
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 Historical Museum Summer Camp Returns to Belle Isle
The Detroit Historical Society is bringing back its in-person summer camp Aug. 5-9, for campers ages 8-10 at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle.
An interactive weeklong day camp experience, Camp Detroit — Belle Isle will focus on how the Detroit River has served and shaped the region throughout history. An evolution of successfully inclusive and multidisciplinary youth experiences designed by the society’s education staff, this year’s summer camp will be immersive, taking campers back in time and then inspiring them to draw their maritime future.
Complemented by the museum’s permanent exhibitions, young learners will be transformed into innovators and explorers. They will discover the early maritime technologies of area Native American tribes, the innovation of steam ships, the first superhighway of our inland seas, and be inspired by the creativity and bravery of freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad crossing the Detroit River into Canada.
Campers also will discover the ecosystems that have supported all arrivers to these rivers and lakeshores. With this new knowledge, they’ll have the chance to design a watercraft that is both futuristic and sustainable. This camp is structured to be real, simple, and fun.
Additional activities may include tours of other Belle Isle facilities, outdoor exploration on the newly renovated grounds, a field day, or daily morning centering activities including yoga stretches, morning affirmations, and team building exercises.
The cost for Camp Detroit is $250 per student. The fee includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks for all campers and daily admission to Belle Isle facilities. Scholarships will be available.
Contact education@detroithistorical.org for more information and to learn about applying for a Camp Detroit scholarship.
Troy-based Home Improvement Company Hansons Expanding in Indiana
Troy-based home improvement company Hansons is expanding its presence in Indiana, opening a location in Evansville. A grand opening will take place April 16.
“We are excited to serve Evansville, Indiana,” says Joseph Stackhouse, CEO of Hansons.
Hansons General Manager Aaron Tanner says: “1-800-HANSONS is thrilled to be joining the community of Evansville and its surrounding areas. Our goal is to deliver a five-star experience to all our customers.”
ESI in Grand Rapids Acquires Bounds Elevator in New Orleans
Elevator Service (ESI), an elevator service platform based in Grand Rapids, has acquired Bounds Elevator, an independent service provider in New Orleans market. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Bounds was founded in 2019 by Tim Bounds, a 25-year industry veteran and New Orleans native. Bounds’ culture of service excellence, customer-first approach, and uncompromising commitment to quality has been recognized by customers in New Orleans and led to the company’s strong growth over the last five years.
Bounds will join A-1 and Pinnacle Elevator to create ESI’s combined platform in the New Orleans market. All three companies share the same approach to customer quality. Bounds will join ESI’s local leadership team with Justin Schulte, Mike Luscy, Darrin Loup, and Mike Lizana.
Kalamazoo’s Knight Watch Inc. Announces Key Leadership Transitions
Knight Watch Inc. in Kalamazoo has announced Ryan Bailey as CEO and Darren Cobb as president. Founder Eric Lindsley has transitioned to the role of chairman.
Bailey has a career spanning more than 20 years in physical security and integrated systems. He has a track record of building relationships, innovation, and growing profitability.
“I am honored to be selected as one of the next leaders of this great organization,” says Bailey. “It will be my mission to build upon the vision Eric created for the company and lead us to the next level of success.”
Cobb has 25 years of experience at Knight Watch, the last 10 years as COO. He will continue to focus on strategic growth, developing people, and organizational efficiency.
“I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve as President of Knight Watch, and I am committed to steering our company towards even greater achievements and growth,” Cobb says.
Kroger Invites Customers to Join in Celebration of Earth Month
The Kroger Co. of Michigan announced it is celebrating Earth Day the entire month of April, kicking off with a contribution from its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation to World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The company also is sharing progress on its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste milestones and introducing a new reusable bag campaign.
“Kroger is proud to support healthy, thriving communities during Earth Month and every day through our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan,” says Cam Barrett, manager of corporate affairs for the Kroger Co. of Michigan. “We are excited to once again team up with WWF for Earth Month, and we are grateful to our Michigan customers who are joining our journey to protect our planet for generations to come.”
From now through April 30, customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar amount at checkout to benefit WWF, with the Kroger Co.’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation matching customer donations up to $50,000. One hundred percent of all donations made during the month of April will go directly to WWF, the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries and supported by five million members worldwide. Funds will benefit WWF’s conservation and sustainability efforts in our communities, across the country and around the world.
Beginning this month, Kroger will offer specially designed Zero Hunger | Zero Waste reusable bags featuring favorite Kroji characters. With the purchase of each bag, Kroger will donate $1 to the Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation.
For more information, visit here.
Rehmann in Troy Ranked in Accounting Today’s Top 100
Rehmann, a professional advisory firm in Troy, has been selected as an Accounting Today 2024 Top 100 Firm, Top Tax Firm, and a Regional Leader in the Great Lakes. The annual report surveys hundreds of tax and accounting firms across the United States and features additional resources including data analysis, executives’ takes on industry issues and news, and strategies for success for 2024 and beyond.
“2023 was another great year for Rehmann, growing a firm with a culture that attracts and retains a high caliber of talented associates, which in return continues to increase our client satisfaction and revenue,” says Stacie Kwaiser, CEO of Rehmann. “We are deeply thankful to our associates who are dedicated to ensuring that our clients meet their professional and financial goals. It is their contribution that makes our firm stand out on a national scale.”
Rehmann was ranked the 38th largest in the list of Top 100 Firms, 40th largest out of 52 in Top Tax Firms, and fifth largest firm in the Great Lakes region. Additionally, the report highlighted several of Rehmann’s recent firmwide accomplishments, including its activation of an AI taskforce, website relaunch, development of a risk advisory service model, and much more.
“Accounting Today’s comprehensive data helps us understand not only how we compare to our peers, but how we can continue to improve in the future,” says Stephen Blann, COO of Rehmann. “We believe that 2024 will be another strong year of positive growth for the firm, and we are excited to continue providing insights and solutions that maximize the potential of our clients and associates.”
For more information, visit rehmann.com.
Holocaust Center Presents Members-only Roger Peltzman Performance of ‘Dedication’
The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills is presenting an exclusive members-only event, “Dedication,” performed by pianist Roger Peltzman, on Sunday, April 7, at 1 p.m.
Through music and storytelling, Peltzman shares the poignant journey of his family’s tragic history fleeing the Nazis in war-torn Europe. Drawing on a diverse range of musical influences, from the blues to Chopin, Peltzman centers the narrative on his uncle Norbert Stern, a young piano prodigy whose promising life was cut short at Auschwitz at the age of 21.
This event serves as an appreciation to the members of The Zekelman Holocaust Center, whose support enables center to fulfill its mission of teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and combating hatred and antisemitism, often through special performances, screenings, and guest lectures.
“Membership at The Zekelman Holocaust Center is not only an opportunity to access exclusive events like Dedication featuring Roger Peltzman, but it is also a statement of solidarity with the Center’s mission to educate and inspire future generations,” says Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO of The Zekelman Holocaust Center. “By joining the community of supporters, members play a crucial role in preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and ensuring that their stories are never forgotten,”
Membership begins at $50 per year. To become a member or to register for this event, visit holocaustcenter.org or call 248-536-9605.
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Partners to Host Free Solar Eclipse Watch Party
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) and Huron-Clinton Metroparks, is hosting a Solar Eclipse Watch Party on Monday, April 8 from 2-4 p.m. at Cullen Plaza (1340 Atwater St.) in downtown Detroit.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting the moon’s shadow on Earth. The eclipse will come into view at 1:58 p.m. and reach 99 percent totality at 3:14 p.m. After the April 8 eclipse, the next one won’t be until Aug. 23, 2044.
Participants will receive a free pair of viewing glasses and themed snacks like Sun Chips and Moon Pies while supplies last. Guests also can view the eclipse through a large telescope with staff from Huron-Clinton Metroparks and go on a self-guided Planet Walk through Milliken State Park.
Registration for the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party is not required, but it is recommended. To register, visit here.
Registration does not guarantee viewing glasses, which are available on a first come-first served basis. The event is weather permitting and will be cancelled if a severe storm or rain are present. Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather.
Spring Job Fair Returns to Schoolcraft College April 11
Schoolcraft College in Livonia is hosting its Spring Job Fair from 4-7 p.m. April 11 in the TrinityElite Sports Center on the college’s campus.
The event will see dozens of employers seeking candidates for jobs and internships.
Employers from all areas will be in attendance, including Trinity Health, United States Steel, FedEx Ground, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, Wayne County, and many others.
The Spring Job Fair is sponsored by Schoolcraft College, Career Services at Schoolcraft College, the Manufacturing and Engineering Center at Schoolcraft College, and the city of Livonia.
Henry Ford College’s Radio Station to Air Annual Radiothon April 14-20
WHFR-FM (89.3 FM) the Dearborn-based Henry Ford College’s student-run, non-commercial, independent radio and internet broadcasting station – will air its annual pledge drive, Radiothon 2024, from April 14-20 with a variety of special on-air events scheduled throughout the week.
HFC Chairperson for the Department of Media and Communication Arts and WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw is an alumna of HFC and has been the general manager since 1999.
“Years before that, this station trained me as a student to be a broadcaster, and I worked successfully as a professional in the industry for many years before coming back to my home here at HFC and WHFR,” says McGraw. “Without this real-life experience and educational broadcast opportunity, I believe the path to finding my life’s passion might not have led me to where I am today – loving my work with my students and volunteers and contributing to my campus and community. That’s all because of WHFR Radio.”
Founded in 1985, WHFR has been providing local talk and original, eclectic musical programming from talented, creative, local independent artists rarely heard on the Metro Detroit radio dial. Known for its classical programming in the overnight hours, original musical styles from talented musicians, and great local talk, WHFR airs what most other stations will not.
This annual fundraiser is the most effective way that WHFR acquires donations to stay on the air, providing the biggest opportunity to collect much-needed funding to run the eclectically programmed radio station. The station will be airing special programming throughout Radiothon week spotlighting their volunteer staff.
There are three ways to donate to the radio station during Radiothon 2024:
- On-Air: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2024 is April 14-20 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at 313-845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope be sent directly to you.
- Online: Log onto the WHFR-FM website and access Radiothon 2024.
- Mail: Download, fill out, and send in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.
Buddy’s Pizza to Donate 20% of Statewide Sales to Capuchin Soup Kitchen April 29
On April 29, 2024, Buddy’s Pizza will host its 48th annual Slice for Life fundraiser to support Capuchin Soup Kitchen, donating 20 percent of both dine-in and carry-out sales from all restaurants statewide to its longtime charitable partner.
Michiganders are invited to support the Slice for Life fundraising effort by visiting any of Buddy’s Pizza’s 23 locations to enjoy their favorite menu items, knowing that 20 percent of proceeds from their meal will be donated directly to Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
The contribution will support the organization’s community outreach services, connecting metro Detroiters in need with food, clothing, employment services, children’s programming, and other vital resources. Over the past year, the need at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen has nearly doubled, with more and more people seeking support every day. In 2023, more than 3 million pounds of food were distributed to individuals and families in need, and almost 1,000 hot meals are served each day at Capuchin’s two meal program sites.
Additionally, a new and unique opportunity for Buddy’s Pizza fans to own a part of history, and support the Slice for Life initiative, will be available in the form of an exclusive online auction of five authentic Buddy’s Pizza custom square pans from locations in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. All proceeds from the pan auction will benefit Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Complete details on the one-time-only pan auction are available at www.buddyspizza.com/sliceforlife.
Since the Slice for Life program’s inception, Buddy’s Pizza has donated more than $4 million to support Capuchin Soup Kitchen and its work throughout metro Detroit.