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.
Lucido Fine Jewelry Launches Renovated Store in Birmingham
Lucido Fine Jewelry has launched what it refers to as a “next-level luxury experience” at its recently renovated downtown Birmingham location (250 N. Old Woodward Ave.).
“From the moment you walk in the door, you are immersed in a luxurious clientele experience,” says Vince Lucido, CEO of Lucido Fine Jewelry.
Managing Partner Fran Lucido says, “Our expert personal consulting team will warmly greet you, and you will enjoy exquisite product displays that artistically balance a big-city feel with small-town charm.”
Also this summer, the Lucido team is unveiling a special showroom at the Birmingham location exclusively dedicated to Rolex creations. The new showroom will offer customers an opportunity to explore the brand’s collections in an environment that complements the quality and craftsmanship of Rolex. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Lucido Fine Jewelry also operates stores in Rochester and Sterling Heights. For more information, visit https://www.lucidojewelry.com/locations/birmingham/.
Ann Arbor’s NSG Acquired by Virginia Company
Certain assets of the Network Solutions Group (NSG), an Ann Arbor-based business unit of CCI Systems Inc., have been acquired by ePlus Inc. of Herndon, Va. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
NSG is a provider of networking services and solutions focused in the broadband service provider end-market. This acquisition will help drive additional growth with enhanced engineering, sales, and services delivery capabilities specific to the industry. Service providers are included in ePlus’ telecom, media, and entertainment end-market category.
“Our team is very excited to join ePlus,” says Mac Plymale Jr., vice president of sales in ePlus’ new Service Provider Group. “Our Cisco Master Service Provider Technology Architect Specialization, one of only six nationwide, combined with ePlus’ focus on customer experience, security, collaboration, and a broader portfolio of solutions, will create powerful synergies to address critical gaps in the service provider space and capture spend.”
Atlanta Firm Buys Vanguard Fire & Security in Grand Rapids
Vanguard Fire & Security Systems in Grand Rapids has been acquired by Pye-Barker Fire & Safety in Atlanta. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
With this acquisition, Pye-Barker continues its national footprint expansion by entering Michigan, its 35th state reached through an acquisition strategy.
Vanguard Fire & Security Systems operates additional locations in Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Detroit, and Pasadena, Texas, outside Houston. Its team inspects, maintains, and installs fire alarms, sprinklers, special hazard, kitchen suppression, security, and CCTV systems. It also provides 24/7 emergency service, fire extinguishers, mobile fire pumps, and central monitoring.
Vanguard, founded in 1957, was acquired by Darrell and Diane Thomas in 1990. It has grown to conduct work in more than 40 states with a team of over 225 employees.
NSK to Showcase New High-precision Linear Motion Technology at Automate 2023
Ann Arbor-based NSK Americas, a provider of bearing and linear motion control technology, will feature its new AXIS series linear actuators at the Automate trade show May 22-25 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
These ultra-fast, super-precise single-axis actuators provide high-load positioning in a simplified, easy-to-install form factor.
“Our new AXIS series actuators are ideal for system designers seeking high-performance and ultra-precise linear positioning solutions,” says Jon Lorello, linear product line manager at NSK. “Offering multiple drive styles, we seamlessly integrated our accumulated expertise in ball screws, linear guides, support bearings, and motor technology to develop new user friendly, adaptable, and customizable actuators.”
Drive technology options include a linear motor (LMAX series) or a precision-ground ball screw (BMAX series) drive actuator. Both AXIS series designs deliver flexible, open-end integration into high-performance linear motion systems.
AMP and Safire Group Announce Strategic Alliance to Drive Innovation for Micro-mobility
AMP, a California-based technology company for energy management of electric mobility with an office in Detroit, and Safire Technology Group Inc., a venture-backed company developing cutting-edge battery safety technology that helps prevent fires and improves performance, have announced a new partnership that will bring together their expertise to deliver a battery management system for customers seeking increased safety and performance across micro-mobility fleets.
The partnership between AMP and Safire Group will allow both companies to leverage their strengths and collaborate on the development of new electric motorcycles and e-bikes. This collaboration will provide customers with customized solutions that combine Safire Group’s innovative battery safety and performance technology with AMP’s expertise in designing and implementing battery management systems.
“We are excited to partner with Safire Group to offer customers an enhanced sense of safety while utilizing micro-mobility vehicles,” says Anil Paryani, CEO of AMP. “Their innovation in battery pack safety will complement our expertise in integrated battery management solutions, allowing us to provide customers with comprehensive protection against impact.”
AMP and Safire Group expect to develop vehicles that can sustain intense physical conditions while mitigating thermal runaway events. The partnership between AMP and Safire Group promises to be uniquely impactful in the rapidly evolving world of micro-mobility battery production. Both companies aim to leverage their respective expertise to deliver innovative solutions to customers.
Argosy Private Equity Acquires Grand Rapids’ Richwood Industries
Argosy Private Equity, a lower middle market private equity firm in Pennsylvania, has acquired of Richwood Industries Inc. in Grand Rapids. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1988, Richwood Industries is a nationwide manufacturer and distributor of composite panels, plywood, tackable solutions, drawers, and dry-erase boards, as well as PolyBak, a proprietary backer and overlay. The company distributes its products across all 50 states as well as internationally. Richwood’s wide variety of products are used in the production of office and healthcare furniture, dormitory and institutional furniture, commercial interiors, and more.
Argosy partnered with Guy Boitos of Stone River Capital Partners, a Michigan-based private investment firm with experience in the industry.
Comerica Named U.S. Small Business Administration Michigan District Lender of the Year
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named Comerica Bank as the Michigan District Office Lender of the Year for the 2022 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022). Comerica, a National SBA Preferred Lender, also was honored among Top 10 Lenders.
The U.S. SBA awards the Lender of the Year for the best overall performance by a 7(a) lender in Michigan. Criteria considered for the honor includes volume, year-over-year increase and area coverage. The lender must be in good standing with the U.S. SBA.
For Top 10 Lender, the criteria to determine the top 10 best performing 7(a) lenders in Michigan was based on number of loans approved. The lender also must be in good standing with the U.S. SBA.
“Assisting our small business customers with a wide variety of tools helps them succeed; and providing access to capital for small businesses remains vital in supporting our communities,” says Steve Davis, Michigan Market President for Comerica. “SBA loan programs are among those valuable resources. We appreciate the advocacy and commitment the U.S. SBA provides daily to assist small businesses across the country and value partnering with them in these lending programs. We are humbly honored to be recognized by the Michigan District Office for our results in meeting customers’ needs.”
Oxford Bank Awards Elevate Grants to Four Local Businesses
Oxford Bank Corp. in Oxford has awarded small business grants to four local businesses in Michigan through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Elevate Grant program.
Elevate is an innovative grant program that awards up to $20,000 to assist the growth and development of local small businesses, their workforces, and the communities where they are located. As an FHLBank Indianapolis member, Oxford Bank awards this grant each year to a select number of eligible recipients.
Businesses awarded grants include:
- Good Done Daily in Hamtramck, an independent graphic design practice that helps people drive social, civic. and place-based change.
- Brewery Faisan in Detroit, a microbrewery that produces high-quality, Belgian-inspired craft beer that can purchased by the can or at the Detroit taproom.
- Cultured Ferments Co./Cultured Kombucha Co. in Traverse City, a certified organic and vegan microbrewery that specializes in handcrafted, authentically fermented kombucha.
- DL Kusky Services in Flint, a vendor for the Social Security Administration and the state of Michigan that offers employment services to disabled and low-income customers, including job placement, readiness training, coaching and work-based learning experiences.
“We are honored to be part of this unique effort in our partnership with FHLBank Indianapolis,” says David P. Lamb, chairman, president, and CEO of Oxford. “We share a deep commitment to our local communities and to the growing number of small businesses that we serve and support through our strong customer relationships and value-driven services.”
Kevin Hirzel Releases 2nd Edition of Handbook on Michigan Condo and HOA Operations
Kevin Hirzel, managing member of Hirzel Law in Farmington, has the second edition of “Hirzel’s Handbook: How to operate a Michigan Condo or HOA.” The original version of Hirzel’s Handbook was released in 2021 and was one of Amazon’s top 100 new releases in practical guides to real estate.
“Many volunteer directors that sit on community association boards do not receive any training,” Hirzel says. “I wrote ‘Hirzel’s Handbook’ to fill the void and provide volunteer board members and property managers with the basic tools they need to successfully operate a condominium or homeowners association.”
“Hirzel’s Handbook” is written to assist homeowners associations as they navigate the following important issues:
- Best practices for operating community associations, including corporate governance, financial operations, and insurance.
- How to handle the transition from developer to owner control.
- Best practices for enforcing HOA bylaws.
- Strategies for collecting delinquent HOA assessments.
- How and when to amend the governing documents.
- How to comply with the Fair Housing Act and avoid discrimination claims.
“Hirzel Law is excited to be releasing the second edition of ‘Hirzel’s Handbook’ as there have been a lot of changes in the condo and HOA industry over the past couple of years,” Hirzel says.
“Hirzel’s Handbook” is available is available on amazon.com as an eBook, paperback, or hardcover. An audible version of the book is scheduled to be released later this year.
Hudson-Webber Foundation President Melanca Clark to Depart
The Trustees of the Hudson-Webber Foundation in Detroit announced that Melanca Clark will depart from her role as president and CEO of the Hudson-Webber Foundation. She will remain with the foundation while the board engages in a search and leadership transition to ensure a smooth process, as she relocates to Boston with her family.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to work with our board, staff, and committed and dynamic partners to help move this incredible city forward,” says Clark. “We expanded our investments to the city’s neighborhoods and into new models of leadership and leaders, to help ensure that all residents benefit from the city’s growth and are shaping their own future. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this extraordinary journey.”
Clark joined the Foundation in August 2016 from Washington, D.C., where she served in a variety of roles in the Obama Administration, including at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as chief of staff of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS office) and the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
She leaves behind a legacy supported by signature accomplishments that have helped to cultivate and support strong community advocates, simultaneously strengthened the Hudson-Webber Foundation and facilitated greater national attention by foundations with respect to Detroit initiatives.
Student-designed Murals to be Placed Trackside at Detroit Grand Prix
Highlighting a key element of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear Community Partnership Initiative announced in March, students from the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan unveiled eight unique art murals that will be displayed trackside for the world to see at the Grand Prix, June 2-4, on the streets of downtown Detroit.
The digitally designed murals feature themes that pay tribute to the local communities across Detroit, the spirit of the Motor City, and the return of the Grand Prix to its original home on the downtown streets for the first time since 1991.
With support from its Community Partners in American Axle & Manufacturing, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Delta Air Lines, Delta Dental, DTE Foundation, Henry Ford Health, Huntington Bank, Lear Corp., and PNC Bank, the Grand Prix will provide an opportunity for the students’ art to shine at one of Detroit’s biggest events of the year.
Measuring 24 feet long and three feet high, each of the murals will be placed on the safety walls surrounding the new downtown Detroit race circuit, in front of the viewing platforms on Jefferson Avenue that will be open and accessible to fans completely free of charge all weekend at the Grand Prix.
“Thanks to our key community partners, these talented and creative young students at the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan will have the opportunity to share their art with everyone at this year’s Grand Prix,” says Michael Montri, president of the Detroit Grand Prix. “We’re excited to see all of these unique designs come to life and create a special connection to the neighborhoods and districts across Detroit, through the Grand Prix.”
The mural designs were created by students in the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) Fashion Industry Club. The artists learned about the Grand Prix and its history in Detroit, dating back to the first race downtown in 1982.
Under the guidance of program partner, fashion designer. and local artist Sharryl Cross, the students received coaching on public and digital art, using Adobe Illustrator to produce their individual designs. After working on their art for more than six weeks, the BGCSM students submitted their final mural designs to the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear Advisory Committee. The committee then selected the eight winning mural designs that will be featured for trackside display during Grand Prix weekend.
On Thursday, reigning NTT IndyCar Series champion and defending Detroit Grand Prix race winner Will Power of Team Penske, helped the students unveil the winning murals, alongside Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker.
