Detroit Historical Museum Debuts New Diesel Power Exhibit June 1
Detroit brand diesel engines have powered everything from 18-wheelers to presidential yachts, and the local institution has employed generations of Detroiters. Learn more about the brand, which began as General Motors Detroit Diesel Engine Division in 1938 and continues to design, manufacture, and sell engines as Detroit Diesel, in a new exhibition at the Detroit Historical Museum, opening on Saturday, June 1.
Detroit Diesel Power is an immersive exhibition that celebrates the innovations and contributions of the largest, hardest working engine producer in Motor City history. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of Detroit Diesel Power from its beginnings to its status as a powerhouse in the industry.
The exhibition showcases a diverse array of model engines. In addition to exploring the physical artifacts, visitors can view video oral histories from former employees. These firsthand accounts offer insights into the company’s culture, work ethic, and enduring legacy. The exhibition tells the story of a company whose challenges and triumphs — won by a legacy of constant innovation — embody the changes to transportation broadly in the 20th century.
Friends of the Children Detroit to Unveil Spark Innovation STEAM Lab Today
Friends of the Children Detroit is cutting the ribbon at 6 p.m. this evening for the Spark Innovation STEAM Lab at 2470 Collingwood, Ste. 313, in Detroit, a new space dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation among youth.
The STEAM Lab is designed to be a place where children can explore, experiment, and think outside the box. It’s a space where ideas come to life and sparks fly.
Friends of the Children Detroit is dedicated to empowering youth through long-term, one-on-one professional mentoring. Its mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by providing youth with the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Plymouth Township’s Helm Accelerates Growth Through New and Expanded Partnerships
Helm, a provider of customized branded merchandise, marketing fulfillment, and ecommerce solutions in Plymouth Township, announced new and expanded partnerships with prominent Stellantis brands Jeep Performance Parts and bproauto.
Leveraging its more than 80 years of experience working with top automotive brands, Helm will serve as a strategic partner providing expert sales, business planning and field support to the growing companies.
In its partnership with Jeep Performance Parts, Helm is deploying a team of approximately 20 Jeep Performance Parts account managers across the U.S. who will collaborate closely with select Jeep dealerships to elevate their sales performance and profitability through the implementation of high caliber performance parts and accessories. Helm also will introduce strategies to enhance personalization and customization options for new Jeep customers.
The partnerships with Jeep Performance Parts and bproauto come amid expansion of Helm’s retail network solutions division, which provides field operations, rewards and incentives, and business intelligence solutions. Helm offers the full suite of marketing and branding solutions to customers, including long-time partner Stellantis.
Dairy and Beef Producers in Michigan, Other States Invest in Forever Feed Technologies
Forever Feed Technologies in California announced an investment coalition of 15 leading dairy and beef producers from Michigan, California, Texas, and Indiana to accelerate the technology development and complete the world’s largest enterprise scale on-farm feed mill growing highly nutritious Automated Sprouted Grain.
As future installations of the technology are complete, the group envisions saving billions of gallons of water and significantly reducing the climate impact from feeding cattle. The first FFT Feed Mill is currently under construction at the River Ranch Dairy in Hanford, Calif.
UL Solutions Acquires Germany-based Battery Testing and Simulation Company
UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in applied safety science with a laboratory in Rochester Hills, announced the acquisition of BatterieIngenieure GmbH, a battery testing company based in Aachen, Germany, with expertise in specialized performance testing of cell, small modules, and battery systems used in electric vehicles and other applications.
NanoVibronix Starts UroShield Clinical Study at the University of Michigan
NanoVibronix Inc., a New York-based medical device company that produces the UroShield, PainShield, and WoundShield surface acoustic wave portable ultrasonic therapeutic devices, announced the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor will begin the pilot phase of its clinical trial of UroShield this week.
In November, the company signed a research agreement with the regents of the University of Michigan for a randomized control trial study of UroShield to further advance clinical evidence of the efficacy of UroShield.
“Entering into the pilot phase of the UroShield study at the University of Michigan is an important step towards our goal of applying for permanent FDA clearance or approval for the UroShield product,” says Brian Murphy, CEO of NanoVibronix. “The experienced and highly accomplished team of researchers at Michigan is studying the impact UroShield may have on reducing urinary tract infections, catheter blockage pain, and improving the quality of life of the patients studied. The pilot portion of the study will include up to 30 patients, while the full study is expected to encompass an estimated 300 patients, primarily nursing home residents.”
BAE Systems and Eaton Successfully Test Electric Drive Technology on Commercial Truck
BAE Systems, which operates part of its Platforms and Services business sector in Sterling Heights, and Southfield-based Eaton, successfully tested their integrated electric drive system for medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks.
Using this technology, existing truck models can be easily adapted across various zero-emission applications, improving efficiency, performance, and flexibility.
Testing occurred at Eaton’s proving grounds in Marshall on a Class 7 demonstration vehicle. The vehicle met key on-road performance goals, including gradeability and highway speed, all within a single electric vehicle (EV) system. The compact system helps increase electrical efficiency and reduce vehicle weight, according to the companies.
BAE Systems’ electric motor and suite of modular power electronics is combined with Eaton’s MD 4-speed EV transmission to create a comprehensive system for commercial vehicles. It can also be fitted with Eaton’s HD-4 EV transmission, offering a full line of electric drive systems for commercial trucks above 19 tons.
Peninsula Fiber Network Project Designed to Improve Connectivity in Metro Detroit, Flint
Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN) in Port Huron is trying to “revolutionize” Michigan’s internet landscape through a broadband infrastructure project funded in part by the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
“The Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure project is going to bring better and faster broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved communities throughout the region,” says Scott Randall, general manager of Peninsula Fiber Network.
PFN’s NTIA Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure project will install broadband infrastructure in three areas across the state of Michigan. Route No. 3 includes the installation of fiber optic connections from Port Huron to Flint, laying the groundwork to bring highspeed broadband to unserved and underserved areas in Lapeer, Macomb, St. Clair, and Genesee counties. “Middle mile” broadband infrastructure refers to the intermediate fiber optic connections that serve as the backbone of internet connectivity. Once installed, the connections allow for local service providers to bring access to homes and businesses.
The roughly $87 million project includes a $61.2 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. PFN and its partner 123Net, will match 30 percent of the grant funding by contributing $26 million in private funds toward the project.
Once the grant project is completed, PFN will offer wholesale broadband services at reasonable rates to any broadband service provider; including cellular and other wholesale carriers, and end-user providers that will utilize this middle mile infrastructure to provide broadband service to households in the nearby unserved and underserved areas.
Oakland County Rises from Silver to Gold in Environmental Leadership
Oakland County has risen from silver to gold certification for its environmental leadership from the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program.
“Through innovative initiatives like Oakland SAVES and our concerted efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, Oakland County is moving toward a greener, more sustainable future,” says County Executive Dave Coulter.
As part of the annual MGC Challenge, local governments can win bronze, silver, gold, or platinum seals of achievement in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, and environmental justice. At the 2023 MGC Challenge, seven communities received bronze certification, 20 received silver certification, and 36 received gold certification.
The county earned gold by reaching sustainability goals in the following categories:
- Planning for inclusive and lasting impacts
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Responsibly managing materials
- Sustainable land use and economic development
- Improving health outcomes
- Protecting and conserving water resources
- Supporting clean and inclusive mobility
- Inspiring and mobilizing residents
For more information, visit here.
Emagine Entertainment Unveils Podcast Studio at Emagine Palladium in Birmingham
Emagine Entertainment in Troy has opened the Emagine MORE Podcast Studio at Emagine Palladium in Birmingham.
The Emagine MORE Podcast Studio spans 500 square feet and features a glass enclosure, designed to inspire creativity and elevate the podcasting experience. It includes private seating for guests inside the studio and an area for audience members to watch from outside, providing an atmosphere for lively discussions and content creation in an intimate setting. Additionally, the studio has access to a full-service bar just feet away, making it convenient for guests to enjoy refreshments while recording. The studio will be host to several local media and high-profile personalities’ podcasts, further enriching its dynamic environment.
In addition to serving as a premier recording space, the Emagine MORE Podcast Studio is available for rental, offering individuals and organizations the opportunity to bring their podcasting visions to life. Whether hosting interviews, panel discussions, or live recordings, the studio provides a versatile and dynamic environment for a wide range of podcasting endeavors.
For more information, visit here.
Northern Michigan Resort Embraces Airport’s Surge in Accessibility
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is experiencing a surge in growth, and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is the quintessential destination for those flying into Traverse City.
With Cherry Capital Airport boasting nearly two dozen non-stop flights and service from six airlines, Traverse City’s crown jewel, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, stands as a beacon of accessibility.
“We’re witnessing a mix of growth, accessibility, and unparalleled hospitality,” says Tim Norman, general manager of the resort. “With Cherry Capital Airport’s expansion, our guests can arrive effortlessly through our complimentary airport shuttle, ready to experience northern Michigan.”
Grand Traverse Resort invites businesses and meeting planners to elevate their gatherings amid the charm of northern Michigan.
Bloomberg Philanthropies Expands Innovative Arts Internship Program into Detroit
Bloomberg Philanthropies announced an expansion of the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program, which for 12 years has placed rising public high school seniors in more than 1,700 paid seven-week summer internships at more than 250 cultural organizations.
In the summer of 2024, the program will expand to Detroit and New Orleans while continuing in Baltimore, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Beneficiary of the program in Detroit is CultureSource, a nonprofit member organization that helps ensure the vitality and sustainability of creative activity, artists, and more than 170 arts and culture institutions in southeast Michigan.
May Marks ALS Awareness Month
In honor of May being ALS Awareness Month, cyclists Mike DeLorenzo of Romeo and Thomas Henry of Ferndale are gearing up for Pedal4ALS, a more than 500-mile fundraising ride to raise $20,000 to support ALS of Michigan, a Southfield-based nonprofit serving Michigan’s ALS community.
The Pedal4ALS ride is scheduled for June 20-30, 2024 is when the cross-country cycling adventure will take the cycling pair from Michigan to Washington D.C. Training and fundraising for the event, however, has started during ALS Awareness Month to bring heightened understanding about ALS and its effects on Michigan, which has one of the highest incident rates of the disease in the country.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that control the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. It one of the few diseases that is fatal in all cases and has no known cure and few treatments. The Midwest and Michigan in particular have one of the highest incident rates of the disease and rates have doubled over the last 10 years. It is estimated that 1,200 Michigan residents are living with the condition.
The public can support Michigan’s ALS community and DeLorenzo’s and Henry’s ride by following Pedal4ALS on Facebook, donating items needed for their cross-country cycling trip and/or donating to the Pedals4ALS fundraising page where 100 percent of proceeds support ALS of Michigan.
Salvation Army’s Memorial Day Sale Happens May 27
The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) is conducting its Memorial Day Sale Event May 27 at all 29 southeast Michigan Salvation Army thrift stores. Shoppers will save big with a 50 percent discount on all men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing.
The Salvation Army thrift stores fully fund the ARC, located at 1627 W. Fort St. in Detroit. The ARC provides substance-abuse rehabilitation, nutritious meals, leisure activities, individual counseling and spiritual direction, along with resources to develop life skills.
The Salvation Army thrift stores offer discounted, gently used merchandise in a variety of departments, including clothing, accessories, housewares, linens, furniture, and more.
Most Salvation Army Thrift Stores are open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To learn more about specific store locations and hours, visit semichigan.satruck.org.
Grace Centers of Hope Hosts Picking Up Pontiac Volunteer Initiative June 6-9
Pontiac-based nonprofit Grace Centers of Hope (65 E Huron St.) will host its third annual Picking Up Pontiac initiative June 6-9 in Pontiac.
This community-driven event brings together volunteers for four days of service aimed at beautifying Pontiac through landscaping, garbage pickup, and home repairs.
Volunteer shifts are available from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. June 6-8 and from 12:30-6 p.m. June 9, with Grace Gospel Fellowship Church offering a lunch beginning at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will make a tangible difference in the beautification of Pontiac neighborhoods and promote the spirit of community and cooperation.
To register as a volunteer for Picking up Pontiac, visit here.
For more information on the Picking Up Pontiac event, visit here.
General Motors Car Culture on Display at Cars & Coffee at M1 Concourse June 8
The Cars & Coffee event at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, 8-11 a.m. on June 8, will be Michigan’s largest outdoor car show to celebrate Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC models.
From classics to EVs, GM vehicles will gather to M1 Concourse in Pontiac, as guests enjoy both complementary and specialty coffees from Rootless Coffee, Shredderz food truck, special M1 merchandise, and a display from Ziebart.
Cars & Coffee is presented by Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.
Tickets are available at no cost in advance here.
Future Cars & Coffee Shows
- July 6 — Antique, vintage, and classic vehicles
- 3 — Customs, hot rods, pro-touring
- 7 — Supercars and European
- 12 — MOPAR brands
