Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Huntington Named Presenting Sponsor of Auto Show Charity Preview
Huntington has been named the presenting sponsor of the North American International Auto Show’s 2022 Charity Preview, Sept. 16, at Huntington Place.
“We are delighted to welcome Huntington as the presenting sponsor of Charity Preview,” says Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Show. “The return of this annual gala is so important as it raises much-needed funds to make a difference in the lives of children in our community.”
Show organizers say they expect an energized citywide celebration on Charity Preview night, with downtown restaurants, bars, and other venues activated that evening. It is anticipated that this fall’s Charity Preview will attract thousands of auto executives, regional industrialists, media, civic, and society leaders to the black-tie event, which raises millions of dollars for children’s charities in southeast Michigan.
“The Detroit Auto Show is a marquee event that puts our city on the world’s stage,” says Sandy Pierce, chair of Huntington in Michigan. “Huntington is honored to host this year’s show in the newly branded Huntington Place, and I couldn’t be more pleased for the return of the Charity Preview, which truly makes life better for countless children in our community.”
As the presenting sponsor, Huntington will receive recognition throughout the evening, host a private reception, and have the opportunity to welcome all guests.
Huntington will open its new co-headquarters, Huntington Tower, in Detroit in 2022. This opening reinforces the bank’s commitment to the city of Detroit, its colleagues, and the communities and customers it serves.
Tickets for Charity Preview are priced at $400 each or $700 a pair and can be purchased at naias.com.
Charity Preview has raised more than $100 million for children’s charities in southeast Michigan over the past 25 years alone. In total, Charity Preview has generated more than $121 million since its inception in 1976. Beneficiaries for this year’s Charity Preview include:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
- The Children’s Center
- The Children’s Foundation
- Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
- Detroit PAL
- University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
TriMas Aerospace Receives Supplier Performance Recognition from Boeing
Bloomfield Hills-based TriMas announced that its TriMas Aerospace’s Allfast Fastening Systems business has received a 2021 Supply Chain Performance Achievement Certificate from The Boeing Co. for the 10th consecutive year.
Boeing issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance each year. Allfast Fastening Systems maintained a Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period from January to December 2021.
“This recognition acknowledges our commitment to our customers to consistently provide superior quality, on-time delivery, flexibility and outstanding service,” says John Schaefer, president of TriMas Aerospace. “Our Allfast team tirelessly focuses on operational excellence and customer satisfaction, and we’re grateful for their hard work and dedication. We thank Boeing for this recognition and look forward to continuing to partner on innovative fastener solutions.”
TriMas Aerospace designs, engineers, and manufactures engineered ducts and fasteners for the global commercial and military aerospace industry under the following leading brands: RSA Engineered Products, Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Allfast Fastening Systems, Mac Fasteners, TFI Aerospace, and Martinic Engineering.
Huntington, PAi Partner to Offer 401(k) Solution for Small Businesses, Employees
To support small businesses with competitive employer-sponsored retirement programs, Huntington National Bank and PAi Retirement Services have partnered to launch the Huntington 401(k) Center for Business solution designed specifically for business owners and their employees.
The Huntington 401(k) Center for Business provides small and mid-sized businesses with streamlined support for all of their retirement plan needs. As a top-30 defined contribution plan advisor firm, Huntington’s wealth management arm — the Huntington Private Bank — serves as the 3(38) fiduciary advisor responsible for the investment management services, while PAi handles the plan administration, which includes its CoPilot personalized recordkeeping services. Businesses also will have access to PAi’s secure, participant-focused platform.
Huntington, which is the nation’s largest originator by volume of Small Business Administration 7(a) loans for the fourth consecutive year, supports thousands of small businesses with products, services, and expertise. The bank works closely with businesses at every stage of their lifecycle to help them navigate decisions and ensure their health and well-being.
“It can be challenging and time-consuming for small businesses to properly manage their 401(k) plan’s investment menu, such as decoding market volatility, fluctuating interest rates and the myriad of investment options offered to plan participants,” says Frank Zugaro, head of the Huntington Private Bank’s Retirement Plan Services business. “That’s where we, as the fiduciary advisor, can step in and leverage our investment experience and retirement insights to help business owners look out for their employees and help them prepare for retirement.”
To learn more, visit here.
Detroit Means Business Gets $9M ARPA Boost for Small Businesses
Detroit Means Business (DMB), a small business service initiative housed within the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. (DEGC), is getting a $9 million allocation from the city’s share of American Rescue Plan Act.
“The Detroit Means Business coalition is thrilled to see this investment in our small business community, particularly since our community was hit so hard by COVID-19,” says Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of DEGC. “We all know that Detroit’s small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. I know that this will have a lasting and important impact on our small business community.”
The funds will be used in the following ways:
- Loan and grant awards to increase small business capacity ($2 million).
- Small business debt pay-down assistance, specifically for small businesses with high-cost debt ($3 million).
- Direct small business support for digital supportive services, mentoring and coaching, growth and strategy programming, technical assistance, workshops, and seminars (2 million).
- Additional program staffing and administration services over the three-year project period ($2 million).
600+ Vehicles Registered for Woodward Dream Show at M1 Concourse
Tickets are still available to see more than 600 vehicles in 14 different classes that are registered for the second Woodward Dream Show (WDS) from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 19 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac.
The 2022 WDS event incorporates new features based on feedback from patrons at last year’s inaugural event. Now a one-day event so community members can participate in the Woodward Dream Cruise, Friday’s schedule includes live entertainment, on-track experiences, children’s activities, and a panel discussion featuring the next generation of cruisers and hot rod builders.
The show is curated and judged. Awards are given in each class and an overall Best in Show. Patrons vote for People’s Choice awards. Awards will be announced at 5 p.m.
Included to date are:
- More than 45 1932 Fords, which celebrate their 90th anniversary.
- Nearly 30 Lincolns and Firebirds, celebrating 100 and 55 years, respectively.
- More than 100 Corvettes.
- 50+ American Classic hot rods.
- Members and cars from 22 different car clubs.
- Nearly a dozen movie and celebrity cars, including a vehicle featured in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Activities throughout the day include:
- Live music from metro Detroit’s Vavoom, from 3-9 p.m.
- Rides in performance vehicles on M1 Champion Motor Speedway with a professional M1 driving instructor. (No fee)
- Refreshments in the Makers Mark/Tito’s Biergarten Pavilion and eat at food trucks including Crispelli’s, All City Dogs, Andiamo’s, Sucree, Casa Amado, Torta Express, and Impasto.
- Family fun at PRI Pavilion with children’s activities including pedal cars, RC cars, and slot cars.
- Insiders Garage Panel from 5-6 p.m. emceed by WCSX’s Jim O’Brien includes custom builders Kevin Byrd, Murray Pfaff, Adam Genai, and Steve Mank.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Giffels Webster Celebrating 70 Years of Supporting Area’s Quality of Life
Giffels Webster, a Detroit-headquartered consulting firm specializing in planning, land development, and infrastructure solutions for public, private and institutional clients, is celebrating 70 years of service in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
The firm’s dedication to improving the quality of life for the communities it serves is evidenced in the balance it creates between the built environment and natural resources. Giffels Webster provides a wide array of services, including civil engineering, surveying, community planning, landscape architecture, traffic engineering, and geographic information systems.
Giffels Webster has helped communities and property owners in southeast Michigan achieve their goals in a manner that elevates overall quality of life. Giffels Webster is extending its reach to do the same for communities in Genesee and Livingston counties, as well as in northern Michigan.
“Our roots are in public works,” says Scott Clein, president and CEO, Giffels Webster. “We have evolved over the past 70 years and developed a diverse group of clients, half of whom are municipalities and counties and half of whom are private developers. This public/private mix has become a key part of who we are and affords us a unique perspective that informs our designs and benefits all our clients.”
Throughout its history, Giffels Webster has been foundational in many well-known projects in Detroit and the surrounding metro region. Two in particular show the firm’s expertise with alternative transportation systems while highlighting opportunities for land development and infrastructure improvements that work in harmony with the environment.
The city of Detroit chose Giffels Webster to serve as the lead consultant to create Detroit’s Urban Non-Motorized Master Plan, which initiated the concept of a robust non-motorized transportation network within the city. The city of Detroit took the recommendations of the plan and jumpstarted a revolution inside the city to improve mobility and access for all residents.
For Commerce Township’s Downtown Development Authority, Giffels Webster provided planning, surveying, civil engineering, and landscape architectural services to design a new connector road, Martin Parkway, that aimed to support the Township’s municipal campus and spur economic development. The project focused on enhancing stormwater management and water quality through the design of a complex, interconnected wetland system.
Detroit City Distillery Planning G&T Week, a Celebration of All Things Gin, Aug. 8-14
Detroit City Distillery (DCD) is planning a week-long celebration of gin, called G&T Week, complete with a gin and tonic competition with a $250 cash prize.
Throughout the week, the distillery is offering $6 G&T cocktails and 20 percent off bottles of its seven award-winning gins. G&T Week culminates with an outdoor block party Aug. 14, at its Tasting Room on Riopelle Street in Eastern Market from noon-8 p.m.
“There is nothing more refreshing than perfect gin and tonic during the hottest days of the summer,” says Michael Forsyth, co-owner of Detroit City Distillery. “It’s the perfect drink that anyone can make, anywhere, anytime. It’s easy, it’s delicious and the gin always shines.
“We’ve made seven different gins over the years, many with our chef and bartender friends. With so many different gins, there are so many possibilities to make new and exciting G&Ts with different tonics, citrus, and aromatics. That’s why we decided to host a contest to show the creativity of gin lovers everywhere. You don’t have to be a pro to participate. Just show us how you make the greatest G&T on social media, and we’ll reward you with $250.”
The rules for the competition are simple. First, make a 30-second video of yourself making a gin and tonic. Then, post it on social media and tag @detroitcitydistillery anytime between now and Aug. 12. G&Ts must be made with only four ingredients: DCD gin, tonic, one garnish, and one special ingredient
DCD will select the winning gin and tonic recipe based on taste, the ease of recipe, and entertainment value of the social video.
All participants must be 21 years of age to compete. The winner will be announced at the G&T Getdown party at noon Aug. 14.
For more information, visit here.
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally Coming Oct. 1-2
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announced details for its second annual Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally, which will take place from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 1-2 along the Dequindre Cut Greenway.
The family-friendly event promises to have something for everyone, including trick or treating, a free pumpkin patch, inflatable bounce houses, and hands on activities for the kids, as well as five stages of musical performances from local artists, the “Cirque de Freightyard” experience, and more than 50 food trucks from throughout metro Detroit and beyond.
Admission to the event is $5 per person. Children younger than 3, seniors 65 and older, active-duty military, and veterans are admitted free. The Dequindre Cut is located between Orleans Street and St. Aubin Street and runs from Mack Avenue to Atwater Street. The event footprint runs from Woodbridge Street to Wilkins Street on the Dequindre Cut. Entrances to the cut are located at Mack, Wilkins, Gratiot, Lafayette, Woodbridge, Franklin, and Atwater.
Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally made its debut last fall and drew more than 50,000 people over two days.
“Fall is one of the great seasons in Michigan, and we are excited to bring those great experiences to the heart of Detroit,” says Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “Kids will be able to enjoy cider and donuts while looking through the pumpkin patch for just the right pumpkin, while grown-ups can enjoy music and a huge range of food trucks.”
Nonprofits that are interested in outreach opportunities at Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally may sign up to host trick or treat stations throughout the event. More information is available on the event website.
Event organizers are accepting submissions for the musical lineup through Aug. 10 here.
For those who would like to beat the Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally crowds, Soirée on the Greenway will provide an exclusive preview to the festival. The conservancy fundraiser returns for a masquerade under the stars on Sept. 30 from 6-10 p.m., featuring a lineup of the top food trucks from Harvest Fest 2021.
Centered around the Freight Yard along the Dequindre Cut, Soirée will feature a mysterious circus theme, food and refreshments, surprise live performances, interactive fall experiences, carnival games, and the unveiling of artist Ivan Montoya’s brand-new mural on the greenway.
VIP tables are $500 and include a reserved table, four VIP tickets, unlimited access to food trucks and refreshments and a souvenir masquerade mask. Main Event tickets are $75 and include three meal and drink tickets, live musical entertainment, fall activities and more. Each Soirée contribution supports the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s mission to create a world-class gathering place for all. For more information, visit here.
Forgotten Harvest Announces New Harvest Heatwave Fundraising Event
Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park is unveiling a new family-friendly fundraising event — Harvest Heatwave — presented by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services from 6-10:30 p.m. on Aug. 12 on Grand River Avenue in downtown Detroit.
The event will feature food, drinks, outdoors games, music, and a screening of movie classic “The Sandlot” under the stars, Harvest Heatwave promises to be an educational and entertaining experience for Forgotten Harvest supporters of all ages.
Proceeds from tickets, sponsorships, and auction sales will benefit Forgotten Harvest’s distribution efforts to fight food waste and food insecurity across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Tickets for the event are on sale now and include a meal ticket, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and access to event activities. Costs are $50 for adult with children 18 and younger free.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
‘Somerset Collection University’ to Host Tailgate Aug. 5
Somerset Collection in Troy will transform its North Grand Court into the ultimate tailgate for back-to-college preparation from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Aug. 5.
There will be music, tailgate-inspired food, and giveaways to get local student shoppers ready to step onto campus in style. Every student who registers for Somerset Collection University will get a $50 gift card that can be used at one of 31-plus participating stores.
Somerset Collection University is sponsored by Bank of America and The Suburban Collection, both of which will be offering college students career coaching and job opportunities. The Suburban Collection also will be raffling off a two-year car lease to all registered participants.
“Somerset Collection University is a great opportunity to celebrate with thousands of future leaders who are getting ready to return to class,” says Ron MacEachern, platform general manager at The Suburban Collection. “The Suburban Collection has a long history of sponsoring teachers in the communities we represent and now we can support students as well. We are looking forward to answering any questions these future professionals might have regarding employment opportunities now and in the future.”
Students must register in advance for Somerset Collection University by visiting here.
