DBusiness Daily Update: Firebird Tavern in Troy Introduces Weekend Brunch Service, and More

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies.
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Firebird Tavern food
Firebird Tavern in Troy has introduced weekend brunch service. // Photo by Firebird Tavern

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.

Firebird Tavern in Troy Introduces Weekend Brunch Service

Firebird Tavern in Troy has introduced weekend brunch service.

The brunch menu features Firebird’s signature blend of elevated comfort food, with an array of options that cater to all palates. The menu includes both classic brunch favorites and more creative offerings.

Among the highlights is the Morning Scramble breakfast pizza, with a sausage gravy base, topped with bacon, scrambled egg, and cheddar. On the sweeter side, the Grand Marnier French Toast offers a decadent combination of flavors.

Entrees include chilaquiles, with fresh house-made tortilla chips and roasted tomatillo salsa; steak & eggs with Fairway Packing’s Creekstone Black Angus sirloin marinated in Founder’s Brewing ‘Red’s Rye IPA’; and a savory oatmeal with creamy white cheddar, bacon, and green onion, served with eggs.

For those looking to graze, a brunch board with waffles, biscuits, fruit, meats, cheeses, and sauces is available for small groups to enjoy. The menu also features classic breakfast bowls and handhelds.

Firebird Tavern’s brunch service features an assortment of beverages, including bloody Mary’s with a house-made mix and skewered garnish, handcrafted cocktails, and mocktails, Jumex  juices and nectars, and coffee from Clawson’s Sabbath Coffee Roasters. The highlight is a build-your-own mojito offering, with more than a thousand flavor combinations.

Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information FirebirdTavernTroy.com.

J&B Pharmacy in Wixom Earns NABP Digital Pharmacy, Other Accreditations

J&B Pharmacy Services Inc. in Wixom has been accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) for digital pharmacy practice and the NABP’s Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Pharmacy accreditation.

J&B Pharmacy Services is a closed-door, mail order and specialty pharmacy providing patient care with extensive offerings from prescription medications to medical supplies with an emphasis on diabetes care and medication therapy management. The pharmacy is licensed to provide care for patients in 48 states and is “in-network” with various insurance plans and state Medicaid and Medicare plans across the country.

“At J&B Pharmacy, we are always striving to be a leader in our industry and achieve the highest level of excellence in delivering superior and safe patient care,” says Charlene Shaya, COO for the J&B Medical Family of Cos. “With these accreditations, we are proud to display our ongoing commitment to providing quality health care and sound pharmacy practices while also demonstrating quality and safety.”

For more information, visit jandbpharmacy.com.

Cold Weather Fun Continues This Weekend with at Motown Magic at Valade Park

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is inviting Detroiters to Robert C. Valade Park to celebrate their love of all things Motor City during Motown Magic this weekend.

Highlights of the family-friendly weekend festivities include live music, a writing workshop/open mic, food trucks, and a bubble party, hands-on activities and a basketball give-away for kids.  There’s also a Lions Tailgate Celebration planned for Sunday.

Motown Magic is part of the conservancy’s Winter at Valade celebration, which is presented by Friends of Robert C. Valade Park and features family-friendly programming every weekend through Feb. 25.

The free event is presented by Visit Detroit and open Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from noon-9 p.m. and Sunday from noon-7 p.m. Valade Park is located at 2670 East Atwater along the East Riverfront in downtown Detroit.

Motown Magic is the second of four themed Winter at Valade weekends this season.  In addition to the four themed weekends, guests can visit Valade Park every weekend through Feb. 25 for giant fires, marshmallow roasters, sledding, seasonal drinks and food, and special programming on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information, visit here.

New FAFSA Promises to Unlock Scholarship Opportunities for More Michigan Students

A new version of the federal financial aid application known as the FAFSA is expected to open scholarship and grant opportunities for more Michigan students and make it easier for them to apply.

Some of the changes include expanding eligibility for financial aid for low- and middle-income students, cuts the number of questions on the FAFSA form and makes it easier to import financial information.

In Michigan, nearly 20,000 more students are expected to gain eligibility for a Pell Grant and more than 38,000 more students are expected to receive the maximum grant award, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Education.

“National research indicates that one of the most common barriers to filling out the FAFSA is that many people assume they’re not eligible for financial aid, and that’s simply not the case,” says Michelle Richard, acting director of MiLEAP. “The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a real game changer. Everyone should complete the FAFSA to learn if they are eligible for it or other scholarships, grants, or assistance.”

With the new changes, it takes most applicants less than an hour to complete the FAFSA and learn if they’re eligible for scholarships such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides eligible students up to $27,500 for college.

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides scholarships for undergraduate students who graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma, certificate of completion, or achieve a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after. Students must be attending an eligible Michigan postsecondary institution and demonstrate financial need when they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For more information, visit studentaid.gov.

ACG Detroit to Stage Economic Outlook in Birmingham Feb. 1

ACG Detroit will present its annual Economic Outlook from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Birmingham Community House (380 S. Bates St.) on Feb. 1, 2024.

Matthew Miskin, chief investment strategist at John Hancock, will give the main presentation. Miskin has more than 15 years of industry experience including due diligence analyst at LPL Financial Research, where he was responsible for asset allocation changes related to the firm’s recommended list and discretionary models. He earned a Matt earned a degree in finance from Elon University and an MBA from Babson College.

The cost for members is $65, $90 for nonmembers.

To register, visit here.

Timothy Clark, Jofre Beltran Win Fashion, Film Grants for Detroit Artists

Eugenie Detroit and RATHAUS Films have announced the recipients of their first joint grant initiative.

After a two-round selection process, Timothy Clark, founder of Rough–Draft, and independent filmmaker Jofre Beltran will each receive a $10,000 award.

The grant was established to support local artists, designers and filmmakers committed to environmental responsibility and social impact. By providing financial support, Eugenie and RATHAUS Films aim to empower the winners to make a lasting impact in their respective industries, bringing their visions to fruition while driving positive creative and sustainable change.

Rough–Draft’s proposed project aims to activate people and their connection to the outdoors. The company promotes holistic living both in cities and nature, producing clothing that is suitably stylish and functional for both environments.

Beltran will use the funds to produce “City, No Motor,” an anthology film inspired by Detroit and those who navigate the city without a car. Incorporating Detroiters who wait at bus stops, who ride their bikes, and those on foot, the film is about where these people fit in the future identity of the city, and also where these people fit on the roads and alleys of a city that was not built for them.

Greenleaf Trust Named Inclusive Workplace by Color Magazine

Best Companies Group, in collaboration with Color magazine, has recognized Greenleaf Trust in Birmingham as an Inclusive Workplace in December 2023.

This acknowledgment is not a ranking or competition, but rather a celebration of organizations that surpass Best Companies Group’s data-driven benchmarks to promote inclusivity.

The program, initiated last fall, assesses participating companies through comprehensive surveys and data analysis. Areas of evaluation include inclusion, belonging, psychological safety, community, and purpose.

“At Greenleaf Trust, inclusivity isn’t just a checkbox, it’s our heartbeat,” says Michael Odar, CEO of Greenleaf Trust. “Inclusivity means our teammates can bring their unique selves to work and have it seen as an asset that makes us better.”

Michigan Receives $1.8M in Federal Funding to Increase Reliability of Existing EV Chargers 

The Michigan Infrastructure Office announced the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has received a $1.8 million Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program grant to repair or replace broken electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the state.

This funding will support Michigan’s transition to EVs and help the state meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

“Electric vehicle drivers deserve chargers that reliably power up their vehicles,” says Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “I applaud this fiscally prudent investment, which will give EV owners confidence that they can charge up anywhere in the state of Michigan.”

MDOT will use the funds to repair or replace up to 172 chargers at 105 locations across Michigan. Sites that receive these grants must complete their work on the chargers within 12 months of getting the funds.

For more information, visit here.

Farmington Hills’ NTEA Planning March Work Truck Week in Indianapolis

NTEA, the work truck association based in Farmington Hills, is planning its annual Work Truck Week, which runs March 5-8 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

The event includes the Green Truck Summit, The Work Truck Show, the NTEA Annual Meeting, ride and drives, educational sessions, and more.

The Green Truck Summit is March 5, educational sessions run March 5-7, and Work Truck Show exhibits are open March 6-8.

For more information and to register, visit worktruckweek.com.

Detroit to Benefit from EP Golf Ventures Investment in Eastside Golf

EP Golf Ventures, a private investment partnership between PGA of America and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ownership group, has invested in Eastside Golf, an Atlanta-based lifestyle golf brand, that will allow the latter to support Community Golf days in five cities including Detroit.

Other cities involved include Atlanta and Augusta, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla., and Memphis, Tenn.

Community Golf Days bring new players to their local courses to play, connect with others and experience the fun of the game at no cost.

“The goal with Eastside Golf is to change how people around the world view the sport,” says Olajuwon Ajanaku, co-founder of Eastside Golf. “Our logo is not what you’d expect from a traditional apparel line rooted in golf — a Black man wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and gold rope chain, swinging a club. And that’s the goal. We want to inspire confidence but also promote authenticity by showing that everyone can enjoy the game of golf, no matter who you are.”

Johnston & Murphy Names Wolfgang Agency of Record After Competitive Pitch

American premium footwear, apparel, and accessories brand Johnston & Murphy has chosen Wolfgang, which has an office in Detroit, as its new creative agency after a competitive pitch process.

Wolfgang has been tasked with building a new appreciation of Johnston & Murphy as a modern lifestyle brand, positioning the company for today’s world by blending the best of its heritage with a fresh perspective.

“Wolfgang’s positive energy and strategic approach to our brand was impressive throughout the pitch process, which allowed our team to make a confident decision,” says Jason Dasal, senior vice president of marketing and e-commerce for Johnston & Murphy. “They approached every stage with thoughtfulness, responsiveness, insight and creativity. Wolfgang’s work addresses our key business challenge: thoughtfully modernizing a legacy brand while maintaining respect for its history.”

In addition to strategic repositioning, Wolfgang will implement both a creative, brand-level campaign and strong product benefit stories across traditional and digital platforms with the help of their in-house production capabilities.

The first work of the new campaign will launch in spring/summer 2024.

Allison Transmission Awarded $83.3M Contract to Support Abrams Tank Modernization

Indianapolis-based Allison Transmission, which has an electrification engineering center in Auburn Hills, received an $83.3 million contract to provide upgraded and new X1100 transmissions supporting Abrams Main Battle Tank variants used by the U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales customers.

“Allison is proud to be part of the world’s premier main battle tank supporting the U.S. Army and our close partners,” says Dana Pittard, vice president for defense programs at Allison Transmission. “We look forward to continued support of these customers in the decades to come.”

Allison will deliver upgraded and new transmissions to meet performance demands of the Abrams tank. The Allison upgrade program combines new content with existing customer hardware to provide a zero-mileage transmission to support the Abrams System Enhancement Package version 3 tanks at significant customer savings. Deliveries under this contract begin in January 2024 and continue through December 2024.

Forgotten Harvest Announces Round 3 of $5M Agency Capacity Grant Program

Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park has made a donation of $1,035,738 to 31 nonprofits in metro Detroit communities to work together to end hunger.

The organization says it’s fortunate to be able to invest in the systems change it seeks by providing some of its partner agencies with financial help to improve front-line food assistance services to the metro Detroit community.

Forgotten Harvest has been sharing this opportunity over three years with six rounds of grant awards. The program was announced in 2022 with the first grants given in 2023. The funding for the community infrastructure projects was provided by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Round 3 grants were awarded in December 2023 to 31 of Forgotten Harvest’s agency partners, many of them having never received a grant before and with few other sources of support for repairs and upgrades. A total of 55 grants and more than $2.2 million over three grant rounds have been awarded to date.

The grantees will use this funding for projects such as repairing and replacing kitchen equipment, establishing food delivery services, enhancing logistics infrastructure, upgrading existing food service, community engagement programs, and more. Fifteen of the agency partners receiving funding are in Wayne County, 13 are in Oakland County, two are in Macomb County, and one covers all three counties.

Wayne State Fieldhouse to Host its First Boxing Card Feb. 20

Salita Promotions will launch its inaugural “Big Time Boxing USA” event Feb. 20 at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit, the first boxing matches at the facility, which will be livestreamed on DAZN, a British entertainment platform.

At the top of the card is a 10-round all-Michigan showdown as Flint’s Ardreal Holmes Jr. defends his USBA Super Welterweight Championship against Detroit’s Marlon Harrington.

In the c0-main event, unbeaten USBA Light Heavyweight Champion Ali Izmailov will face Britton Norwood in a 10-round bout.

Action on DAZN, which will start streaming at 8 p.m., also will feature a battle of unbeatens as Grand Rapids-native and U.S. National Amateur Champion Joshua Pagan battles Detroit’s Dwane Taylor in an eight-round lightweight bout, plus undefeated Dearborn-native Da’Velle Smith competes in a six-round middleweight affair.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online or in-person at the Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office.