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 Tigers Announce 2024 Spring Training Schedule
Major League Baseball and the Detroit Tigers announced the club’s Grapefruit League game schedule for 2024 Spring Training in Lakeland, Fla., the team’s 88th season at TigerTown.
Detroit begins its Grapefruit League schedule hosting the New York Yankees on Saturday, Feb. 24, the first of three visits the Yankees will make to Lakeland during Spring Training (also, March 14 and March 23).
The home schedule also features multiple visits from the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb. 27 and March 7), the Philadelphia Phillies (March 1 and March 19) and Pittsburgh Pirates (March 2 and March 9). The schedule also includes games against the Houston Astros (Feb. 26), Boston Red Sox (March 4), New York Mets (March 21), Minnesota Twins (March 12), Tampa Bay Rays (March 24), Atlanta Braves (March 15), and Baltimore Orioles (March 17).
The Tigers are accepting deposits towards the purchase of new season tickets for the upcoming 2024 Spring Training season. Seats can be secured with a $100 per seat deposit by visiting tigers.com/spring or by calling 863-413-4140.
Report: Michigan Economic Activity Up 5.2% in Spring
The Comerica Michigan Economic Activity Index jumped 5.2 percent annualized in the three months through April, although it was still down 0.4 percent from a year earlier after declines between June and February. Six of the index’s nine components increased in April, while three fell.
Employment rose by a solid 10,800, according to the report. While continuing claims for unemployment insurance were higher, the unemployment rate fell to the lowest since early 2020’s pre-pandemic low.
Auto and light truck assemblies are back to the highest since mid-2020 as the chip shortage fades in the rear-view. Industrial electricity consumption was up 2 percent from a year earlier in April, although it was down slightly from March after big increase in that month. Housing starts have been volatile in early 2023 and in April were about a fifth below their level a year earlier. With listings tight, house prices rose sharply in March and April, and have now fully reversed their decline from mid-2022 to early-2023.
Michigan’s economy grew by 1.8 percent in 2022, slightly below the national average of 2.1 percent. The trend held in the first quarter, with Michigan’s GDP growth of 1.8 percent a tad below the national average of 2 percent.
The report predicts Michigan’s economy will likely slow along with the national economy in 2023. High interest rates will slow output and sales in credit-intensive sectors, such as housing, manufacturing, and commercial real estate investment. The auto industry likely will outperform other sectors of durable consumer goods manufacturing as car dealers restock inventories, but even it is not impervious to the effects of high interest rates and inflation on consumer demand.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Adds Modern Take on Vehicle’s Heritage
The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition from Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, is a new addition to the Bronco Sport family inspired by the Ford Free Wheeling trucks, vans, and Broncos of the 1970s.
Ordering is open for the Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition, along with a new Black Appearance package for Bronco Sport Big Bend that adds dark, moody styling elements inside and out.
In the late 1970s, Ford introduced the Free Wheeling package on F-100, F-150, Bronco, Econoline van, and more. The limited-run trim level featured graphics with red, orange, and yellow gradients. The option packs also added painted steel wheels and black finishes on the grilles, mirrors, and bumpers. Inside the vehicle featured red and orange pinstriping on the dash and seat stitching.
“Bronco customers appreciate its heritage,” says Jason Hyde, marketing manager for Bronco Sport. “After such a great response to the reimagined Bronco Sport Free Wheeling project vehicle in 2021, we decided to bring this special edition that ties Bronco Sport to its fun-loving roots.”
The red, orange, and yellow sunset-inspired stripes became a focal point of the 1970s package.
“The Ford Free Wheeling package was developed to appeal to younger customers,” said Ted Ryan, Archives and Heritage Brand Manager for Ford. “The Free Wheeling Broncos were as popular as they were distinctive.”
Like the originals, the 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition features reflective red, orange, yellow and silver graphics on the body sides, liftgate, and hood.
Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition also adds a silver-painted grille with two-tone Bronco badging and a modified lower front-end insert. Rounding out the exterior changes are a Shadow Black roof and 17-inch high-gloss black wheels with red accents.
The interior’s Black Onyx and Dark Space Grey finish includes sunset-colored seat inserts and ombre stitching. The door trim will add a Race Red C Channel and ombre stitching.
The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition also includes all Big Bend standard equipment and drivetrain.
Taking inspiration from the dark night skies in remote places is the 2024 Bronco Sport Black Appearance Package, which includes a Carbon Black grille and two-tone Bronco lettering.
The Black Appearance Package also includes Matte Black 17-inch wheels, Matte Black hood graphics and a Shadow Black painted roof. Black accent trim badges and a Smoked Chrome Ford Oval will tie the exterior look together. Inside, the Bronco Sport features Sport Contour seats, and a modified air bag cover with a black bucking Bronco badge. This package is only available on Big Bend models.
“Bronco Sport customers have been asking for the stylish black finishes available on the F-150, Maverick, and Mustang, and we’re delivering with the new Black Appearance Package,” says Hyde. “It also builds on the night sky gauge cluster graphics that Bronco Sport customers see that plays a startup screen featuring the Milky Way.”
Bronco Sport also will be available in Azure Gray and Desert Sand for 2024. These two exterior colors are not available on Bronco Sport Free Wheeling or Heritage models.
Truscott Rossman in Detroit Acquires Lansing Design and Marketing Firm
Detroit communications agency Truscott Rossman has purchased Lansing-based Blohm Creative Partners, adding marketing and creative design to TR’s suite of services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“At TR, we do everything with intention. As the communications industry changes, integrated services are more important than ever, and we’re ready to fill that need for current and future clients,” says John Truscott, principal and CEO of Truscott Rossman. “I’ve always been impressed with Jeff Blohm and his firm, and I’m looking forward to integrating them into the TR team. Adding BCP to TR brings our ability to serve all our clients to the next level.”
The six-person BCP team specializing in graphic design, branding, marketing, and digital strategy will become a department of TR. BCP works with a number of clients, including Michigan Apples, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Sparrow’s Michigan Athletic Club, and L.O. Eye Care. BCP Founder Jeff Blohm, will stay on for a six-month transition.
“After nearly 30 years leading BCP I’m excited to have a new steward of our legacy and service,” says Blohm. “I’m proud of BCP’s contributions and leadership, and I’m thrilled to support the company’s next chapter as a department of Truscott Rossman.”
For more information, visit TruscottRossman.com.
Petty Cash in Detroit Hosts Fried Chicken & Caviar Pops Up for Monday Brunch
Petty Cash on Livernois, the Avenue of Fashion on the west side of Detroit, is hosting a Fried Chicken and Caviar pop-up dining experience every Monday this summer from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Carry-outs also are available.
“Monday brunch fills a need because food options are few and far between right after the weekend,” says Nik Cole, chef and co-founder of Fried Chicken and Caviar. “People, including weekend workers, have that day free and are looking for good food and a luxury dining experience. So many people just can’t make it to a popular Sunday brunch, so brunch on a Monday is the perfect fix.”
The menu, curated by Cole and executive chef business partner Chi Walker, includes collard greens, fried rice, brunch tacos, and their signature fried chicken and caviar. Vegan and vegetarian options also are available.
“We rotate our menu options, but it’s always designed around luxury, comfort and taste,” says Cole.
The two chefs have created pop-ups and curated eclectic menus all around the city, including duck nuggets for TwoBirds; loaded lamb fries at Batch Brewing Co.; and lemon-roasted fennel risotto for East Eats.
The menu is available at PettyCashdetroit.com.
KIRCO Expands Senior Living Portfolio with Kentucky Acquisition
KIRCO, a Troy-based full-service investment and real estate company with a focus in senior living, has acquired Legacy Reserve at Fritz Farm, a senior living community in Lexington, Ky. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition of this asset at materially below replacement cost further strengthens KIRCO’s presence in the senior living market and enhances its commitment to providing exceptional living experiences for seniors, according to the company.
Legacy Reserve at Fritz Farm is a core, stabilized class-A property that offers a luxurious and vibrant lifestyle for seniors. The community provides a range of high-quality amenities, services, and care options, allowing residents to live comfortably and enjoy their senior years to the fullest.
Built in 2017, this state-of-the-art community boasts 167 units, including 114 independent living, 38 assisted living, and 15 memory care units. The range of care offered meets the diverse needs of its residents and provides a model for continuity of care as needs may change.
“We are thrilled to welcome Legacy Reserve to the KIRCO portfolio,” says Matt Coughenour, vice president of senior living at KIRCO. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our investment strategy and commitment to providing exceptional senior living experiences. The community’s outstanding track record, combined with its prime location and exceptional amenities, positions it as the preeminent senior living community in the market.”
KIRCO also announced that Atlas, a senior living operating partner, has entered as a joint-venture partner and will continue to manage and operate Legacy Reserve.
Pocketnest Launches Tool for Independent Professional Services Practices
Pocketnest, the Detroit-based female-founded financial wellness platform, has launched Pocketnest for Independent Practices aimed at independent wealth advisors, CPAs, mortgage brokers, financial advisors, and more.
The latest product addition brings three new practices to the Pocketnest roster, with 44 total enterprise customers, marking 42 percent enterprise customer growth since summer 2022 and 10 percent average monthly growth since launch.
Identifying an average of $575 million in cross-sell revenue for financial institutions, Pocketnest unleashes its financial wellness tool to all independent practices nationwide to grow its footprint and offer smaller practices lead-generating tech that can bring their communities financial wellness.
“We’ve brought more than 10,000 people financial wellness while identifying millions of dollars in cross-sell revenue opportunities for our financial institution clients — and we know we have more to offer the world,” says Jessica Willis, founder and CEO of Pocketnest. “Independent practices are the perfect opportunity to help independent advisers grow and scale their practices while giving us a wider reach to bring financial wellness to the masses.”
Pocketnest continues to license its white-labeled fintech software to financial institutions — big and small — to generate qualified leads and boost cross-sell opportunities. It also licenses to employee wellness programs to help employers amplify recruitment, productivity, and retention.
Built on behavioral science and psychology, Pocketnest coaches users through 10 themes of financial wellness.
Kalamazoo’s Kalsec Inc. Signs Advanced Hop Distribution Agreement
Illinois-based specialty food ingredient company Univar Solutions Inc. has signed an expanded distribution relationship with Kalsec Inc. in Kalamazoo for advanced hop ingredients in the United States.
This latest agreement adds to the current partnership that includes distribution of Kalsec’s natural taste and sensory, colors, and food protection solutions in Mexico, Colombia, and Europe.
Rx-360 and Michigan State Collaborate on Supply Chain Integrity Educational Program
Rx-360 in Philadelphia is collaborating with Michigan State University in East Lansing to offer course on pharmaceutical brand protection and supply chain integrity.
The course will be led by Jeremy Wilson, a professor in MSU’s School of Criminal Justice, where he founded and directed the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection and the Program on Police Consolidation and Shared Services.
“Falsified medical products present a significant threat to global public health. Participants in this course will learn how a total business solution approach can help to mitigate risk and optimize resources by developing holistic, proactive programs that are strategic and evidence-based,” says Wilson.
Jim Fries, CEO of Rx-360, says: “This collaboration is the result of the dedication of the Rx-360 membership, specifically those involved with the Supply Chain Security Steering Committee. I am grateful for the willingness of Dr. Wilson and Michigan State to be partners and helping drive the Rx-360 nonprofit mission.”
Information on how to register for this virtual course can be found here.
Gerber Federal C.U. Adopts Troy’s Mahalo Banking Platform to Optimize Digital Capabilities
Fremont, Mi.-based Gerber Federal Credit Union in Fremont (north of Grand Rapids) has adopted to digital banking platform of Troy-based Mahalo Banking.
Gerber FCU is using Mahalo’s banking platform to simplify the banking experience for members. Users of the credit union platform will be able to access a clean, user-friendly design with mirrored features across the online and mobile banking experiences.
Members will be able to more easily join the credit union, onboard, and fund their account to quickly begin using the credit union’s services. The credit union also will be able to use Mahalo’s platform to offer a more member-centric design through the neurodiversity features including colorblindness view options and left-handed toggle mode to improve usability.
Shapeways Secures Multi-million-dollar Medical Contracts
New York-based additive manufacturer (3-D printer) Shapeways, Inc., which has a facility in Charlotte (southwest of Lansing), announced the expansion of its medical customer base within its enterprise manufacturing solutions business by securing two significant contracts worth approximately $2.5 million annually during the next three years.
“By segmenting data from DICOM images, we enable the creation of highly personalized medical aids and devices through additive manufacturing,” says Greg Kress, CEO of Shapeways. “These tools increase precision in surgical settings and drastically improve patient outcomes. The ability to produce patient-specific medical devices at high volumes with exceptional quality is a key market differentiator — and our superpower at Shapeways.”
The District Detroit to Host Soccer Fans for Pre-match Tailgate July 30
The District Detroit in partnership with 313 Presents welcomes Crystal Palace FC and Sevilla FC soccer fans to a pre-match tailgate from 2-6 p.m. on Columbia Street on Sunday, July 30.
English Premier League Club Crystal Palace FC is playing LALIGA’s Sevilla FC in a pre-season match at Comerica Park at 7 p.m. July 30.
The tailgate will feature:
- A live DJ mixing each team’s favorite songs.
- Crystal Palace’s American Eagle mascot.
- Crystal Palace legend Mark Bright.
- Sevilla FC’s UEFA Europa League Trophy.
- Themed food and drink specials.
- Photo opportunities with the Motor City Cup.
- Prizes ranging from tickets to team memorabilia.
Sarah & Irving Pitt Early Childhood Center to Conduct Open House
The Sarah & Irving Pitt Early Childhood Center, located at The J-Detroit (6600 W. Maple Road) in West Bloomfield Township will host an open house from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 9 for prospective students and their parents.
The preschool, founded in 1976 and accepts children as young as newborns up to pre-K 4-year-olds, will restart its enrichment program for the coming academic year. Enrichment programs had been on pause since the pandemic, but gym, music, cooking, Hebrew, and Judaic classes all will be offered.
This year, the $100 enrollment fee is being waived for new students to help reduce the overall cost, plus those new families that sign up by Sept. 1 will get two weeks of free school, a value of $368 to $800 depending on the schedule of school hours they choose. Scholarships are also available through funding from donors and grants and are distributed dependent on family income.
On average, approximately two-thirds of the students are Jewish and a third of the students are not, with many families choosing the school because of its family atmosphere, convenient hours for working parents, and the 30 dedicated teaching staff, some of whom have been with the school for more than 20 years.
For more information and to register for the open house, visit here.
