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.
Opus IVS Opens New Global Headquarters in Dexter
Opus IVS, a vehicle diagnostics, ADAS calibration, programming, and remote services provider has relocated its global headquarters to a 55,300-square-foot facility in Dexter, west of Ann Arbor.
“Our recent significant growth and expansion of our technology team required state-of-the-art facilities and simply more space,” says Brian Herron, CEO of Opus IVS. “We are excited to build on our foundation in the metro Detroit area and its access to world-class technical talent with a 55,300 square foot facility to serve our customers.”
Growth has been fueled over the past three years as Opus IVS has introduced a stream of innovations offering productivity and profitability advancement for shop owners and technicians in the automotive repair industry.
“The future of automotive service is digital,” Herron says. “Opus IVS uses its deep expertise in vehicle communications combined with a world-class cloud-based architecture and hundreds of ASE-certified technicians and OEM dealer master technicians to deliver solutions for our customers.”
Texas Company Acquires Sterling Heights’ American & Import Auto Parts
Fenix Parts, a Texas-based recycler and reseller of original equipment manufacturer automotive parts, has completed its acquisition of American and Import Auto Parts in Sterling Heights.
American is a full-service automotive recycler servicing the metro Detroit market. This is Fenix Parts’ fourth acquisition in the Midwest and brings Fenix’s location count to 22 full-service and 4 self-service locations.
“This acquisition expands our distribution footprint into the metro Detroit area and will leverage our significant production capacity in the Midwest region,” says Bill Stevens, CEO of Fenix Parts.
ENDRA Life Sciences in Ann Arbor Gets Two New Patents
ENDRA Life Sciences Inc., an Ann Arbor-based pioneer in thermo acoustic enhanced ultra-sound (TAEUS), has received two patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The first is U.S. Patent No. 11456518 titled “Method for Manufacturing a Radio Frequency Applicator” and U.S. Patent No. 11478153 titled “System for Monitoring Tissue Temperature.”
“We are pleased with the issuance of our 32nd and 33rd patents in the United States, which supports our strategy to develop optimized thermoacoustic imaging systems, and to broaden the potential applications for our proprietary TAEUS technology in areas with unmet clinical needs,” says Francois Michelon, chairman and CEO of ENDRA. “We continue to strengthen our intellectual property portfolio to protect our novel technology in key global markets. Our IP portfolio currently includes 56 patents issued globally.”
The ‘518 patent provides further intellectual property protection for the TAEUS platform related to the company’s disruptive scanning approach. It covers a method for manufacturing a radio frequency (RF) applicator device that is used to provide reliable RF energy in a target region of tissue.
The ‘153 patent relates to the TAEUS system monitoring tissue temperature during surgical procedures. ENDRA expects its system to be effective for both thermotherapy and cryotherapy procedures.
Suburban Collection Showplace to Host 2022 Michigan Cyber Summit Thursday
The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi will host the 2022 Michigan Cyber Summit from 9 a.m.-4:10 p.m. Thursday.
The event, in its 11th year, will feature cybersecurity speakers, experts, and dignitaries from across the country including Michigan Chief Information Officer Laura Clark, Michigan Chief Security Officer Jayson Cavendish, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Jenn Easterly, Sen. Gary Peters, Federal Chief Information Security Officer and Deputy National Cyber Director for Federal Cybersecurity Chris DeRusha; and more.
In addition, the final round of the Governor’s High School Cyber Challenge will take place and the winners will be announced during lunch. Finalists include teams from the following schools:
- Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center
- Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
- Ann Arbor Huron High School
- Gull Lake High School
- Seaholm High School
- Churchill High School
- Newaygo County Career Tech Center
For more information, a full list of speakers, and a detailed agenda, visit here.
Citizens Business Conditions Index Bounces Back in Q3
The national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) rose to 56.1 in the third quarter, regaining momentum after a drop in second quarter economic sentiment prompted by inflation concerns.
This quarter’s score extends the index’s streak to eight straight quarters above 50, indicating continued growth conditions for businesses.
Job strength was a key factor in the Index’s rebound, as the employment market withstood the dual headwinds of continued inflation and aggressive interest-rate increases from the Federal Reserve. Inflation continued at higher-than-expected levels through the quarter, prompting two 75 basis point rate increases from the Federal Reserve and boosting expectations for additional rate hikes. The Treasury market continued to signal a potential slowdown on the horizon, as yields on two-year Treasuries stayed higher than yields on 10-year Treasuries, known as an inverted yield curve. Though the outlook for 2023 remains uncertain, the economy continues to show momentum for now.
Visit here to review the entire report.
HopCat Looks to Hire 150 People for All Positions at Royal Oak Location
Project BarFly, the west Michigan-based operators of HopCat, Grand Rapids Brewing Co., and Stella’s Lounge, is looking to hire approximately 150 employees at its soon-to-be-open, new HopCat Royal Oak restaurant in downtown Royal Oak.
“At HopCat, we’re always looking for enthusiastic people to join our team to help us deliver high-quality service to our guests,” says Ned Lidvall, CEO of BarFly Lidvall. “We strive to provide the best work environment, where employees can be themselves, while fostering growth and development, and giving them the opportunity to discover a long-term, rewarding career. We’re excited to return to Royal Oak and look forward to serving both returning and new guests alike.”
The Royal Oak Hopcat wants to hire line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, barbacks, hosts, food runners, servers, and bartenders. Employee training will begin in late November, so job seekers are encouraged to apply now here or in-person at the Detroit HopCat restaurant located at 4265 Woodward Ave. Applicants also can text BarFly at 85000 to begin the application process.
HopCat is taking over the former Noodles & Company, Gamestop, and BD’s Mongolian Grill storefronts at the corner of Fifth Ave and S. Main St. and is expected to open this winter.
Cucina Lab Torino Launches ROSSO Bitta’s Vermouth in Troy Oct. 29
Cucina Lab Torino is celebrating its two-year anniversary with the Oct. 29 launch of ROSSO Bitta’s vermouth from 6-9 p.m. at Cucina Lab Torino in Troy.
First generation Italian woman Elisabetta Balzola was born and raised in Torino, Italy, the world capital of vermouth. She moved to the United States in 2014 with her family of five and crafted her own business in the food industry with a team of all Italian women.
ROSSO was inspired by the original vermouth recipe from 1786, as it joins white wine made with Piemontese Cortese wine grapes with the delicate essence of various herbs. Thanks to the citrus aromas combined with mint, eucalyptus, ginger, gentian, absinthe, and others, this new version of the traditional Italian artisan liquor was developed.
Vermouth was initially intended for medicinal purposes, but quickly became an essential feature of a classic Italian aperitivo. ROSSO was brought to the United States as a new concept and something that is so commonly enjoyed daily in Italy. ROSSO was designed and created (in its entire process) by Italian women.
Village of Rochester Hills Unwraps the Holiday Season with Light the Village
The Village of Rochester Hills will unwrap the holiday seasons with its annual Light the Village celebration at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18.
The 375,000-square-foot outdoor shopping center will be covered with more than 350,000 colored lights and offer entertainment, including a special visit from Santa and a fireworks display.
The event will feature:
- Live Musical Entertainment including performances by carolers, local area choirs and school bands – beginning at 6 p.m.
- A visit from Santa Claus at 6:45 p.m.
- Free walk-up visits to see Santa from 8-9 p.m.
- Fireworks at 7:15 p.m.
- Food trucks.
- Stilt walkers and jugglers.
- Selfie station.
- Free face painting.
- Free arts and crafts activities compliments of Paint Creek Center for the Arts.
- Free shuttle service from Adams High School beginning at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, including special holiday hours, visit here.
SpartanNash Foundation Launches Fundraiser to Support Local Food Pantries
Grand Rapids food solutions company SpartanNash will launch its annual in-store fundraiser this week through Nov. 6, in support of local food banks in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
All 147 company-owned stores under the banners of Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, Dan’s Supermarkets, Martin’s Super Markets, Supermercado, VG’s Grocery, Forest Hill Foods, and Ada Fresh Market are participating in this fundraiser.
This program allows shoppers to make donations at checkout or online through Fast Lane. Through this fundraiser, SpartanNash will support local families through food pantry donations to provide meals for those struggling with food insecurity this holiday season.
“With inflation and the already existing financial strain the holidays bring, many more families are needing extra help putting food on the table this year,” says Adrienne Chance, senior vice president of communications for SpartanNash. “We are calling on SpartanNash associates and store guests to help us raise critical funds for food pantries in advance of the holiday season.”
Bowman Chevrolet Calls on Community to Dine Out on Nov. 9
Bowman Chevrolet in Clarkston is encouraging the community to spend an evening on the town at one of six area restaurants that are participating in its annual Dine Out event. Bowman will donate 35 percent of total in-person dinner sales to support its scholarship program for Clarkston High School graduates and to help fund Clarkston community initiatives.
Participating restaurants include Bunkhouse Burgers, Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria, The Fed, Honcho, and Union Woodshop.
“Year after year, the Clarkston community shows us that they are devoted to helping the people and businesses in their own backyard,” says Katie Bowman Coleman, president of Bowman Auto Group. “As a longtime member of the community, we are committed to doing our part and helping those in need. This annual event also serves as a great opportunity to support our local restaurants as they continue to navigate issues like staffing shortages and supply chain disruptions.”
Patrons active on social media are encouraged to check-in at the restaurants and use the hashtag #bowmandineout and #bowmanchevy and tag @bowmanchevrolet.
Detroit Children Partner with Local Creative to Author New Book
Children at the Detroit nonprofit Brilliant Detroit have authored their first book with the help from local author Andy Gutman and his publishing company, Gutcheck Publishing.
“Life Lessons from Brilliant Detroit” came together after Gutman met 19 aspiring young authors affiliated with Brilliant Detroit. Together, they decided to highlight essential life lessons the children learned at an early age. Brilliant Detroit is a nonprofit establishing and operating home-based hubs in high-need neighborhoods to ensure families with children ages 0-8 have what they need to be school-ready, healthy, and stable.
“For many writers, the toughest part is just getting published,” Gutman says. “Now that these inspiring young people have done that, they know the sky’s the limit.
“The opportunity to work first-hand with the young minds at Brilliant Detroit was incredibly inspiring to say the least. What better way to help nurture the love of writing and reading than to help them become published authors and put their voices out into the world.”
“Life Lessons from Brilliant Detroit” takes readers on a journey through the eyes of a child, showcasing vital, impressionable experiences of kindness and gratitude. The children each shared short stories of their big dreams and aspirations, as well as what makes them feel special and unique.
Several illustrations in the book were inspired by drawings the children created themselves. It also features an interactive component, prompting readers to draw personal pictures of their dreams, share what makes them special and unique, how they show kindness and why they are grateful.
This latest project builds on Gutman’s existing relationship with Brilliant Detroit and his commitment to supporting early childhood literacy. In 2019, Gutman donated a portion of the profits from his fourth book, “What Can I Be Today?” to Brilliant Detroit and he partnered with the nonprofit organization for special readings of his children’s books. All proceeds from the sale of “Life Lessons from Brilliant Detroit” will go directly to Brilliant Detroit.
“Our kids were over the moon with this special project and the opportunity to become first-time published authors,” says Cindy Eggleton, co-founder and CEO of Brilliant Detroit. “Brilliant Detroit is all about helping kids discover their brilliant selves and through this new book, the world will discover that, too.”
In his day job, Gutman is president of Southfield-based Farbman Group and its related companies. At night, he chases his creative dreams. He is a writer, songwriter, and dreamer who tries to see the beauty in the world. He has written and produced numerous musical pieces, including song accompaniments to each of his children’s books. All songs are available on Soundcloud under Gutcheck Music Kids along with iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music.
“Life Lessons from Brilliant Detroit” is available for purchase for $9.50 at Amazon and at GutcheckBooks.com.
Make-A-Wish Michigan Receives $25K Gift from Schostak Brothers & Co.
Make-A-Wish Michigan announced it received a $25,000 gift from Schostak Brothers & Co. to help grant wishes to Detroit children battling critical illnesses. The organization, which grants wishes to children in the entire state, recently launched Detroit Forward Focus to increase referrals for Detroit children through enhanced outreach and community engagement.
The gift from Schostak Brothers & Co. is the first significant gift to support this effort.
“We are so grateful for the generous support of Schostak Brothers & Co. as we diligently work to reach more Detroit children with the life-changing power of a wish,” says Michael Hull, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan. “We believe that there are children and families in Detroit battling critical illness who are not aware that they qualify for a wish or how to start the referral process, and we are working to change that. Partnering with wonderful corporate supporters like Schostak Brothers & Co. will help ensure that Detroit children have equitable access to our mission and experience the transformational hope that a wish provides.”
In June 2022, Schostak Brothers & Co. announced it will mark its 100th anniversary with a community giving campaign to distribute $1 million across impactful Detroit-based nonprofit organizations. Selected from a range of nonprofit sectors including neighborhoods, workforce development, education, health and entrepreneurship, the goal of the initiative was to select organizations based on their work in Detroit, the city where the company was founded a century ago.
