Detroit Pistons Name Trajan Langdon President, Parts Way with GM Troy Weaver
The Detroit Pistons have hired Trajan Langdon as president of basketball operations and parted ways with Troy Weaver, general manager for the last four seasons.
Langdon will report to Pistons owner Tom Gores and is expected to expand the current leadership team by recruiting additional experienced executives, with an emphasis on strategy, player personnel, and operations.
The first thing to happen in the wake of Langdon’s hiring was the “mutual decision” for Weaver to leave the organization.
“I very much appreciate all the dedication Troy displayed to our Pistons franchise,” says Gores. “As much as we have struggled lately, we will look back and see Troy as an important person in the remaking of the Pistons.”
Langdon, 48, joins the Pistons with 12 years of front office and scouting experience, including most recently as general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans from 2019-2024. Prior to his time in New Orleans, Langdon served in front offices for the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs.
“I have committed to building a front office in Detroit that brings together the most advanced capabilities and creative basketball minds,” says Gores. “Trajan is an accomplished front office executive with an impressive track record. He’s worked his way up and seen it all as a player, scout and executive. He’s been successful at every level. I’m confident he will very swiftly get us to the standard of excellence I expect from every business.”
Langdon says, “It’s an honor for me to join the Detroit Pistons and I’m excited for the opportunity. I have spent considerable time with Tom over the past few weeks and am fully aligned with his expectations for the challenge ahead. The work starts immediately, and I appreciate Tom giving me the opportunity to build on the foundation that has been laid and help this team compete at the highest level. There is great tradition and history associated with this franchise. I’m excited to build on that for everyone associated with the organization and the passionate sports fans of Detroit.”
Report: 2024 Michigan Economy to Grow Faster Than in 2023
Michigan’s economy is anticipated to grow by 1.8 percent in 2024, above last year’s growth, but slightly below the national economy’s, according to Comerica Bank’s mid-year economic report. High interest rates and consumer prices continue to weigh on the Great Lake State’s economy, as do negative spillovers from national and global headwinds.
The auto sector will be a bright spot for Michigan, with production averaging comfortably above 2019’s pace as supply chains normalize further and the COVID-19 disruptions fade.
Payroll growth is expected to slow to around 0.7 percent in 2024, well below last year’s rate. Michigan’s unemployment rate, which fell notably as auto production normalized, is set to increase and average 4.3 percent this year, somewhat higher than the 3.9 percent national unemployment rate. Subdued employment growth and higher unemployment rates are expected to weigh on total personal income, which is projected to rise at a moderate pace of 3.4 percent, a tad above inflation.
Housing construction and sales are rebounding in 2024 after precipitous declines last year. Single-family construction is anticipated to lead the recovery, with 16,400 units projected to be added to housing supply this year. A sharp increase in vacancy rates last year will weigh on the multifamily segment, resulting in multifamily construction holding steady at around 5,000 units. Reflecting demand and supply imbalances in the housing market, house prices are forecast to rise sharply this year by around 9%. As more residential units are built in 2024 and 2025, house price inflation is projected to ease, especially in the latter quarters of 2025.
Visit here to view the full report.
Builders Groups to Host State of Industry Breakfast June 27 in Novi
Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) and the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan (HBA) have partnered to present the 14th annual Mid-Year Economic Forecast and State of the Industry Breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. on June 27 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
The event is expected to offer an overview of the current and projected economic factors that impact the construction industry.
The feature keynote speaker will be Elliot Eisenberg, chief economist of Graphs and Laughs, an economist and public speaker specializing in making the arcana and minutia of economics fun, relevant, and educational.
The morning begins with a tradeshow and opportunity for guests to meet the keynote speaker from 7:30-9 a.m., including networking and tabletop displays. This will be followed by a full family-style breakfast and the Elliot’s forecast from 9-10:30 a.m.
For registration information, call HBA at 248-862-1002, CAM at 248-972-1000 or register online by June 20 here.
The Roof Resource Names Awarded Top New and Emerging Franchise
The Roof Resource in Macomb Township has ranked No. 150 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2024 Top New & Emerging Franchises list.
Entrepreneur’s list ranks companies based on their scores in a Franchise 500 evaluation, which analyzes more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size, and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The list is meant to showcase some of the newest rising stars in the franchise world who began doing so in the last five years.
The Roof Resource launched its national franchise program in May 2023 and sold out its first 10 metro Detroit franchise units within 90 days, with another four Michigan units to be assigned, and the launch of a corporate unit, in the state. In less than a year, the company also sold out the entire state of Florida, awarded a major franchise unit in Denver, and is expanding to Texas, launching an awarded franchise unit in Austin this week.
For more information, visit theroofresource.com.
New Coalition of Black Charter Leaders Announced to Empower Detroit’s Students
A new coalition of Black charter school leaders has been officially formed, dedicated to advancing educational outcomes for black and brown students in Detroit. The coalition mad its official announcement and debut May 30 during 2024’s Mackinac Policy Conference.
Convened in 2022 with the support of The Skillman Foundation, the Black Charter Leaders coalition includes CEOs from four leading Detroit charter schools: Hope Academy, Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences, University Prep Schools, and New Paradigm for Education.
The coalition’s mission is to convene a network of educational leaders committed to impacting the educational landscape for Detroit scholars through advocacy, policy, and talent development. Its vision is to be the premier educational organization driving world-class innovation to prepare students to compete globally.
Activities of the coalition will focus on community engagement, policy advocacy, and fostering collaboration within the Detroit educational community. The Black Charter Leaders aim to create a supportive network that empowers students to excel academically and succeed in a globally competitive landscape.
For more information about the Black Charter Leaders and how to join or support its initiatives, visit blackcharterleaders.com.
Black Legacy Advancement Coalition’s Wellness Expo Set for Aug. 16
The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition is hosting its annual Holistic Wellness Expo from noon- 9 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the Eastern Market in Detroit.
The mission of the coalition is to educate and resource Detroiters to protect their health and wealth. Between 90-100 vendors, more than 20 exhibitors, and between 3,000 to 4,000 attendees are expected to be participating.
The event’s purpose is to bring education, joy, healing, and restoration to the city of Detroit through intentionally curated conversations and experiences that center on health, wellness, and humanity. There will be food, free health screenings, live music, fitness classes, awards for selected wellness leaders across metro Detroit, as well as some giveaways.
Current sponsors include: Ally, Flagstar Bank, Thrivent, The Skillman Foundation, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Medical Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, United Health Care, Magna, United Health Care, Community Financial Credit Union, Shinola Detroit, Delta Dental, Cambria Detroit, Doubletree Detroit – Fort Shelby, First Merchants Bank, and others.
C3 Industries’ High Profile Dispensaries Set to Celebrate Pride Month
Ann Arbor-based cannabis company C3 Industries is celebrating Pride Month with special offerings at High Profile cannabis dispensaries located in Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts throughout the month of June.
As part of its commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, High Profile will launch a point of-sale donation campaign for The Trevor Project – a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 that focuses on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. All donations received during the month of June will go towards providing life-saving resources, education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth.
High Profile Cannabis Shops also will introduce the Cloud Cover rainbow-tipped pre-roll, available exclusively at High Profile locations in the Wolverine, Show-Me, and Bay States as part of the campaign. Each pre-roll will feature a unique rainbow tip to symbolize unity, diversity and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to the special edition pre-roll, High Profile dispensaries will showcase original art illustrations throughout its locations, capturing the spirit and vibrancy of Pride Month.
Customers visiting High Profile retail locations during Pride Month also can look forward to exclusive Pride-branded towels and lighters. As a special promotion, customers will have the opportunity to receive a Pride towel and a pride-branded lighter with qualifying visits.
Oakland County Parks to Participate in Free Fishing Weekend June 8-9
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is hosting a Free ORV and Summer Free Fishing Weekend June 8-9 and there are opportunities to participate at Oakland County Parks (OCP).
As part of the Summer Free Fishing Weekend, a Fishing Derby will take place from 9 a.m.-noon June 8 at Pontiac Oaks County Park in Pontiac. During this catch-and-release event, there will be prizes and goody bags for registrants.
Since this is a free fishing weekend, fishing licenses are not required, but there is a $5 per person program fee. The event will be run rain or shine and all ages and abilities are welcome. Adaptive fishing equipment will be available for individuals with disabilities. Preregister by calling 248-858-0916 during business hours.
In addition, Oakland County Parks offers close-to-home fishing at seven parks: Addison Oaks near Rochester, Groveland Oaks in Holly, Highland Oaks in Highland, Independence Oaks in Clarkston, Orion Oaks in Orion, Pontiac Oaks in Pontiac and Rose Oaks in Holly. Participants will need a daily park pass or a vehicle permit for entry at these parks except for Pontiac Oaks.
For more information about Oakland County Parks, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
2025 Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships Coming to Kalamazoo
U.S. Figure Skating has selected Kalamazoo as the site for the 2025 Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships. The event will take place Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2025, at Wings Event Center.
Hosted by the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA), the event will showcase teams from throughout the Midwest and Plains states in a display of beauty and elegance on ice.
U.S. Figure Skating conducts three sectional championships for synchronized skating each year — Eastern, Midwestern, and Pacific Coast. These competitions are the final qualifiers for the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. In recent years, the Midwestern Sectional Championships have hosted more than 130 teams and approximately 2,500 athletes, coaches, team managers, and fans per competition.
Synchronized skating consists of teams of eight to 20 skaters, flowing as one unit at high speeds over the ice. Spectators will be able to watch skaters in up to 18 divisions ranging from juvenile (13 and younger) to masters (25+). The Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association hosts a number of local events including the annual Kick Off Classic, which features up to 130 participating teams at Wings Event Center every fall.
More information, including how to become a part of the local organizing committee, will be added soon to skatekalamazoo.org.
