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.
Gilbert Family Foundation, Bedrock Announce the Return of Downtown Detroit Markets
The Gilbert Family Foundation and Bedrock announced the return of the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge, providing Detroiters with an immersive seasonal experience.
Beginning Nov. 9, 17 local businesses, the majority of which are Detroit-based and BIPOC or female-owned, will pop up in Cadillac Square to provide residents with engaging and diverse retail opportunities. The Downtown Detroit Markets will be open through Jan. 7, 2024.
“The Downtown Detroit Markets create a beautiful, inclusive space that builds strong social connection during winter months and provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for entrepreneurs to reach new customers during the peak of the holiday shopping season,” says Laura Grannemann, executive director of the Gilbert Family Foundation. “We are excited to once again collaborate with Bedrock and the Downtown Detroit Partnership on this beautiful space that showcases the year-round vibrancy of Detroit.”
TechTown, Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub offering programs, education, and resources for early-to-growth-stage small businesses, is a partner in the Downtown Detroit Markets. The organization offers specialized training for participating vendors before, during, and after the Markets season. In addition, each business receives the opportunity to work one-on-one with a TechTown retail strategist on a weekly basis. To view a video, visit here.
Also returning is the Cadillac Lodge, which offers a warm, family-friendly environment until Jan. 21, 2024. The Cadillac Lodge exemplifies the Gilbert Family Foundation’s commitment to inclusive public spaces by fostering community in the heart of downtown. The Iconic Collection will once again manage the Lodge this season, serving a wide variety of food and beverage options including walking tacos, Detroit-style chili, warm soft pretzels, hot cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic options, and more. For dates and hours, visit DeckedOutDetroit.com.
Downtown Detroit Market vendors include:
- Bags to Butterflies
- Halie & Co.
- The Brave Wimp
- Ariya’s Apparel and Accessories
- ASTOURI
- Verbatim
- Kids Like Mine
- Janna Kay Charcuterie Boards and Boxes
- FOLK
- Konjo Me
- Waffle Cabin
- Crummy’s Cake Supply & Studio
- Opal Grove Games
- Speedcult
- Rosemarine Textiles
- MG Studio
Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, Others Honor Stellantis
Stellantis in Auburn Hills has been recognized by three organizations for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the supply chain.
Stellantis has been honored as the Corporation of the Year by both the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and the Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), while also receiving a Best in Class award from the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (WBC).
“At Stellantis, we are deeply humbled and honored to win these awards,” says Bruno Olvera, head of diversity supplier development at the automaker. “These prestigious recognitions are a testament to our unwavering commitment to championing diversity, inclusion, and empowerment of diverse businesses.”
The MMSDC honor, part of the organization’s Ambassadors Championing Excellence (ACE) Awards, recognizes excellence and ongoing commitment to working with and helping to develop and mentor minority business enterprises.
In 2022, Stellantis spent $3 billion with more than 100 Tier 1 MMSDC-certified minority business enterprises. Since 1983, the company has sourced approximately $100 billion to diverse firms.
The CAMSC recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements by corporations and indigenous and diverse-owned businesses in supporting supplier diversity in Canada. Stellantis also was honored with CAMSC’s Procurement Business Advocate of the Year award.
In 2022, Stellantis spent more than $1.5 billion (CAD) with CAMSC-certified aboriginal and minority-owned businesses in Canada.
Stellantis’ Best in Class award from the Great Lakes WBC is in the Excellence in Supplier Diversity category. The honor is awarded to “corporations that have excelled in all major categories surveyed, including women’s business enterprise spend and capacity building, and advocacy for women-owned businesses.”
State of Michigan Launches New Auction Website for Surplus Sales
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) has launched a new online auction website for surplus sales, Michigan.gov/MiBid.
The new MiBid site offers users an improved bidding experience, up-to-date security features, additional payer options, and enhanced bidder confidentiality. The site is integrated with the State of Michigan MiLogin portal, which provides a secure, single point of access to many state services. By building the new website in house, DTMB says it can ensure it meets the highest security standards and will save the state nearly $250,000 a year.
The MiBid auction site is open to everyone, including local governments. While auction items are publicly viewable online at Michigan.gov/MiBid, anyone wanting to place a bid will need to create a free MiLogin profile. Users who already have a MiLogin profile to access other state services are ready to go.
DTMB’s state surplus team works with state agencies to reutilize and sell state of Michigan surplus property. Surplus also sells confiscated property for the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police, and the federal Transportation Security Administration. Office furniture, vehicles, specialized equipment, and electronic equipment are among the products available for bidders at Michigan.gov/MiBid.
Kelly in Troy Named a Top Company for Hybrid Jobs by FlexJobs
Troy-based Kelly has been named to FlexJobs’ second annual list of the Top 100 Companies for Hybrid Jobs.
The list is based on an analysis of approximately 58,000 companies and their hybrid job posting histories in the FlexJobs database between Sept. 1, 2022, and Aug. 31, 2023. During this period, Kelly had the second highest number of hybrid job openings, which are defined as a professional-level, full-time jobs that consist of both remote and in-office work.
Kelly earned the No. 2 spot on the 2023 list after ranking first the previous year. Among the hybrid jobs offered by Kelly are customer service, manufacturing, finance, and consumer product support roles.
“We are pleased to be named a Top 100 Company for Hybrid Jobs,” says Amy Bouque, chief people officer at Kelly. “In the current talent market, it is important to offer flexible work opportunities including fully remote, on-site, and hybrid roles. We have offered hybrid work options since 2016 because we believe they contribute to a culture that respects individual work styles and enhances productivity.”
Lawrence Tech Offering Certificate Program in Leadership
Lawrence Technological University in Southfield will again offer a five-week certificate program in leadership during January and February.
Certificate classes will be conducted from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, and Feb. 22.
The program facilitator is Patricia Castelli, professor in LTU’s College of Business and Information Technology.
The cost of the program is $1,800, or $1,500 for LTU alumni, students, faculty, and staff. To register or for more information, visit here.
Participants will develop critical leadership skills, using the latest research on how self-awareness and reflection develop leadership, as well as techniques on conflict resolution, delegation, motivation, and trust building.
Celebrities to Lip Sync for New Day Foundation Oct. 19 at MotorCity Casino
In a challenge pitting celebrity against celebrity live onstage, New Day Foundation announces eight new celebrities participating in the Celebrity Lip Sync Battle at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
New participating celebrities include:
- Shannon Murphy and Meaghan Mick representing Channel 955’s “Mojo in the Morning”
- Aria Hutchinson, Miss Michigan USA 2022 and sister of the Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson
- Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive
- Raphael (Ray) Washington, Wayne County sheriff
- Craig Monroe, former Detroit Tigers outfielder and current Bally Sports Detroit broadcaster
- Mike Bonner, comedian and contributor to WDIV TV4
- Andy Meisner, former Oakland County treasurer and co-founder and CEO of Community Unity Bank
- Peter Maxwell, WXYZ TV7 reporter
Returning to the competition are:
- Holly Hutton and Rob Stone from “The Rob & Holly Show” on 99.5 WYCD
- Kim DeGuilio of WDIV TV4, 2022 People’s Choice Award Winner
- Erica Francis of FOX2 Detroit
- Andy Dirks, former Detroit Tigers outfielder
Celebrity Lip Sync Battle is a live show benefit for New Day Foundation for Families, a nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance and emotional support to families facing cancer across Michigan. The show features eight celebrity teams, each competing on behalf of a local New Day family facing cancer, live onstage in an epic lip sync battle complete with hip choreography and iconic costuming.
Celebrity judges will score each performance, but the audience will choose the winner.
General admission tickets for the show are available at Ticketmaster.com for just $35, or purchase a “Show & Glow” patron ticket for $100 that includes entry to the show and a new Afterglow event, sponsored by Premier Academy and hosted by New Day NEXT young professionals council.
Additional packages, which include a VIP strolling dinner, open bar, show, and Afterglow, begin at $250. For sponsorship information, visit FoundationForFamilies.org.
Dearborn Area Chamber Presents Annual Executive Beer and Bourbon Tasting
The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Executive Beer and Bourbon Tasting from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 8 at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn.
Featuring beverages from Atwater Brewery, Griffin Claw Brewing Co., and Great Lakes Wines and Spirits, the evening is curated by the executive chef at The Henry, and includes:
- Charcuterie display
- Short rib slider
- Zingerman pimento cheese on Texas toast
- Smoked chicken wing with sweet and spicy BBQ sauce
- Birria beef quesadilla with avocado sauce
- Mini mac and cheese
- Venison chili
- Apple crisp cake
To register and for more information, visit here or call 313-584-6100.
