Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Detroit Pistons Install Aura Air Technology in its Facilities
The Detroit Pistons are installing Aura Air smart air purification technology in its facilities to control and monitor indoor air quality and educate fans about clean air as part of a multi-year partnership.
Aura Air will install 88 smart air purifiers to clean and monitor indoor air quality in the Pistons’ Performance Center in Detroit, and help educate the Detroit community on the importance of clean, pure indoor air.
Air quality is a growing concern as the impacts of climate change increase and living with COVID-19 becomes the new normal, according to Aura Air. For athletes, poor indoor air impacts physical and mental health, safety, and performance.
“Aura Air is proud to provide clean, safe air to people around the world, including professional athletes, staff, and sports fans,” says Roei Friedberg, CEO of Aura Americas. “Air quality has a major impact on health and wellness and can improve athletes’ performance and longevity. Partnering with an elite sports organization like the Pistons will help us increase awareness of how critical indoor air quality management is for everyone, especially professional athletes.”
The Pistons will be able to utilize the recently launched Aura Web Platform, a fleet management solution to maintain the highest indoor air quality standards in public spaces. The new platform provides an extensive set of tools for users to manage and monitor multiple Aura Air purification systems at once by controlling every aspect of indoor air quality.
In addition to hosting showcases at the Pistons Performance Center, Aura Air will staff informational booths and be featured on more than 700 video screens across the Little Caesars Arena to engage with fans and educate them on the value of purified air.
“We recognize to the importance of advocating for improved air quality,” says Brenden Mallette, senior vice president of corporate partnerships and engagement for the Pistons. “Partnering with a leader in air purification technology allows us to raise awareness about the dangers posed by air pollution and to find solutions to air quality issues efficiently.”
Reviver Introduces Digital License Plate Sales in Michigan
Reviver, a California-based technology company and developer of the digital license plate, has launched its suite of products for sale to vehicle owners in the state of Michigan.
As a result of legislative approval and Reviver’s compliance with state requirements, consumers and commercial businesses in Michigan now can utilize Reviver’s digital license plate products, as well as access a growing number of convenience and security features delivered via the digital plate.
Reviver’s digital license plates are fully approved for purchase in Michigan and legal for Michigan residents to drive throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The RPlate — Reviver’s consumer digital license plate product — offers two device options: a battery-powered, self-installed model with a replaceable five-year battery available at $19.95 per month; and a hard-wired, professionally installed model with integrated telematics features and a backlit display, at $24.9 per month. Both devices offer users a new platform to connect their vehicle with a set of services including vehicle location services and security features such as easily reporting it stolen.
Consumers can purchase the RPlate directly through reviver.com, as well as through a growing network of Reviver auto dealer partner locations in Michigan. Monthly and discounted annual payment plans are available.
Michigan businesses also are now able to utilize Reviver’s RFleet product, which bundles the RPlate digital license plate device with the RFleet software dashboard, offering a suite of features tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle fleet managers.
“Drivers deserve a modern licensing solution that works for the way we live today,” says Neville Boston, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Reviver. “We are beyond excited to make digital license plates available to all drivers in Michigan.
Reviver’s digital license plates are currently legal for sale and DMV registration in California, Michigan, and Arizona. More than 10 additional U.S. states are in various stages of adoption.
BOSS Products in Iron Mountain Acquires Liquid Deicing Business
BOSS Products, a division of the Toro Co. based in Iron Mountain, today announced that it has acquired the liquid deicing assets of Voigt Smith Innovation (VSI), a privately manufacturer of liquid deicing equipment. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
VSI is known for its liquid deicing equipment for snow and ice contractors offering both brine makers and applicators, and smart-connected technologies. Based in Le Center, Minn., VSI has grown in the liquid deicing market over the past several years through product innovation, education, and industry expertise. As part of the acquisition, the knowledgeable VSI staff will join the BOSS team.
“The addition of VSI products to the BOSS Snowplow portfolio strategically positions us to expand our support of snow and ice contractors to include liquid deicing equipment and complimentary support staff to advance customer opportunity in liquid deicing,” says Jody Christy, vice president of BOSS Snowplow. “The combination of VSI and BOSS products is aligned with our strategic priorities, providing quality solutions, innovative advancements, and service to our customers.”
AIAM Launches Michigan Aerospace Industry Survey
The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM), based in Rochester, is surveying industry leaders throughout Michigan to inform AIAM’s new strategic plan and help shape the role that AIAM can play to support manufacturers and the state’s position in aerospace.
The survey is open now through July 1 and can be found on the AIAM website or here.
The brief survey targets a broad range of respondents, including manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, designers, consultants, and information technology leaders. It will help AIAM to determine the current market status and identify significant opportunities for Michigan’s aerospace industry.
“This survey will help guide the future and focus of the aerospace industry in Michigan,” says Tony Vernaci, president of AIAM. “Michigan is already a recognized leader in the aerospace sector — we want to make sure we’re prepared for the opportunities in the years ahead. Every point of view is valuable, whether you work in defense, commercial aerospace, general aviation, or space and satellites.”
The survey results will be available at the AeroOne Conference this fall in Grand Rapids.
Rochester’s MedNetOne Health Solutions Enter into JV with Honest Medical Group
MedNetOne Health Solutions, a health care management and physician organization in Rochester, announced today it is the first Michigan physician organization to enter into a joint venture with Nashville-based Honest Medical Group, a physician enablement company aimed at improving the health care experience and reducing costs for members with Medicare Advantage.
The announcement was made by MedNetOne co-founders Ewa Matuszewski, CEO, and Dr. Al Juocys, president and chief medical officer, and comes on the heels of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s announcement that it was forming a joint venture with Honest Medical Group in order to facilitate subsequent independent joint ventures between physician groups like MedNetOne and Honest Medical Group for risk and revenue sharing.
“Practice transformation has been our mantra for nearly 15 years, knowing that the disruptions in health care delivery and reporting would demand a more connected, cross-disciplined team of professionals within the primary care office,” Matuszewski says. “Honest Medical Group represents the next generation of practice transformation, and we have much to teach each other as we enter this new era.”
Dr. Aric Coffman, CEO of Honest Medical Group, says: “This is a huge step in the right direction for Medicare Advantage providers and their patients,” Coffman said. “Transforming primary care is no longer a dream — it’s a reality. And we could not be more excited about where the partnership will take us for the benefit of patients.”
The financial advantages of the joint venture are expected to be realized by both organizations when optimal patient quality results in healthier patients and lower rates of care and hospitalization.
MedNetOne offers a broad array of services to independent physician practices, advanced practice providers, behavioral health professionals and chiropractors who are focused on running fully integrated, population-based, patient-centric practices with a modern technology infrastructure. Approximately 18% of its population served is age 65 and up and eligible for or enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
The organization actively engages in testing, developing, and implementing care management strategies and enhanced multidisciplinary team care services, with a special focus on providing whole person care to individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, depression, chronic pain, and asthma. Additionally, the organization has expanded its services to include palliative care.
Fustini’s Summer Grilling Kit Available Now
Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars, a based in Traverse City, is offering a summer grilling kit that includes Tuscan Herb olive oil and Sicilian Lemon balsamic with a grilling rub blend.
Selected from hundreds of possible pairings with Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars, the company has paired these selections with pantry items for meals celebrating Father’s Day and other summer events. The kit includes a card with application ideas as well as each bottle containing a QR code for easy access to more recipes and ideas.
For more information and to order, visit www.fustinis.com.
Michigan Animal Rescue League, PLY+ Win AIA Michigan Design Award
The Michigan Animal Rescue League’s Pontiac headquarters earned top honors from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan for architecture firm PLY+, architect Jen Maigret, and builder/contractor Frank Rewold & Sons.
AIA announced MARL’s new facility was singled out for design excellence and will deliver the award during its annual Design Awards June 17 at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.
“Our new facility exceeded all of our hopes and dreams to meet the needs of our animals, staff and growing operations as we continue to rescue and care for the thousands of at-risk and homeless dogs and cats in southeast Michigan,” says Magee Humes, CEO of MARL. “We couldn’t be prouder that the beautiful and efficient design we worked so hard on with the team at Ply+ has been recognized in such an esteemed way.”
MARL’s new state-of-the-art 15,000-square-foot facility — located at the same site in Pontiac where it has operated since 1953 — underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2020. The $6.7 million project resulted in a transformation from a makeshift 5,000-square-foot former residence into a world-class facility three times its original size that prioritizes the animal’s needs and exemplifies the organization’s vision.
The cats and dogs in MARL’s care now have 10 times as many spaces for socialization, relaxation, and training. The amount of time dogs can spend outside increased by 400 percent and each has their own room with doggy doors providing access to the outdoors, and each dog “neighborhood” has play yards for socialization.
Cats now have 80 perching platforms on which to climb and roam around and separate spaces to account for social needs and special diets. With the increased space, MARL can save twice as many animals with the new facility as it could before.
Courts Matter Michigan Offers a New Educational Program to Promote Voting
Courts Matter Michigan, a nonpartisan coalition of diverse organizations working toward a well-functioning federal judiciary composed of qualified and impartial judges, is launching an educational program for Michigan voters.
Courts Matter Michigan and members of the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (NCJW | MI) have produced a PowerPoint Presentation with accompanying script, handouts, and facilitation guide, to increase awareness and understanding of the fundamental right to vote and how it relates to the judicial system, and to inform the public on the importance of electing political officials committed to a fair and independent judiciary.
While federal judges are nominated by the President, the Senate votes to confirm a nominee to a lifetime appointment. Courts Matter is mobilizing Michiganders to act, by contacting their senators to support well-qualified and diverse nominees dedicated to fairness and impartiality.
On June 22, Courts Matter Michigan will conduct a virtual meeting to present the new educational program to its members, who include Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Anti-Defamation League, Muslim Unity Center, Michigan Clean Water Action, Business and Professional Women of Michigan, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. The presentation will subsequently be offered free to organizations, interest groups, schools, colleges, and other interested audiences.
“When people cast their vote at the ballot box, it is essential that they understand the power that a senator can have,” says Susan Marwil, co-chair of Courts Matter Michigan, and a past president of NCJW | MI. “Recent decisions by the Supreme Court have highlighted the need for judges who uphold core constitutional values and who are fair and independent. Their decisions on court cases impact all our lives.”
To join the coalition or arrange a Courts Matter Michigan presentation for your group, email courtsmattermichigan@gmail.com or leave a phone message at NCJW | MI – 248-355-3300, Ext. 8.
Greenhouse of Walled Lake Helping Ill High School Cheerleader Raise Money
Fifteen year old cheerleader Kendall Barnett suffers from severe excruciating and debilitating headaches, nausea, and stomach issues, yet she still manages to compete at a high level as a cheerleader for the Diamond All Star Cheer Team.
Barnett is trying to raise money to travel with her competitive cheer team that she has worked hard to make. She comes from a large family, which cannot afford to send her with the cheer team due to medical and other expenses. Barnett is trying to raise $5,000 for tuition, travel costs, food, etc. She is a resident of Davisburg and attends Clarkston High School.
Greenhouse of Walled Lake owner Jerry Millen heard about Barnett’s challenges and has agreed to have her run a lemonade stand in front of his establishment in Walled Lake. This will take place over two days, on Wednesday June 15 and Friday June 17 from noon to 6:30 p.m.
“Kendall’s mom Jennifer came to me about this matter, and I am honored to try and help this young lady pursue her dreams and hopefully w we can help her raise the necessary dollars to have a summer full of fun with the Diamond All Star Cheer Team,” Millen says.
