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.
Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton Opens Dec. 3 to Benefit Toys for Tots
One of the top-rated car collections in the world — The Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton — will be opening its doors to the public from noon-3 p.m. Dec. 3 to raise awareness and funds for Toys for Tots.
The Lingenfelter Collection is the private collection of Ken and Kristen Lingenfelter and features more than 180 distinctive vehicles, including Corvettes, muscle cars, and exotics. Each winter, the Lingenfelter family opens the collection to the public while raising support for important nonprofit organizations. Toys for Tots was chosen to be the recipient of the proceeds from this winter’s event.
“We are proud to be partnering with the Lingenfelter Collection on an event that aligns so closely with our mission,” says David Kibbey, chairman of the Northville Concours d’Elegance. “Young people are at the forefront of the automotive community, and it is our mission to continue the passion for automobiles into the next generation.”
Toys for Tots relies on donations of toys and monetary gifts to provide presents to countless American children. The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children.
Guests attending the Open House will be able to support Toys for Tots by making a monetary donation at the door or providing an unwrapped toy. Refreshments will be available while guests browse the many collectable cars and representatives will be present to answer any questions.
The Lingenfelter Collection is at 7819 Lochlin Drive in Brighton. Visit here for more information.
Sports Betting in Michigan Up 31.6% in October
Sports betting in Michigan increased 31.6 percent to $504.3 million in October compared to September figures, according to data released by the state’s Gaming Control Board.
October mobile sports betting brought in $480.7 million, up 31.9 percent from the previous month and up 3.8 percent from October 2021.
Retail sports betting in October hit $23.5 million, up 26.7 percent from September and down 31.2 percent from the same period a yar ago.
Legal gambling resulted in state taxes of more than $2 million, up 17.5 percent from September.
“Michigan can be considered to be in full recovery from the summer now, as sports betting handle has finally gotten back to its norm of $400 million months,” according to analysis from greatlakesstakes.com. “This happened as predicted, but the Wolverine state achieved this much faster than expected and far more aggressively: a $500 million month is exceptional, especially considering it is a near 32 percent increase from September.”
The analysis continues: “Revenue is also up. Operators can revel in the 362 percent increase in taxable gains compared to October 2021. Exponential year-over-year growth like this is not uncommon, especially in a young market, but is still notable as it is an indicator of potential when full maturity is reached.”
Bank of America Awards $3.6M+ to Nonprofits Tackling Economic Mobility in Metro Detroit
Bank of America celebrated its annual Day of Giving by awarding more than $3.6 million in community giving grants to 64 metro Detroit area nonprofits.
In 2022, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has contributed a total of more than $6.6 million in Michigan through grants, investments, sponsorships, and engagements. These partnerships focus on ensuring individuals and families in Michigan have access to tools and resources improving economic mobility, and to essential services such as emergency shelter, affordable housing, access to food, and financial education.
“Any time we can volunteer and work with our community partners to create consistent pathways to employment, job training and job creation, entrepreneurship and stable neighborhoods, we will do it,” says Matt Elliott, president of Bank of America Michigan. “As metro Detroit families continue to work toward a better future, Bank of America will continue to work by their side whenever we can to deliver the support they need through our trusted partners.”
Bank of America’s Day of Giving included a small business roundtable with local partners to discuss the current business environment and identify opportunities to provide support. It will end with GIVE, an event celebrating the bank’s local partners, this year’s Student Leaders, and its 2022 Neighborhood Builders awardees.
Abayomi Community Development Corp. and Racquet Up Detroit are Detroit’s 2022 Neighborhood Builders. Each organization will receive $200,000 in flexible funding, as well as comprehensive leadership training for their leadership teams that will cover topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management, and strategic storytelling. They also will join a network of peer organizations across the U.S. and get the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact.
Skillman Foundation, Parade Co. Announce Student Float Design Winner
The Skillman Foundation and The Parade Co. on Thursday announced that fourth-grade student Tahiry Gosby, from Emerson Elementary-Middle School in Detroit, is grand-prize winner of the 31st Annual Skillman Foundation Float Design Contest.
The float designed by Gosby titled “World Bus Design” will make its way down Woodward Avenue during America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White. Five Detroit students were awarded honorable mentions, and their work will be displayed around the border of the float.
The five honorable mention winners include:
- Mack Hall, fifth grade, University Prep Art & Design Elementary School, “A World Where Giants Exist”
- Iyanna Harris, seventh grade, Legacy Charter Academy, “Today vs. Tomorrow”
- Malcolm Jones, seventh grade, Legacy Charter Academy, “We Can Make a Change”
- Dylan Key, fifth grade, Bates Academy, “Build New Things”
- Monica Ruiz-Olivarez, sixth grade, Clippert Middle School, “The Perfect World”
“Our purpose at The Skillman Foundation is to listen to young people and to support them to achieve their boldest dreams,” says Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation. “In turn, they inspire us with their creativity, tenacity, positivity, and their fresh take on what’s possible for our collective future.
“That’s exactly what this float design contest is all about. We reached out to Detroit kids and asked them what a world designed by youth would look like. We’re ecstatic to see their genius come to life.”
Novi’s Delphinus Medical Technologies to Demonstrate Whole Breast Ultrasound System
Delphinus Medical Technologies in Novi will host demonstrations of its the commercially available SoftVue 3D Whole Breast Ultrasound Tomography System during the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Nov. 27- Dec. 1 McCormick Place in Chicago.
SoftVue was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in October 2021 and may be paired with a mammography screening at the same visit. When paired with the screening mammogram, SoftVue has been shown to identify up to 20 percent more cancers in women with dense breasts while also reducing false positives and decreasing unnecessary call-backs and biopsies.
“SoftVue is a game-changer that will transform clinical practice with a new and highly impactful whole breast ultrasound adjunctive screening modality that will help save lives by identifying cancer sooner for women with dense breasts,” says Mark J. Forchette, president and CEO of Delphinus. “We are seeing significant interest and enthusiasm from leading health centers across the country for SoftVue, who see the value of our technology can bring to delivering the best care for patients.
“To date, SoftVue has been installed at Detroit’s Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and at the East Alabama Medical Center. We are thrilled to be at RSNA this year and look forward to demonstrating SoftVue to radiologists attending the conference.”
Also at the RSNA meeting, Dr. Mary Yamashita of the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine will present the results of a study, “Density Awareness: Do Patients Know About Breast Density,” showing that a large number of women are not aware of their breast density. Yamashita’s presentation is scheduled for Nov. 28 at 12:15 p.m. at the McCormick Place exhibition center.
Henry Ford Health, PINC AI Applied Sciences Team Lead Action to Advance Health Equity
Henry Ford Innovations (HFI), one of the nation’s leading health care innovation programs, recently hosted the inaugural “Advancing Health Equity Through Innovation and Collaboration” event in partnership with the PINC AI Applied Sciences team, a provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research support services to the life sciences industry.
The initiative’s purpose was to turn health equity conversations into action by taking measurable steps towards improving the health of millions. Participants included global leaders in life sciences, as well as Henry Ford Health innovators who already are implementing programs to address health disparities in groups that have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
“Part of innovating is looking for partners to expand successful test programs and develop new ones,” says Lisa Prasad, chief innovation officer at Henry Ford Health and leader of Henry Ford Innovations. “Partnerships like the ones we’re forging with these corporate partners will create a true impact in addressing health equity.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our findings with national leaders in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries and chart a path forward to bring these solutions to help more people.”
The two-day event in late October included a presentation of case studies from successful Henry Ford Health programs, including community-based partnerships to increase health screenings. That program found that a lack of trust in institutions can deter people from getting preventative care and that using community partners for healthcare services can reduce barriers and increase access to care.
Other case studies covered programs to improve hypertension in young African American men and reduce infant mortality among underserved populations. The unique action-focused event allowed leaders from Henry Ford Health, the PINC AI Applied Sciences team, and collaborators from eight global life sciences companies to meet, connect, and work together on ways to amplify and expand pilot programs.
Downtown Royal Oak Celebrating Small Business Saturday Nov. 26
The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority is marking the national celebration of Small Business Saturday, Nov, 26, by partnering with local businesses to give shoppers the opportunity to receive one-day-only deals from participating businesses, free money through the Downtown Dollars Buy One, Get One program, special giveaways, sidewalk attractions, and warming stations.
Programs will include:
Passport Program. Shoppers who participate in the Passport Program will have the chance to be entered into a contest to win one of two $2,500 Downtown Dollars gift cards. To become eligible, customers must spend at least $25 at four participating businesses. Additionally, the passport will be the shoppers roadmap to experience all available discounts and specials at participating small businesses. The Royal Oak Passport can be picked up at the designated station on the closed portion of W. 5th Avenue. Hot beverages will be served from local establishments, interactive activities and promotions will be available at the pick-up station.
Downtown Dollars Buy One, Get One Program. Launching the week of Thanksgiving, the Royal Oak DDA will be giving away $150,000 through its annual Downtown Dollars Buy One, Get One program. Anyone who purchases a Downtown Dollars gift card will receive a bonus gift card matching 100 percent of the original purchase price. Gift cards can be purchased in denominations of $25, $50, and $100. The Buy One, Get One program is available while supplies last, and customers will have the opportunity to purchase one gift card per person through the Buy One, Get one program.
The Return of the Royal Oak Ornament. In previous years, shoppers had the chance to collect a custom Royal Oak holiday ornament, and now people will have the chance again to add to their collection or start one this year. Customers will be eligible to receive an ornament when they spend $50 or more at a participating retailer. Two thousand ornaments will be available at participating businesses, while supply lasts.
The list of participating businesses is available here.
Macomb Community College Invites Public to Explore Careers Dec. 1
Parents and teens grades six through 12 can learn about high-demand career opportunities in automotive design, manufacturing, robotics, and technology at Explore Careers in Manufacturing and Technology from 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 1 at Macomb Community College Sports and Expo Center.
This free event combines presentations about career opportunities with hands-on exhibits and activities, as well as a mini car show.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive displays in a variety of areas including auto design, robotics, clay modeling, product design, and traffic light simulation and programming. A series of Tech Talk presentations will provide information on STEAM career fields including the employment outlook in Macomb County, getting into an apprenticeship, and STEAM career options with the U.S. Department of Justice. Area employers also will be on hand to share the skills required for STEAM careers.
Registration here is suggested but walk-ins are welcome. Free concessions will be available while supplies last. Attendees can enter a drawing to win one of two gaming laptops.
Daxton Hotel Offering December Dash Away at Daxton
The Daxton Hotel in Birmingham is offering what it calls the “ultimate holiday get-away” — December Dash Away at Daxton — for Christmas Eve and Christmas.
For $40,000, up to 12 people can book the package that includes one of the following:
- Two Corner King Suites for two nights
- Two Junior King Suites for two nights
- Four Double Queen Combo for two nights
Other features of the package include:
- Valet parking
- Fully decorated rooms
- Elf on a Shelf for children
- Fully decorated tree, garland, and stockings
- Bespoke Daxton ornaments
- Wrapping of presents
- Christmas carolers w/ live jazz in lobby
- Daxton bespoke pajamas
- Champagne for adults/milk and cookies for Santa
- Luxury breakfast buffet on Christmas morning
- Mimosa/Bloody Mary bar for adults; curated holiday beverage for children
- Family portraits in Daxton pajamas
- Stocked stockings from Daxton and candy canes
- Lunch and holiday movies
- Afternoon holiday movies/board games/snacks in Parlor 2
- Making of gingerbread houses (if movies/snacks aren’t of interest for everyone)
- Grand holiday dinner
- Family portraits in dressed up dinner attire
- Cocktail hour/beverages leading up to grand holiday dinner
- Activate bar carts for wine/curated cocktails/beverages
- Wines paired with dinner via Daxton beverage curator
- Holiday pies/dessert
- Daxton giveaway bag for family including bag of Geode Blend coffee, Daxton-sourced honey, and a Daxton candle
- $100.00 gift certificate to be applied towards a room stay at Daxton (exclusive to months of January, February, and March of 2023)
To book, contact sales@daxtonhotel.com.
MRLA Hosting Full Plates, Full Hearts Event Nov. 21
The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA), the Detroit Restaurant and Lodging Association (DRLA), and Detroit Shipping Co. will host a free community meal from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 21 at Detroit Shipping Co. (474 Peterboro St.) in Detroit.
Thanksgiving meals are available one per person on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
“As one of the largest industries in our state, our members recognize the important role they play in the communities they serve,” says Justin Winslow, president and CEO of MRLA. “They are proud to share the resources and talents from within our industry and demonstrate the true spirit of hospitality, especially for our neighbors in need. We are truly thankful for the Detroit operators, chefs and employee volunteers who continue to step up year after year to make our Full Plates, Full Hearts event such a tremendous success.”
The event will serve up to 700 meals to some of Detroit’s most at-risk populations through the dine-in opportunity and through special deliveries to select nonprofits. The meals will consist of ham, turkey breast, mac and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, and pumpkin pie, and will be prepared by chefs from participating restaurants. The restaurants include Bangkok 96 Street Food, COOP Caribbean Fusion, Halal Street, Momo Cha, Motor Burger, and Minus 320 Coffee and Creamery.
U-M Debate Team Wins Third Straight Fall Term National Championship
The University of Michigan Debate Program, led by students Kelly Phil and Rafael Pierry, has won the 2022 66th annual Franklin R. Shirley Classic — widely considered the national collegiate debate championship of the fall semester.
The two College of Literature, Science, and the Arts students captured the championship title, defeating Wake Forest University on a 2-1 decision in the final round. They did not lose a single debate during the competition, beating teams from Dartmouth, Harvard, Iowa, and Emory en route to winning the tournament.
The three-day tournament is hosted by Wake Forest University. More than 200 competitors from more than 50 institutions nationwide competed at the tournament last weekend.
