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.
Faygo Unveils New Orange Creme Flavor ‘Dreamin’
Faygo Beverages Inc. in Detroit is launching its newest flavor, Faygo Dreamin – Orange Crème, meant to evoke nostalgic memories of orange frozen treats.
Faygo Dreamin is caffeine-free and available in 20- and 24-ounce bottles.
The company is celebrating the launch of Dreamin with a “Never Stop Dreamin’” campaign that will include giveaway items as shirts, hats, sleep masks, and candles that will be featured on Faygo’s social media pages.
Detroit Pistons Announce Oct. 28 Home Opener Festivities
The Detroit Pistons will host their home opener at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit against the Chicago Bulls. Pregame activations begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue throughout the night as Cade Cunningham makes his return to the team.
Head Coach Monty Williams makes his Detroit debut on the sidelines as first-round selections Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser hit the LCA court in their first home contest.
The festivities tipoff with pregame activities inside the arena as doors open and will include photo opportunities, face painters, balloon artists, airbrush tattoo artists, as well as performances by the Detroit Pistons DJ and the Pistons Entertainment teams. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats for full-team introductions beginning at 6:50 p.m. All fans will be welcomed to their seats with an “Always Detroit Basketball” t-shirt presented by Michigan First Credit Union.
To tipoff the Pistons home opener, Detroit lifestyle specialist Ty Mopkins will make a guest appearance for the Pistons’ Rev Up moment. Chechi Sarai, a contestant on Season 24 of “The Voice” and a Pontiac native, will sing the National Anthem and the inaugural winner of the Detroit Pistons Black Music Month Award and Detroit’s own music artist DeJ Loaf will provide halftime entertainment.
Tickets are still available for the Detroit Pistons home opener. Visit pistons.com/tickets for more information.
In Related News: The Pistons debuted their tip-off spot and 2023-24 brand campaign “Always Detroit Basketball.” The spot, which can be viewed in full here, is streaming across all Detroit Pistons social platforms and at Pistons.com.
Narrated by Ty Mopkins, the “Always Detroit Basketball” spot brings together on-court action with community and culture highlighting art, music, fashion, and the energy that brings the team, its fans, and the city together. Inspired by Pistons legends of the past, the Pistons young core of players are ready to make their mark and inspire the next generation of Pistons fans.
The “Always Detroit Basketball” spot features cameos by current Pistons players Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Thompson. The spot also features cameos by the original creator of “Deeetroit Basketball” John Mason, Pistons’ legends Rick Mahorn and Ben Wallace, Detroit music artists Royce Da 5’9” and Kash Doll, fashion designer Desyree Nicole, and muralist Jason Philips.
“Always Detroit Basketball” was directed by Clio-award-winning director Michael Medoway and features music from Detroit producer and DJ, 14KT. The spot is currently airing during advertisement spots on local television networks, with additional versions running on social channels and Pistons.com.
Chevrolet Blazer EV is MotorTrend’s 2024 SUV of the Year
The all-new Chevrolet Blazer EV topped a field of 40 competitors to win MotorTrend’s “Golden Calipers” for 2024 SUV of the Year.
MotorTrend credits the Blazer EV’s “cutting-edge technology, dynamic design, and unprecedented powertrain choices” as the reasons for the selection.
“Chevrolet has truly nailed the design and functionality with the Blazer EV, which looks and operates just as an industry-leading all-electric SUV should,” says Ed Loh, head of editorial for the MotorTrend Group. “The Chevy Blazer EV offers an effortless driving experience, seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle and boasts user friendliness that’s hard to match.”
Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet, says: “We are excited and honored to receive this recognition for the Blazer EV. This vehicle takes convenience and customer choice to the next level, a major step in delivering on Chevrolet’s promise to provide an EV for everyone.”
Forecast: U.S. Auto Sales Pace in October Expected to Increase from September
Despite economic and political uncertainty throughout October, new-vehicle sales remain remarkably stable, according to a forecast by Cox Automotive. New-vehicle sales volume in the U.S. is expected to rise nearly 4 percent over October 2022, a market that was in the early stages of recovery from severe product shortages.
The October seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), or sales pace, is expected to finish near 15.8 million, up 1.1 million from last year’s pace and a slight gain over last month’s 15.7 million level. The sales strength continues to be remarkable, given the current economic climate and the fact that average new-vehicle auto loans are flirting with 10 percent. Some of these sales gains and good news, however, can be attributed to seasonal adjustments, as October has one less selling day than both October 2022 and last month.
“Though there are many headwinds in the market today, new-vehicle sales continue to show gains over last year’s supply-constrained market,” says Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. “Concerns about high interest rates, a potential economic recession, and the ongoing UAW strike are all likely holding back some potential vehicle buyers. However, there are still enough individuals and businesses with the need and ability to buy vehicles, which has helped sustain the sales recovery.”
Detroit’s Storehouse In A Box Recognized as Minority E-Commerce Firm of the Year
Storehouse In A Box in Detroit, founded by Tamira Chapman, has been named Minority E-Commerce Firm of the Year by U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).
Storehouse In A Box was ranked as the eighth fastest-growing woman-owned enterprise in 2022. Chapman’s approach to e-commerce, which resulted in a laudable 98 percent customer retention rate, also charted a new course for businesses to drive profound societal change. Her leadership enabled the channeling of millions into charitable organizations.
To position Storehouse In A Box for success, Chapman capitalized on emerging market trends by coupling her analytical abilities with problem-solving.
A hallmark of the firm’s success is dedication to knowledge acquisition and the embrace of technological advancements. Chapman’s proficiency in digital marketing, supply chain optimization, and consumer behavior analysis contributed to Storehouse’s ascent.
HTC Global Services in Troy Achieves PartnerConnect Program Specialization
HTC Global Services, a provider of IT services and solutions in Troy, has achieved the Guidewire PartnerConnect specialization: PolicyCenter North America. HTC Global Services is a Guidewire PartnerConnect Consulting partner at the Select level and works with Guidewire in North America.
Specializations are both regionally and globally based and require partners to demonstrate skills, knowledge, and competency in a particular Guidewire product or solution area. The achievement of specializations enables insurers to have more clarity and insight into which partners have proven capabilities in a region. In addition, partners with specializations can better promote their capabilities across Guidewire products and solutions.
For more information, visit here.
Farmington Hills’ RHP Properties Expands Academic Initiatives to Additional Schools
RHP Properties in Farmington Hills has announced a $10,000 donation to Lower Dauphin Middle School in Hummelstown, Pa., and a $10,000 donation to Cessna Elementary School in Wichita, Kan. The contributions will be used to purchase educational materials and mark the eleventh and twelfth schools adopted by RHP Properties through AdoptAClassroom.org, a national nonprofit that provides funding for pre-K to 12 teachers and schools.
Within the Lower Dauphin Middle School District, RHP Properties manages the Grantville Commons community in East Hanover Township where 175 students are residents. The Cessna Elementary School District includes 120 students from four RHP manufactured home communities including Glen Acres, The Woodlands, Twin Oaks, and El Caudillo.
“Through our collaboration with AdoptAClassroom.org we are addressing the needs of families in our area so schools can create a more stimulating learning environment for some of the youngest members in our communities,” says Ross Patrich, CEO of RHP Properties. “Access to necessary school supplies and materials will help ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed academically.”
School leadership is confident the donations will improve the quality of resources and books they can offer which in turn will improve the quality of education students receive.
NTEA in Farmington Hills Planning Work Truck Week 2024
Farmington Hills-based NTEA — The Work Truck Association — has released the full Work Truck Week 2024 schedule and opened registration and housing for North America’s largest work truck event, which runs March 5-8, 2024, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Work Truck Week provides commercial vehicle industry professionals with opportunities to explore the latest trucks, equipment, and trends; learn new ideas and solutions that can impact their operations; and connect with the people and companies they need to thrive.
It encompasses The Work Truck Show, Green Truck Summit, NTEA Annual Meeting, Work Truck Week Ride & Drive, educational sessions, and more.
“This year, we’re emphasizing the many ways Work Truck Week increasingly gives you more: more equipment, more connections and more answers,” says Steve Carey, president and CEO of NTEA. “From an exhibit hall packed with innovative new vehicles, equipment and technology to an educational conference second to none, Work Truck Week is where the business of commercial vehicles gets done.”
To register, visit here.
Inc.com Names MEDC a Power Partner
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. was recently named a Power Partner by Inc.com for its “game-changing small business support.”
MEDC also was recognized for “addressing critical upskilling and talent fulfillment needs for high-end and priority industries in the state, including EVs, mobility, and semiconductors.”
This recognition emphasized that the MEDC is a lead agent for economic growth not only across the state, but for businesses of all sizes.
Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s Launches Online Holiday Store
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s has opened its online Holiday Store for a limited time’
The items featured range from short sleeve t-shirts to full zip sherpas and insulated jackets and beanies, fitting for Michigan winters. Twenty percent of gross proceeds from each purchase made now through Nov. 6 will benefit the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, to help improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones.
The foundation’s online holiday store is available at KirkGibsonFoundation.org.
DIA Presenting Annual Dia de Los Muertos Exhibit Through Nov. 5
The Detroit Institute of Arts is presenting its annual “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Dia de Muertos” exhibit from now through Nov. 5.
The exhibit invites local artists and community members to design, submit, and display unique ofrendas or “offerings.” It was developed more than 10 years ago to shed light on the Mexican traditions of the “Day of the Dead,” and build a sense of community as visitors identify with the reasons and ways people honor their deceased loved ones and take part in the acts of remembering. It has grown steadily — and organically — ever since.
What started at the DIA in 2012 as just a one-day display featuring the work of eight artists is now a community experience that spans 44-days and features the work of 14 artists. This past year, 54 local artists submitted concepts for consideration. Last year, the exhibition was attended by 37,002 visitors, its third highest visitor count on record (after welcoming 49,203 visitors in 2019 and 38,815 visitors in 2018, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Participating artists create ofrendas alters, which are displayed throughout the Special Exhibition space, just steps away from Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals, as well as Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, Claude Monet’s Rounded Flower Bed, and all other prominent pieces in the DIA’s collection. The museum also creates a curriculum for student groups as an educational tool to help guide their time in the exhibit space.
“Ofrendas: Celebrating el Dia de Muertos” is developed in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and Mexicantown CDC.
TravelMag Names Romeo One of America’s Best Small Cities for Halloween Celebrations
TravelMag, a digital publication that explores off-the-grid destinations from around the globe, has named Romeo as one of the best towns and small cities for Halloween celebrations in the United States.
Editors focused on destinations that offer a unique take that goes beyond just decorations and handing out candy to communities that bring multiple generations together for a “seriously spooky celebration.”
“This small Midwestern town of Romeo is renowned for its enchanting Halloween celebrations, with ‘Terror on Tilson Street’ the pièce de resistance,” writes TravelMag. “Each year, the town draws thousands of visitors as local residents decorate their historic homes along Tilson Street, turning it into a mesmerizing spectacle. Elaborate and macabre decorations, including intricate pumpkin carvings, ghoulish animatronics, and hauntingly beautiful light displays, adorn the houses.”
To see the full list or terrifying towns, visit here.
MICA in Lansing to Feature ‘Lawrence French Holbrook: Art Meets Math’
The Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art in Lansing will be hosting an exhibit of Lawrence French Holbrook’s original digital art Nov. 4-Dec. 31 with a special reception from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 12.
Holbrook passed away in 2002 and his digital art was created largely between 1994 and 2002 after his retirement as director of the Michigan Department of Transportation Materials and Technology Research Laboratory.
His art predated any artificial intelligence and most digital art enhancement software. As a mathematician and statistician, he wrote his own mathematical formulas to create and develop his unique digital art. The results are “stunning, vibrant, and captivating,” as he purposely moved toward a more “painterly” effect. He used his computer as a tool to accomplish his artistic product much as a painter uses a paintbrush and canvas to express their ideas.
