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.
Harbor Springs’ The Highlands Continues Donald Ross Memorial Course Renovation
As part of a multi-year transformation project to renovate northern Michigan’s Donald Ross Memorial at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, four additionally renovated holes are now open. The one-of-a-kind 18-hole layout is a composite re-creation of classic golf holes from iconic venues that the father of golf course architecture in America designed in the early part of the 20th century.
The latest holes to be completed include Hole 2 (No. 4 Plainfield Country Club), Hole 13 (No. 15 Seminole), Hole 15 (No. 11 Aronimink), and Hole 16 (No. 10 Pinehurst No. 2). Five holes have now been renovated to Ross’ original designs, and additional holes are on tap for renovation over the next few years.
Thirty-five years ago, BOYNE Golf’s founder, Everett Kircher, had a vision to create a new and unique golf course at the time that would pay homage to the golden era of classic course architecture and Ross. His vision was to re-create some of Ross’ signature holes from his top courses east of the Mississippi River. The course features classic renditions from historic venues like Seminole, Pinehurst No. 2, Oakland Hills, Oak Hill, Scioto, Detroit Golf Club, Aronimink, Wannamoisett, Plainfield, and Inverness, to name a few.
Next on tap will be the 10th hole, a rendition of No. 14 at Royal Dornoch, where Ross grew up, was the superintendent, and learned the trade under Old Tom Morris. Construction starts in June and will be done by 2025.
Michigan-based course architect and Donald Ross expert Ray Hearn was hired to oversee it. To read a DBusiness story on Hearn, visit here.
For more information on the Donald Ross Memorial and to learn more about each of the individual holes being worked on, visit here.
Pennsylvania’s Axalta to Acquire CoverFlexx Group in Brighton
Axalta Coating Systems in Philadelphia, which has a facility in Mount Clemens, has signed an agreement to acquire The CoverFlexx Group in Brighton. The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The CoverFlexx Group, a subsidiary of Transtar Holding Co. in Cleveland, specializes in manufacturing and distributing coatings for automotive refinish and aftermarket applications. Brands under The CoverFlexx Group umbrella include Transtar Autobody Technologies, Pro Form, and Aftermkt Armor products.
The CoverFlexx Group operates with a workforce of more than 120 employees across manufacturing and product development facilities located in Brighton and Milton, Ontario, Canada.
“Axalta is a premier global manufacturer of refinish and industrial coatings,” says Ben DePompei, president of The CoverFlexx Group. “Coupling our brands and opportunities to expand is exciting, and we look forward to joining their team and experiencing continued growth.”
Cepton in Troy Announces Engineering Contract with Koito
California-based Cepton Inc., which has a center of excellence in Troy, has signed an engineering services agreement with its long-term automotive Tier 1 partner and current shareholder, Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Under the terms of the agreement, Koito will provide Cepton with a total of $10 million in engineering services fee for the quarter ended June 30, to support a major global OEM program that Cepton and Koito have recently secured.
The agreement will fuel Cepton’s customer-specific product development and program execution efforts for its near-range lidar, which is planned to be deployed in the above-mentioned OEM program as well as by multiple other OEM customers to enable Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, for both on-road and off-road use cases.
Detroit Pistons to Host Sneaker Grab Event June 1
The Detroit Pistons will host a Sneaker Grab event presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey from 3-7 p.m. on June 1 at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center in Modtown Detroit.
A variety of vendors will be in attendance including vintage streetwear and sneaker resellers, offering sneakerheads the opportunity to buy, trade, and sell kicks. New to this year’s Sneaker Grab, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey will offer sneaker cleaning for all participants and provide custom shoe bags while supplies last. The event also will include food trucks, photo opportunities and prize giveaways.
Tickets are available and can be purchased for $30 by visiting pistons.com/sneaker-grab. All tickets to Sneaker Grab include entry to the event and a ticket to a 2024-25 Pistons game and a ticket to a 2024-25 Motor City Cruise game. Local sneaker and streetwear vendors interested in tabling at the event can also apply by visiting here.
U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage to Aid Michigan Tornado Recovery
U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container storage to residents impacted by the tornadoes that tore through several counties in southern Michigan last week, leaving widespread damage in their wake.
The impact of these storms was felt in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch and Cass counties, among other areas. Many victims are now dealing with substantial home, business, and property damage.
Access to dry and secure U-Haul self-storage rooms and portable storage containers is essential for communities during the clean-up process after natural disasters.
The 30-day free offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability. The U-Box offer is limited to on-site storage at U-Haul facilities (does not include delivery to or pick-up from residential locations).
People seeking more information or needing to arrange storage services should contact their nearest participating facility:
- U-Haul Moving & Storage of Battle Creek, 269-924-0893
- U-Haul Moving & Storage of Benton Harbor, 269-927-4494
- U-Haul Moving & Storage of Jackson, 517-784-0065
- U-Haul Moving & Storage of Kalamazoo, 269-345-7141
- U-Haul Moving & Storage at Jolly & Cedar, 517-394-0075
- U-Haul Moving & Storage of South Lansing, 517-882-1278
- U-Haul Moving & Storage at Waverly Road, 517-316-1001
Ride 2 End Suicide Set for May 18 at Stoney Creek Metropark, Macomb Orchard Trail
Common Ground is managing this year’s bicycle ride fundraiser for suicide awareness, prevention, education, and support of survivors.
The Ride 2 End Suicide route is a paved path through Stony Creek Metropark and the Macomb Orchard Trail.
The event will take place from 8 a.m.-noon May 18. All levels of riders are welcome. The starting point is at Capital Banquet Center on 31 Mile in Washington Township, MI. Registration is $40 per rider.
For more information and to register, visit ride2endsuicide.com. A virtual ride is an option.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Common Ground, a nonprofit crisis intervention agency in Oakland County.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Presents Grow A Little Breakfast May 21
Birmingham-based Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan (BBBSSEM) is planning its Grow A Little Breakfast at 8 a.m. on May 21 at The Community House in Birmingham (380 S. Bates St.).
The free event aims to shine a light on the transformative power of mentorship for young people and the importance of the little (and big) moments that shape our lives.
The Grow A Little Breakfast is a fund and friend-raising event to learn about BBBSSEM and how companies, individuals and organizations can become engaged in our mission: to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth!
Event keynote speaker Sherisse Butler, senior vice president-executive director at City Year, will share her perspectives on the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of our youth.
New Flint Institute of Arts Museum Exhibition Features Cultural Jewelry
The Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School hopes to bedazzle visitors with a new exhibit titled Meditations in Gold: South Asian Jewelry, on view May 16 through Feb. 2, 2025 in the Ann K. Walch-Chan Gallery.
From prehistoric necklaces made of shells and bones to contemporary ornaments of gold and gemstones, since the beginning jewelry has had many functions; to represent cultural beliefs, to indicate status and wealth, to act as a fashion statement, to serve religious purposes, to symbolize relationships and rites of passage, to serve as a type of currency, and as heirlooms connecting families to their heritage, or in some cases to protect the wearer.
With its own mines yielding gold, diamonds, and many other precious and semiprecious stones, India has been a vibrant center for wearable arts for centuries. Whether it is an opulent creation covering much of the body or a simple amulet worn around the neck on a cotton string, every detail holds important cultural connections.
The exhibition, co-curated by FIA curators and Usha Balakrishnan, will include jewelry worn for religious, ceremonial, and daily purposes. And because every element of jewelry design in India is intentional, it will consider the importance of motifs from the natural and spiritual world. It will also explore why materials—like gold and pearls—are deeply symbolic and how they are utilized to create meaning beyond aesthetics.
Preceding the gallery opening is a Kommareddi Family Lecture featuring guest speaker Balakrishnan on May 16 at 6 p.m. in the FIA Theater. Titled “Adorning the Self: Symbolism and Personal Identity,” the lecture will delve into the rich tapestry of Indian history and culture through the lens of personal adornment. It traces the intricate relationship between jewelry, attire, and the expression of personal identity, social hierarchy, and spiritual belief systems that have, since time immemorial, flourished on the Indian subcontinent. Admission to the lecture is free and open to the public with registration here.
Gameday Men’s Health Expands in Bloomfield Hills
Gameday Men’s Health, a medical facility specializing in restoring men’s vitality through personalized testosterone replacement treatment and erectile dysfunction therapy, has opened a new branch in Bloomfield Hills.
Located at 10 W. Square Lake Road, Ste. 107 in Bloomfield Hills, Gameday Men’s Health Birmingham/Bloomfield helps address these concerns about low testosterone and erectile dysfunction.
Gameday Men’s Health only uses 100 percent bioidentical testosterone, which is molecularly identical to what the patient’s body generates naturally. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are recognized by the body, resulting in better and more effective outcomes. The clinic says it believes in supporting the body’s natural processes to promote optimal hormone balance and overall well-being.
To learn more, visit here.
State’s Top Taco Trucks to Descent on Royal Oak July 4-7
The Royal Oak Taco Fest returns for the third time July 4-7, featuring food from more than 50 of Michigan’s top taco trucks, taquerias, and eateries. With hours of free entertainment and expanded Kids’ Zone activities, there’s something for everyone.
This year’s sensational food truck lineup promises a variety of flavors and offerings to tantalize everyone’s taste buds. Attendees can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine of Mezcal, which blends traditional flavors with influences from across Mexico; mouthwatering tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas from the renowned Real Taco Express; Galindo’s, known for serving up some of the tastiest tacos and authentic Mexican dishes straight from the heart; scrumptious street taco flavors from Cuernos Chuecos; decadent lobster quesadillas, tacos and more from Cousins Maine Lobster; and the not to be missed Drunken Rooster, offering its savory Mexican street corn. The complete list of participating food trucks will be released in the coming weeks.
With approved licenses from the state of Michigan and local authorities, JARS Cannabis will present an exclusive experience. Accessible to all Taco Fest attendees aged 21 and older, the experience will be hosted in a designated space separate from all family activities and food vendors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
The Royal Oak Taco Fest also will feature more than 50 of metro Detroit’s hottest local entertainment acts across five stages, showcasing a wide variety of musical genres, including rock, R&B, alternative, jazz, country, and more. Lively sounds of strolling Mariachi performers will fill the streets, offering a classic slice of Mexican culture with trumpets, guitars and violins. A complete music and entertainment lineup is forthcoming.
Centennial Commons will host the Kids’ Zone, offering an expanded array of free activities, from inflatables to engaging arts and crafts, face painting stations, and more. New this year will be a ropes course designed for both seasoned adventurers and first-time explorers.
Advance tickets for the Royal Oak Taco Fest are now available here.
Macomb Community College Foundation Highlights Donor Impact
The Macomb Community College Foundation recognized donors whose contributions fund scholarships and program funds that support the college’s students and their success during the 2024 Celebration of Donors and Scholarship Recipients May 1 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the college’s Center Campus in Clinton Township.
Approximately 175 donors, students and college representatives attended the event.
More than $470,000 in scholarship funding was awarded to approximately 680 Macomb students during the last fiscal year, July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. In addition to scholarship programs, contributions to the foundation also support program funds, including arts and culture, that advance the college’s mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment, and economic development.
New scholarship and program funds announced at the luncheon include:
Andrew “Drew” Garcia Information Technology Memorial Endowed Scholarship and Program Fund, established by Devon and Lauren Glass in memory of Andrew Garcia, a Macomb graduate. These funds provide financial assistance to students in an Information Technology program.
Food for Thought Student Pantry Endowed Program Fund, established by Mark Nuytten and Donna Domanke-Nuytten to support Macomb’s student food pantry, which offers nonperishable food to students and their families who are impacted by financial hardship.
Fox Elementary School Endowed Scholarship, created in honor of Sue O’Brien, Brenda Shepherd, and Debbie Gilletti for their dedication to their students. Those who have attended Fox Elementary School are eligible for this scholarship to assist them in accomplishing their educational and career goals.
Gjon Gjonaj Electrician Program Fund, established in memory of Gjon Gjonai to support students in the Electrician program at Macomb.
Medical Assisting Program Fund, established by Cornerstone Medical Group to prepare students with the necessary skills and abilities to assist physicians and providers in rendering professional services to patients.
The Pearson Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship and the Second Chance Endowed Scholarship, established by the Pearson Family Foundation to support student success and persistence at Macomb Community College. The general scholarship supports all students, including incoming high school students and those in workforce and continuing education programs. The second chance scholarship is specifically designed to support adult students that are returning to Macomb to finish their degree or certificate.
Warren Woods Class of 1973 Endowed Legacy Scholarship, established by the Warren Woods Class of 1973 to leave a legacy and assist students from Warren Woods Public Schools who wish to continue their education.
William Boyke and Susan Dillon Memorial Scholarship for the Arts, established in memory of William “Bill” Boyke and his beloved daughter, Susan Dillon. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students studying art and design at Macomb Community College.
Robert and Annie Zandany Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, created in memory of Robert and Annie Zandany to assist with all educational expenses for students who pursuing an education in the automotive areas.
