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.
Fair Lane Estate in Dearborn Launches F-150 Raptor R Sweepstakes
Fair Lane: Home of Clara and Henry Ford has launched the 2024 Fair Lane Sweepstakes, an annual opportunity for the public to support the restoration and reimagination of the iconic Fair Lane estate, a National Historic Landmark in Dearborn.
This year’s Sweepstakes winner will take home a supercharged 2024 F-150 Raptor R. Combining raw power and sophisticated design and engineering, this vehicle is equipped with a supercharged 5.2L V-8 Predator with 720 horsepower.
It is fully equipped with the Shelter Green paint option and updated graphics.
Visit henryfordfairlane.org to purchase tickets. The sweepstakes closes on Dec. 30, 2024. The winner will be drawn on Jan. 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. EST.
DBusiness readers are eligible for a special promotional discount on sweepstakes tickets by entering code DBUS25 at the time of purchase. Use the DBUS25 code to get 25 percent more tickets, as well.
State Gets $45M in Federal Funds to Provide Rural Areas with Internet, Drinking Water
The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) announced the state will receive more than $45 million in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to bring high-speed internet, clean water, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and economic growth to rural communities.
Under the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, the USDA is providing $9.7 million to help 24 organizations deliver or receive technical assistance to expand high-speed internet access for people in rural and Tribal communities across 17 states. Merit Network Inc. is receiving $997,000 to develop a connectivity and digital equity strategy to promote the expansion of high-speed internet in eight communities across Muskegon, Roscommon, Van Buren, Ogemaw, and Saginaw counties in Michigan.
Additionally, 11 communities in Michigan will receive a combined $45 million in Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants for projects ranging from improvements to wastewater treatment systems to replacing lines of drinking water mains.
“Rural Michigan is a fundamental piece of our economy, and its potential is undeniable,” says Zachary Kolodin, the state’s chief infrastructure officer and director of the MIO. “By investing in modern infrastructure from reliable internet to clean water, we can empower these communities to create jobs, attract new residents, and thrive,”
I applaud the Biden Administration and our congressional delegation for working together to make this investment in our rural communities happen, ensuring all Michiganders have the resources they need to make it in Michigan.”
For more information about the Michigan Infrastructure Office, visit here.
California’s Gotion Inc. Begins Wildlife Preservation Site Plan Review in Mecosta County
California-based Gotion Inc. has submitted the site plan application for review through Mecosta County, north of Grand Rapids, for approval and publicly unveiled its latest site plan that includes protecting more than 60 acres for preservation of wildlife habitat and water quality benefits in addition to building a plant to manufacture EV batteries.
Gotion is seeking a soil erosion and sedimentation control permit through the Mecosta County Drain Commission, as well as the site plan review through the Planning Commission.
“A tremendous amount of thought and planning went into designing our facility and property, and we greatly appreciate the input from Mecosta County officials as we move forward with the local review and permitting process,” says Chuck Thelen, vice president of Gotion Inc. – North American Manufacturing. “Along with gaining valuable insight from the county, we continue to intently listen to local residents as well. Our ultimate goal is to be great neighbors for people in the region while creating the best working environment for our employees.”
Gotion officials have met extensively with county officials in preparation for the application, and county officials have made several visits to the property. The site plan approval process, administered through Mecosta County, has served the needs of Green Charter Township for more than 20 years.
Thelen says Gotion Inc. is committed to preserving the habitat of wildlife and water quality throughout the property, consisting of more than 60 acres where local wildlife can flourish. Other key elements of the site plan include:
- Greatly reducing the amount of water used at the facility. It was originally thought that the facility would use 700,000 gallons per day, but that number is targeted to be significantly decreased due to enhanced reclamation efforts.
- Significantly limiting traffic congestion on public roads by constructing an on-site truck/trailer staging area that is sufficient to handle a minimum 50% of anticipated daily semi-tractor traffic.
- Adhering to a dark sky design to limit the amount of light generated from the facility.
- Implementing a comprehensive recycling program of raw materials and manufacturing by-product to prevent adverse environmental impacts to the air, sanitary sewer system and ground and surface waters.
“We’re building a state-of-the-art facility in Mecosta County that will nestle into the existing landscape and protect the environment for generations to come,” Thelen says. “Gotion’s environmental and safety record is unmatched, and our mission to protect and preserve the environment is woven into every aspect of the design process. As a lifelong conservationist myself, this is not only a key company requirement but a personal requirement.”
Gotion Inc. will apply for applicable state and federal permits through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the coming weeks.
Detroit Pistons to Host Girls Dream Big Summit March 7
The Detroit Pistons are hosting its annual Girls Dream Big Summit presented by Ally on Thursday, March 7 to celebrate Women’s Empowerment Month. The event begins at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center at 3:30 p.m. and will conclude at Little Caesars Arena as participants take in the Pistons game vs. the Brooklyn Nets at 7 p.m.
The Girls Dream Big Summit also is supported by Delta Air Lines. Attendees will engage in speed mentoring with representatives from local organizations, take part in one of Ally’s financial education sessions, and in a basketball clinic presented by Priority Health before heading to Little Caesars Arena for the game.
More than 100 high school and middle school students from COTS Detroit, Figure Skating in Detroit, Pretty Brown Girl, PeacePlayers, and the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, will take part in the Girls Dream Big Summit, which will highlight the successes of local women leaders while empowering those in attendance by incorporating current trends in leadership, communication, financial education, and diversity during enriching breakout sessions.
As a part of the Summit and in celebration of the launch of the Detroit Pistons and Harper Ray Accessories jewelry line, Harper Ray will provide all participants and mentors with bracelets from the collection as well as a pair of Harper Ray socks.
Consumers Energy Creates New Workforce Development Program
Consumers Energy in Jackson is creating new professional opportunities for residents of Flint and Jackson with a new pilot program that provides skills for people to work in fields alongside the energy provider.
The company’s Clean Energy Workforce Development Program now is providing training in Jackson for people employed in the building trades to become certified in advanced energy efficiency, lead abatement, and other work. A weekly stipend is provided to all participants for the full program.
Earlier this year, a class of students in Flint completed similar training to gain entry-level positions in those fields. While going through the program, trainees received a suite of services such as paid training and transportation and childcare assistance.
“Consumers Energy is committed to providing opportunities in the communities we serve and excited to provide training that opens the door for more people to work in professions that serve our customers,” says Lauren Snyder, vice president of customer experience at Consumers Energy’s “We’re finding new ways to support Michigan’s talent pipeline, building careers for people who will help Michiganders save money and live better lives.”
The program is a partnership between Consumers Energy and Detroit-based Walker-Miller Energy Services, which has trained program participants in both communities. Walker-Miller is one of the nation’s largest African American and woman-owned energy efficiency companies.
For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com.
DTE Energy Foundation Invites Community Nonprofits to Apply for $150K in Grants
The DTE Energy Foundation in Detroit is inviting Michigan nonprofits that serve local communities to submit Letters of Intent for a chance to be selected for a grant that will support community transformation efforts.
The foundation will provide up to $150,000 to be shared across two or more Michigan nonprofits focused on local, community transformation and revitalization.
Letters of Intent will be accepted now through 5 p.m. on May 1. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying can do so at the link here. The winning nonprofits will be notified by Oct. 4.
“Community Transformation is a key focus of the DTE Foundation, and we understand each city in Michigan has needs specific to residents and their location,” says Rodney Cole, president of the DTE Foundation. “That’s why it’s important for us to hear from the nonprofit applicants, ensuring we support their unique mission and community needs. “
Grants will be considered when meeting the following criteria:
- Applicants must be legally established 501(c)(3) public charities by the Internal Revenue Service and have the capacity to directly receive and manage the grant to be eligible.
- Fiduciary, fiscal sponsor payment arrangements and Type III supporting organizations are not eligible.
- The organization must be located in and directly benefit a project in Michigan.
- The DTE Foundation must be the majority contributor to the overall project.
- Submitted projects cannot be energy-related in any way.
- The organization must provide a long-term sustainability plan for any future needs of the project.
- The grantee must provide an annual report detailing the community impact of the grant.
- The organization must be willing to fulfill press release and grant presentation requests.
Mobility Group Meets Virtually March 15 to Discuss New Program
The Michigan Alliance for Greater Mobility Advancement (MAGMA) Advisory Council is meeting virtually from 9-11 a.m. March 15 to explore the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP).
An expert panel is expected to detail how the DMCSP works, participation opportunities, funding details, and its impact on the dynamic automotive and defense manufacturing supply chain.
To join in, register ahead of time here.
City-wide Queer Art Exhibition Taking Place in Detroit During June
The nonprofit Mighty Real/Queer Detroit (MR/QD) will present a city-wide exhibition titled “I’ll Be Your Mirror: Reflections of the Contemporary Queer” in partnership with the City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship.
Opening over the weekend of May 31 and running through June — Pride Month — the exhibition is the first-ever major biennial of works by LGBTQ+ artists at various Detroit galleries.
MR/QD is charting an expansion of its 2022 exhibition. “I’ll Be Your Mirror” features artists from the U.S., Asia, Latin America, and Europe. It will explore the mirrored relationship between art and self as well as art and community, highlighting the role of art in achieving personal visibility and social connection.
More than 170 artists will be featured, including works by Paula Allen, Alvin Baltrop, Christeene, Liz Collins, Thomas Dozol, John de Fazio, Darrel Ellis, Lola Flash, Eve Fowler, Benjamin Fredrickson, John Hanning, Hillary Harkness, Lyle Ashton Harris, Clarity Haynes, Clifford Prince King, Wayne Kostenbaum, Paul Kopkau, George Platt Lynes, Peter McGough, Slava Mogutin, Silvia Prada, Linda Simpson, Pamela Sneed, Hugh Steers, and A. L. Steiner.
Beyond the exhibition, MR/QD will host a variety of to-be-announced programming throughout June, from artist talks and panel discussion to poetry readings and live performances.
For more information, visit mrqd.org.
Kettering University in Flint to Partner with MEDC for Michigander Scholars Program
Kettering University in Flint is participating in the state of Michigan’s Michigander Scholars program, and is the only private institution to be invited to join the initiative.
The program, spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. aims to inspire and support college students aspiring to build careers in the electric vehicle/mobility or semiconductor industries.
Under the expanded Michigander Scholars program, Kettering University joins forces with its roster of esteemed co-op employer partners, including BorgWarner, Bosch, Denso, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Our Next Energy, Toyota, and ZF along with the opportunity to connect with other program partners Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota.
Under the Michigander Scholars program, Kettering students can receive a $5,000 scholarship for co-ops with eligible partner employers. Those who accept full-time positions after graduation are eligible for enhanced benefits, potentially receiving up to a $10,000 incentive. Graduates committing to live and work in Michigan for one year post-graduation will enjoy these enhanced scholarship benefits, contributing to the local workforce and promoting Michigan’s prominence in these cutting-edge industries.
Managed by Kettering’s co-op team in partnership with the MEDC’s Talent Solutions division, the Michigander Scholars program aims to engage 500 students passionate about the EV/mobility or semiconductor industries by the end of 2024, with the target of approving 350 scholarship recipients in these fields by Sept. 30.
AeroOne 2024 Conference Set for Sept 4-6 in Rochester
The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan is presenting its third annual AeroOne conference, Sept. 4-6, at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester.
Leaders from top aerospace companies in the world will gather for two-and-a-half days to gain critical insights from professionals in the industry. This year’s agenda includes a keynote address from Lockheed Martin plus other industry speakers and panel discussions.
The Aerospace Roundtables are returning for 2024.
The conference has consistently drawn representatives from more than 150 companies from 20 other states and multiple countries.
For more information and to register, visit here.
Application Period Now Open for Kroger 2024 Game Changers Scholarship
The Kroger Co. and The Procter & Gamble Co. announced the application period for its 2024 Game Changers Scholarship is now open. In its third year, 23 scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded to underrepresented female students pursuing a business, science, technical, and/or liberal arts undergraduate degree or certificate. The scholarship is presented by The Kroger Foundation and P&G’s Always Brand.
“The Game Changers Program aims to break down barriers and create pathways for talented women who may face unique challenges in pursuing higher education,” says Kate Meyer, vice president of Kroger Health & Beauty Care. “By investing in their academic journey, we are contributing to a brighter and more equitable future. Kroger is proud to team up with the Always Brand, uplift these young scholars and provide financial support so they can continue their educational journeys.”
The scholarship selection process and program are administered by Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) and Scholarship Management Resources (SMR), an independent scholarship services provider to manage the scholarship program, including selecting the recipients. This structure ensures a fair and objective-based selection process. For more information about the program and to begin the application process, visit here. The deadline to apply is May 12.
Detroit Public School Community District Foundation Announces Hall of Fame Alumni Gala
The Detroit Public School Community District Foundation (DPSCDF) and Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) are staging its third annual Tyrone E. Winfrey, Sr. Hall of Fame Alumni Gala on Saturday, May 11, at Samuel C. Mumford High School.
All Detroit Public Schools and DPSCD alumni, families, and supporters are invited to attend this sports-themed fundraiser. The event will highlight contributions of excellence in sports, the arts, advocacy, education, and business with an honoree ceremony and tributes.
Themed “Legends of the Game: A Celebration of DPSCD Through the Years,” the sports-themed gala will honor the district’s athletic legacy and traditions with elegance, and expand the celebration to disciplines outside of sports, reveling in the top achievements of DPS/DPSCD alum through the decades. From the moment guests approach the venue they will be immersed in a highly energetic atmosphere in the vein of a sporting event.
Attendees will experience performances on multiple stages by a nationally recognized artist and DPSCD’s finest talents in a mini-concert lounge, and taste some of Detroit’s best cuisine at food stations featuring DPSCD alum culinary businesses. Detroit’s All City Marching Band and All City Dance and Cheer Team, plus other Detroit-centric entertainment will also be featured. Other interactive experiences include a sports bar and lounge, wine tasting, and strolling entertainers.
Sponsorships and tickets to the gala are available for purchase at halloffamedetroit.org. Early bird tickets are on sale now.
