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.
Junior League’s Designer’ Show House Preview Party Slated for May 3
The Junior League of Detroit (JLD) will host a preview party for the Designers’ Show House from 6:30-10 p.m. on May 3 in the tent on the lawn of the house located at 315 Lakeland in the City of Grosse Pointe.
Tickets for the preview party are $150 and are available at jldetroit.org.
Partygoers will be able to tour the completed Designers’ Show House from 6:30-8:30 p.m., before it opens to the public the next day. Guests are invited to dress in spring cocktail attire.
The party will include heavy appetizers, an open bar as well as signature cocktails from Detroit’s Two James Distillery, and a DJ and dancing until 10 p.m. Valet parking will be available.
Guests can also look forward to a silent auction of unique and curated gift packages, as well as a raffle with the grand prize a vacation package at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island valued at more than $2,000. Other prizes include a cash prize, tickets to a University of Michigan football game, an original piece of art, and a David Yurman bracelet.
Since Feb. 20, interior designers and artisans have been transforming the nearly 8,500-square-foot Tudor into a designer showcase. The house was designed by architect George D. Mason and built in 1929 for Dr. J. Milton Robb.
Proceeds from the 2024 Designers’ Show House will support the JLD’s partnership with Brilliant Detroit, a nonprofit addressing early childhood development and kindergarten readiness through the establishment of family centers in underutilized housing stock, developed, and designed by the neighbors themselves. The homes provide a place for fellowship, activities, learning, and support for families and neighbors.
Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown Announces 10 Semifinalists
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has unveil its 10 semifinalists. These businesses are now in the running to win $100,000 in startup funds from Comerica Bank to open a brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park.
Public voting to narrow down the 10 semifinalists to four finalists begins today at noon runs through noon on April 18. Community members can vote for their favorite businesses once per day by visiting HatchDetroit.com.
The four finalists of the 2024 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest will be announced April 22, with the final round of public voting beginning May 1 and running through the completion of the pitch competition at the Hatch Off on May 9.
The 10 semi-finalists are:
- Amarra Beauty Products/G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs
- Estella’s Vegan Dessert Boutique
- Harry Rich Clothier
- Khana
- Nada Dry Bar
- Natural Living by Design II
- Pique Earth
- Roller Skate Detroit
- The Gentleman’s Oasis
- Unity Community Barbershop
On May 9, the contest will culminate with the annual Hatch Off where the Top 4 entrepreneurs present their business plans in front of a panel of expert judges and live audience and the winner is announced. The winner of the 2024 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest will be chosen through a combination of the public’s vote and judges’ deliberations.
Tickets are available to witness the Top 4 business pitches and see the winner of the Hatch Off competition crowned. The Hatch Off takes place at 6 p.m., at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center at 461 Burroughs St. in Detroit.
Tootl Transport Offers Rides for Those with Mobility Challenges
Tootl Transport in Ann Arbor, a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service franchise providing safe, wheelchair accessible rides for anyone with mobility and cognitive challenges, is now open for business.
With a mission of improving lives through safe and reliable transportation for people of all abilities and a motto of “We accept your challenge,” the new Tootl Transport franchise solves the transportation challenges of multiple populations. This includes seniors, wheelchair-users, or anyone with temporary to chronic mobility or cognitive challenges who require specially equipped vehicles and professionally trained drivers to get them safely to their destinations.
The Ann Arbor location represents the company’s first independently owned and operated Tootl Transport franchise. It is owned by Harvey Mathews and Emily Wiechmann.
For more information on Tootl Transport in Ann Arbor, visit here, call 734-418-0828, or email annarbor@ridetootl.com.
Northville Concours D’Elegance Founder’s Dinner Honoring Lingenfelters Set for April 13
The Northville Concours D’Elegance car show scheduled for July 12-14 will begin its season Saturday from 6-9 p.m. with its Founder’s Dinner at Ferrari Cauley (7070 Orchard Lake Road) in West Bloomfield Township.
The dinner will honor Ken and Kristin Lingenfelter as Collectors of the Year for the 2024 event, which is entirely organized by teenage automotive enthusiasts. Tickets are available at NorthvilleConcours.com at $125 per person.
David Kibbey, chair of the Northville Concours D’Elegance, will introduce the Lingenfelters, operators of the famed Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton.
StockX to Celebrate Detroit Draft Weekend with Interactive First Round Grails Experience
StockX will open shop in its hometown of Detroit April 25 with First Round Grails, an interactive pop-up at 1528 Woodward Ave. designed to welcome guests into the brand’s universe.
A gamified experience, the event gives everyone from hardcore enthusiasts to newfound fans the chance to immerse themselves in the world of StockX. Featuring a life-sized Grail Vault, Guess the Grail mystery boxes, claw machine, a citywide scavenger hunt, and more, visitors will have the opportunity to win coveted sneaker, collectibles, and site credit.
For more information about the event and to check out the scavenger hunt rules page, head to StockX.
Livonia’s WorkForce Software Presents Global Corporate Workforce Solution for Brazil
WorkForce Software in Livonia now is offering Time Record Processing Program (REP) REP-P certification to global employers with operations in Brazil.
WorkForce Software’s REP-P certification enables global companies to remain compliant with local labor regulations while maintaining the benefits of having this capability and certification in a global workforce management solution, which is offered exclusively by WorkForce Software to companies global.
The Brazilian government has enacted regulations to govern the registration of employee work hours, including the REP-P certification, as part of broader labor laws aimed to ensure equitable working conditions.
ACG Detroit to Present Success, Scaling & Lessons Learned May 14 in Birmingham
ACG Detroit is hosting Entrepreneurial Business Growth in the Middle Market: Success, Scaling & Lessons Learned from 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 14 at the Birmingham Community House (380 South Bates St.).
Panelists will explore a variety of experiences and perspectives that have shaped their organizations and attendees will hear the secret sauce behind how they have been able to successfully build partnerships, navigate succession planning, scaling, and continue to achieve success post pandemic.
Panelists include Ron Hall, president and CEO of Bridgewater Interiors; Mark Douglas, president of Avis Ford Inc.; Dimitrius Hutcherson, executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and chief technology officer at First Independence Bank,, and moderator Elizabeth Masserang, a senior project consultant at SME.
Tickets are $75 for members, $95 for non-members. To purchase tickets, visit here.
Goodwill of Greater Detroit to Open Stores in Madison Heights, Southfield
Goodwill of Greater Detroit announced it will open two new thrift stores in metro Detroit in 2024, the first time it has done so since 2016.
The new Madison Heights retail location at 31010 John R Road will open this summer and the new Southfield store at 28901 Greenfield Road will open in the fall, expanding its reach in support of individuals with employment barriers.
Goodwill of Greater Detroit’s Donated Goods Retail division, which includes thrift stores and donation centers, is a nonprofit business created to support the organization’s mission. Each retail location generates jobs for members of its communities, including those living with disabilities, as well as revenue for programs and support services that are offered for free to individuals struggling with employment barriers. Ninety-two cents of every dollar spent at a Goodwill of Greater Detroit retail store goes toward programs and services.
“Adding these two new locations enables us to reach more metro Detroiters with life-changing employment opportunities and provides an opportunity for donors of gently-used clothing and household items to support their reuse,” says Jeff Ukrainec, vice president of Donated Goods Retail at Goodwill of Greater Detroit. “The addition of these stores will also provide those communities with the exceptional thrift shopping experience that all Goodwill shoppers have grown to love.”
The new Madison Heights location will be accepting donations on site beginning April 15, in preparation for its grand opening this summer. The Southfield location is expected to begin accepting donations this summer, ahead of its fall grand opening. Goodwill of Greater Detroit currently has retail stores with donation centers in Canton Township, Commerce Township, Dearborn, Livonia, Ypsilanti, and Woodhaven.
For more information, visit goodwilldetroit.org.
All Seasons Senior Living Brand of Beztak in Farmington Hills Wins Award
The All Seasons luxury senior living brand of Beztak in Farmington Hills has received first place for an Aspect Marketing & Advertising Award, in the Print, Direct Mail, and Billboard category for its “For the Joys” campaign.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Aspect Awards,” says Jason Kohler, executive vice president of senior living at Beztak. “For more than 15 years, All Seasons has been setting trends in the senior living industry, and the ‘For the Joys’ campaign was designed to change the narrative around senior living ads. Our goal was to showcase the vibrant atmosphere and people who make the All Seasons communities their home by highlighting the joy that can be found at All Seasons.”
In partnership with Lloyd Waters & Associates, the messaging of the campaign showcased a variety of events, themes, and people, and emphasized imagery with seniors having fun, promoting the stress-free and active lifestyle benefits that All Seasons provides.
Open Workshops Makerspace in Auburn Hills Hosting Earth Day Event April 20
Open Workshops, an Auburn Hills educational nonprofit makerspace, is hosting an Earth Day Event from 1-6 p.m. April 20 at 1532 N. Opdyke Road.
At this free open house event, participants will have a range of craft ideas and project kits available highlighting upcycled and reused materials, alternatives to plastics, and ways to make daily life greener, all in support of this year’s Earth Day theme: Planet vs. Plastics.
Attendees also will learn about growing native seeds and wildflowers and creating their own wildflower seed bomb, assemble and decorate 2-D and 3-D models laser-cut from reclaimed cardboard, explore upcycled artwork, crafts, and gifts from local artisans, and more.
Detroit Disability Power to Host Anti-ableism Workshop for Media Makers
Detroit Disability Power is hosting the Anti-Ableism 101: Communication and Media Professionals workshop from 5:30-8 p.m. on April 24 at the Love Building (4731 Grand River Ave.) in Detroit.
The workshop is designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge about disability as a cultural and political identity and help them understand how current narratives around disability help or hinder the organization’s work to end ableism. It also will prepare participants to identify where and how disability emerges in what’s already being covered; and will help chart a path toward dismantling ableism and co-creating a world that works for everyone.
Among the topics are disability language, going beyond the minimum of political correctness, to identify how framing and intentional wording can chart a path toward pro-disability media.
Participants will have the opportunity to reflect and share their experiences and learnings in a judgement-free environment. The workshop is for anyone working in news reporting, grassroots press, communication teams, storytelling, etc.
For more information and to register, visit here.
Michigan Science Center’s After Dark Event Returns April 20 with Space Love Theme
The Michigan Science Center’s (Mi-Sci) After Dark event returns April 20 with a Space Love theme featuring 21-and-over access to the museum, plus science fiction-themed activities, performances, and specialty cocktails.
It also will include a special planetarium show, “Stories in the Sky,” where visitors can hear the real, unedited stories behind the constellations, presented by Mi-Sci’s staff astronomer, Paulette Epstein. Guests also can experience Mi-Sci’s aviation exhibit, “Above and Beyond,” and a Bad Bunny laser show.
The Tom Everett Experience will provide music for the evening paired with drinks from Precisely Pour’d.
Tickets include access to the museum, activities, planetarium presentation, the laser show, and one complimentary drink. Food will be available onsite for purchase from local and specialized vendors. Discounted designated driver and college student tickets are available for $25 in person at the box office. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.
For more information and tickets, visit here.
Turning Point’s Stepping Out with the Stars Event Scheduled for May 2
Turning Point, a Mount Clemens agency whose mission is to empower domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive services and resources, will host its eighth annual fundraiser, Stepping Out with the Stars, in partnership with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios of Sterling Heights and Royal Oak, on May 2 at the Palazzo Grande Banquet and Event Center (54660 Van Dyke) in Shelby Township.
The evening will be emceed by Jessica Dupnack of Fox 2 Detroit. This year’s dancing stars include Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. To support the dancers, vote online.
“We look forward to gathering again with Turning Point supporters who advocate for our mission,” says Sharman Davenport, president and CEO of Turning Point. “With hundreds of people in the room, it is a great opportunity to get the word out about our important services and to meet and support some of the survivors we assist.”
With a limited number of available tickets, advance ticket purchase is required. Ticket price includes dinner, open premium bar, and dancing, for $125 per person, or a table of 10 for $1,125. Raffles, a silent auction, and a wine pull also will be available for purchase onsite.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit here.
