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’s TCF Center Renamed Huntington Place Following Merger
The TCF Center in Detroit, formerly the Cobo Convention Center, was renamed today as Huntington Place six months after the merger between TCF Bank and Huntington Bank was finalized.
The center is less than a mile from the new Huntington National Bank headquarters currently under construction at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Elizabeth Street.
“We are proud that following the TCF-Huntington merger, the name of our new combined bank now graces the walls of this civic center that means so much to the people of Detroit and all of southeast Michigan,” says Gary Torgow, chairman of Huntington Bank. “From high school graduations to the North American International Auto Show, from speeches by sitting presidents to the annual NAACP Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, this venerable facility is part of the fabric of our community and Huntington is fortunate to now be a part of it.”
Built by the city of Detroit, Huntington Place originally opened in 1960 and typically brings 1.5 million visitors a year from across the globe for various events. In 2015, it completed a $279 million transformation and is the 16th largest convention center in the U.S. Against the backdrop of an international riverfront, Huntington Place projects continued future growth for meeting, convention, and event business in 2022.
“Our naming rights agreement, which was a priority for the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, began with TCF Bank and continues with Huntington Bank in strengthening the Center’s financial future,” says Lisa Canada, chair of the DRCFA. “We are dedicated not only to being a contributor to our region’s economic vitality, but also to creating jobs and enhancing the attraction of our destination to visitors. Both of our organizations have a deep commitment to the communities we serve.”
MRLA Urges Shoppers to ‘Give the Gift of Hospitality’ This Holiday Season
The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association is urging Michigan residents to support the hospitality industry by considering the purchase of gift cards while shopping for the holidays this year through its Give the Gift of Hospitality initiative.
Gift card purchases from local restaurants and hotels provide immediate and direct revenue to support Michigan’s industry.
“The past two years have been incredibly challenging for operators who have consistently faced obstacles while running their businesses,” says Justin Winslow, president and CEO of MRLA. “Whether it was indoor dining closures, customer capacity restrictions, rising costs for ingredients and supplies, or even staff shortages, restaurant and hotel operators have worked very hard to keep moving forward. We encourage patrons across the state to support these businesses and give the gift of hospitality this giving season.”
The MRLA says gift cards are an easy purchase for the holiday season, allowing the opportunity to give loved ones the chance to try something new or pick up the tab ahead of time at their favorite place. Giving the Gift of Hospitality also allows patrons and gift-givers to feel good knowing they are supporting Michigan’s recovering hospitality industry.
Shoppers can visit here to participate in the program.
Air Lift Co. Unveils Front Kit Application for Ford F-250 and F-350 Trucks
Lansing-based aftermarket air suspension manufacturer Air Lift Co. has unveiled the AL1000 front kit (80537) fitment for 2020-2022 Ford F-250 and F-350 4WD, SRW models and 2020-2022 Ford F-350 4WD, DRW models.
The Air Lift 1000 system fits easily into the front coil springs of the Ford F-250/F- 350, providing suspension support when using a front snowplow or in-bed camper. Users add air when loaded up or preparing to use a plow for a safe and comfortable experience, says the company.
All Air Lift load support air springs are backed by an industry-exclusive lifetime warranty that covers the entire contents of the air spring kit, and offers a 60-day money back guarantee on load support air springs and on-board air compressor systems.
For more information, visit here.
TechTown Detroit Online Marketplace and Store Promotes Buying Local
TechTown Detroit’s new online business directory TechTown Marketplace and online Limited Edition Store is designed to be an easy and fun way to shop for a cause at a local business during the holiday season.
TechTown Marketplace can connect individuals to TechTown-supported businesses throughout Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Individuals looking for a particular business can explore TechTown Marketplace through keyword search, by neighborhood, such as Avenue of Fashion / University District, Corktown, Grand River/Northwest, or by category: books, technology, pet care, health, and beauty.
“When you buy local, you accelerate a more inclusive, equitable economy in Detroit and southeast Michigan, and it’s a way to really feel good about your purchase,” says Ned Staebler, president and CEO of TechTown Detroit. “Now when people ask us where to shop for gifts that support Detroit-based small businesses, we can direct them to the Marketplace to find both familiar names and hidden gems.”
TechTown also is removing barriers to access by connecting small businesses with people. In its second year, the Limited Edition Store features nine clients and alumni from women-owned Detroit-based businesses. Holiday shoppers can find gift ideas created through custom collaborations, and all purchases not only help the small business owner, but include a donation to TechTown so they can continue their mission of helping businesses develop, launch and grow.
To explore the TechTown Marketplace, visit here.
Henry Ford Health and TytoCare Partner to Improve Remote Care
Henry Ford Health System in Detroit is offering TytoCare, the global health care industry’s first all-in-one modular device and examination platform for AI-powered, on-demand, remote medical exams, for sale from its website.
The integration of TytoCare into Henry Ford’s virtual care offerings has helped enhance its ability to diagnose and treat patients remotely with in-depth, physical examinations during video visits, according to HFH.
TytoCare gives users the power to seamlessly connect with a board-certified clinician from anywhere at any time. HFH says it would be useful to:
- A new parent.
- A frequent traveler.
- A college student.
Benstein Liquor to Release Special Edition Bourbon to Benefit Blood Cancer Foundation
Benstein Liquor of Commerce Township will release hand-selected, special-edition bottles of Woodford Reserve Bourbon at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 with a portion of each sale benefiting the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (BCFM).
The limited-edition bottles are available for in-person purchase only for $54.99 at Benstein Liquor (1050 Benstein Road in Commerce Township). The donations from the proceeds will help ensure the emotional, social, and financial stability of Michigan patients and families as they navigate their blood cancer journey.
Each bottle is engraved with the Benstein and BCFM logos to symbolize the partnership.
“We are grateful to Benstein Liquor for this partnership,” says Heidi Grix, president and CEO of the BCFM. “Each sale from these bottles helps ensure our patients and their families have a wonderful holiday season and receive the support and services they need during a very challenging time in their lives.”
Meijer Continues Tradition Surprising Customers with Holiday Shopping Sprees
Grand Rapids-based Meijer surprised hundreds of customers and team members across the Midwest with more than $500,000 in holiday shopping sprees Dec. 4, during what it calls its Very Merry Meijer.
“The holiday season changed so much throughout the ongoing pandemic, but the change we’re most excited to see this season is our customers returning to their own family traditions as they prepare to gather again,” says Hank Meijer, executive chairman of Meijer. “We hope that our Very Merry Meijer tradition helps make their reunions even jollier.”
In addition to surprising a customer shopping inside each of its stores with a $1,000 gift card, the retailer expanded its tradition to also gift five pickup customers at each location with a $100 coupon for a future order. The retailer also surprised three team members in each of its stores with $200 gift cards to thank them for their efforts this holiday season.
“So much has changed in the last year and a half, including the ways our customers shop with us, which is why we wanted to expand our favorite holiday tradition to include customers shopping via Meijer Pickup,” says Rick Keyes, president and CEO of Meijer. “One of the most meaningful parts of holiday traditions is watching them grow with your family, and that’s exactly how we feel about our Very Merry Meijer tradition.”
The eight Very Merry Meijer events conducted since 2014 gifted more than 3,500 customers with more than $1.4 million in toys, clothes, electronics, groceries, and small appliances.
Crystal Mountain Opens for the Season Dec. 10
Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, southwest of Traverse City, is opening for the 2021-2022 winter activities season Dec. 10.
Season passholders, Four Seasons Club Members, Crystal Mountain house guests, and guests who already purchased a lift ticket will be the first to ski and ride Friday from noon-4:30 p.m.
The slopes will be open for the season to everyone with a season pass or lift ticket Dec. 11 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
“The entire team is ready and excited to welcome back winter to the resort,” says John Melcher, CEO of Crystal Mountain. “Thanks to a little help from Mother Nature and our talented snowmaking team, the snow guns have been running on and off since Thanksgiving, and it’s allowing us to open a week earlier than last year.”
Snowmakers are on call 24 hours a day to open the slopes. Melcher encourages guests to check the daily snow report for the latest conditions, open trails and lift hours.
For more information, visit the resort’s website.
