Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Southfield’s Park West Gallery Opens Location in Honolulu
Park West Gallery in Southfield has opened the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Waikiki Beach Walk in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The 3,000-square-foot space allows guests to browse art by some of the greatest artists in history and collect original works from Park West’s selection of world-class art.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Honolulu gallery showcases artwork from the biggest names in classical and contemporary art, including icons like Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Peter Max, Michael Godard, Kre8, and many others.
“We are proud to bring our incredible collection to Honolulu and present an enriching experience to art lovers and collectors of every level,” says Albert Scaglione, founder and CEO of Park West Gallery. “We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to explore our new Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery.”
Admission is free and Hawaii residents enjoy a special kama’aina discount of 15 percent on any purchase or a buyer’s credit of $250, whichever is greater.
For more information, visit here.
Chief Financial CU Breaks Ground on Financial Campus in Rochester
Chief Financial Credit Union broke ground May 18 on a new financial campus in Rochester, at the former U.S. Scuba Diving Center building.
“We are excited to have this presence in downtown Rochester, and we look forward to serving this community for years to come,” says Tom Dluzen, president and CEO of Chief Financial. “This groundbreaking is a major celebration for us.”
Founded in Pontiac, Chief maintains a branch there and has expanded to Birmingham, Dearborn, and Rochester Hills locations.
For more information, visit here.
Gage Green Group in Gladwin Partners with Canadian Cannabis Firm
U.S. cannabis breeder Gage Green in Gladwin, north of Midland, has partnered with Klonetics Plant Science of Canada in an exclusive breeder agreement, which will supply Gage’s original cultivars to Canada’s large commercial marijuana growers and cannabis connoisseurs.
This venture establishes a new business model for the international cannabis genetics industry. Breeders often are passed over by big cannabis companies that pirate genetics and trademarks without giving back to the craftsmen who created the strains during decades of prohibition, according to the companies.
“We currently host one of the rarest breeder-backed genetics books in the world, which when combined with our world class science team, showcases the brilliant work of the world’s best breeders, and shares with them the fruits of their creative energy,” says David Bough, CEO of Klonetics. “This will become the fair-share template for the emerging cannabis industry.”
In this deal, a select group of Gage’s cultivars will join a portfolio comprised of breeders and influencers who created the world’s most coveted strains. This new business model allows the breeders to share in the profits via an innovative royalty agreement.
“For once, cannabis artists will get paid for their intellectual property and creativity,” says Jeff Selsor, founder of Gage.
“This is a win-win scenario for the breeders and the producers,” says Bough. “Coupling exclusive genetics with advanced tissue culture plant production will bring superior products and increased profits to the cannabis industry as a whole.”
GM Partners with APACC to support AAPI Small Businesses
General Motors Co. in Detroit is partnering with the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) to support Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business community by helping up to 100 AAPI-owned small businesses and individual professionals gain access to APACC membership, resources, and programming.
“This partnership delivers upon GM’s efforts to foster the growth and sustainability of diverse small businesses,” says Reginald E. Humphrey, director of DEI Partnerships at GM. “Supporting local business with the assistance that they need to thrive, is an investment in our collective future.”
The financial support from GM comes as APACC announces Laura Van Houtte as the Small Business Action Committee chair. The committee was created to provide insight, collect resources, and execute programming that will provide value to the AAPI small business community. The Small Business Action Committee (SBAC) is focused on helping AAPI small businesses stabilize, recover, and thrive.
“I am both honored and privileged to serve as chair of the Small Business Action Committee in an effort to help support the small business Asian community,” says Van Houtte, sales executive at HUB International Limited. “With the generous support from General Motors, coupled with motived, like-minded individuals, I am confident that both current and new small business members will be able to take full advantage of the added programming, support, and advanced efforts within our community.”
Harness Dickey Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary as an Intellectual Property Law Firm
Harness Dickey in Troy commemorated its 100-year anniversary as an intellectual property law firm on May 15. An in-person gathering was originally planned to mark the occasion, but is on-hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other celebrations are tentatively planned for later this year.
“This is an extraordinary achievement,” says Bill Coughlin, CEO of Harness Dickey. “Despite the cataclysmic challenges of the great depression, World War II, the great recession, and a global pandemic, we remain fundamentally sound, financially strong, and focused on future growth.”
Patent attorney J. King Harness founded what would become Harness, Dickey & Pierce on May 15, 1921 in downtown Detroit. Harness previously founded and served in the patent department for the Ford Motor Co. before setting out on his own with the goal of serving the region’s growing automotive industry. By 1927, Harness was able to recruit law school classmates and fellow patent attorneys Arthur Dickey and Hodgson Pierce to join his firm, which was then renamed Harness, Dickey & Pierce.
Harness Dickey, as it is referred to now, grew steadily for most of the 20th century, adding new clients across different industries and handling IP matters ranging from patents to trademarks, trade secrets, IP litigation, and beyond. Today, the firm has nearly 100 IP attorneys in four offices across the U.S. and serves clients conducting business around the globe.
For more information, visit here.
Fans Will Have Access to Paddock at Detroit Grand Prix Courtesy of Fifth Third Bank
Race fans attending the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear June 11-13, they will have access to the paddock, where teams and drivers prepare the cars that compete on the Raceway at Belle Isle Park circuit. The paddock access is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.
The Grand Prix announced last week that several thousand more reserved grandstand tickets will be available to fans at this year’s event following the recent announcement by the state of Michigan that pandemic restrictions will be lifted for outdoor events, beginning in June. Tickets are now available for online purchase only here.
Known as the “locker room of motorsports,” the paddock area provides the opportunity for Grand Prix attendees to get a peak at the garage areas and see the NTT Indy Car Series and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship teams that race at the event in their natural environment.
“At the 2019 Detroit Grand Prix we opened up the Fifth Third Bank Paddock so all fans had the opportunity to get behind the scenes and closer to the action on Belle Isle,” says Michael Montri, president of the Detroit Grand Prix. “We weren’t sure if we would have opportunity to provide that experience again this year, but with the new protocols announced last week, we are excited to safely welcome our fans back inside the paddock and give them the chance to feel the excitement of world-class racing here in the Motor City.”
Calvin Johnson to Discuss Cannabis Business During Online Event
Detroit Lions Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson and his former teammate and business partner Rob Sims will discuss their new Michigan-based cannabis brand Primitiv on May 27 at 3 p.m. on Facebook and IG.
The event is part of the JARS Roundtable. ESPN’s Eric Woodyard will moderate.
Johnson and Sims will be at JARS River Rouge (11347 W Jefferson Ave.) from 5-6 p.m. for a meet-and-greet following the livestream.
Primitiv products will be available exclusively at JARS Cannabis stores in Michigan.
Absopure Hosting Career Fair May 27
Michigan-based water brand Absopure is hosting a career fair from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 27 at the Hampton Inn and Suites (1950 Haggerty Road N.) in Canton Township.
The more than 110-year-old business is searching for candidates to fill various positions throughout the company. All attendees receive a gift card for a free lunch.
The company offers a career track, a benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, employee assistance programs, holiday pay, and more.
Bloomfield Hills Financial Announces Winners in “Stock to Scholarship” Challenge
Four high school students in southeast Michigan have won the 10th Annual Bloomfield Hills Financial “Stock to Scholarship” Challenge.
First place went to Salem High School sophomore Renee Burgess, who received a $5,000 scholarship.
Second place went to Clarkston High School junior Landon Butcher, who received a $2,000 scholarship.
Third place went to Novi High School senior Alexander Elliot, who received a $1,000 scholarship.
The InvestWrite Essay winner is Berkley High School junior Benjamin Lerner. Lerner was awarded a $500 scholarship.
“This was a banner year for our program,” says Kevin VanDyke, founder and CEO of Bloomfield Hills Financial. “We had high participation numbers, and are very proud of all of our scholarship winners. Educating students about the various factors that can impact investments is key, and it gets them on the right track to better understand the market. I feel this program has been even more relevant over the past 16 months, and the lessons they have gleaned are life-long.”
The contest has grown in popularity over the years, with more than 352 participants from 79 schools across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties in 2021.
Michigan Science Center and Aramco Reactivate Traveling Science Program
The Michigan Science Center (MiSci), with support from Aramco Americas, brings back its Traveling Science Program with expanded geographic reach beyond the metro Detroit area.
Starting June 1, MiSci will take online requests here for reservations for this program and other science workshops, group presentations, and interactive experiences.
The Traveling Science Program will kick off at MiSci on June 5, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is open to the public and will feature live demonstrations from MiSci educators.
“Aramco Americas is helping our team get back on the road this summer, providing inspirational, educational experiences to children and families across Michigan,” says Christian Greer, president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. “It’s important to find ways to inspire young people, and there is no better time to do that than during the summer season when children have time to play and explore the outdoors in Michigan’s wonderful natural environment.”
Last summer, MiSci reopened its doors on July 10 with a “Summer of Science” with free general admission in partnership with Aramco.
“We are pleased to continue our support for the Michigan Science Center and the important role it plays in education in the Detroit community,” says Nabeel I. AlAfaleg, president and CEO, Aramco Americas. “As a company committed to technology, Aramco’s support for MiSci is a way for us to help spark interest and excitement in science and innovation.”
MIU Men’s Health Foundation Planning In-person Events
The MIU Men’s Health Foundation will host its 13th annual prostate cancer awareness event at the Detroit Zoo, its Cogs & Kegs cycling event in partnership with Griffin Claw Brewery and Powers Distributing, and other events in celebration of International Men’s Health Week.
The Stroll for the Ribbon at the Detroit Zoo will take place on Father’s Day, June 20. To register, visit here. The entry fee is $30 and covers the stroll, a performance shirt, refreshments and admission to the Detroit Zoo on the day of the event. Participants can also engage in a Blue Ribbon Scavenger Hunt as they enjoy the sights and sounds of the animals. For dads who want to sleep in on his special day but still join the cause, a Doze for Dads option is available for $25 to support the Men’s Health Foundation from the comfort of one’s home and receive an event T-shirt.
Cogs & Kegs will take place June 14. Bike riding enthusiasts will choose between a 10-mile casual ride or a 30-mile course, starting at Griffin Claw, touring through metro Detroit, then concluding back at the brewery, where riders can enjoy a 16 oz. Mr. Blue Sky beer and a post-ride meal on the outdoor patio.
Launched six years ago, Cogs & Kegs will kick off Men’s Health Week by bringing cyclists together for a group ride through Metro Detroit, starting and ending at Griffin Claw in Birmingham on June 14, 2021. The event not only raises awareness for men’s health-related issues, but it also recognizes first responders and the increased health risks their careers impose, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
The 30-mile ride will honor foundation friend and cyclist Danny Klein as “Danny’s Ride for the Ribbon,” drawing awareness to safety concerns for cyclists sharing the road. Riders on both routes will be escorted by the Michigan State Police.
The 30-mile ride begins at 6:30 p.m. and the 10-mile ride at 7 p.m. To join either ride, cyclists can register online for $30. Cyclists who register the day-of will pay $35. All participants will receive a pair of custom Cogs & Kegs socks. The event will begin with basic health screenings, including blood pressure and BMI assessments, and Kroger will be providing free COVID-19 vaccinations on site.
Gala at TopGolf in Auburn Hills takes place June 17. Attendees can enjoy three hours of golf, dinner, beer and wine, live music by B House and more. Tickets can be purchased online for $149 for an individual ticket or $900 for six tickets.
“Building awareness for men’s health issues and needs has become even more important over the past year, especially as reports show significant declines in preventative cancer screenings as a result of the pandemic,” says Dr. Michael Lutz, president of the MIU Men’s Health Foundation. “The key to prostate cancer survival is early detection, and men need to continue to fight for their health on all fronts.”
For more information, visit here.
