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.
Detroit City Distillery Uncorks Limited-edition Toasted Barrel Bourbon Statewide
Detroit City Distillery (DCD) will launch its newest seasonal whiskey release: the limited-edition Toasted Barrel Bourbon Series on Oct. 6 online. The collection will be to bourbon enthusiasts across the state via select liquor stores as well as at DCD’s Tasting Room in the heart of Eastern Market.
“Toasted barrel bourbon transforms whiskey by reimagining the use of fire, smoke, and oak in the barrel-making and aging process,” explains Michael Forsyth, co-owner of DCD. “It’s all the rage in the whiskey community right now.
“To make this spirit, we first age our award-winning bourbon in a deeply charred white American oak cask. Next, we age the bourbon a second time inside a freshly toasted, but not charred, oak cask using Michigan apple, cherry, and maple woods to produce beautiful and diverse new expressions of whiskey and wood.”
The online release will be followed by an in-person release party at the distillery’s Tasting Room the same day at 4 p.m. on Oct. 13, where any remaining bottles will be up for grabs. Cigar pairings courtesy of Churchill’s Cigar Bar and a special cocktail menu also will be part of the launch party.
ASE Releases Results of Holiday Schedule and Practices Survey
Most organizations report offering 10 paid holidays each year, according to the annual Holiday Schedule and Practices Survey from ASE in Troy.
“The year-over-year data changes showed minimal differences, yet we did observe a significant uptick in the number of companies offering Juneteenth as a paid holiday, which is now a federal holiday,” says Mary E. Corrado, CEO of ASE.
Highlights of the survey include:
- Most organizations (25 percent) surveyed reported offering 10 paid holidays each year, 14 percent reported offering 11 paid holidays each year.
- The most common paid holidays include New Year’s Day (100 percent), Memorial Day (99 percent), Independence Day (100 percent), Labor Day (100 percent), Thanksgiving Day (100 percent), and Christmas Day (100 percent).
- 21 percent of employers reported Juneteenth as a paid holiday, compared to just 12 percent last year.
- Regarding holiday pay for employees that are part-time, data has shifted slightly since last year. 22 percent of employers reported that part-time employees are given the day off with pro-rated pay (up four percentage points from last year) and 41 percent of employers reported that part-time employees are not given holiday pay (up five percentage points from last year).
- Up two percentage points from last year, 70 percent of employers plan on having an in-person holiday party at the end of the year.
This survey is available at no cost to ASE Members via the ASE Member Dashboard. It is available for $415 for non-member participants and for $825 for non-member non-participants. Request to purchase here.
Priority Health Provides Michigan Residents Free Access to Mental Health Tool
To support the mental health of all Michigan residents, Priority Health in Detroit is offering free access to myStrength, a digital mental health app, to Michigan residents ages 13 and up. The myStrength online tool is safe, secure, and personalized and helps users recharge, refresh, and improve their mood.
“At Priority Health, we are diligent about finding new ways to reduce barriers and make quality health care and resources more accessible,” says Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health. “The myStrength digital tool has been an effective resource for Priority Health members and we’re excited to make it more broadly available to support the health and well-being of residents across the state. This tool is like having a mental health resource right in your back pocket.”
The myStrength app is available now through March 31, 2024. It is designed to complement other forms of support and primary care. Activities are drawn from clinically proven, evidence-based sources to offer practical tools and information to help users manage their moods and maintain good mental health. With tools, hundreds of activities, articles and videos, users will practice techniques to relax, get inspired, and feel more hopeful.
To access the myStrength app, visit here.
Born in Detroit Launches Collaborative Apparel Line with U-M
Born In Detroit Apparel announces the launch of the officially licensed collegiate apparel line for the University of Michigan. The products are available online.
The University of Michigan was founded in Detroit in 1817, prior to moving to Ann Arbor in 1837. Originating in Detroit, the collaboration with Born In Detroit and The University of Michigan helps embrace the university’s historically beginnings.
The partnership launched earlier this year with a couple apparel items and now has expanded with more options available and making them exclusively online with the option to ship anywhere in the U.S.
The Born In Detroit and University of Michigan line features the classic Navy Blue and Maize color along with a variety of styles showcasing the Block “M” and even highlighting a “wolverine scratch” too. Apparel options include University of Michigan Navy hoodie, both Navy and Maize colored t-shirts, University of Michigan Flight Hat, a Valiant University of Michigan Born In Detroit Block ”M” Tee and a Valiant University of Michigan Tee featuring the football helmet, both in Navy Blue along with the classic Maize color as well.
“We are honored to partner with the University of Michigan to launch this new apparel line. This prestigious institution has strong connections to Detroit and this partnership is a great way to celebrate that,”says Anthony Tomey, co-owner of Born In Detroit and CEO of The Tomey Group.
Dearborn-based Man Brands Launches Man Honey Supplement
Men’s health company Man Brands in Dearborn has unveiled its cornerstone supplement, Man Honey. Developed to improve the holistic well-being of men, Man Honey leverages the natural attributes of honey to effectively deliver its blend of scientifically backed ingredients aimed at bolstering energy, stamina, mood, prostate health, and sexual function.
Man Honey blends raw honey with tribulus terrestris, maca root, saw palmetto, and horny Goat weed. These five ingredients are combined to form an advanced supplement delivery system. All ingredients are sourced from U.S. suppliers and tested by independent laboratories to ensure purity and consistency.
“Challenges such as work-related stress, financial pressures, and relationship complexities are universal, but men are now seeking more from their health supplements,” says Oliver Nasralah, co-owner of Man Brands. “Man Brands is a front-runner in delivering high-quality, convenient products that make a real difference, incorporating the natural benefits of honey.”
According to the company, Man Honey offers a safe, effective, and trustworthy alternative for men looking to improve their overall health.
Honey’s slower metabolic rate compared to refined sugar provides extended, enriched benefits, including stamina, which is crucial for men in various aspects of life —from the gym to the bedroom to the boardroom.
“Consistency is key to realizing the full benefits of any supplement,” Nasralah says. “While we’re working on soon offering a subscription model, our convenient packs make it easier to incorporate Man Honey into a man’s daily routine.”
Man Honey is available for purchase as a five-pack, 10-pack, and 20-pack on its website. Subscription services are planned for future release.
Michigan’s Largest Jeep Show & Shine Returns to Benefit HAVEN of Oakland County
Jeep enthusiasts and families alike are gearing up for the Jeep Babes Michigan Chapter’s 2023 Jeep Show & Shine scheduled to take place Oct. 7 at the Mount Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort parking lot, adjacent to Holly Oaks ORV Park.
The event promises to deliver a day of fun-filled activities, all while supporting HAVEN, Oakland County’s shelter and resource center for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
The 2023 Jeep Show & Shine aims to be Michigan’s largest gathering of Jeep owners and aficionados. Attendees can look forward to a variety of Jeep-related vendors offering an array of products, delectable treats from Food Trucks, live entertainment, exciting raffles, and the chance to cast their votes for the winners in various Jeep Show & Shine categories.
Jeep Babes Show & Shine is offering 45-minute tours of Holly Oaks ORV Park during the event. On Oct. 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., skilled jeep drivers will take guests on a ride that includes some obstacles and a scenic tour throughout the park. Rides cost $30 each. Visit here to reserve a ride.
Registration for the Jeep Show & Shine contest will take place on-site, and all Jeep owners are encouraged to participate. The Show & Shine categories include Best In Show, Sweetest Classic, Off Road Ready, Crowd Favorite, and Least Likely to Make it Home. Contest registrants must be present at the event to be eligible to win.
Applications Now Open for Detroiters to Turn New Business Ideas into Reality
Heartland Forward, Builders + Backers, Michigan Central, and Newlab announced that applications are now open for Detroit residents to apply for up to $5,000 to help them turn ideas into potential businesses or ventures. Anyone with an idea for solving a problem facing their community is encouraged to apply.
The Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator Program powered by Heartland Forward is designed to make it easy for anyone to experiment with entrepreneurship. Applicants are not required to submit a business plan or have a pitch deck for their idea. This second cohort of 10 Builders in Detroit is part of Heartland Forward’s commitment to supporting 1,000 Builders across the heartland by the end of 2023.
Those interested can apply here. The application deadline is Oct. 5. Residents with the most promising and innovative ideas will be selected to participate in a two-month long virtual program starting Oct. 19.
Beaumont Children’s Receives $2 Million in Children’s Miracle Network Grants
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) has announced financial support for programs at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s. More than $2 million in grants have been issued to enhance pediatric programs at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s locations for fall, 2023. More than 60 programs received funding.
Since 1988, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has been a valued fundraising partner of the Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan, raising donations of more than $80 million to help Beaumont Children’s pioneer new healthcare solutions for children and provide access to the latest research and technology.
“The success of the Beaumont Children’s/CMNH partnership relies upon the generosity of the entire community, including assistance from corporate partners, individuals, and hospital team members,” says Dr. Matthew Denenberg, pediatric chief, Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan. “We are grateful for those that provide ongoing support, as well as those that give once. Our children benefit greatly from the result of those donations.”
Donations are enhanced with the help of corporate partners that reach out to their employees and customers through retail promotions, generating donations gathered one dollar at a time. Major CMNH corporate partners in Southeast Michigan include Speedway, Costco, Walmart and Sam’s Club, Rite Aid, Ace Hardware, RE/MAX, Panda Express, Dairy Queen, and Marriott International.
Each February and August, Corewell Health pediatric nurses, physicians, and clinical leaders from all eight Southeast Michigan hospitals (Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak, Trenton, Taylor, Troy, and Wayne), as well as Corewell Health’s Beaumont Health and Wellness Center, Center for Exceptional Families and other outpatient sites, have the opportunity to request grants from Beaumont Children’s/CMNH to support new or existing pediatric initiatives.
The Children’s Miracle Network grant awards positively impact more than 200,000 children annually.
For more information on Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s, visit www.beaumont.org/childrens or call 855-480-KIDS (5437).
Hudson-Webber Foundation Awards $2.9M to Eight Local Nonprofits
The Board of Trustees of the Hudson-Webber Foundation (HWF) has awarded new grants totaling $2.9 million to eight select organizations responsible for driving positive change and leading empowering programs and initiatives that directly impact residents throughout metro Detroit.
“The foundation is proud to provide funding to empower change-makers driving positive impact across our vibrant city,” says Jennifer Hudson Parke, board chair of the Hudson-Webber Foundation. “We believe in the adaptability and impact of these projects, which resonate with our mission to foster safe and just communities, drive community and economic development and enhance built environments.”
Organizations receiving funding include:
- Downtown Detroit Partnership, $250,000
- Invest Detroit, $925,000
- Develop Detroit, $300,000
- City of Detroit: Project Clean Slate, $200,000
- Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, $150,000
- Force Detroit, $750,000
- Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration, $200,000
- New Detroit, $150,000
CREW Detroit Elects New Board of Directors Members, Officers
CREW Detroit, the business network dedicated to the commercial real estate (CRE) industry, has announced its 2024 Board of Directors. The new board members will begin duties in the new year.
CREW Detroit’s new board members and officers are:
- Jacqueline Trost, president-elect and chief marketing officer at Lee Industrial Contracting
- Lisa Drouillard, treasurer/board liaison to the Finance and Budget Committee and survey project manager at Seiber Keast Lehner
- Gena Cochran, director/board liaison to the Leadership and Mentoring Committee and place development manager at Michigan Central
- Samantha Wild, director/board liaison to the Impact Awards Committee and vice president at Plante Moran REIA
- Christina McKenzie, director/board liaison to the Golf Committee and marketing manager at Giffels Webster
CREW Detroit’s Board of Directors sets and accomplishes the chapter’s strategic goals, which are aimed at helping individuals in commercial real estate achieve success in the local market. Serving on the board is a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to expand their leadership skills and network among other ambitious individuals working in the field.
Dayna Presents Mom’s in Business October Monthly Speed Networking Event
Dayna of Oilyhairboss will present Detroit Mom’s in Business Networking Event from 6-8 p.m. at Coriander Kitchen and Farm in Detroit on Oct. 6.
The event will give ladies in business an opportunity to connect, network, and leave with tangible tools to leverage their businesses.
Early bird pricing is $20 and regular pricing after Sept. 30 is $30. Tickets can be purchased here.
Susan G. Komen Michigan Race for the Cure to be Run Oct. 8 on Belle Isle
The Susan G. Komen Michigan Race for the Cure, formerly the Detroit Race for the Cure, is taking place from 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 8 on Belle Isle at Cricket Field.
Proceeds from the Race will advance Komen’s mission to fund research and provide direct support to people facing breast cancer now.
The annual fundraising event will include a 5k run and walk, a one-mile family fun walk, and several activations.
For more information, visit here.
JARC Begins Fall Campaign to Raise $1.2M to Support People with Developmental Disabilities
JARC, a Bloomfield Hills-based nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities in metro Detroit, is looking to raise $1.2 million in funds to support the programs and services it provides to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
The nonprofit is starting the fall campaign with its annual fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 15 at The Magic Bag (22920 Woodward Ave.) in Ferndale. The theme of the evening is Studio 54, a nod to JARC’s 54 years of service to people with developmental disabilities.
The event will include a pre-glow, which includes hors d’oeuvres and background music; a buffet-style kosher dinner, followed by dancing to music mixed by Detroit’s dance party team, Haute to Death.
All attendees must be 21 and older and are encouraged to wear spectacular attire suitable for a Studio 54 opening night, embracing the spirit of the avant-garde, nontraditional fashion styles that were often worn to the famed nightclub in hopes of gaining access.
For more information on the event, sponsorships or to reserve tickets, visit jarc.org/studio.
