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.
Planterra Marks Earth Day with 50th Anniversary Documentary Release
Planterra in West Bloomfield Township will release “Planterra at 50,” a mini documentary celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary today — Earth Day.
Founded by Larry Pliska, Planterra began as a cultural experience of the 1970s flower child movement of love and peace, which evolved into the storied corporate plant service and wedding venue that it is today.
“If 10 percent of the population would meditate there would be no war, and plants play a part of that,” Pliska says.
“Planterra is a love brand,” says Shane Pliska, Larry’s son and the current president of Planterra. “It’s fitting that a company founded on love is now a world-famous wedding venue.”
Planterra is a provider of interior landscape services and plant rentals serving corporate campuses of the Fortune 500, medical facilities, hospitality properties, and retail destinations.
Equipped to manage clients with multiple locations, Planterra’s national account program includes styling, formatting, procurement, and maintenance of office plants and interior holiday decorating across the United States and Canada.
Planterra and its botanical garden-themed wedding venue, the Planterra Conservatory, are located at 7315 Drake Rd., just north of W. 14 Mile Road, in West Bloomfield Township.
To view the documentary, visit here.
Denso Shows How V2X Technologies Improves Road Safety at ITS America in Phoenix
Denso, a mobility supplier in Southfield, is showcasing how its vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies can contribute to greener, safer, and more seamless transportation systems at the ITS America Conference & Expo, this week in Phoenix.
Among the product and technologies Denso is demonstrating are:
Roadside Unit – a device that can integrate with existing infrastructures, such as traffic signal controllers, and networks to optimize safe and efficient traffic flow.
On-Board Unit – a device enabling connected vehicles and intelligent infrastructure to communicate, creating new opportunities to enhance road safety and vehicle movement.
LiDsEYE – a high-resolution LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system that utilizes DENSO automotive sensing knowhow and robustness for various infrastructure applications, including traffic monitoring.
Denso says each technology contributes to its vision for a future in which vehicles, infrastructure, and people are better connected to promote improved road safety, traffic flow, and sustainability.
LOVE Building in Detroit Announces New Director, Raises Bar on Community Service
The LOVE Building, both a physical building in Detroit and a tax-exempt charitable organization, announces Kwaku Osei as executive director, carrying forward the foundational work led by Jeanette Lee, founding executive director of the LOVE Building and former executive director of Allied Media Projects.
Osei joins Sakeena Keith, building manager, and Jessie Staggs, community manager, who also recently joined the LOVE Building team.
Allied Media Projects purchased and stewarded the LOVE Building development, investing more than $4 million of its general operating funds and dedicated staff time. Jointly occupied by Allied Media Projects, Detroit Community Technology Project, Detroit Disability Power, Detroit Justice Center, and Detroit Narrative Agency, the LOVE Building is a hub for collaborative social justice organizing and creative community. The buildings’ innovative design makes for a more people-centered workspace with greater accessibility for all.
“What has been accomplished with the LOVE Building is a testament to the visionary leadership of Jenny Lee and Allied Media Projects,” says Osei. “I am so excited to continue advancing an established tradition of pushing the boundaries for the benefit of all.
“This space is not just a home to six amazing organizations but will increasingly evolve into a platform where we’ll work on initiatives that facilitate community control and ownership to spread health, wealth and love.”
Osei brings a history of fostering community-rooted initiatives, most recently as the co-founder and CEO of Farmacy Food, a preventative health care startup focused on making health and wellness radically accessible and affordable. He also founded and serves as the chairman of Cooperative Capital — a participatory financing initiative that enables residents to pool their money towards collective investments in their neighborhoods. He currently serves on the boards of The Economic Development Corp. of the City of Detroit, Fair Food Network, The Detroit Community Wealth Fund, Detroit Afrikan Music Institute, and Bridging Communities Inc.
For more information, visit thelovebuilding.org.
Lawrence Tech to Begin New ‘Future-Proof’ Salon Series May 22
Lawrence Technological University in Southfield is presenting a new Salon Series, “Future-Proof,” which will feature periodic live events examining the business, technology, and design-focused issues poised to directly impact Michigan’s future.
The first is set for 6-7:30 p.m., May 22, in Room M336 in Building 5 at LTU (21000 W. 10 Mile Road) in Southfield.
Hosted by Edward Clemente, senior advisor for trends and development with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and host of the Michigan Opportunity Podcast, the series will seek answers to the hot-button issues with global implications.
These salon-style interview events will include an array of experts representing industries including engineering, architecture, design, IT health care, and sustainability. The 60-minute programs have been developed as part of LTU’s Presidential Colloquium Series. They will be hosted live and are open to the public.
To reserve a free ticket, visit here.
Mullen Automotive Achieves Milestone with 500th Commercial Vehicle Produced
California-based EV manufacturer Mullen Automotive Inc., which has its Tech Center in Troy, announced it has produced its 500th commercial vehicle at its Tunica, Miss. manufacturing and assembly facility.
Additional recent highlights include:
- The company currently has 18 active commercial vehicle pilots with fleets, municipalities, universities, and campuses underway.
- Expansion of its U.S. retail network with dealers located on the West Coast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions expected to commence in June 2024.
- Expansion of commercial vehicle distribution in Europe with plans to sell 800 units expected to begin in 2024.
“We have increased requests for our vehicles internationally, and as result, we plan to launch an expansion into Europe next month,” says David Michery, chairman and CEO of Mullen Automotive. “In addition to international growth, we plan to expand U.S. distribution, adding new dealer points to support commercial EV market penetration.”
2024 NFL Draft Experience Shines Spotlight on PLC Detroit Artists
PLC Detroit, the design focused Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Detroit, is collaborating with the NFL by offering a platform for artists within the PLC network to exhibit their artwork at the NFL Draft Experience April 25-27. The artwork will receive prominent display across key locations including the Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage located in Hart Plaza.
This collaboration seeks to enhance the recognition of PLC Detroit as a leading institution for design education in Detroit. By highlighting the creative talent within the PLC community, the initiative strives to increase the profile of PLC Detroit and showcase the diverse creative abilities within its network of artists.
“We are excited to collaborate with the NFL and provide artists within our network with this incredible platform to showcase their talent,” says Dion Walcott, director of partnerships at PLC Detroit. “This partnership not only highlights the artistic diversity within our community but also supports our mission of empowering aspiring designers and promoting the creative arts in Detroit.”
The artwork displayed will encompass a wide range of styles and nationalities, representing a rich tapestry of artistic expression. From local Detroit artists to talents across the nation and even international contributors, the showcase will offer attendees a vibrant and culturally diverse viewing experience.
Paralyzed Veterans of America Receives $1.17M Donation from Penske Automotive Group
Washington, D.C.-based Paralyzed Veterans of America proudly is celebrating a decade-long partnership Bloomfield Township’s Penske Automotive Group, which donated $1.17 million in 2023 to the nonprofit to support paralyzed veterans nationwide.
The amount is composed of donations from customers and employees of Penske Automotive Group, along with a matching contribution from the company.
“As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, we express our enduring gratitude to Penske Automotive Group for their unwavering dedication and long-time partnership to serve those who have sacrificed for our country,” says Robert Thomas, national president of PVA. “Penske Automotive Group’s support helps fuel our mission at PVA and enables us to provide critical support and services to veterans with catastrophic injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS. Together, we have forged an indispensable alliance rooted in our shared values of resilience, service, and compassion, making a profound difference in the lives of paralyzed veterans, their families, and caregivers.”
Over the last decade, Penske Automotive Group is responsible for nearly $10 million of donations to PVA. This year’s donation, raised through Penske Automotive Group’s annual Service Matters campaign, will directly benefit veterans nationwide by providing the resources they need to live full and independent lives.
“We are honored to mark our 10th year alongside PVA, making a real difference for veterans facing spinal cord injuries and illnesses,” says Robert H. Kurnick Jr., president of Penske Automotive Group. “We offer our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team and customers who champion PVA’s mission and give so generously. Together, we’re empowering our heroes.”
Michigan Minority Procurement Conference Starts April 30 in Detroit
The 44th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC), the third largest in the country, will take place April 30-May 2, 2024, at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
This year’s theme is “Future Forward: Deliberate Action & Intentional Impact!”
The Business Solutions Group is the advisory, training, and lending services arm of the organization. It helps the organization create high growth for MBEs. It will host sessions providing roadmaps, takeaways, and success panels on deal flow. Some targeted topics will include access to capital, illustrating real, not theoretical, joint ventures. In addition, the team will showcase merger and acquisition deals it has successfully cultivated with scalable growth ranging from $10M to $800M for MBEs.
Other sessions will include:
- MBE and Buyer Matchmaker Appointments using MMSDC’s proprietary software, Matchmaker 365
- Deliberate Action and Intentional Impact will illuminate the journeys of partners and MBEs who leveraged the MMSDC’s resources to drive remarkable growth and innovation.
- Navigating the New Legal Landscape of Supplier Diversity
- Policy to Practice: Growing MBE State Contracting Opportunities
- Demystifying the process for Capital Preparation Trends in Cutting-Edge Supplier Diversity
- Leveraging AI for Your Business: Tools Workshop.
A complete schedule of events, as well as tickets for the MMPC, can be found here.
Carl’s Golfland in Bloomfield Township to Host Event for Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities interested in learning more about golf are invited to a free Adaptive Golf Clinic at Carl’s Golfland in Bloomfield Township hosted by David Windsor, founder and principal of the Adaptive Golf Academy, and Jonathon Snyder of the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance.
The event will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. on April 26. It is presented by Oakland County Parks.
During the clinic, local individuals with disabilities will work with newly trained coaches who attended an Adaptive Golf Coach Training Workshop earlier in the day at Waterford Oaks Activity Center. The goal of the event is two-fold: To provide workshop attendees with hands-on practical experience and for individuals with disabilities to experience the many physical and mental benefits provided through golf play.
While registration for the training workshop is full, there is space available for adaptive golfers during the clinic. Participants will learn about adaptive recreation equipment and how golf can help build their confidence and social connections.
All five golf courses operated by Oakland County Parks have adaptive recreation equipment available, including single rider carts for individuals with spinal cord injuries, amputees, and other physical impairments.
To register, scan the QR code on the Adaptive Golf Clinic Flyer here.
