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.
Little Caesars Looking to Open 16+ New Stores in Hawaii by 2027
Little Caesars in Detroit is looking to grow its presence in Hawaii with a goal of opening more than 16 new franchise stores across the islands by 2027.
The bulk of franchise ownership opportunities are available on the island of Oahu, but the brand has also identified Kauai, Maui, the Big Island, and Molokai as territories ripe for growth.
A major focus of this expansion is on providing interested military veterans located on the islands with financial incentives to open a franchise through the company’s Veterans Program. Established in 2006 by Little Caesars founder Mike Ilitch, a Korean War military veteran, the program is designed to expand business opportunities for servicepeople.
“With more than 10 percent of the population made up of veterans and over 13 military bases in the state, Hawaii is home to some of our country’s greatest heroes,” says Craig Sherwood, Little Caesars’ vice president of U.S. development and a military veteran himself. “Our brand knows from experience — with hundreds of veteran-owned Little Caesars stores across the country — that military veterans make some of the best business owners out there. And in a market with such a large military presence, there are endless opportunities for veterans and other entrepreneurs to pursue business ownership by franchising with Little Caesars.”
With six franchise locations currently open and operating across the Hawaiian islands and two new stores coming soon to Keaau and Kahului, Little Caesars says it’s building momentum to continue expanding, currently seeking both multi-unit and single-unit investors looking to grow their business endeavors.
Potential prospects interested in learning more about Little Caesars and its growth opportunities on the Hawaiian Islands are invited to attend a live webinar at 6 p.m. HST on Thursday, July 7. To register for this free event hosted by Little Caesars U.S. Development Manager Danny Knipper, visit here.
Little Caesars franchising investments start at around $379,000, with incentive programs available for veterans and first responders. Interested prospects should visit Franchise.LittleCaesars.com.
New Dumpster Rental Business redbox+ Offers ‘Efficient and Clean’ Services
Locally owned and operated dumpster rental company redbox+ is new brand to metro Detroit that says it will provide the area’s commercial and residential contractors with roll-off containers that fit any project need.
Owners Kelli and R.J. Corning say they have a wider variety of roll-off containers than their competitors. Unique to redbox+, they say, is the Elite unit, the only dumpster and porta-potty combination. Standard dumpsters also are offered in 15-, 20-, 30-, and 40-yard sizes.
“Throughout my professional career, I have driven successful partnerships across multiple sectors and organizations, says Kelli Corning, president of redbox+ Detroit. “This has enabled me to become adaptable, passionate and a true advocate for the customer.
“After serving a number of management positions, I realized I was chasing one thing in my career — to become my own boss. After being introduced to redbox+, I quickly was impressed by the brand’s passion to deliver exceptional customer service and the innovative product as a market differentiator. I am excited to play a part in the success story of redbox+ and deliver its exceptional service here in metro Detroit.”
For more information about redbox+ in Metro Detroit visit here or call 248-450- 5500.
Royal Oak Receives Certification to Support Historic Preservation Activities
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., announced that the city of Royal Oak has been accepted to the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, following confirmation from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
“Royal Oak is home to an active Historic District Commission and Historic District Study Committee that have worked for nearly 30 years to protect and celebrate important sites in the community,” says Martha MacFarlane-Faes, the state’s deputy historic preservation officer. “We are excited to welcome the city of Royal Oak to the CLG program and look forward to partnering with the city on its ongoing historic preservation activities.”
The CLG program is a partnership among local, state, and national governments focused on promoting historic preservation at the local level. The National Park Service administers the program in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office. Certification makes Royal Oak eligible for specialized technical assistance and programming from the SHPO.
Participation in the CLG program also makes the community eligible for federal grants provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior and administered by the SHPO. These grants may be used for a variety of preservation activities, such as historic resource surveys, National Register of Historic Places nominations, educational and heritage tourism initiatives, pre-development plans and studies, and rehabilitation of certain historic properties.
Royal Oak joins a growing network of more than 2,000 Certified Local Governments across the country, including 37 other Michigan communities. There is no cost to participate in the program, but communities must meet certain requirements. Participating communities must have a local historic district ordinance and appoint a historic district commission to review proposed work in locally designated historic districts. CLGs also must encourage public participation in the local historic preservation program and seek ways to identify, protect, and celebrate important historic resources in their community.
Goldman Sachs to Host 2022 10,000 Small Businesses Summit
Goldman Sachs is hosting its 2022 10,000 Small Businesses Summit, bringing together more than 2,500 small business owners from across the country — the largest gathering of its kind in the U.S. — July 19-20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and Nationals Park in Maryland.
Small business owners and alumni of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses education program, top entrepreneurs, members of congress, and administration officials will come together to define the future of America’s small business agenda. Following the pandemic and amid historic inflation, supply chain and workforce challenges, the summit will bring together policymakers to share solutions to accelerate growth and create jobs to power our economic recovery.
Small business owners also will conduct more than 400 meetings with lawmakers to advocate for policies and legislation affecting them, including access to capital, workforce and competitiveness, childcare and government contracting. They are calling on Congress to do something it hasn’t done in over 20 years: reauthorize the Small Business Administration to meet the needs of today’s small businesses.
“Driving inclusive growth starts with supporting small businesses and providing them with the tools they need to create jobs and power our economy,” says David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. “That’s why Goldman Sachs began 10,000 Small Businesses more than a decade ago and why we are proud to bring our community together to host the largest ever gathering of small business owners in the U.S.”
For more information and a full list of speakers that includes Warren Buffett, Michael Bloomberg, and Gwyneth Paltrow, visit here.
Historic Fort Wayne Now Open, Tours Available Starting July 2
Historic Fort Wayne is now open for the 2022 season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with guided tours starting on Saturday, July 2 at 6325 W. Jefferson (at the foot of Livernois). On-site, secured parking is free.
The Historic Fort Wayne Coalition is working with the City of Detroit Recreation Department to offer 90-minute walking tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are priced at $8 per person. All monies raised will stay on site to continue to help the coalition and city with interpretive efforts at the fort.
Due to limited capacity, reservations for Saturday tours are required and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by emailing historicfortwayne@detroitmi.gov. Place “HFW Tour” in the subject line. City staff will reach for information and provide an invoice. Tours are capped at 15 participants.
The guided tours will include the Star Fort and barracks built in the 1840s, as well as the Spanish-American War Guard House.
The fort’s regular hours continue each Saturday now through Oct. 29. Parking and admission are free.
In addition to the Saturday tours, Vintage Base Ball with the fort’s resident team, the Early Risers, is scheduled for the following days in 2022:
- Sunday, July 17 vs. Dexter — 1 p.m.
- Saturday, July 23 is Vintage Base Ball Day, featuring a multiple team tournament — 1 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 18 vs. Brooklyn — time to be determined.
Built in 1845, Fort Wayne was strategically located to guard and protect the Detroit River during a period of tension with the British. Once that threat diminished, the fort’s role changed to an U.S. Army induction and training center. During World War II, the fort served as the primary motor vehicle procurement and parts depot for the Allied war effort throughout the world. After 1945, the fort continued as an induction center for troops during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. In 1948, the Army began decommissioning buildings and transferring them to the City of Detroit Historical Department. In the 1970s, Historic Fort Wayne opened to the public as a multifaceted attraction with exhibits, outdoor programs and special events.
Wayne State’s Baroudeur Bicycle Event is Back
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Baroudeur, Wayne State University’s cycling event, returns July 23.
Proceeds directly benefit Wayne State University scholarships and the university’s Helping Individuals Go Higher (HIGH) Program, which supports students whose unstable housing situations threaten their dreams of earning a degree.
Participants can again choose between four courses – 20, 37, 62, or 100 miles – based on their individual experience and fitness levels. All Baroudeur courses are on the open road; cyclists will ride with vehicular traffic and must obey traffic laws.
“We cannot wait to reconnect with all of our riders, and we know many of our past participants are pumped up, too,” says WSU President M. Roy Wilson, who created the event and rides in the 100-miler. “This is the first time we’ve held the event in July, and what better way to celebrate Detroit’s birthday weekend than up close and personal on a bike?”
Registration includes:
- Post-ride lunch, beer, and music
- Refreshments along the route
- Limited edition Baroudeur T-shirt
- Support and Gear vehicles
- EMS and police presence
- Free parking
To learn more or to register, visit baroudeur.wayne.edu.
Birmingham’s BELFOR Property Restoration Sponsors ‘Hearts of Heroes;’ on ABC
Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), an independent producer and distributor of original programming, has announced the launch of the fourth season of “Hearts of Heroes,” a program showcasing the work of first responders in the aftermath of manmade and natural disasters, sponsored by BELFOR Property Restoration in Birmingham.
The program airs on ABC stations (Channel 7 in metro Detroit) as part of “Weekend Adventure,” an educational/informational Saturday mornings programming in most local markets. The show consistently has drawn more than 800,000 total weekly viewers in its weekend timeslot.
The new season debuts July 2 — heading into what NOAA predicts will be another active hurricane season.
“Hearts of Heroes” is hosted by Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist for “Good Morning America” and ABC News; BELFOR CEO Sheldon Yellen serves as the show’s expert on safety, disaster recovery, and other topics.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be able to help shine the spotlight on heroic first responders who give their all 24/7/365 for the safety of our communities,” says Yellen. “We are proud to share incredible stories with our viewers in hopes of inspiring them too, to become heroes.”
Gesher Human Services Offers New “Women to Work” Course
Gesher Human Services (formerly JVS + Kadima) in Southfield is offering a free four-week course called Women to Work.
The course is aimed at women who are ready to return to the workforce, some of whom may have had their employment put on hold earlier in the pandemic, and who may be concerned about the current economic climate and inflation.
The program will take place during eight sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, starting on July 19. An in-person informational meeting about the course will be conducted July 14 at the organization’s headquarters (29699 Southfield Road).
“Women to Work” will offer:
- In-depth vocational assessment
- Employment-related group counseling and emotional support
- Information and referrals to support services
- Help with networking, resume writing & interviewing
- Financial management advice
- Stress management
For more information on Women to Work and to register for the program, contact Judy Richmond at 248.233.4232 or email her at jrichmond@jvshumanservices.org.
Habitat for Humanity to Host 2nd Neighborhood Revitalization Event of the Year in Pontiac
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County will be joined by volunteers for a neighborhood repair and cleanup event July 14 and July 16 in Pontiac’s Ferry Farms/Unity Park Neighborhoods to repair porches, install fences, and clean up yards.
Called Rock the Block, the event brings homeowners, volunteers, corporate and community sponsors, and Habitat Oakland staff together offering minor exterior home repairs to homeowners at a modest price.
Volunteers work with Habitat’s construction staff to repair porches, install fences, replace cracked concrete, clean gutters, and complete lawn clean-up. This program ensures that homeowners reside in safe housing, enables seniors to age-in-place, maintains and increases home values, and fosters neighborhood stability.
The July event will take place over 12 worksites and benefit approximately 36 homeowners. This is the second of four Rock the Block events Habitat will be having this year, with the third and fourth events taking place in Southfield in August and September.
