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 here.
Report: Michigan Jobless Rate Remains Constant in July
Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained unchanged at 3.6 percent during July, according to data released by the state’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget.
Employment in the state advanced by 22,000 and unemployment rose by 1,000, resulting in a workforce increase of 23,000 during July.
“Michigan’s July labor market continued to remain stable, with minor over-the-month increases in both total employment and unemployment,” says Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Seasonally adjusted payroll jobs remained constant in July as well.”
The national unemployment rate decreased by 1/10th of a percentage point to 3.5 percent over the month. Michigan’s July rate was 1/10th of a percentage point above the U.S. rate. The national unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.5 percent over the year, while Michigan’s rate fell by half a percentage point since July 2022.
Labor force trends and highlights:
- After four months of jobless rate decreases, Michigan’s unemployment rate remained unchanged between June and July 2023.
- After five months of unemployment decreases, Michigan’s total unemployment level increased by 1,000, or 0.6 percent, over the month.
- Michigan’s workforce level rose by 2.0 percent over the year, an increase comparable to that seen nationally (+1.9 percent).
- The July statewide labor force participation rate advanced by three-tenths of a percentage point to 61.0 percent over the month, a three-year high. Michigan’s employment-population ratio increased by 0.2 percentage points to 58.8 percent.
The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 1/10th of a percentage point over the month to 3 percent. Total employment rose by 10,000 and unemployment increased by 1,000, resulting in a workforce gain of 11,000 since June 2023.
The Detroit MSA unemployment rate fell by half a percentage point over the year. Employment increased by 42,000 and unemployment fell by 9,000. The region’s labor force rose by 33,000 since July 2022.
According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment remained stable over the month at 4,439,000. Employment was little changed across the state’s major industries between June and July.
Industry employment trends and highlights
- Four of Michigan’s statewide industries recorded minor job increases over the month, including trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,000); manufacturing (+1,000); financial activities (+1,000); and government (+1,000).
- Employment gains across statewide industries were offset by decreases in several sectors, led by professional and business services (-3,000).
- Jobs in the state’s financial activities sector rose for the second consecutive month during July.
- Over the year, Michigan total nonfarm employment rose by 63,000, or 1.4 percent.
- The most pronounced over-the-year numerical industry job gains occurred in the state’s government (+20,000) and education and health services (+19,000) industries.
- Average weekly hours in Michigan’s transportation equipment manufacturing sector fell by 7.5 percent over the month.
Comerica Bank Introduces Interest-Earning Solution for Business Banking
Comerica Bank recently launched Comerica Maximize, a new package that allows qualifying small business and business banking customers to earn interest income while growing and protecting their businesses with essential treasury services.
“At Comerica, we take pride in listening to our customers and finding ways to add value to their lives,” says Jim Weber, chief experience officer for Comerica Bank. “Over the past year, we’ve launched several beneficial programs for our small business customers, like Comerica SmallBizCo-op, Comerica CoWorkSpaces, and SizeUp by Comerica, all created to support and help grow their businesses. Comerica Maximize is the latest solution in our growing suite of value-add offerings that are intended to help enable small business and business banking customers to save time and best maximize their cash.”
Comerica Maximize is a combination of an interest-bearing checking account and cash management solutions designed to save customers time and help them optimize funds. By enrolling in the packaged product, customers can:
- Deposit more, earn more — With a Comerica Maximize checking account, customers receive an Earnings Credit Allowance (ECA) to offset monthly fees, and after fees are paid, they can earn a competitive tier-based interest rate on any remaining balance.
- Unlock treasury management solutions — The Comerica Maximize cash management package is aimed at helping customers optimize their liquidity through Comerica’s treasury management solutions. With a set of powerful, time-saving digital tools, customers can conveniently access information reporting, deposit checks remotely, help protect against fraud and manage customer payments, receivables, loans and more.
- Gain a $2,500 cash bonus — Now through Oct. 15, 2023, customers who open a Comerica Maximize checking account, enroll in a Comerica Maximize cash management package and maintain an average checking account balance of $250,000 for their fourth, fifth and sixth statement cycles will receive a $2,500 cash bonus.
“The Comerica Maximize package is a rare bundle that aims to benefit small and larger businesses alike,” says Allysun Fleming, executive vice president of payments at Comerica. “Customers can offset fees and earn competitive returns on excess balances and gain access to Comerica’s comprehensive treasury management, with the bundle designed to help them operate more securely and efficiently.”
To learn more about Comerica Maximize, visit here.
Goldfish Swim School Celebrates a Wave-making Summer
Goldfish Swim School Franchising in Troy recognized five “fin-tastic” franchisees at its second annual School Leadership Summit earlier this month. The event provides school leadership teams and owners the opportunity to connect, celebrate successes and milestones, and share learnings and best practices.
The Franchise Team, with help from brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, presented the five Core Value Awards to schools who embody the unique set of values that have made Goldfish Swim School a leader in its category and communities:
- Larisa and Jeff Posner, Goldfish Swim School, Springfield, N.J. — Going Above and Beyond to Create a Golden Experience.
- Gilbride Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School, North Canton, Ohio — Providing Wow! Customer Service.
- Gina Thomas, Goldfish Swim School, Winter Park, Fla. — Treating People with Integrity, Compassion, and Trust.
- BHB Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School, Canton Township — Michigan Meeting and Exceeding Expectations so you see Extraordinary Results.
- Wyckoff Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School, Boise, Idaho — Making a Big Deal out of Life’s Accomplishments by Remembering to Celebrate.
Strengthening the core of the Goldfish Swim School franchise, the brand entrusts franchisees to integrate these guiding principles into both the day-to-day operations of their swim schools and within their local communities.
“It brings us great joy to engage with, recognize and celebrate our franchisees from all over North America,” says Chris McCuiston, co-founder and CEO of Goldfish Swim School Franchising. “We appreciate their relentless dedication to living and demonstrating our core values in their communities and in their schools. Through their efforts, we’re able to teach more than 200,000 kids how to be safer in and around the water each week, and we’re eager to witness the continued growth of our franchisees and the brand.”
Franchise opportunities remain available in Dallas, Tex., throughout California, and in Canada. For more information, visit here or call 248-801-1850.
Report: TD Auto Finance Ranks Highest in National Prime Credit Dealer Satisfaction
J.D. Power, the Troy-based provider of consumer insights and advisory services, has released a new U.S. Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study that shows TD Auto Finance in Farmington Hills received the highest ranking in the Dealer Satisfaction among National Non-Captive Lenders with Prime Credit category.
TD Auto Finance achieved an overall score of 878 out of 1,000 in the segment, 114 points ahead of the category average. In addition, TD Auto Finance scored highest in all five factors measured by the study: Funding Process, Credit Staff Relationship, Finance Provider Offerings, Sales Representative Relationship, and E-Contracting Process.
“At TD Bank, we pride ourselves on delivering legendary service, advice and guidance to all of our customers,” says Ernie Diaz, head of U.S. consumer distribution, wealth, and TD Auto Finance. “To win four years in a row demonstrates an unwavering commitment to keeping the customer at the center of every decision and I couldn’t be prouder of the TD Auto Finance team for their incredible, continued success.”
The 2023 U.S. Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 3,500 auto dealer financial professionals. The study, which was fielded April-May 2023, measures auto dealer satisfaction in five segments of lenders: captive premium –prime; captive mass market–prime; non-captive national–prime; non-captive regional–prime; and non-captive sub-prime.
For more information, visit here.
Material Handling Group USA Begins Partnership with Matthai Material Handling
Vitan Equipment, a material handling equipment and solutions provider headquartered in Grand Rapids, announces that its holding company, Material Handling Group USA has partnered with Matthai Material Handling as a new dealer/location on the East Coast.
Matthai is a dealer for Linde Material Handling, Big Joe, Combi Lift, Aisle Master, Columbia Industrial Vehicles, and Genie Aerial Lifts.
“Our partnership with Matthai Material Handling aligns with our mission to be the best service organization, period,” says Roger Rynyan, owner of Vitan Equipment and MH Group USA. “We will be able to strengthen our relationships with key vendors and provide a greater support network to our East Coast customers with Matthai on board.”
The dealership, headquartered in Baltimore, will continue operating as Matthai Material Handling, but the team of 70 employees is now under the leadership of Runyan along with Matthai Material Handling Founder Randy Matthai.
“The Matthai Material Handling team offers exceptional support to our customers, and we’re looking forward to having a more robust service and product offering as part of the Vitan Equipment team,” says Matthai. “We’re excited to see continued growth for our business.”
Continental Senior Communities Partners with Morrison Living
Ohio-based Continental Senior Communities is collaborating with Morrison Living, a senior living hospitality provider, to enhance the culinary experience for residents at 12 independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
“Our commitment to excellence extends beyond providing upscale living spaces and amenities. We believe that dining is an integral part of the overall senior living experience,” says Barmi Akbar, CEO at Continental Senior Communities. “By partnering with Morrison Living, we are proud to offer our residents a world-class dining experience.”
Morrison Living was selected due to its nationwide record of success. Leveraging Morrison Living’s resources provides flexible solutions for a personalized dining experience that feeds the cultural heartbeat of each community.
“As the evolution of senior living has accelerated, forward-thinking providers in this industry are meeting those changes with a strategy refocusing on exceptional hospitality,” says Greg Reeves, division president at CCL Hospitality Group, parent company of Morrison Living. “We are proud to partner with Continental Senior Communities as they lead the way forward.”
The partnership aims to enhance not only the dining experience but also the overall sense of community and engagement with an unparalleled level of service that sets new standards.
Statewide Growing Michigan Together Listening Tour Kicks Off In UP
The Growing Michigan Together Listening Tour began Thursday in Escanaba and will make its way across the state to collect feedback from Michiganders about what can be done to attract and retain talent. This feedback will inform the Growing Michigan Together Council’s formal report that must be submitted by Dec. 1.
“We’re excited to work side-by-side with Michiganders to grow our state,” says Hilary Doe, chief growth officer for the state of Michigan. “From now until the end of November we’ll travel across Michigan to hear directly from communities about what we can do to make our state an even more thriving, vibrant and exciting place to live and work.”
The Growing Michigan Together Tour will include stops at community events and regional forums designed to discuss local challenges and growth opportunities in communities across the state. Many events will focus on collecting additional input from young people — at work, on campus and online. The tour will also meet college students where they are — on campus — convening both traditional students and adult learners with stops at universities, colleges and community colleges.
Engagements will include move-ins, on-campus listening events, homecomings, and other youth-focused events across the state.
For more information, visit here.
Mars Agency, Detroit Wing Co. Make Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-growing Companies
The Mars Agency, a marketing firm in Southfield, and Eastpointe-based franchise eatery Detroit Wing Co. have made the Inc. magazine’s annual Inc. 5000.
It is the Mars Agency’s first appearance on the list and Detroit Wing Co.’s second.
“Being named among Inc. magazine’s fastest growing companies is a tremendous honor and an acknowledgment of the impact our unique blend of retail intelligence, technology, and commerce solutions has on creating connected commerce experiences that drive shopper conversion for many of the world’s leading brands,” says Rob Rivenburgh, Global CEO of The Mars Agency. “Our mission is to make our clients’ business better today than it was yesterday, which ultimately enables us to deliver on our company’s purpose of growth, growth for our clients, our communities, and our people.”
Detroit Wing Co. checked in at No. 1,343 on the 2023 Inc. 5000.
“Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for two years running is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our corporate and franchise teams,” says Gus Malliaras, founder and owner of Detroit Wing Co. “As we continue to grow and innovate, this achievement inspires us to push the boundaries of what’s possible and continue our journey towards excellence.”
For complete results of the Inc. 5000, visit here.
Report: On, Salomon, and Asics Rank Among Fastest-growing Brands
The latest trend report from the Detroit-based current culture marketplace StockX — Big Facts: Brands Making Moves — shows that running shoes On, Salomon, and Asics are surging in popularity.
A total of 25 brands made the rankings, which compare global trade data from January through July of 2023 to the same period in 2022. From brands like Represent and Denim Tears to mainstay labels including Ugg, Birkenstock, and Stüssy, the findings offer a view into the names making the biggest gains on the secondary market this year.
“As a global marketplace rooted in data, we have a unique perspective on the trends, designers, and moments that are making an impact on the current culture consumer,” says Scott Cutler, CEO of StockX. “Success on the secondary market can be a barometer for consumer demand, and this report proves that despite a more difficult retail environment, brands are still breaking through and demonstrating growth. We expect the brands on this list to perform well in the coming months and through the Q4 holiday season.”
Key report highlights include:
- On (+15,357 percent), Salomon (+202 percent), and Asics (+72 percent) are among the fastest-growing brands on StockX in 2023. These brands, which were once reserved for the open road, are tapping cultural collaborators to encourage consumers to embrace running silhouettes for everyday wear. On recently teamed up with Kith and Loewe, while Salomon dropped collections with the likes of Sandy Liang and JJJJound. Asics – which saw more trades in July 2023 than any other month in StockX history – counts JJJJound, Brain Dead, and Kith among its partners.
- New Balance (No. 6) is the only sneaker brand that ranks among the top 10 fastest growing and the top 10 best-selling sneaker brands on StockX. The continued success of the 550, 2002R, and 9060 silhouettes helped the Boston-based sportswear company see tens of thousands more trades in 2023 compared to 2022.
- Both Ugg (No. 1) and Birkenstock (No. 2) have seen triple-digit growth in 2023, growing 836 percent and 492 percent respectively. Birkenstock trades were boosted by a Fear of God collab and outsized demand for the brand’s classic Boston mule. Ugg saw sales of its Tasman and Tazz slippers surge and Crocs (No. 5) made the list thanks, in part, to collaborative releases with the likes of Salehe Bembury, SZA, and others.
- British streetwear staple Represent is the fastest-growing apparel brand on StockX with 300+ percent growth. Sp5der and Denim Tears – both founded in 2019 – hold the No. 2 and No. 3 spots with 224 percent and 181 percent growth respectively. Streetwear pioneer Stüssy rounds out the top five with 141 percent trade growth year-over-year.
- In the accessories category, Oakley (No. 1) trades increased 315 percent thanks in large part to renewed interest in wraparound and performance sunglasses. Marc Jacobs (No. 4) raked in nearly 200 percent growth year-over-year thanks to sustained interest in the brand’s viral tote bag. Though it didn’t make the top five rankings, French luxury fashion house Goyard saw trades tick up 20 percent in 2023.
- Cactus Plant Flea Market (No. 1) trades jumped 550 percent thanks to the success of its McDonald’s meal box toy figures. Tiffany & Co (No. 2) saw growth surge by more than 400 percent after dropping sterling silver keepsakes — including a shoe horn, whistle, and shoelace dubraes — as a part of its Air Force 1 collaboration in March 2023.
Meijer Invites Environmentally Focused Suppliers to Participate in Sustainability Summit
Grand Rapids-based Meijer is hosting a Sustainability Summit Oct. 11-13 this fall to give more vendors nationwide the opportunity to showcase their environmentally focused products for Meijer merchants to consider offering on shelves.
This virtual event seeks to engage suppliers with sustainable products in the food, health and beauty, everyday essentials, pets, apparel, and general merchandise categories.
“At Meijer, we understand that to be a good company, we must be a good neighbor, which is why we’re interested in meeting new vendors to further integrate sustainability attributes into our product offerings and daily operations,” says Don Sanderson, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Meijer. “We want to provide our customers with the great products they’re looking for while also being mindful of the impact those products make within our communities and the world around us.”
The Meijer Sustainability Summit aims to build relationships with environmentally conscious suppliers to expand its sustainable product offerings in categories storewide. In order to meet its sustainability standards, Meijer merchants are targeting 38 different certifications on vendor products, or their manufacturing and procurement processes.
Certified vendors with retail-ready products can apply by Aug. 25 for consideration here.
CFCU Launches Partnership with Detroit Lions
CFCU, a nonprofit financial institution headquartered in Plymouth Township, has finalized a marketing partnership with the Detroit Lions that will include a branding presence and engagement with fans throughout the 2023-2024 season.
“We knew this was an incredible values match for CFCU,” says Tansley Stearns, president and CEO of CFCU. “We believe in creating belonging at CFCU, by demonstrating relentless care for our communities, making every second matter with our commitment to hustling and hard work, and celebrating with a sense of Huzzah! Everything we saw in the Lions’ coaches, players, and administration evoked all the same feelings we create for our members and this community.”
As part of the Lions partnership, CFCU will have a gameday activation site on Brush Street where visitors can submit their “impossible dreams.” The activation team will then determine how to make those dreams a reality — maybe even before the game is over. The activation strategy reinforces CFCU’s purpose to create joy and ignite impossible dreams. CFCU also sponsors the Lions’ weekly web show, “Inside the Den,” this season.
The Lions partnership is CFCU’s latest effort to meet its members where they are and where they have dreams of being.
“We are excited to bring on a new partner in CFCU and help shape its ‘impossible dreams’ experience for Lions fans on gameday,” says Mace Aluia, vice president of corporate partnerships for the Lions. “This partnership is a great opportunity to use our shared platforms to not only make memories but make an impact as well. We are looking forward to fostering community together.”
Community Foundation Board Approves $48M in Grants for Second Quarter
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and its supporting organizations provided combined grantmaking of more than $48 million during the second quarter to support nonprofit organizations and local governments.
In addition to approving the grants to support arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health and you, the board of trustees also presented three leadership awards during its recent annual meeting.
“We are honored to provide funding to organizations in our region for initiatives that genuinely make a difference for everyone in southeast Michigan,” says Richard (Ric) DeVore, president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. “These organizations are the true heroes, on the frontlines of a robust network creating positive change. It is a privilege to support their work.”
Grants approved include:
ARTS AND CULTURE
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Inc. ($50,000)
Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) ($100,000)
Automotive Hall of Fame ($50,000)
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center Inc. ($40,000 over two years)
College for Creative Studies Grants ($32,150)
G1 Impact ($35,000)
Hospice of Michigan Inc. ($50,000 over 18 months)
Regents of the University of Michigan – Dearborn ($30,000)
Services to Enhance Potential ($59,986.54)
Signal Return Inc. ($65,000)
Sphinx Organization Inc. ($100,000)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue ($60,000 )
EDUCATION
Diploma Equity Project at Eastern Michigan University ($55,000)
Neutral Zone Inc. ($50,000)
Oakland University Grants ($50,000 )
Siena Literacy Center ($69,970)
Eastside Community Network ($30,000)
Wayne State University ($58,000)
ENVIRONMENT
Charter Township of Brandon ($29,300)
Detroit Future City ($75,000)
Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) ($75,000)
HEALTH
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc., Greater Michigan Chapter ($75,000 over two years)
Charter Township of Oxford ($12,645 over two years)
Eastern Market Corp. ($50,000)
PACE Southeast Michigan ($75,000)
YOUTH
America’s Promise, The Alliance for Youth Inc. ($75,000)
Henry Ford Learning Institute ($62,050)
The Community Foundation Board of Trustees also announced three awards for community leadership:
- The Richard Huegli Award for Program Excellence was presented to Zaman International.
- The Mariam C. Noland Award was presented to Sheryl Kubiak. This award recognizes a nonprofit executive in southeast Michigan whose service exemplifies the importance of leadership in their organization and the nonprofit community.
- Paul Hillegonds was presented with the Allan D. Gilmour Award for Community Leadership.
Community Invited to Explore WCC’s New Non-credit Professional development courses
Registration is open for Washtenaw Community College’s (WCC) fall 2023 slate of non-credit classes. Classes are offered in several modes — in-person, online, and as virtual webinars. Some classes meet one day a week for the length of the semester and others meet just a handful of times.
The broad range of offerings include professional certification for people who want to build career skills or improve their businesses as well as a wide array of classes for those who want to explore new interests and learn a new hobby.
The business-minded can examine a WCC course that helps students develop real-world skills to consistently “win” sales in the B2B space. Another class provides Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification for those interested in boosting revenue, decreasing costs, improving efficiency, and building trust and transparency in their organizations.
The course list includes practical options like hands-on classes for people who want to learn CPR and AED for adults, children, and infants.
To check out the fall 2023 edition of the Live Work Learn catalog, visit here or call 723-677-5060.
