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.
Report: Detroit Lions Expected to be Top 20 in Franchise Revenue by 2030
The Detroit Lions are expected to be the nation’s 17th-rated sports franchise in terms of revenue by 2030, according to a report by olbg.com, an online betting guide.
The local NFL team is expected to generate $657 million in revenue in 2023, compared to $542 million this season, a jump of 21 percent. No other Detroit sports franchise cracked the top 25.
The No. 1 spot in 2030 is expected to be taken by the Dallas Cowboys with just more than $1 billion in revenue, a 33 percent increase.
Overall, olbg.com predicts that Detroit will be the eighth-ranked sports city in America by 2030 with $1.53 billion in projected revenue. The Motor City ranks just behind Denver and in front of Cleveland.
Not surprisingly, New York should maintain its No. 1 ranking with $2.49 billion in revenue in 2030, according to the website.
“With four World Series championships under their belt, the Detroit Tigers are a big draw for people who visit Detroit in Michigan and the Detroit Lions who are second in the NFC North,” writes Steve Madgwick on the website.
“These teams, as well as the Detroit Piston and Detroit Red Wings, could draw as much as $1.189 billion for their home city in 2022. And this number is only expected to go up with a predicted increase of 29 percent to bring it up to $1.534 billion by 2030.”
Treasury: State Grants Available for Financially Distressed Municipalities
Cities, villages, and townships experiencing financial struggles now can apply for a grant to help fund special projects and free up tax dollars for important services, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Applications are being accepted for the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages, and Townships (FDCVT) grant program. Municipalities interested in applying for an award must submit applications to the state Treasury Department by 11:59 p.m. on March.
All cities, villages, and townships experiencing at least one condition of “probable financial distress” as outlined in the Local Financial Stability and Choice Act are eligible to apply for up to $2 million. A total of $2.5 million in funding is available for Treasury to award through the FDCVT grant program for the 2023 fiscal year.
Grant funding may be used to pay for specific projects or services that move a community toward financial stability. Preference will be given to applications from municipalities that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- A financial emergency has been declared in the past 10 years.
- An approved deficit elimination plan for the General Fund is currently in place.
- Two or more conditions indicating “probable financial distress” currently exist.
- The fund balance of the General Fund has been declining over the past five years and the fund balance is less than 3 percent of the General Fund revenues.
- Due to requirements outlined under state law, school districts are not eligible for funds from this grant program.
For more information about the FDCVT grant program or to download an application, visit here.
OneStream Adds Tennis Pro Caroline Garcia as Global Brand Ambassador
OneStream, a Birmingham-based provider of corporate performance management (CPM) solutions, has signed French tennis pro Caroline Garcia as a brand ambassador sponsorship.
Garcia joins PGA Tour golfer Sepp Straka, LPGA golfer Sophia Popov, and British Touring Car Championship driver Nic Hamilton as ambassadors for the OneStream brand.
Garcia is a two-time major doubles champion, winning the French Open women’s doubles titles in 2016 and 2022. She has a career high ranking of world No. 4 in singles and world No. 2 in doubles. Garcia has won 10 WTA Tour singles titles including three at the WTA 1000 level, and she just recently took the crown at the 2022 WTA Finals. Since 2013, Garcia has consistently represented France in the Billie Jean King Cup and she played an integral role in the team’s 2019 title.
“We are honored to welcome Caroline Garcia to the OneStream global ambassador team,” says Dave Kasabian, chief marketing officer at OneStream. “Caroline’s commitment to excellence both on and off the court resonates with our values and culture. Her high performance is a testament to her passion and dedication to her craft. Caroline’s inspirational journey shows that with determination and the support of a trusted team we can overcome the challenges we face on the road to sustained success. I look forward to watching Caroline compete this week in the Australian Open and many other events in 2023 and beyond.”
For more information, visit here.
Pensole Lewis College to Host Virtual Session on Creation of Air Jordan XXI Tonight
Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC) in Detroit, in partnership with General Motors Co., is hosting its first free virtual PLC Session from 6:30-8 p.m. tonight.
The first PLC Session, designed to be an open forum for prospective students interested in the GM Masterclass Cars & Kicks, will be a conversation between PLC Founder and President D’Wayne Edwards and Suzette Henry, founder of the MLab Collective at PLC, on how cars can influence the creation of kicks.
To register, visit here.
Macomb Community College and Northwood University Expand Transfer Agreements
Northwood University in Midland and Macomb Community College in Warren have signed four new articulation agreements and renewed six others for a seamless transition to Northwood for Macomb students wishing to complete a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
The new agreements are in cybersecurity, hospitality management, marketing, and management information systems, while accounting, automotive marketing and management, entrepreneurship, international business, management, and sports management were renewed.
“Streamlining the path from associates to bachelor’s degrees positions our students for in-demand career opportunities, supports degree completion and develops vital talent to sustain and grow local business and industry,” says Leslie Kellogg, provost and vice president of the Learning Unit at Macomb Community College. “Student success is the focus of everything we do, and transfer agreements like the ones we have signed with Northwood University propel that objective forward.”
Students who earn their associate degree at Macomb may be able to transfer as many as 90 credits to Northwood University to complete their bachelor’s degrees. This reduces the cost of the overall education, saving the student time and money in the process.
“At Northwood, our graduates drive economic and social progress which aligns well with Macomb’s mission to transform lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development,” says Kristin Stehouwer, provost and vice president of academics at Northwood University. “We are pleased to build on our strong relationship with Macomb Community College, Michigan’s largest community college, in helping students seamlessly complete their bachelor’s degrees from Northwood through classes in Macomb, online or in Midland.”
The new and renewed agreements took effect upon the signing of the articulation agreements Jan. 11.
Community House to Host Seventh Annual Bates Street Society Dinner Feb. 11
The Community House, a Birmingham nonprofit resource and destination for personal, professional, recreational, and philanthropic pursuits, will conduct its seventh annual Bates Street Society Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 11.
The event inducts into the Bates Street Society individuals who make significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. It also recognizes the Community House’s annual Pillars of Vibrancy honorees for their work and contributions in the areas of education, culture, wellness, business and philanthropy.
The 2023 Pillars of Vibrancy honorees include:
- Jim Berline — Business and Philanthropy
- Linda Gillum — Health and Wellness and Education
- Priscilla and Huel Perkins — Culture and Philanthropy
- Matthew Rizik — Business and Philanthropy
- Greg Schwartz — Business
- Nada and Sam Simon — Business and Philanthropy
- Nancy Susick — Health, Wellness, and Business
- Gary Van Elslander — Business and Philanthropy
“The Bates Street Society Dinner provides the leadership and staff of The Community House the opportunity to recognize key members of our community for their extraordinary work and impact,” says William D. Seklar, president and CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation. “This is one day a year we pause from our own work to celebrate the talents and contributions of those individuals who exemplify our pillars with the goal of inspiring the broader community.”
Lila Lazarus will serve as emcee for the event, which includes a seated three-course dinner, wine and cocktails, live entertainment from jazz saxophonist Jeff Ponders II, and the awards presentation. Tickets for the black-tie optional event start at $250 per guest and may be purchased at communityhouse.com.
Detroit Mercy Theatre Co. Presents ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Feb. 10-26
The University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Co. (DMTC) is presenting the Jane Austen classic “Pride and Prejudice,” Feb. 10-26 at the Marlene Boll Theatre inside Detroit’s Boll Family YMCA.
The adaptation from Kate Hamill follows outspoken Lizzy Bennet who is determined never to marry, despite mounting pressure from society and family. But when the handsome and aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn, Lizzy is forced to take a second look at the man she judged so quickly.
“Our production of Pride and Prejudice will make you believe in love again, with a lot of laughs along the way,” says Greg Grobis, managing director of DMTC. “Our student actors have embraced the story and style of this charming adaptation.”
University of Detroit Mercy faculty and cast member Andrew Papa adds, “What makes this script so dynamic and exciting is its accessibility.” Papa joins the cast in the double role of Miss Caroline Bingley and Mr. Collins, and serves as the production’s dialect coach.
“‘Pride and Prejudice’ can be seen as stuffy or, at its worst, a museum piece. But not with this adaptation,” Papa says. “While remaining absolutely true to the story and its universal appeal and style, this adaptation takes a fresh spin on the characters and their stories, showing them in a light that is bound to connect with contemporary audiences today.”
“Pride and Prejudice” will hit the stage nine times between Feb. 10-26. Performance dates and times, as well as tickets for purchase, can be found online or by calling 313-993-3270.
