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’s Revitalization Recognized by Travel Influencers
Detroit’s revitalization efforts are paying off on a global scale, according to officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Visit Detroit.
The Motor City recently was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Place to Go in North America & the Caribbean list for 2024 by and AFAR magazine’s Where to Go in 2024 roster.
Condé Nast Traveler searched for the continent’s most vibrant, pristine, and restorative destinations. AFAR looked to correspondents around the world for the ultimate travel places. Detroit made both lists thanks to years-long efforts to lift its thriving neighborhoods, embrace its rich culture and support its business community.
The locally driven revitalization building the foundation for Detroit’s success is made possible by its residents, entrepreneurs, regional supporters, and technical assistance and funding from the (MEDC) and the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).
“This recognition of Detroit is a testament to Detroiters and their hospitality that reveals to visitors and locals alike a sense of the possible, all done with a smile or knowing head nod,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC. “Detroit’s recognition is a source of pride for all Michiganders and highlights the collective efforts of the state’s vibrant communities, innovative entrepreneurs and dedicated workforce that make our state a remarkable place to live and visit.
“As we celebrate this honor, trust and believe, we know that we must continue to invest in the city to sustain the momentum that this recognition underscores.”
Detroit will continue its economic development momentum in the coming year with new hotels, activated spaces, and attractions for residents and visitors. Things kick off with the NFL Draft coming to town (April 25-27). The traveling spectacle takes place in cities across the country that can support and entertain the crowds — potentially hundreds of thousands — that travel to experience Detroit for this annual event.
“The 2024 NFL Draft will highlight all that makes Detroit and southeast Michigan a great place to live, work, invest and visit,” says Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit. “Visit Detroit is proud to partner with Detroit Metropolitan Airport, local hotels, restaurants, and shops to create a best-in-class hospitality experience for visitors from touchdown to takeoff.”
To view a video titled “One Day in Detroit, visit here.
Stellar Broadband Announces Full Technology Portfolio for The Apex of West Bloomfield
East Lansing-based fiber internet service provider Stellar Broadband has engaged with Hunter Pasteur, Soave Enterprises, and The Forbes Co. to deliver high-end residential technologies and 10 gigabit fiber Internet to the luxury community of residents who will make The Apex of West Bloomfield their home.
The Apex will offer 212 new one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury apartments starting in summer 2024 to the heart of West Bloomfield Township.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with Soave, Hunter Pasteur, and The Forbes Co.,” says Richard Laing, president of Stellar Broadband. “Their commitment to a turnkey design and installation process that not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of resident expectations, sets a new benchmark for community technologies.”
The residents of Apex will enjoy the luxury of 10 gigabit fiber Internet in their apartments, robust, secure, and pervasive Wi-Fi across the community, integrated security with intercoms, keyless access with mobile credentials, and IP video surveillance, with an all-in-one app on their smartphones to streamline and automate every aspect of the resident lifecycle.
A&G Plans to Offer 11 Rite Aid Store Leases in Michigan
Philadelphia-based A&G Real Estate Partners, in its capacity as real estate advisor to Rite Aid Corp., announced plans to market for sale 11 neighborhood pharmacy leases in Michigan, pending approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.
Nationally, there is a total of 79 store leases that will be made available in private sales, pending court approval. This tranche follows the 92 store leases that became available on Nov. 15. To date, A&G has marketed 180 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs leases, and 73 of which have been removed due to a sale or rejection of the lease.
In addition to the 11 in Michigan, available leases are located in:
- California (11)
- Connecticut (5)
- Maryland (1)
- New Jersey (6)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oregon (4)
- Pennsylvania (11)
- Virginia (7)
- Washington (11)
For additional details, visit here.
Grand Rapids’ UFP Global Holdings Acquires Two Mexican Packaging Affiliates
UFP Global Holdings Ltd. in Grand Rapids has acquired the remaining ownership interests in each of two affiliates in Mexico: NORPAL S. de R.L. de C.V. and TIBASA Universal Forest Products S. de R.L. de C.V.
The companies will be combined as UFP Palets y Embalajes S. de R.L. de C.V. and will operate in three locations: Monterrey, Durango, and Guanajuato. Today, these facilities are primarily focused on the production of wooden pallets, but they are growing sales in other structural packaging runways. The business will be managed by veteran UFP Packaging employee Rees Watson, who will be supported by TIBASA founder Hector Labrada as the new national sales director.
“We are grateful to our long-time partners in Mexico, which include the Fuhrken and Labrada families and Arturo Antunez, for their successes in building a strong foundation for our emerging packaging business in Mexico,” says Dick McBride, executive vice president for UFP’s international operations. “This transaction will enhance our stance as a world-class packaging solutions provider and support our many multinational customers with locations across Mexico.”
UFP’s other affiliate in Mexico, Pinelli Universal, supplies the U.S. retail building materials market and is not part of this transaction.
Applications Open for $40K Kresge Artist Fellowships
Metro Detroit artists are invited to apply for a 2024 Kresge Artist Fellowship, which will increase from $25,000 to $40,000 and the number of fellowships will increase from 20 to 25 in 2024.
Artists residing in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can apply online for the no strings attached prize through Jan. 18, 2024. There are no exceptions to this deadline. Applicants are encouraged to review the latest application guidelines at kresgeartsindetroit.org before applying.
The fellowships are funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by Kresge Arts in Detroit, a Kresge-funded office of the College for Creative Studies. In this application cycle, Kresge Arts in Detroit will award 25 Fellowships and 10 Gilda Awards in the Live Arts and Film & Music categories. The Fellowships and Gilda Awards will be divided between the two categories — Live Arts and Film & Music — based on the relative number of applications received in each category.
A total of 35 awards — 25 Fellowships and 10 Gilda Awards — will go to artists of all career stages. Kresge Artist Fellowships are $40,000 no strings attached awards which include professional development offerings and a short film highlighting the artist’s work.
Artists applying for a fellowship also can choose to be considered for one of the 10 available Gilda Awards, which are $5,000 unrestricted prizes for emerging artists living and working in the tri-county area. The awards honor the legacy of Gilda Snowden (1954–2014), who was one of the 18 inaugural artists to receive a Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2009, and who taught painting at the College for Creative Studies for more than 30 years. The online application allows artists to opt to be automatically considered for Gilda Awards if they do not receive a Fellowship.
Kresge Arts in Detroit staff will conduct an online application info session and walkthrough in December, followed by a second online Q&A session in January. While not required, applicants are encouraged to attend these sessions, which are designed to support artists in creating compelling applications for a Kresge Artist Fellowship. Artists can register to attend here.
Mopar Shares Holiday Gift Ideas for Auto Enthusiasts
The Mopar aftermarket division of Stellantis in Auburn Hills is offering holiday gift ideas for automotive enthusiasts.
“Mopar is a brand name that true auto enthusiasts around the world have recognized for more than 85 years,” says Mike Koval Jr., senior vice president and head of Mopar North America. “Savvy holiday shoppers will love our Mopar-branded apparel, lifestyle or holiday-themed items to put a smile on the face of any enthusiast.”
Until Dec. 31, on orders of more than $99, shoppers can receive free shipping within the continental U.S. by using code DECRE23. Shoppers are encouraged to order early for the best selection as supplies are limited.
Among the gift ideas are:
- Ugly Holiday Sweater ($99.95)
- Holiday Hoodie ($59.95)
- Ugly Holiday Sweatshirt ($49.95)
- Holiday Jersey Lounge Pants ($44.95)
- Long-sleeve T-shirt ($27.95)
- 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda Hallmark Keepsake Ornament ($12.95)
- Light-up Glass Ornament with Snowflakes ($11.95)
- Custom Metal Ornament ($13.95)
- 16-ounce Tumbler with Cork Base ($29.95)
- Sherpa-lined Throw ($79.95)
- Set of Four 12-ounce Traveler Mugs ($109.95)
For complete details and related gift ideas, visit wearmopar.com.
Suburban Collection Showplace to Host Novi Pet Expo Dec. 8-10.
A contest and special feature stage, small dog races, and national traveling acts will be among several new features and attractions at the holiday themed 18th Annual Novi Pet Expo presented by Pet Supplies Plus Dec. 8-10 at the Suburban Collection Showplace.
The Entertainment Stage will feature contests and photo opportunities all three days of the show, such as a cutest dog contest, tricks contest, and spirit contests dressing up your dogs in support of Michigan, Michigan State, and the Detroit Lions. The first ever Pet Prom and Fashion Show also will take place for photo opportunities. The small dog races also are back this year, running multiple times each day.
Attractions for 2023 include The Canine Stars, Dog Lovers Day Lure Course, the Rock N Roll K9s, the Rainbow Feather Bird Club and Rescue, the Mounted Police Division horses, Gone to the Snow Dogs, and the Michigan Society of Herpetologists.
For more information, the full schedule of activities and attractions, and ticket information, visit novipetexpo.com.
Bissell Pet Foundation, Dogtopia Team Up to ‘Empty the Shelters’
Bissell Pet Foundation in Grand Rapids is teaming with Dogtopia for the foundation’s first “Empty the Shelters” national adoption event of 2023.
From now until Dec. 17, Bissell Pet Foundation’s Holiday Hope National “Empty the Shelters” event will occur at more than 350 shelters in 45 states with pets available for adoption for $50 or less, including Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit in Dearborn.
All interested adopters can find more details at metrodetroitanimals.org.
Schoolcraft College Launching Varsity Men’s Ice Hockey Program Next Fall
Schoolcraft College in Livonia will launch a varsity ice hockey program to compete at the Division II level starting in the 2024-2025 season.
This will be the first intercollegiate ice hockey team that the college has sponsored. All team members will be full-time students and follow the academic/eligibility guidelines of the college athletic department and their governing body.
With the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) currently offering no sponsorship in ice hockey, the Ocelots will be a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). The program will play as a Division II independent and will be one of a limited number of two-year colleges that participates in the ACHA.
Livonia native Dan Phelps has been hired to serve as the head coach of the newly formed program. Phelps comes to Schoolcraft with 24 years of coaching experience, including 10 years at the high school level, six in Tier I youth hockey, two at the junior hockey ranks, and six seasons in collegiate hockey, where he was the ACHA DI head coach, and ACHA hockey director at Adrian College.
As part of the athletic department’s family, the program will receive the opportunity to the amenities available to all the College’s sports teams. The goal is to play a hybrid schedule, competing with programs across all three ACHA divisions, which are predominantly all four-year institutions. As a member of the ACHA, the program will be a non-scholarship sport. Home ice for the Ocelots will be Mike Modano Ice Arena in Westland.
The roster for the inaugural team is currently being constructed. For those interested in becoming a part of the program, please submit a recruiting questionnaire or reach out to the coaching staff through the college athletics website.
The announcement is another step in accomplishing the goals set forth in the institution’s plan to add athletic opportunities for the student body, while also expanding enrollment within the college.
The plan includes an effort to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, while gaining collegiate experience as a student-athlete. The program hopes to also elevate the college’s profile and inspire the campus and surrounding communities to enthusiastically embrace Schoolcraft College athletics.
