
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.
New Holland Brewing to Open Grand Haven Tasting Room
Holland-based New Holland Brewing Co. is set to open a new tasting room in Grand Haven, south of Muskegon on the Lake Michigan coast, this summer. The tasting room will join the other two existing lakeshore locations in South Haven and Saugatuck.
Located in the heart of Grand Haven at 24 S. Washington Ave, Ste. 22, the Grand Haven tasting room will occupy the lobby of the historic Grand Theatre with its iconic marquee. It will offer cocktails made with New Holland’s award-winning spirits and spirits tasting flights, along with a retail area with bottles to go and New Holland-branded merchandise.
The Grand Haven tasting room will have indoor seating for roughly 40 guests and additional seasonal outdoor seating. The tasting room also will be part of the Grand Haven Social District. Proposed plans include a to-go window.
“As part of our vision to create savored moments for the world, we are excited to bring the New Holland tasting room experience to the Grand Haven community,” says Brett VanderKamp, founder and CEO of New Holland Brewing Co. “We continue to expand our footprint along the shores of Lake Michigan, and Grand Haven is nationally recognized as a top destination in the area. We’re thrilled to introduce the New Holland brand to the tourists and locals alike.”
Dave White, vice president of development and facilities at New Holland Brewing Co., adds: “Our plan is to maintain as much of the character and charm of the space while still introducing the New Holland Brewing Company’s brand to the community. Our special projects team is hard at work to get the space ready to welcome guests this summer.”
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Launches Multimillion Dollar Initiative to Eliminate Barriers
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Metroparks officials say they are committed to breaking barriers that limit access to health, wellness, education and quality of life opportunities far beyond its park borders.
Metroparks recently announced an ambitious, multimillion-dollar, three-year initiative called Metroparks & Me, which seeks to improve access to swimming and science learning.
To expand its impact across southeast Michigan, Metroparks, through the Metroparks Foundation, is looking to raise $2.4 million over three years: $1.8 million for the Supplemental Science program and $600,00 for the Everyone in the Pool program.
“Expanding access to life-saving water skills and science learning beyond our park boundaries through Metroparks & Me is one way the Metroparks are breaking down barriers and uplifting communities across Southeast Michigan,” says Amy McMillan, director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “Metroparks and our partners are serving so many families in the community, and I am incredibly proud of our existing work, but the demand far outweighs the resources currently available. We’ve set an ambitious goal to continue eliminating the disparity in swimming and access to science learning. We’re determined to meet it.”
Organizations interested in partnering with or providing funding support to the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Foundation to expand impact through the Metroparks & Me Initiative, visit here.
Realcomp, First Multiple Listing Service Introduce Data Sharing Agreement
First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) in Atlanta and Realcomp II Ltd. in Farmington Hills, the largest real estate listing services in their respective states, have signed a data-share agreement.
“As we continue to expand the geographic reach of our MLS with the recent introduction of the IntraMatrix platform, this cooperative arrangement with FMLS is a significant next step,” says Karen Kage, CEO, Realcomp II Ltd. “This will provide many new opportunities for our real estate professionals to better serve their buyers and sellers.”
Jeremy Crawford, FMLS’ President and CEO, says: “We have been sharing data, services, and best practices with like-minded MLSs across the country, and this is a natural expansion. Through this agreement, our members in Georgia will enjoy direct access to listings in Michigan right inside our local MLS login which they know how to use. It’s a win-win for both organizations and, more importantly, the consumers they serve.”
Members and MLS subscribers can access FMLS’s and Realcomp’s listings using their native Matrix software and vice versa. That creates a widespread referral network between organizations. And there are no new fees or extra costs to brokers or agents.
This partnership brings more than 70,000 real estate professionals closer together, with the ability to serve hundreds of thousands of consumers in the years to come.
“This progressive alignment is good for the real estate industry and our clients. In a fast-changing market, the need for cooperation and transparency is stronger than ever,” says Kage.
The data-sharing agreement is effective immediately and is scheduled to go live in April.
Detroit vs. Everybody Debuts New Line at Detroit Historical Museum for 313 Day
Today, March 13, 313 Day, the Detroit Historical Museum will host a pop-up exhibit of garments, accessories, and art created by Tommey Walker of Detroit vs. Everybody.
Drawing inspiration from Detroit history along with artifacts in the Detroit Historical Society collection, Walker’s designs promise to offer a unique perspective on Detroit’s rich heritage. By blending elements of the past with contemporary design, the new line showcases the city’s resilience, innovation, and diversity in a visually captivating way. Admission is free today at the Detroit Historical Museum. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
StradVision in Sterling Heights Renews ISO 27001 Certification
StradVision, a South Korea-based AI vision processing technology company for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems with North American headquarters in Sterling Heights, has renewed of its ISO 27001 certification for the fourth consecutive year.
ISO/IEC 27001, the global information security standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), underscores StradVision’s commitment to upholding the highest standards, the company says.
“The ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certification renewal objectively validates our ability to protect the personal information of customers and end-users, says Junhwan Kim, CEO of StradVision. “We are dedicated to delivering secure information analysis and data processing, adhering to ISO standards to ensure the reliability of SVNet for our customers.”
Sharrow Marine Opens Preorders for Sharrow CX Propeller for Contra-Rotating Sterndrives and Outboards
Sharrow Marine in St. Clair Shores is opening of preorders for the Sharrow CX Propeller for contra-rotating sterndrives and outboards, with estimated shipping in the Spring of 2026.
The Sharrow CX Propeller is an extension of the patented Sharrow Propeller lineup and brings the company’s technology to contra-rotating applications.
Owners of runabouts, bowriders, and cruisers equipped with Volvo, Mercury, or Suzuki outboards or sterndrives that require sets of contra-rotating propellers will find Sharrow’s CX Propeller particularly appealing, the company says, as it offers enhanced efficiency with superior agility and maneuverability, and is customized to each boat’s specifications. The dual contra-rotating design optimizes lift and control, ensuring a smooth and responsive boating experience.
“Since the day we announced the Sharrow Propeller to the market in 2020, the response from the boating community for a contra-rotating version of flagship design has been incredible, with many eagerly anticipating our expansion into this market sector,” says Greg Sharrow, founder and CEO of Sharrow Engineering and Sharrow Marine and inventor of the Sharrow Propeller. “We’re thrilled to finally be opening preorders and deliver on our goal of bringing the Sharrow Propeller to more boaters and redefining what they can expect from their duo propeller propulsion systems.”
Troy Chamber Business Excellence Awards Winners Announced
The Troy Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of 12 awards during its TC Business Excellence Awards Ceremony, presented by Horizon Bank, on March 7 at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy.
“We had over 100 nominations this year, all made by fellow chamber members, and more than 65,000 votes over the course of three weeks,” says Tara Tomcsik-Husak, president and CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce. “Each vote was counted, and we were excited to announce the winners at our Awards Ceremony.”
The 2024 TC Business Excellence Award winners were:
- Entech Staffing Solutions — Community Impact Award
- The Arc of Oakland County — Diversity Champion Award, presented by Baker College
- Suzy Siegle, president of Walsh College — Leadership Award, presented by The Choice Group
- Blessings in a Backpack — Nonprofit Excellence Award, presented by IFF
- Biggby Coffee Troy — Customer Service Excellence Award, presented by Austin Benefits Group
- Matt Dery (Q5 Experience) and Mark Gelbman (Caliber/Newrez) — Chamber Advocate Award, presented by Austin Benefits Group
- Betterworld Collective Inc. — Excellence in Tech Award
- Fresh & Pressed Juice Troy — Innovation Award, presented by Chief Financial Credit Union
- Insuring Change — Inspiring Tomorrow Award, presented by Corewell Health
- Michelle Choice (Fogo de Chão) — Young Professional Award, presented by Leadership Oakland
- Cheryl Boodram (Chief Financial Credit Union) — Woman in Action Award, presented by Entech Staffing Solutions
- Rebel Nell — Creative Disruptor Award
Fiat Debuts Next Two 500e Variations
The Fiat brand of Stellantis in Auburn Hills has dropped its next two variations of the all-electric 500e.
Two new models Inspired By Beauty and Inspired By Music. Each celebrates a pillar of both the Fiat brand and Italian culture.
“FIAT and the 500 are directly tied to Italian culture so combining our pure electric city car with two renown country treasures is a natural fit,” says Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat and global CMO for Stellantis. “The Fiat 500e has many facets that reflect its Italian heritage. Celebrating style and culture, the Inspired By models emphasize the Italian DNA of the 500e in a way that only FIAT can.”
Inspired By Beauty was derived from the unique color rose gold, the Inspired By Beauty model is the only drop that offers the shade. Exterior design features include body-color mirror caps and chrome daylight opening (DLO) molding. On the inside, style meets comfort with beige eco-leather seats, soft-touch steering wheel and a chic eco-leather wrapped dashboard. Pricing for the Inspired By Beauty model starts at $36,000, not including $1,595 destination.
Fiat invites drivers to experience the art of sound with the 500e Inspired By Music model. Two Italian icons, the cinquecento and Andrea Bocelli, come together on this vehicle to create a package for EV audiophiles. Covered in Piano Black paint, Inspired By Music pays tribute to some of the world’s most beautiful music with a JBL seven-speaker, amplified audio system with subwoofer.
Featuring four venues hand-selected by Bocelli, the Virtual Venues feature in the JBL premium sound system offers listeners a virtual-reality audio experience that changes the acoustic characteristics of the car depending on the chosen location, transporting listeners to unique listening environments:
- My Music Room – An intimate musical experience.
- My Recording Studio – Pure acoustics and beautiful tones of a real recording space created specifically for music and recording.
- Giuseppe Verdi Opera House, Pisa – Feel the music in a unique theatre setting.
- Open-air Arena – Hear the unmistakable acoustics and energetic feeling of an open-air arena.
Pricing for the Inspired By Music model starts at $36,000, not including $1,595 destination.
The Inspired By models will introduce a Level 2 active driving system for the first time on a Fiat model in North America. This technology combines adaptive cruise control and Lane Keep Assist to assist the driver on select roads. The Fiat 500e is the first all-electric car in its segment to offer Level 2, hands-on driver assist technology.
The lightest passenger BEV in the market, the 500e boasts an estimated range of 149 miles (240 kilometers), enabled by a 42-KWh battery with a Level 2 (11 kW) charge time of four hours and 15 minutes. BEV capability combined with quintessential design cues make it unmistakably FIAT, with style and sustainability at its core.
On the road, the 500e boasts 117 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds.
Every Fiat 500e includes a Level 2 charging wall unit or charge credits through Free2move Charge to ease the transition to electrification. Free2move is Stellantis’ 360-degree ecosystem, delivering seamless charging and energy management to address all electric-vehicle customer needs.
The 500e Inspired By models arrive in Fiat showrooms in North America starting in the third quarter of 2024.
Warner Norcross + Judd Continues Labor and Employment Quarterly Webinar Series
Labor and Employment Practice Group of the Warner Norcross + Judd law firm, which has none offices throughout Michigan, is offering a specialized webinar series tailored for both human resources novices and seasoned professionals seeking a comprehensive refresher.
The next installment will take place from noon-1 p.m. on April 25. It will focus on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Open to HR professionals, supervisors, and managers alike, this webinar offers a pragmatic exploration of the FMLA, the webinar will be led by Warner attorneys Abby Cote and Joe Rockwell.
Visit here to register.
Michigan-made Flying Ace Bourbon Stands in Support of United States Military
Flying Ace, a bourbon made in Holland, has unveiled an educational scholarship program with nonprofit organization Folds of Honor, commemorating the sacrifices made by fallen or disabled American military personnel and first responders.
Rooted in the spirit of generations of American aviators who epitomized the ideals of courage and precision, Flying Ace says it embarks on this new partnership through educational scholarships, awareness campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.
“We are proud to contribute to this noble cause by sponsoring four scholarships in 2024,” says Ali Anderson, national sales director for Flying Ace. “This sponsorship reflects Flying Ace’s dedication to giving back to our community and to ensuring the families who have sacrificed so much for our country receive the educational opportunities they deserve.”
Consumers Energy Partners with Manistee County Habitat for Humanity
Consumers Energy in Jackson has outfitted an affordable housing complex in Onekama, south of Traverse City on the shores of Lake Michigan, with free energy efficiency upgrades, in partnership with Manistee County Habitat for Humanity and a local developer.
The appliances and upgrades will reduce long-term costs for customers residing in the complex and the property manager, ensuring it remains accessible for years to come. The collaboration provides a blueprint for similar partnerships in the future across Michigan.
During renovation by the new owner, Alex Zyskowski, the eight-unit complex received energy efficient refrigerators and water heaters, mini-splits for each unit, and air sealing and attic insulation, saving energy — and money — for residents. The upgrades also reduce long-term maintenance costs for Zyskowski, helping rent prices to remain affordable.
Consumers Energy collaborated with Manistee County Habitat for Humanity staff to ensure residents of the complex, which is now full, were at 80 percent of the Manistee County area median income.
Ludington Nominated for USA Today’s Best Historic Small Town
With two historic lighthouses, a maritime museum inside a 1934 U.S. Coastguard Station, lumber baron homes-turned B&Bs, and the last coal-fired steamship in the United States, Ludington, north of Muskegon on the coast of Lake Michigan, has been nominated in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Historic Small Town.
Ludington is one of only 20 U.S. towns selected by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards panel for Best Historic Small Town, and the only town in Michigan. The Ludington Area Visitors Bureau is encouraging people to vote for Ludington starting throughout March until the contest ends April 1 at 11:59 a.m.
“Ludington is a perfect historic small town nominee for the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award, especially with our recent sesquicentennial celebration of our city’s founding in 1873,” says Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’re asking locals and Michiganders alike to support Ludington with your vote. But no matter the outcome, we already know we have a winning historic town with Ludington.”
Individuals 18 years and older may vote here once a day until the April 1 deadline.