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.
Rocket Homes Launches First AI-driven Apple CarPlay Feature to Fuel Homeownership
Rocket Homes, a tech-based real estate service provider and part of Rocket Cos. in Detroit, has launched its iOS app for car, truck, and SUV infotainment screens through Apple CarPlay.
The Rocket Homes app now merges the house hunt with the open road. Homes listed for sale can be seen in the “Nearby” tab of the Rocket Homes app on CarPlay. With a tap of the vehicle’s screen, drivers can get directions to the home, call an agent, or save the listing to their “Favorites.” Once they reach their destination, users can easily take a deeper dive into the detailed photos and specifications of each home from the app on their iPhone.
“The Rocket Homes app is making house hunting more convenient for busy homebuyers on-the-go,” says Doug Seabolt, CEO of Rocket Homes. “When looking for a new home, the search never stops – even when you are driving around town. That was the thought that led to this feature. Now, when home shoppers see a place that catches their eye, they do not need to remember an address, cross streets, or a phone number because Rocket Homes has it handled for them.”
To shop for or list a home, speak with a real estate agent, or for more information, visit RocketHomes.com.
Realty Executives Home Towne Acquires Century 21 Agency in Chesterfield Township
Realty Executives Home Towne, a full-service residential real estate brokerage serving southeast Michigan, is expanding its presence and workforce in Macomb County with the acquisition of Century 21 Market Tech in Chesterfield Township. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
More than 20 agents previously with the Century 21 agency, including its brokers and owners, Michael Birach and Paul Buric, now will work under the Realty Executives brokerage. In addition, Realty Executives will relocate its current agents and Chesterfield Township office on 23 Mile Road to the newly rebranded office space at 49940 Gratiot Ave. with a total of more than 50 agents at that location.
The announcement was made by Frank Locricchio, owner and broker, Realty Executives Home Towne.
“We are proud of the agency we have built over the past 10 years and, with an eye towards the future, are growing our team and capacity to continue providing our clients with the best service for all their real estate needs,” says Frank Locricchio, owner of Realty Executives Home Towne. “We are excited about this new chapter and warmly welcome our new agents and clients.”
Realty Executives has locations in Port Huron, Washington Township, Chesterfield Township, Shelby Township, and Troy.
Shinola Hotel in Detroit Offering Downtown Holiday Staycations
Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit is offering guests a festive holiday staycation.
Shinola Hotel will be decked out in seasonal decorations and provides what the establishment calls a “cozy escape” from busy downtown streets during the holidays.
“Shinola Hotel’s timeless design ties in perfectly with its chic holiday décor,” says hotel management. “Garlands, wreaths, and trees adorn public spaces of the hotel, making the Living Room, the hotel’s public lobby space, a great place to catch up or get some work done while still enjoying the holiday spirit.”
Guests also can enjoy seasonal sips like the Polar Express (featuring gin, orange marmalade, ginger whipped cream) at Evening Bar, Shinola Hotel’s upscale speakeasy.
Just outside the doors of the hotel, Parker’s Alley also is decorated for the season, making a festive shopping stop for guests finishing up their gift lists. Additionally, adjacent to the hotel is Woodward Avenue, where shoppers can check out big-name brands like Gucci and more. The Shinola Hotel also is walking distance from Fox Theater, where one can catch limited-time holiday shows; Cadillac Square, where travelers can shop small and locally at holiday markets; and Campus Martius Park Rink, for ice skating in front of Detroit’s Christmas tree.
SMART to Add 51 New Bus Stops in Macomb and Wayne County Routes
SMART, the leading transit provider in southeast Michigan, is extending route 560 in Macomb County and route 280 in Wayne County starting on Jan. 8, adding a total of 51 stops.
This expansion strengthens local communities and fosters economic growth by ensuring safe and reliable transportation for more residents and creating greater connectivity for workers and employers.
For the past three years, community leaders, employees, and employers have championed the reinstatement of service on Macomb’s route 560.
“SMART has continually developed mobility options to connect our communities,” says Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive. “This service expansion demonstrates a commitment to more convenient, accessible and connected transportation opportunities for our community.”
SMART’s expansion not only addresses immediate transportation needs but also sets the foundation for a future where mobility serves as a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and progress across southeast Michigan, the authority says.
“At SMART, our mission centers around community empowerment,” says Dwight Ferrell, general manager of SMART. “The expansion of our routes in Macomb and Wayne counties reflects our dedication to providing essential transportation services, enabling local businesses and employees to thrive.”
Corewell Health Issues Visitor Restrictions Amid Increase in Pediatric Respiratory Illnesses
Due to a high number of pediatric admissions and an increase in respiratory illnesses throughout the community, Corewell Health will be limiting the number of visitors to pediatric units at three hospitals in southeast Michigan. Effective immediately, only two visitors are permitted at the bedside during the day and one visitor overnight at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospitals Dearborn, Royal Oak, and Troy.
These restrictions apply only for patients 21 years of age or younger on the pediatric inpatient units and emergency centers at the mentioned hospitals, which remain open and ready to care for patients.
Winter Blast Royal Oak to Offer Family Activities in February
Organizers of Winter Blast Royal Oak presented by the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort announced that the festival will take place Feb. 2-4, in downtown Royal Oak.
The event will feature several signature and returning outdoor seasonal activities with free admission.
“Winter Blast Royal Oak is a cool rush of seasonal fun for the whole family, right in beautiful downtown Royal Oak, a destination for year-round activities, diverse dining and retail shops and entertaining events like this,” says Jon Witz, producer of Winter Blast.
Attendees of the 2024 Winter Blast Royal Oak can expect a winter wonderland of outdoor activities and live local music for the whole family. Winter Blast festivities in 2024 will surround The Rink at Royal Oak at Centennial Commons located between Main and Troy streets and 11 Mile Road and 3rd Street.
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort returns as a sponsor to deliver a learn to ski and snowboard experience in downtown Royal Oak. Eventgoers have a chance to be fitted for ski or snowboard gear and then go down a beginner-level snow hill with the help of Mt. Brighton ski instructors.
A zip line, ice sculptures, ice carving demonstrations, food trucks, and a family zone with kids’ stage are also some of the many winter-themed and fun activities to do. Additionally, a live, local music showcase will offer the hottest up-and-coming and longtime favorite musical acts and DJs from metro Detroit.
Winter Blast also will feature heated tents/warming zones and roasting stations located throughout the festival area for respite and other entertainment and hands-on activities.
The complete lineup of activities and entertainment will be announced early in the new year.
Detroit’s MJ Diamonds Selected for Cartier Eyewear 40th Anniversary Campaign
One of Michigan’s largest independent jewelry retailers, MJ Diamonds — with five metro Detroit locations — will launch a state-wide campaign to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cartier eyewear with Kolby Harris, Detroit influencer, and media personality from OWN’s “Love and Marriage Detroit” as the face.
Each frame in the anniversary collection is individually numbered out of 1,500 pieces produced worldwide. There are only 300 pairs in the United States and MJ Diamonds is the exclusive Cartier authorized retailer to acquire the artistic collector item.
Kolby Harris made her television debut as one of the cast members alongside her husband Russell Harris on Oprah’s OWN Network original series “Love and Marriage Detroit.” Outside of filming season two of LAMD, Harris is a go-to for fashion, lifestyle, and family content along with her husband, three-year-old daughter, Kyndelle, and baby number two coming in 2024.
The Cartier 40th Anniversary campaign launch videos feature Harris donned in all black and fur representing the opulence and luxury of Detroit style and culture.
Referred to in many ways such as Carties, Ye’s, or Sticks, Cartier glasses have become a status symbol in Detroit, and for more than 30 years, have remained a staple in its fashion and culture. The anniversary frames will include the PANTHÈRE of Cartier, SIGNATURE C of Cartier, and the PREMIÈRE of Cartier. They will retail at $3,950 once released.
Additionally, MJ Diamonds will launch the campaign led by Kolby for the public to have an opportunity to be selected to purchase the exclusive collector item. Additional campaign details will be launched on Kolby and MJ Diamond’s social media pages.
Nominations Open for Kevin’s Song Saving a Life Award 2024
Kevin’s Song, a nonprofit organization in Grosse Pointe Farms dedicated to empowering communities to prevent suicide and offering hope and healing to survivors, is accepting nominations for its annual Saving a Life Award.
Each year, the award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service in suicide prevention.
“Our Saving a Life Award celebrates those who are at the forefront of suicide prevention, embodying our shared commitment for a future that is free from suicide,” says Jennifer Fair Margraf, executive director of Kevin’s Song. “There are so many people across the state who go above and beyond when it comes to addressing this complex issue and its impact. We hope to learn more about their efforts and encourage Michiganders to submit a nomination for someone deserving in their community.”
Nominations can be made online through Jan. 5, 2024 here. The winner will be announced at the 2024 “Saving a Life Award” Dinner that will take place on Jan. 26, 2024, as part of the Kevin’s Song 8th Annual Conference on Suicide: Continuing the Conversation.
The conference will take place Jan. 25–27, 2024, at the Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township.
For more information, visit kevinssong.org.
