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.
Detroit’s Campus Martius Park Maintains Title of No. 1 Public Square in the Country
The Downtown Detroit Partnership announced Campus Martius Park has held onto its title for the Best Public Square in the country in 2024 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Campus Martius Park is a national and international destination that welcomes more than 4.2 million annual visitors and offers year-round free activities, entertainment and events, such as the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, which runs April 25-27 in downtown Detroit.
“To be voted the No. 1 public square from among many renowned spaces across the country is an honor for Detroit and the timing couldn’t be better, as we approach the final days of preparation to host the 2024 NFL Draft,” says David Cowan, chief public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
“Through our commitment to the city, the Downtown Detroit Partnership performs a pivotal role in many highly anticipated events, and we’re excited to welcome hundreds of thousands of NFL fans to experience Campus Martius Park, Detroit’s gathering place.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield Accepting Strengthening the Safety Net Program Grant Applications
Safety net health care clinics across the state are invited to apply for grants through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Strengthening the Safety Net program. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program and Blue Cross’ commitment to increase access to affordable health care and improve health equity for all Michigan residents.
The Strengthening the Safety Net program helps fund clinical comprehensive services such as primary care and behavioral health (e.g., mental health and substance use disorder services), in addition to specialized care like women’s health, lab/imaging services and dental care. Grantees also offer patient navigation services, which includes helping patients enroll in Medicaid or the health insurance marketplace, securing prescription assistance, and reaching out to partners who offer food, transportation, and housing assistance.
Applicants may apply for a grant to support clinic operations or services as a medical or dental home.
Clinic operations: Safety net clinics that provide episodic care, are open for limited hours and treat more than 100 uninsured and underinsured patients annually are eligible to apply for up to $15,000 to support their operations, including clinical and patient navigation services.
Medical and dental homes: Clinics that serve as medical or dental homes and are open for at least 30 hours per week, or bill Medicaid, are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 to support team-based care, including clinical and patient navigation services. Awards at this level require a $10,000 match.
Eligible clinics can now apply for grants through June 3 here.
ATC Drivetrain in Farmington Hills Announces Brand Identity Refresh
ATC (formerly ATC Drivetrain), an independent global remanufacturer of automotive products and systems for ICE, HEV, and BEV technologies, announced a refresh of its brand identity reflecting its evolving and expanding portfolio of products, services, and technological capabilities. The brand refresh includes an official name change to ATC and an updated logo.
Founded in 1938 as Fred Jones Manufacturing, the company has operated as ATC Drivetrain since 2008. Over the years, ATC has been focused on supporting its customers’ evolving product roadmaps, which have increasingly included hybrid and electric vehicle platforms. Through organically developed and acquired expertise, ATC has bolstered its capabilities in eco-friendly remanufacturing and battery life cycle management, including recycling and second-life applications, and the ability to provide these products and services globally.
ATC has 18 facilities around the world in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and China. The company’s brand refresh will formally unify its global operations under the ATC brand.
For more information about ATC, visit atcreman.com.
Lions President Rod Wood to Headline ACG Detroit Draft Eve Party at Shinola Hotel
ACG Detroit has released a limited number of tickets for its Draft Eve in the D party happening on April 24 from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Shinola Hotel. The event will include an appearance by Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood, an open bar, food, DJ, and complimentary valet parking.
“This is the ultimate Draft pre-game,” says Christopher Letts, chairman of the event. “Happening in the heart of downtown Detroit, this is the premier location to experience this once in a lifetime event. We are encouraging our members and guests to come dressed for the draft sporting their favorite team jersey or dressed to be drafted themselves.”
Ticket price is $250 per person and available here.
Report: New Clean Energy, Vehicle Projects to Create 28K Jobs, Add $10B to State GDP
Large-scale clean energy projects announced in Michigan in the year after the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law are projected to create or support at least 28,000 jobs and generate tens of billions of dollars in new wages, tax revenue, and economic growth.
The new economic analysis by BW Research in California released by the national nonpartisan business group E2 modeled the direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits created by the 18 clean energy and electric vehicle projects announced across Michigan tracked by E2 between August 2022 and August 2023.
Companies behind these projects — ranging from EV and car charging equipment factories to solar generation systems and semiconductor manufacturing facilities — have announced more than 9,000 in direct jobs created by their projects and $7.6 billion in direct investments for these factories and other facilities.
But when indirect and induced impacts to other sectors of Michigan’s economy are included, the overall economic impacts are eight times as many jobs and includes billions added to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) during construction and operation of these projects.
More specifically, the analysis found that these projects would:
- Create or support 21,700 jobs during construction and 6,200 jobs every year once the projects are up and running.
- Add $9.7 billion to Michigan’s GDP during construction and $706.7 million annually to the state GDP over their operational lifetime.
- Generate $7.3 billion in wages for workers during construction and $544.1 million annually during operation.
- Generate $480 million in new state, and local tax revenues during the construction phase and $59 million annually during operation.
While the analysis only covers the 18 projects announced in the first year of the IRA, at least 11 more large-scale clean energy and clean vehicle projects have been announced since then. In total, companies have announced more than $11.6 billion in private-sector investments and over 12,000 jobs in direct connection with the 29 total projects announced in the state since August 2022, according to E2’s research. That makes Michigan the No. 1 state for total large-scale clean energy projects announced since the IRA.
Hayes Social Opens in Shelby Township Offering Bistro-style Food, Entertainment
Hayes Social in Shelby Township has opened, offering bistro style food and “vibrant” night life entertainment.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including ribs, steaks, and authentic Detroit-style deep dish pizza.
Hayes Social also boasts a lively atmosphere with live music, DJ sets, artist performances and special events to keep guests entertained throughout the night.
The venue is operated by Marty Coats, a seasoned veteran in the nightlife industry, and Sam “Stick” Day, a local media personality known for his work on radio stations 93.1 WDRQ, Channel 955, and the Woodward Sports Network.
For more information, visit hayessocial.com.
Karmanos to Bring Cancer Screening and Prevention Event to Farmington Hills
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute invites the community to the Screening Saves Lives: Cancer Screening and Educational Event in Farmington Hills. It takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 8 at the Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Center (31995 Northwestern Hwy.).
Karmanos will provide breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, colorectal screening consultations, free head and neck examinations, and wellness checks.
The earlier cancers are detected, the more treatment options are available. The event will not only provide cancer screenings and consultations but also include self-care activities that are free to attendees. Yoga movement, meditation classes, massages, and healing arts activities will be free.
There will be cancer prevention and education staff and experts on hand to answer questions, as well as interactive exhibits, raffles, and giveaways. Plus, Karmanos will provide information about its Screening and Prevention Program, the Karmanos Genetic Counseling Service, the Women’s Wellness Clinic, and clinical trials. The Wayne State Health’s Mobile Health Unit will be onsite providing general health screenings; flu, COVID, and HPV vaccinations; bloodwork screenings for cholesterol, kidney function, and diabetes; blood pressure screenings; and vital sign monitoring.
If participants would like to take part in the activities happening during the event but do not want a cancer screening, they must register to attend.
Bankjoy in Detroit Partners with Pinwheel Partnership to Help Banks
Bankjoy, a Detroit-based digital banking provider for banks and credit unions across the U.S., has partnered with Pinwheel, a fintech that helps financial institutions win primacy with frictionless account activation.
Through the partnership, Bankjoy will help its customers easily integrate the industry’s most advanced digital deposit switching (DDS) solution, Pinwheel Prime, into the digital banking experiences for more than 70 banks and credit unions nationwide. Customers of banks or credit unions using Bankjoy can take advantage of Pinwheel Prime’s two-click deposit switch, transforming a multi-step process requiring customers to leave the bank experience into a fully integrated digital journey that takes mere seconds.
C3 Industries’ High Profile Dispensaries Launches 420 Daze Festivities
C3 Industries in Ann Arbor has launched 420 celebrations at its High Profile dispensaries, which will conclude April 21.
The theme for this event is 420 Daze – It’s High Time for Good Vibes, featuring offerings such as a $400 Live Nation concert giveaways, discounts on cannabis products, various in-store promotions and giveaways, as well as live music and food trucks on-site at select High Profile dispensaries located in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
For more information, visit c3industries.com.
Winning Futures is Recruiting Metro Detroit Mentors
Winning Futures in Warren is recruiting metro Detroit professionals to serve as volunteer career mentors in the 2024-25 school year. No experience is required. Applicants from a diverse range of industries, backgrounds, and experience are encouraged. Learn more and apply by July 31 online at WinningFutures.org.
Many high school students find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of which career path to pursue or how to navigate the complexities of college, trade school, or employment. Through an evidence-based curriculum and career mentorship, Winning Futures bridges this gap, helping students figure out what they’ll do after high school, teaching them important life and job readiness skills, and providing the guidance and support needed for success.
Career Mentors play a critical role in the Winning Futures program, coaching students as they progress through the curriculum while answering their questions and providing encouragement. All Career Mentors receive training before the program begins and ongoing support before, during, and after every learning session.
Learning sessions are conducted at participating schools during the school day and in a classroom with staff, teachers, students, and career mentors present. There are two or three one-hour learning sessions every month, from November through May. Participating schools are in Detroit, Harper Woods, Warren, Sterling Heights, and Pontiac.
Detroit’s People Mover’s Debuts New Lighting Display and Digital Kiosks
The Detroit People Mover guideway track has installed permanent architectural lighting on its columns and activated new digital information kiosks, just in time for the NFL Draft.
Under General Manager Robert Cramer, the People Mover has launched free fare, ridership has increased, and the system had a complete brand refresh, including the logo and signage.
Woman’s Life Insurance Society in Port Huron to Merge with Trusted Fraternal Life
Trusted Fraternal Life in Milwaukee announced the Woman’s Life Insurance Society in Port Huron is the first fraternal organization to declare its intent to join the organization and help build the NextGen fraternal benefit society.
“The pending merger of Woman’s Life with Trusted Fraternal Life marks an exciting moment as we continue to redefine the future of fraternal life insurers,” says John Borgen, president and CEO of Trusted Fraternal Life. “This action demonstrates our commitment to foster innovation and growth within the fraternal life insurance sector, serve more middle-market Main Street families, and make an even greater community impact across the country.”
Woman’s Life has about $200 million of assets and 23,000 members throughout the country (principally in the Great Lake’s region). Those members are organized into 70 chapters who engage in local community outreach. The Woman’s Life mission will continue as a brand of Trusted Fraternal Life.
Both organizations are working toward a July 1 merger effective date, pending regulatory approval.
Eagle Harbor Township’s Brockway Mountain Drive Opens Today in UP
Keweenaw’s Brockway Mountain Drive in the northern most point in the Upper Peninsula is set to open today, according to the Keweenaw County Road Commission. Barriers will be removed from both ends of the drive, allowing vehicle traffic and sightseeing along the nearly nine-mile scenic route up Brockway Mountain in Eagle Harbor Township.
Its views offer 360 views of Lake Superior and the surrounding vistas. The roadway and mountain range are a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
The Great Depression-era work project was constructed in the early 1930s, paving the way for nearly a century of enjoyment. The path features a handful of pullover points where visitors can get unique aerial views of the peninsula. There are two main viewing areas, on both the east and west ends of the route.
