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 State’s Broad Art Museum Receives $7.5M Gift
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University in East Lansing will benefit from a $7.5 million bequest gift from alumnus Alan Ross and his spouse, Rebecca Ross.
Their gift will further the impact of the existing Alan and Rebecca Ross Exhibition Endowment, which was established by the couple with a previous $1 million cash gift in 2014 to support the museum’s exhibition program.
The Alan and Rebecca Ross Education Wing in the Zaha Hadid-designed museum — an open, light-filled public programming space that hosts thousands of children, MSU students, and adults each year — was named in their honor.
“It’s deeply meaningful to have the support of Alan and Rebecca Ross, who are leaders in the arts community in Michigan and beyond,” says Teresa K. Woodruff, interim president of MSU. “Their partnership is a tremendous asset as we grow and expand the MSU Arts strategy. This new gift commitment helps ensure that these efforts and their legacy will continue for generations to come.”
The Rosses share a love for art and spend their time traveling to galleries and art fairs around the globe to collect pieces that resonate with them. They share an expansive collection of sculptures, paintings, drawings, prints and other works from prominent and established contemporary artists.
Their generosity helps further the goals of the MSU Broad Art Museum’s exhibition program. The program presents innovative research, scholarship, and interdisciplinary learning through a global roster of artists, grounded in dialogue with their growing permanent collection of works spanning from the ancient world to the present day.
In addition to their endowment, the Rosses also have supported the museum through numerous in-kind gifts of art. In the past year, they gifted the museum with several important Zaha Hadid works — the MSU Broad Art Museum currently holds the largest collection of Zaha Hadid Design works in North America
General RV Center Set to Open Fourth Florida Supercenter in December
General RV Center in Wixom will expand its Florida footprint with a new location in Fort Pierce scheduled to open in early December.
Located about 20 miles north of Port St. Lucie, this is General RV’s fourth Supercenter in the state and 18th location nationwide. General RV currently operates three other Florida Supercenters located in Orange Park (near Jacksonville), Dover (near Tampa), and Ocala.
“We are thrilled to continue our growth in Florida and bring our quality service and products to a new region,” says Loren Baidas, president of General RV. “We are growing strategically to better meet the needs of our current and new customers. We’re eager to expand and enhance the RV purchasing and ownership experience for those in the Sunshine State.”
The 25,000-square-foot facility is planned to have 16-18 service bays, with enough space to house up to 300 motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers. As an existing, non-occupied former car dealership, the building will be upgraded to reflect General RV’s existing Supercenter format nationwide.
With a target soft opening date of Dec. 1, the dealership will eventually add up to 100 jobs.
Comvest Partners to Sell Systems Control in Iron Mountain to Hubbell Inc.
Comvest Partners in West Palm Beach, Fla., has agreed to sell Systems Control, a utility and electrical solutions company in Iron Mountain in the U.P. The transaction, of which details were not disclosed, is expected to close by the end of the year.
Founded in 1962, Systems Control manufacturers substation control and relay panels as well as turnkey substation control building solutions for the electric transmission and distribution industry. The company’s offerings are mission-critical to grid reliability, enabling utility customers to protect and control substation infrastructure while detecting faults and controlling the flow of electricity.
“Comvest invested in Systems Control in partnership with management with a shared vision of scaling the company as a best-in-class turnkey provider of end-to-end substation control solutions,” says Kenny Nickens, a vice president at Comvest. “We are proud of the great relationship we built with the Systems Control team and the successes we achieved together.”
Brad Lebouef, CRO of Systems Control, says, “Comvest supported System Control’s vision for growth throughout our partnership, providing both capital and invaluable support key to the achievement of our desired growth milestones. We are appreciative of Comvest’s stewardship and look forward to our next chapter with the terrific team at Hubbell.”
Dearborn’s Carhartt Opens New Detroit Pop-Up Location in Midtown
Dearborn-based workwear brand Carhartt today opened a new retail pop-up location in Detroit, the city where the company was founded in 1889.
Located in Unit 6 at 441 West Canfield St., the new location marks Carhartt’s second company-owned location in Detroit, joining the flagship store located at 5800 Cass Ave.
“Detroit has been Carhartt’s home for more than 130 years and we’re thrilled to provide the hardworking people of the Motor City with another option to find our durable and functional workwear,” says Chad Cornstubble, senior vice president of direct-to-consumer at Carhartt.
“With the road construction projects taking place near the Carhartt flagship store on Cass Avenue, we wanted to provide another access point for our customers, especially as we approach the holiday season. Canfield Street is an ideal location for the pop-up – at the center of a historic, bustling district and surrounded by some of the city’s best retail shops and restaurants – a perfect location for the hardworking people of Detroit to find the gear they need to create their own histories, both on and off the job.”
The two-story pop-up storefront occupies approximately 3,100 square feet and features Carhartt’s styles and technology in a select assortment of offerings to coincide with cold weather and the holiday season.
The pop-up store hours will be: 10 a.m. -6 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, the hours for the flagship location at 5800 Cass Ave. will remain 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
GLWA to Host National Apprenticeship Week Event Nov. 7
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), in partnership with Detroit’s Focus: HOPE, is hosting a National Apprenticeship Week celebration at noon on Nov. 7 at Focus: HOPE.
The in-person event will showcase the benefits of skilled trade careers and the apprenticeships needed to get there. We invite you to join us to learn more about the value of apprenticeships and speak with current GLWA apprentices about their success stories and career paths.
Other attendees include GLWA leadership, guest apprentices from a variety of sectors, and representatives from union organizations, the state of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Grand Valley Receives $1.5M Federal Grant to Improve Nursing Workforce Readiness
Grand Valley State University near Grand Rapids received a $1.5 million federal grant to improve nursing workforce readiness by increasing high-impact learning opportunities for students using multiple-patient simulations.
Tricia Thomas, dean of the Kirkhof College of Nursing, says the three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) also enhances training and education to better serve underrepresented and diverse populations.
Thomas says two of KCON’s practice partners, Corewell Health and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, will collaborate to design simulations for nursing students.
Multiple-patient simulations will begin in the winter semester. The grant money will be used to purchase equipment, hire affiliate and clinical faculty members and coordinate simulations with practice partners.
ACG Detroit Planning Dec. 6 Kimble Bells Networking and Charity Event
ACG Detroit is hosting its annual Kimble Bells Networking and Charity Event from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Detroit Golf Club.
The evening, which will include food, cocktails, and networking, will benefit The Power Company Kids Club. The club empowers and propels underserved youth.
To register, visit https://www.acg.org/detroit/events/acg-detroit-2023-kimble-bells-networking-charity-event.
MolinaCares Accord to Donate $100K to U-Michigan to Fund Health Equity Challenge
The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Michigan, tomorrow will announce a $100,000 grant to the University of Michigan School of Public Health that will fund the Michigan Health Equity Challenge, an effort inspiring students to develop innovative solutions to Michigan’s most pressing health equity concerns.
Through the Michigan Health Equity Challenge, U-M graduate students are invited to create practical, innovative community-based solutions to address health disparities that persist in Michigan. Projects may focus on physical health, behavioral health, long term care, social determinants of health, or any other health-related issue that has been deemed a major area of concern among Michigan’s health equity experts, providers, and community leaders.
Ten student finalists will be selected to further develop their proposals over a 10-week period, identifying a local community-based organization (CBO) to partner with to implement the intervention. In addition to the $100,000 grant to the University of Michigan, the two CBO partner awardees will receive up to $50,000 each to implement their winning projects.
For details about this program, visit mihealthequitychallenge.org.
Washtenaw Community College to Honor Veterans Nov. 9
America’s veterans will receive gratitude and recognition during Washtenaw Community College’s annual Veterans Day celebration at 7 a.m. Nov. 9 in front of the Student Center building at the main entrance of campus.
At 9:15 a.m., a ceremony will take place on the second floor of the Student Center near the Wadhams Veterans Center.
WCC students Benjamin Whisman and Kolbe Watson, both veterans, will speak.
The college’s Veterans Day program also will feature WCC President Rose B. Bellanca and Interim Vice President of Instruction Brandon Tucker, a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Habitat Oakland and Bank of America Partner in Oakland County for Global Build Initiative
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County and Bank of America have come together to address the need for safe, sustainable, and affordable housing in Oakland County as part of Bank of America’s Global Build, an initiative between Bank of America and Habitat for Humanity to support affordable housing and revitalization projects in communities around the world.
Habitat Oakland received a $40,000 grant from Bank of America to renovate homes in Oakland County. On Oct. 26, seven Bank of America employees volunteered with the organization to perform repairs on a home.
This year, Bank of America contributed $3.1 million for the initiative as part of its three-year commitment to Habitat. Bank of America employees will volunteer with more than 100 Habitat organizations in the U.S. and internationally to help build, repair, or renovate homes. The company will also support Women Build projects in local communities and help facilitate Bank of America Better Money Habits® program with new Habitat homeowners.
Birmingham’s Community House Announces Holiday Concert Series
The Community House in Birmingham announces the return of its Holiday Concert Series, which will feature performances on Dec. 6, 13, and 20.
To begin the series, The Brother Rice Jazz Band and The Marian Melodies will perform on Dec. 6. The Dec. 13 concert is a matinee where guests will enjoy a musical quartet featuring Andrew Wu. The Joshua Chorale will take the stage on Dec. 20.
The $40 per person ticket includes music, holiday desserts, and beverages. A cash bar also will be available. Guests can attend all three performances by purchasing discounted series tickets for $100 per person.
For more information and tickets, visit here or call 248-644-5832.
Lakeside Mall to Host 12th Annual Expo Michigan Holiday and Crafters Marketplace
The annual Expo Michigan Holiday and Crafters Marketplace, hosted by The Oakland County Business Association Inc of Michigan, will take place at Lakeside Mall from Thanksgiving weekend to Christmas Eve.
This 12th annual event includes:
- Michigan Artists and crafters from across the state
- Michigan businesses
- Vendors and authors
- Networking opportunities
The fair has partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan to host a food drive. Donation boxes set up to receive non-perishable canned, bagged, or boxed food, all for the purpose of nourishing the community.
Special events this year include “Swiftie Saturdays” – girls are encouraged to dress up like Taylor Swift and come to Lakeside at noon on Saturdays in December. Each registered Swiftie will receive one free Coca Cola, the presenter of Swiftie days. Also, the Michigan Superstar Talent Show with cash prizes plus featured bands and musicians.
Expo Michigan is inviting all Michigan bands, musicians, singers, and schools to reserve a day and time to perform for 20 minutes live at this year’s event. Performers who get 50 people to come to the event to watch will receive $50, 100 will receive $100, and so on. Current scheduled performers include:
- Ty Hatcher, 2 p.m., Nov. 24 – Free live concert
- Kyle Mikolajczyk, 3, 4, 5 p.m., Nov. 24 – Free live concert
- This and That, 4, 5 p.m., Dec. 2 – Free live concert
- Raccoon Recession Committee, 2, 3, 4, 5 p.m., Dec. 9 – Free live concert
Other performers are wanted and can register here.
The Expo Michigan Holiday and Crafters Marketplace is a vehicle for people with disabilities and all people to display their crafts and artworks, and is an approved Autism Speaks event.
Disability agencies exhibit free for their clients that make hand crafted items. Admission is $1 for Autism Speaks. Dates and hours for this year’s mega event are Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24, Saturdays 11-6, and Sundays 12-6.
“The two main goals of this annual event is to help all Michigan artisans and crafters, with and without disabilities, sell their items, get exposure to the public, and to offer people starting a new business or making products an opportunity to exhibit in a community setting,” says Shirley Mall, event manager for EXPO Michigan. “These events provide a regular opportunity for everyone to exhibit or present a micro-enterprise business opportunity and it’s a great opportunity for new businesses to get exposure.”
For vendor information, advance visitors ticket sales, and to learn more about this event, visit EXPOMichigan.com or contact Shari at EXPOMichigan@gmail.com.
GVSU Board Approves Creating College Focused on Computing, Advanced Technology
The Board of Trustees of Grand Valley State University near Grand Rapids voted to move ahead with a plan to create the as-yet unnamed new college by elevating and expanding the School of Computing that is currently part of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing into its own college by fall of 2024.
The move will create additional capacity for GVSU’s computing and engineering programs, enabling each program to reach the university’s goal of delivering three times as many graduates in high-tech disciplines over the next 10 years to help meet the needs of Michigan employers.
“This new college represents a visionary investment that will allow Grand Valley to stay at the forefront of technology and innovation by preparing students with future-ready skills that will drive both the local and state economies,” says Philomena V. Mantella, president of GVSU. “At the same time, the Padnos College of Engineering can sharpen its focus on broadening the robust engineering programs, experiential learning and community partnerships that have long set our graduates apart.”
Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe Earns ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade
Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe, part of Corewell Health, earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2023 from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care.
This national distinction recognizes the achievements of the hospital in protecting patients from preventable harm and error.
“We are very proud of Grosse Pointe achieving a Leapfrog A, says Dr. Jeffrey Ditkoff, senior vice president, chief of quality, safety, and experience for Corewell Health East. “This is reflective of a tradition of delivering extremely high-quality and exceptional care, and a dedication to keeping patients safe.”
Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals – Niles Hospital, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals – St. Joseph Hospital, Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital, Corewell Health Greenville Hospital, Corewell Health Ludington Hospital and Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital also earned an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for fall 2023.
Michigan Science Center Invites Public Invited to FIRST Lego League Event Nov. 19
The Michigan Science Center will be hosting the FIRST Lego League Regional Qualifier from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Nov. 19 and is inviting the public to join them to experience this exciting robotics competition.
The program prepares kids to solve some of the world’s greatest problems through a series of robotics challenges for students K-12.
This year’s theme is MASTERPIECESM, focusing on the role STEM plays in the arts and will feature a robot game on Mi-Sci’s Science Stage. The event is spectator-only to the public and is included with general admission.
