, Cucina Lab Torino has shown its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. It used the finest imported ingredients and time-honored recipes to achieve certification.
Eccellenze Italiane is an organization dedicated to safeguarding the uniqueness of Italian businesses against counterfeiting. Its certification involves rigorous quality checks, ensuring that only the most exceptional establishments earn the right to display the Eccellenze Italiane seal. For Cucina Lab Torino, the recognition is a guarantee to its patrons of an authentic Italian dining experience, according to its operators.
Lineage in Novi Unveils the Global Food Chain Innovation Challenge to Combat Food Waste
Lineage, the Novi-based world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, has launched the Food Chain Innovation Challenge. The aspiring global competition invites students and startups to develop and pitch groundbreaking solutions aimed at tackling one of the world’s most pressing issues: food waste, particularly postharvest losses.
The challenge will convene bright minds at three major events across the globe: London on Nov. 14; Amsterdam and San Francisco on Nov. 19. Participants are called to present their solutions that can empower different regions of the world — from mature to emerging and developing markets — to mitigate postharvest food spoilage through affordable and scalable methods, thereby enhancing food security, quality, safety, and market access.
Winners from each regional event will win a cash prize. Additionally, an overall winner will be selected from the regional winners and announced in December. The grand prize winner will receive entry into an incubator program tailored to help them further refine their business development skills and scale their solution effectively.
At the events, participants will be asked to pitch their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, concentrating their efforts in one of four specific areas:
- Reducing food waste: Introduce technologies and strategies to diminish food loss from farm to market.
- Innovative food preservation techniques: Propose novel methods that enhance food longevity and reduce spoilage.
- Access to nutritious food: Improve the logistics of food distribution to enhance the availability of nutritious foods in underserved areas.
- Data-driven insights and analytics: Employ analytics and IoT to optimize supply chains and reduce waste.
Consumers Energy Plans to Power 1,500 Public Fast Charging Locations for EVs by 2030
Consumers Energy in Jackson expects to power 1,500 new fast charging locations for electric vehicles by the end of the decade, a huge expansion in public charging that highlights still-strong EV growth and a bright future for clean transportation in Michigan.
The forecast is part of Consumers Energy’s Transportation Electrification Plan that it is filing with state regulators. In the report, the energy provider shared successes in residential and business EV programs, vehicle charging at night that helps the electric grid – and offered a plan for new rebates for battery-powered public EV chargers.
“Despite some of the naysayers in the news lately, the trends in EV growth are unmistakable. EV numbers in Michigan have tripled since the end of 2020, and we’re seeing strong signs growth will continue,” says Lauren Snyder, vice president of customer experience at Consumers Energy.
“We want you to think about Consumers Energy when you’re buying an EV. We should be your next call to make your EV experience convenient and affordable. We are a one-stop shop for EV drivers, while we work more and more with Michigan businesses to build out charging locations and support more EVs taking to the road.”
Consumers Energy today has provided more than 135 rebates for locations for public fast chargers that can fully power an EV’s battery in less than half an hour. The energy provider expects over 1,500 locations, each with four or more fast chargers, will be built over the rest of this decade as EV numbers climb. Most EV charging takes place overnight at home, but public locations provide confidence for drivers as they travel long distances across Michigan for work or pleasure.
To support that growth, Snyder said Consumers Energy will start offering rebates next year for the next generation of fast chargers – ones that are powered by on-site batteries. Those will allow chargers to be installed more quickly, and they will draw power from the electric grid overnight, the lowest-cost time, to charge vehicles during the day when people are on the road.
Nine Michigan Chambers of Commerce to Host the Third Annual Diversity Expo Event
On Tuesday, July 30, nine southeast Michigan chambers of commerce will host the Diversity Expo, featuring minority, women, veteran, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Participating chambers of commerce include:
- Troy Chamber of Commerce
- Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce
- CONNECT Macomb
- Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce
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- Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce
- Southfield Chamber of Commerce
This expo provides an opportunity for local businesses and the community to support more than 90 local minority, women, veteran, and LGBTQ+ business owners. Exhibitor tables are only available to minority, women, veteran, or LGBTQ+ owned Troy Chamber member companies. These exhibitors will showcase their products and services, promote their businesses, build partnerships, and network with fellow entrepreneurs.
For sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor table information, visit here.
The event will take place at the Royal Oak Farmers Market (316 E. 11 Mile Road) from 4-6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, MB Merchant Services, Baker College, Horizon Bank, and SMART.
Michigan Technical Assistance Center Empowers Communities to Secure Federal Infrastructure Funding
The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) Technical Assistance Center (TAC) is opening its fourth application window to help communities access federal funds for infrastructure projects. The TAC supports local entities in securing federal investments that will have lasting positive impacts on Michigan residents. These grants are aimed at enhancing infrastructure by building safer roads and bridges, improving transit connectivity, and creating resilient systems, all while contributing to the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
The fourth application window will remain open from July 11 to July 25 at 11:59 p.m. The TAC is hosting a live webinar at 1 p.m. on July 16 to help communities better understand technical assistance, the grant opportunities available and the application process. The TAC also will conduct office hours at 10 a.m. July 22 to meet directly with entities interested in applying for funding.
The TAC supports communities in accessing federal funding opportunities by offering technical assistance, planning, and matching grants to local governments, tribal entities, and other eligible organizations. In this application window, the TAC provides consulting services for identifying appropriate grants, grant writing, technical responses such as benefit-cost analysis, and project matching assistance.
For more information, visit here.
Washtenaw Community College to Host Career Exploration Night July 9
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor is hosting a Career Exploration Night from 6-8:30 p.m. tomorrow to introduce prospective students to career possibilities and more than 130 academic programs available at the college.
The career exploration event will take place in the WCC Student Center, 4800 E. Huron River Drive.
The Center for Career Success team will present on high-demand careers and help students find their path to success.
Spots are limited for this event. Registration is required here. Dinner is provided.
The event will kick off at 6 p.m. Programming will start shortly after with presentations followed by open tabling and time to ask WCC faculty and staff questions. On-site applications to the college will also be available, as well as information about scholarships, including the tuition-free Michigan Reconnect Scholarship for qualifying students.
Olga’s Kitchen, Big Boy Partner to Bring Olga’s to Midland, Muskegon, Battle Creek
Olga’s Kitchen, owned and operated by Livonia-based TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR), announced a new partnership with Big Boy to bring its Mediterranean flavors to Midland, Muskegon, and Battle Creek starting this month.
Olga’s Kitchen will open three host kitchens out of existing Big Boy locations.
“Olga’s Kitchen has been a Michigan favorite for more than 50 years, and we’re partnering with another iconic Michigan brand to bring our beloved food to new areas of the state,” says Ryan Jones, vice president of operations at Olga’s Kitchen. “With Big Boy’s proven track record of delighting guests in Midland, Muskegon and Battle Creek, we are confident that they are the perfect partner to bring the Mediterranean flavors our fans crave — made from the same fresh ingredients we use in our other locations — to guests in these markets.”
Frank Alessandrini, vice president of operations at Big Boy, says, “For more than 85 years, Big Boy has created memorable moments with Michigan families. Our partnership with Olga’s Kitchen will allow us to connect with new customers and expand our offering to the communities we serve.”
Guests will be able to place orders for carryout or delivery at the new locations at order.olgas.com or for delivery via Doordash or their preferred delivery service provider, at the following locations:
Midland — 1513 S Saginaw Road, Midland
- Host kitchen opening Wednesday, July 10
- Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Saturday.
- Phone: 989-631-1059
Muskegon — 1720 E. Sternberg Road, Muskegon
- Host kitchen opening Wednesday, July 17
- Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Saturday
- Phone: 231-244-3039
Battle Creek — 2183 W Columbia Ave., Battle Creek
- Host kitchen opening Wednesday, July 24
- Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Phone: 269-968-0492
Auto No-fault and Workers’ Compensation Claimants Positioned for Better Outcomes
Northwood Inc. in Madison Heights, an administrator of home health care services, and CHN PPO/Medlogix have announced a relationship that enhances the two organizations’ claimant-centric focus in delivering solutions for better outcomes for auto accident claimants.
The collaboration will combine Northwood’s more than 30 years of experience in Michigan auto accidents and work-related injuries with CHN PPO/ Medlogix coast-to-coast network.
Northwood has a proven claims process and agreed-to fee schedule reducing response times and expenses for providers. The impact of Michigan auto no-fault and the current climate requires a streamlined claims management approach that results in faster more efficient processing. This process is essential in delivering high-quality care for claimants and their families.
With the addition of CHN PPO/Medlogix to Northwood’s client portfolio, the Michigan-based company will continue to solidify its reputation as a trusted partner providing solutions for clients and better outcomes for claimants impacted by a motor vehicle accident or work-related injury.
Vineyard Vines Announces First Collaboration with Jeep Brand
The Connecticut-based lifestyle apparel brand Vineyard Vines has announced first collaboration with the Jeep brand of Stellantis in Auburn Hills.
This month, as Vineyard Vines celebrates its 26th birthday and Jeep rings in its 83rd, the two brands will introduce an exclusive capsule collection celebrating their shared passion for adventure and the outdoors. The collection will launch online at vineyardvines.com and in select stores along with a sweepstakes to win a custom vineyard vines Jeep Gladiator, among other prizes. The collaboration pays tribute to the early days of Vineyard Vines when co-founders Shep and Ian Murray would travel across New England selling ties out of their own Jeep Wrangler.
The limited-edition Vineyard Vines X Jeep capsule collection features apparel in soft fabrics and colorways reminiscent of a beach sunset perfect for summer adventures. Fans can look forward to stylish and comfortable hats, sweatshirts, shirts, and shorts for men and women, all embodying the laid-back vibe of both brands. To celebrate this collaboration, a custom vineyard vines Jeep Gladiator will embark on a promotional road trip, stopping in select locations to showcase the collection, host exclusive events and promote the custom Jeep vehicle X vineyard vines enter-to-win sweepstakes.
For more information on the Vineyard Vines X Jeep Collection, details on the road tour and giveaway, visit vineyardvines.com.
Early Bird Tickets Available for AIHFS’ Third Annual Charity Gala
Early bird tickets are available for the AIHFS’ 3rd Annual Charity Gala, set to take place on Oct. 4, from 6-9:30 p.m. at The Garden Theater in Detroit.
The event serves as a beacon for positive change in Michigan, aiming to enhance the quality of life and health care accessibility for diverse communities. Highlighting the unique challenges faced by Native American communities and underserved urban populations, the gala will feature an insightful keynote panel discussion on the Urban Indian Experience, offering innovative solutions.
Early bird tickets are now on sale for $100 until Sept. 3 here.
