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.
J.Crew Group Partners with Pensole Lewis College on Design-focused Masterclass
Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC) in Detroit and J.Crew Group are launching PLC x J.Crew, a new design-focused masterclass developed to better diversify J.Crew’s future apparel design talent.
“We are proud to partner with J.Crew to create an opportunity for designers of color to embrace their brand by showcasing their talents,” says D’Wayne Edwards, founder and president of PLC. “The potential influence J.Crew will have on our students and the inspiration to thousands of aspiring designers out there because of this program we are doing together will change lives. Thank you, J.Crew, for being a leader in our industry and selecting for PLC as your partner to better diversify it.”
PLC x J.Crew’s curriculum will provide career-focused education where black and brown aspiring designers will be integrated into the PLC and J.Crew culture by being assigned a real project that will be sold at retail. The students will learn from J.Crew guest speakers and receive mentoring from J.Crew employees.
The class will run from Aug. 8-Sept. 30. Registration is open to black and brown students at HBCUs, HSIs, IDSA, AICAD schools, and community colleges for talented individuals one to three years after graduation or equivalent skill level.
In the masterclass, students will work from briefs co-created by Pensole Lewis College and J.Crew. In a format created to be more of an apprenticeship than a traditional class, aspiring designers will receive weekly instruction, but work more like a design studio. This program will enable them to experience what it is like working at a brand while developing their time management, professionalism, and leadership skills.
“At J.Crew we’re committed to building a more inclusive design community, not only for our brand, but for the industry. Part of that commitment starts with nurturing the next generation of talent and using our platform to let that talent shine,” says Libby Wadle, CEO of J.Crew. “Pensole has been at the forefront of creating change in the fashion industry, and we’re proud to partner with them for their newest masterclass. We feel strongly that the program will be a learning opportunity for both their students and our J.Crew designers, and we are so excited to see what they create.”
Comerica Bank’s Shred Day Returns to Southeast Michigan June 11
Comerica Bank encourages the public to bring paper documents and electronic devices for recycling to the Comerica Bank Livonia Operation Center (39200 W. Six Mile) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 11 for the return of its annual Shred Day.
Back for the first time since 2019, Comerica is partnering with Iron Mountain Inc. and Information System Resources (ISR) to offer residents and business owners a way to securely dispose of sensitive paper documents, computers, keyboards, monitors, and cellular devices through free shredding and electronics recycling.
“According to the Federal Trade Commission data released in February of this year, consumers reported losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud in 2021, and the number of victims continues to increase,” says Scott Beckerman, senior vice president and director of corporate sustainability at Comerica Bank. “This research reinforces the importance of providing our community with a secured recycling opportunity to protect themselves and their businesses from identity theft and fraud.”
At Comerica’s 2019 Metro Detroit Shred Day, approximately 111,000 pounds of documents were shredded and 14,000 pounds of electronics and computer equipment were recycled, establishing a record for the largest single-site haul at Comerica’s southeast Michigan Shred Day since 2008. Nearly 1,200 vehicles took advantage of the free service during the five-hour event.
“Not only does this initiative protect from fraud, it also positively impacts the environment and the communities around us,” Beckerman says. “We appreciate the partnerships involved in supporting this outreach. As we work to contribute to a more secure and a sustainable future, we likewise want to make a positive impact in reducing food insecurity during this event. So, we also encourage people to bring a donation to Gleaners at Shred Day.”
Since 2013, Shred Day in metro Detroit has led to securely destroying more than 350,000 pounds of paper, which then was turned into pulp and recycled. The process of recycling paper into new paper products generates 74 percent less air pollution and uses 50 percent less water than producing paper from traditional forest products.
In addition to securely shredding sensitive documents, Information Systems Resources will be on site accepting small computer electronic devices and accessories. Computer equipment (e.g., CPUs, laptops, CRT monitors, LCD displays, all-in-ones, servers, switches, hubs, keyboards, mice, speakers, wireless internet cards, hard drives, optical drives, circuit boards, wires, and cables) will be securely disposed and recycled.
For more information and a complete list of accepted and prohibited items, visit www.comerica.com/ShredDay.
Lawrence Tech’s Centrepolis Accelerator to Host Micro Makers Pitch Event
Ten fledgling companies will compete for $35,000 in prizes at the Micro Makers Pitch Event June 22 at the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.
The virtual event will feature startups creating innovative physical products — startups that are being established by historically underrepresented populations in the city of Southfield and Wayne County.
The event begins at 3:15 p.m. with an introduction and welcome from Dan Radomski, executive director of the Centrepolis Accelerator. Ten companies will pitch in two sessions, 4:10 to 4:55 p.m. and 5:35 to 6:20 p.m. Between the sessions, Nezar Akeel, founder and CEO of exercise equipment maker MaxPro, will provide insight on “lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid from a successful consumer goods company.”
The pitching companies are:
AptumBuild: Designers of a lightweight, high strength, easy to assemble modular wall and building system that allows for the creation of versatile temporary structures
Carpet Puller: Developers of power-assisted, carpet cutting, and removal products
Celcius: Developers of all-natural ionized water material through a proprietary process that has proven effective to kill bacteria and viruses
Leafinator: Developers of a rugged, all-in-one leaf and lawn care clean up device
LucyPop: Developers of a nano-fiber product designed to offer a healthy and long-wearing nail polish alternative within the nail care industry
Pareto Aluminum Systems: Developers of lightweight, easy to assemble, low-cost, multi-functional flooring systems for vans, buses, and specialty vehicle
Pingree Detroit: Developers of hand-crafted bags, accessories, and footwear, using high-quality leather reclaimed from the auto industry
PlugZen: Manufacturers and distributors of electric vehicle charging systems
VersaWare: Developers of smart kitchen appliances that allows users to build any meal by virtue of its own nutritional composition in real-time.
Wareologie: Developer of a portable parallel bar system for physical therapy
The following prizes will be awarded:
- $10,000 for best growth stage company
- $5,000 runner-up growth stage company
- $10,000 for best early stage company
- $5,000 runner-up early stage company
- $5,000 for a People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ward Law
To register to attend, visit here.
Rochester Advanced Dentistry Announces Practice Expansion
Dr. Jeff Haddad, owner of Rochester Advanced Dentistry in downtown Rochester, announces the continued expansion of his practice as Matthew Wolfe DDS, and his team join Rochester Advanced Dentistry at its current location at 433 West University, effective July 6.
In addition to Wolfe, and under the leadership of Haddad, Rochester Advanced Dentistry also is served by dentists Kurt Doolin and Nina Daws, and a team of four dental hygienists plus support personnel. The team provides full-service dentistry, including cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry as well as treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and sleep apnea.
“Rochester Advanced Dentistry is committed to our patients and our community, and we have been active in the Rochester area for more than 30 years,” Haddad says. “Dr. Wolfe and his team share our passion for optimal dental care, patient health and well-being, and supporting an engaged community. It’s an honor to welcome them to the Rochester Advanced Dentistry team.”
Previously, Dr. Wolfe was a solo practitioner and founder of Signature Dentistry of Rochester.
Hillel Day School Begins $3M Campaign for Athletic Complex
Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills is beginning a fundraising campaign to raise $3 million to expand and enhance its athletic facilities.
The Open Spaces, Open Minds campaign’s $3 million goal will result in the installation of a year-round synthetic field, running track, two multi-purpose athletic courts, a community courtyard, and renovating its “little red schoolhouse” for student-led concessions, spirit wear sales, and as a meeting place for students, parents, and staff.
Construction is set to begin this July with plans to have the complex ready for the students in the fall. School benefactors Sue and Alan J. Kaufman and their family have committed the lead gift for the project and have announced they will match every dollar given.
To learn more about the campaign and to contribute, visit here.
