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.
Michigan Sites Make National Register of Historic Places
Nineteen historic Michigan properties were given special recognition in 2023 through their listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced.
Administered in Michigan by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the National Register of Historic Places is the United States federal government’s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance.
“The SHPO has the distinct honor to be able to work with so many communities and individuals across the state to help elevate Michigan sites to the National Register of Historic Places,” says Ryan Schumaker, state historic preservation officer. “These 19 historic properties listed in 2023 help to tell a more complete history at the local, state, and national levels.
“Listing in the National Register not only provides a way to celebrate this important history, it also provides opportunities for economic investment in these properties and communities.”
To be considered for listing in the National Register, a property must generally be at least 50 years old, and must also be significant when evaluated in relationship to major historical events or trends in the history of their community, the state, or the nation. A property also must possess historic integrity — the ability to convey its significance.
The following Michigan properties were listed in the National Register in 2023:
- Herman and Hattie Besser House, Alpena
- Eden Springs Park, Benton Harbor
- Clark Equipment Co. Complex, Buchanan
- Frances Harper Inn, Detroit
- Samuel D. Holcomb School, Detroit
- Immaculata High School and Convent, Detroit
- Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. Detroit Warehouse, Detroit
- Matthew Parish, Detroit
- Vaughn’s Book Store, Detroit
- Clipper Belt Lacer Co. Complex, Grand Rapids
- Irving and Olive Crane Kendall Dean House Grand Rapids
- Sligh Furniture Co. Building, Grand Rapids
- Cadieux School, Grosse Pointe
- Grace Ingersoll McGraw House, Grosse Pointe
- Anaem Omot, Lake and Holmes Townships
- Barnes Avenue School, Lansing
- Groves Farm, Northfield Township
- John Grace School, Southfield
- First Congregational Church, Wyandotte
“Each of these historic places is significant on its own, but what is all the more impressive is the story they tell together,” says Todd Walsh, National Register coordinator at SHPO. “Through these historic places — and so many others in our state — we can expand our understanding of where we call home as well as the stories, struggles, and accomplishments of those who came before us.”
Jeep Grand Cherokee Earns ‘MotorWeek’ Drivers’ Choice Award
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the winner of Best Midsize Utility vehicle in the 2024 “MotorWeek” Drivers’ Choice Awards, earning the honor for the second consecutive year.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is our back-to-back winner as Best Midsize Utility of the year,” says John Davis, creator and host of “MotorWeek.” “We are convinced that the Grand Cherokee lineup can handle just about anything adventure-loving families can throw at it.
“After existing for decades as a rough-around-the-edges, take-it-or-leave-it SUV, the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee arrived with all kinds of surprises, including an extended L version with three rows of seating, and even an available 4xe plug-in powertrain.”
Now in its 43rd season as TV’s and digital media’s original automotive magazine series, “MotorWeek” holds the annual Drivers’ Choice competition to evaluate vehicles based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency, and value.
Axiom Evaluations in Plymouth Township Joins LA Insurance Firm
MDpanel, a Los Angeles-based provider of expert medical opinions as part of the insurance claims process, has added Plymouth Township’s Axiom Evaluations to its platform.
The partnership expands MDpanel’s geographic presence and product capabilities as it seeks to become the partner of choice for physicians, carriers, attorneys, and injured workers.
Axiom Evaluations, led by industry veterans Brett Melnick and Bill Bulger, facilitates high-quality IMEs and peer reviews for auto and workers’ compensation claims throughout the state of Michigan.
“We are excited to be a part of MDpanel,” says Bulger, “and look forward to working alongside Jason and his team to build the platform into the preeminent provider of world-class medical opinions.”
The partnership with Axiom Evaluations follows the launch of the MDpanel platform in October 2023.
BorgWarner Secures Contract Extending High Voltage Coolant Heater Business with OEM
BorgWarner in Auburn Hills has extended its contract to supply 400V high voltage coolant heaters (HVCH) to a major global OEM. The technology will be used on the automaker’s battery-electric light-vehicle platforms, specifically SUV and passenger truck programs. The business win is one of three contracts secured with North American OEMs for BorgWarner’s HVCH.
“We are thrilled to extend our contract with this OEM and to supply our robust HVCH technology to the company’s largest vehicle platforms,” says Joe Fadool, president and general manager of BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal, and Turbo Systems. “BorgWarner prides itself on providing in-depth technical expertise for our partners and delivering exceptional local production support to reduce lead times and shipping costs, ultimately accelerating our customers’ electrification initiatives.”
The 400V HVCH is designed to manage the battery pack’s temperature to achieve optimal charging efficiency, battery life, durability performance, and driving range. It also provides a source of heat for cabin comfort in outside temperatures down to -40˚C.
The HVCH was developed at BorgWarner’s technical center in Auburn Hills. The HVCH will be manufactured at BorgWarner’s facility in Cadillac. BorgWarner currently is the only supplier producing American-made HVCH technology.
Lear Named One of Fortune’s 2024 Most Admired Companies
Lear Corp. in Southfield announced it has been named to Fortune magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list for the eighth consecutive year.
In the survey’s nine categories, used by respondents to determine the overall company rankings in the Motor Vehicle Parts Makers industry group, Lear placed in the top five in every category. Lear also improved its standing in the Social Responsibility and Financial Soundness categories compared with last year’s study.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the Lear team for sustaining our recognition as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for eight consecutive years,” says Ray Scott, president and CEO of Lear. “It’s a testament to our talented and dedicated employees worldwide. Their ingenuity and dedication differentiate Lear as a leader in the automotive industry. We remain committed to delivering the highest level of performance to our customers, shareholders and the communities where we live and work.”
Large Logistics Company to Use Allison Transmission’s 3414 Regional Haul Series
Indianapolis-based Allison Transmission, which has an electrification engineering center in Auburn Hills, says a leading global logistics and delivery company will add Freightliner Cascadia compressed natural gas day cab tractors equipped with the Allison 3414 Regional Haul Series transmission to its fleet of 18,000 tractors.
In related news: Allison Transmission will equip South America’s first school buses with fully automatic transmissions in partnership with Volare, Brazil’s leading minibus manufacturer, and Brazil’s National Fund for Educational Development.
The Ministry of Education recently announced grants to finance 320 new buses equipped with Allison Torqmatic Series transmissions as part of its School Path Program, which aims to provide public school students with access to safer and more reliable transportation.
African American ERG Has Served Community for 30+ Years
The Comerica Bank African American Network (CAAN) Employee Resource Group (ERG) is bringing awareness to and providing education on the African American experience during Black History Month and beyond.
Comerica ERGs consist of colleagues with common interests organized to promote cultural awareness, career advancement, colleague connection and community impact. CAAN was the first ERG established at Comerica in the early 1990s and continues to be the bank’s oldest and longest-running ERG, consisting of almost 600 employees within its two chapters (one in Michigan and one in Texas). The group supports the growth of their members through professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities.
CAAN activities this month include:
Smiles for a Cause, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
This fundraiser will provide Comerica colleagues with the opportunity to benefit long-time Comerica partner, United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Approximately 40 employees will visit the Livonia Operations Center to get professional headshots taken and 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to this summer’s UNCF Walk. In the last 10 years, Comerica colleagues have raised nearly $175,000 to support the UNCF Walk in Detroit, which annually is the largest of any UNCF chapter in the country.
Not Our First Rodeo – History of Black Rodeo, Feb. 22 from noon-1 p.m.
This event is an employee engagement and will gather more than 150 Comerica colleagues to learn about the history of black rodeo and cowboys, presented by Nicole Scott, owner of the Midwest Invitational Rodeo.
Ziebart Concludes Inaugural Month of Giving with Successful Charitable Impact
Troy-based Ziebart finished 2023 with its inaugural Month of Giving campaign, a collaboration between Ziebart’s corporate team and its network of franchise owners nationwide.
The campaign took place in December and resulted in its headquarters location raising and donating more than $15,600 to aid Ronald McDonald House Charities – Detroit Chapter.
The funds raised equate to 150 overnight stays for a family while their child is hospitalized. The donation also will be used to help provide meals, toys, and books for families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
In addition to the headquarters location’s charitable efforts, franchisees system-wide participated in the Month of Giving initiatives, raising funds and goods for various charities of their choosing, such as Toys for Tots and Lifesteps.
