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.
Rugiero Casino Royale to Support Diabetes Research to Take Place in Detroit in October
The Rugiero Promise Foundation in Canton Township, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to help find a cure for diabetes, will host its 13th annual Rugiero Casino Royale at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 14, at the ICON Detroit building (200 Walker St.) along the city’s east riverfront district.
The event, called A Night in Monte Carlo, will include Las Vegas-style gaming for prizes, a strolling supper, dancing, live and silent auctions, and entertainment by Your Generation. Rugiero Casino Royale benefits Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, including Dr. Peter Arvan and his team of scientists.
The event chairman will be Dominic J. Moceri, a partner in finance/acquisition at Moceri Cos., a large homebuilder in Auburn Hills. The goal of the event is to raise funds and awareness to find life-saving medicines, treatment, and ultimately a cure for diabetes.
Sponsorships available for the event and include multiple levels from $50,000 to $2,500. Secured sponsors include Roman Village Cucina Italiana in Dearborn, along with Antonio’s Cucina Italiana restaurants in Canton Township, Dearborn Heights, and Farmington Hills, as well as Antonio’s Piccolo Ristorante in Livonia.
For information about tickets, program ads, and sponsorships, call Ann Clark at 313-590-7493 or visit RugieroPromise.org.
To view pictures from last year’s Rugiero Casino Royale taken by Patrick Gloria, visit here.
California Company Acquires Detroit’s Crawford & Winiarski Accounting and Litigation Firm
- Riley Financial Inc. in Los Angeles has acquired Crawford & Winiarski, a Detroit-based boutique forensic accounting and litigation consulting firm. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Established in 2002, Crawford & Winiarski specializes in assisting with business disputes, fraud investigations, damages analyses, corporate insolvency matters, representations, and warranties insurance (RWI) claims analyses. The firm serves a broad range of industries with a focus on the automotive and automotive components industries including closely held businesses, major vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and publicly traded companies.
Founding members Rod Crawford and Bob Winiarski join B. Riley Advisory Services, establishing a dedicated Litigation Support and Forensic Accounting practice in Detroit.
“For over 20 years, we have demonstrated our commitment to provide exceptional service by helping resolve complex business problems efficiently and effectively,” Crawford says. “Joining B. Riley offers our team and clients access to a broader suite of financial services to expand on the world-class service that our clients have come to expect.”
New Quality Collaborative Seeks to Address Pediatric Health Care Inequities
University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital have announced their commitment to what is believed to be a first-in-the-nation, forward-looking quality collaborative designed to identify and address equity issues for pediatric patients and their families receiving care at their hospitals.
The Michigan Child Health Equity Collaborative (Mi-CHEC) is a quality collaborative of the three largest pediatric hospitals in Michigan. Mi-CHEC, funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is designed to engage these hospitals — including providers in pediatric care (e.g., doctors, nurses, social workers, staff), institutional leaders and families — in identifying and measuring health-care inequities that might exist within the organizations.
Mi-CHEC facilitates the sharing of topics for study, research methods, data, and quality improvement strategies across the collaborating hospitals to support this process. If the presence of an inequity is verified through a rigorous process, Mi-CHEC will work in a collaborative fashion across the hospitals to develop and implement specific quality improvement interventions.
Mi-CHEC’s leaders define equity issues as those within the control of the health system, either in the care patients receive or in the patient/family’s experience. Equity issues could include differences in how patients and their families are treated relative to their gender, race and ethnicity, income, ability status, sexual orientation, weight status, and more. These issues have been studied frequently in adults; however, there is limited research on them in pediatric populations, and even fewer interventions to address equity issues for kids.
“It is inspirational that these hospitals are voluntarily willing to explore where they might fall short in equitable treatment of children and their families — and work together to do something about it,” says Dr. Gary L. Freed, founder and director of Mi-CHEC, a pediatrician at Mott. “I am proud to be a part of this effort and of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for making it possible.”
For more information, visit michec.org.
Ally Commits Nearly $1B to Housing Initiatives in Detroit and North Carolina
Ally Financial Inc. in Detroit announced nearly $1 billion in giving and capital deployment in 2023 to address the wealth gap and barriers to economic mobility, more than $4 million of which will go to programs in Detroit and Charlotte, N.C.
Ally and the Ally Charitable Foundation will help 17 organizations across its two hometowns provide underserved communities greater access to safe and affordable housing and create pathways to homeownership.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to live — yet home affordability is at its lowest point in history,” says Ali Summerville, business administration executive at Ally and board chair of the Ally Charitable Foundation. “It’s important we show up as an ally and support affordable housing and homeownership initiatives that create lasting, positive impact where we work, live and serve.”
Detroit organizations receiving assistance include:
- Covenant House Michigan, which provides unconditional love, respect, and “relentless” support for young adults experiencing homelessness.
- Pope Francis Center, which provides vital services and housing advocacy to people experiencing homelessness.
- United Community Housing Coalition, which helps low-income Detroiters prevent eviction and
- Vista Maria, which advocates for vulnerable youth and human trafficking survivors through restorative mental health treatment and transitional living programming.
Griffin Claw Brewing Co. Partners with Detroit Zoological Society
Griffin Claw Brewing Co. in Birmingham has partnered with the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) to become the exclusive craft beer and craft vodka seltzer partner of the Detroit Zoo.
This collaboration will bring Griffin Claw beer to all more than 20 events at the zoo and reintroduce the Survival Series, a special line of animal-themed beers designed to support the DZS’s mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive.
The first brew in the Survival Series, Piping Plover Lager, will spotlight the DZS’s efforts to re-introduce the endangered Piping Plover population through a Federal Recovery Program. A portion of the proceeds from each beer in the series will be donated to support the society’s conservation initiatives.
At the heart of this partnership is the Griffin Claw Pub, a custom shipping container bar fabricated by Griffin Claw and adorned with vibrant artwork by local artist Rick Malt. Inspired by the local animal habitats and featuring a unique Griffin Claw spin, the bar is located in the heart of the zoo, nestled between the rhino and Japanese macaque habitats.
The beer garden will offer a selection of Griffin Claw beers as well as ready-to-drink canned Vodka & Soda options.
“Griffin Claw is a wonderful partner that shares our commitment to the community and aligns with our mission, and collaborations such as the Griffin Claw Pub and the Survival Series elevate awareness of conservation initiatives critical to creating positive change for animals and nature,” says Randi Hamilton, vice president of guest experience, communications, and marketing for the DZS. “We are excited for the ways this relationship will flourish and create opportunities for us to build meaningful connections with visitors.”
Scott LePage, managing partner for Griffin Claw Brewing, says: “We are honored to partner with the Detroit Zoo and support their vital work in conservation and education. This collaboration allows us to share our passion for craft beer while making a positive impact on the environment and wildlife. We look forward to creating memorable experiences for Zoo visitors and raising awareness about the importance of conservation through our Survival Series and the vibrant Griffin Claw Beer Garden.”
Kyyba in Farmington Hills Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation, Growth
Global technology and consulting services partner Kyyba Inc. in Farmington Hills is celebrating 25 years of innovation, growth, and a legacy reverberating across multiple industries.
Since its establishment in 1998 under the leadership of Tel Ganesan and Thiru Ganesan, Kyyba Inc. has emerged as a prominent force in driving transformative change. Through a commitment to innovation, it has “revolutionized” the technological landscape and emerged as a frontrunner in driving global digital advancement. It provides comprehensive solutions in critical domains such as information technology, engineering services, health care, and BFSI verticals — including state and local government entities.
“Our 25th anniversary represents a testament to the resilience, committed dedication, and unmatched expertise of our exceptional team,” says Thiru Ganesan, president and CEO of Kyyba. “We owe our success to the unwavering support of our clients and invaluable partners.”
During its 25 years of operation, Kyyba has empowered clients to optimize operations, reimagine customer experiences, and propel digital ambitions.
“Kyyba stands tall as a beacon of stability and resolute reliability,” says Tel Ganesan, founder and chairman of the company. “Countless industries entrust us as their preferred partner, drawn by our acquisitions, formidable team, and steadfast commitment to excellence and happiness. They are rooted in fostering long-term relationships built upon trust.”
Large Olympic-style Courageous Games for Youth Returns to Detroit
Courageous Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young athletes, is bringing its third Annual Courageous Games to the Wayne State University Athletic Facilities from 9 a.m-8 p.m. July 15-16.
The event is one of Detroit’s largest Olympic-style youth sports competitions.
The Courageous Games will focus on celebrating the talents of youngsters from across Michigan and the nation. Open to teams and youth from all walks of life, it will feature a diverse range of sports, including baseball, swimming, flag football, basketball, track & field, softball, and an exclusive tennis clinic.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform for athletes to develop their skills, enabling them to excel at the highest levels,” says Keith Williams, founder and board member of Courageous Inc. “By hosting this event, we remain committed to instilling values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication for our youth.”
The Courageous Games are made possible in part by the support of Alisha Bell, chair of the Wayne County Commission and Wayne State University.
For further details about the Courageous Games and Courageous Inc., visit the official website.
Seven Michigan Chambers of Commerce Bringing Back Joint Diversity Expo Event
On July 25, the Troy Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Southfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce — in partnership with Miindia.com — will host the Diversity Expo, featuring minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.
The event will take place from 4-7 p.m. at the Royal Oak Farmers Market (316 E. 11 Mile Road). It is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, Chief Financial Credit Union, Oakland Community College, Horizon Bank, SMART, and DTE.
This newer event expo provides an opportunity for the public to support local and diverse-owned businesses and provides those business owners and professionals a way to share their products and services and promote their businesses.
The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10 for both current Troy Chamber members and nonmembers who pre-register online or purchase tickets the day of. Register in advance here.
American Heart Association Ranks Four DMC Hospitals Nationally for Stroke Care
Four DMC hospitals have been nationally recognized for excellence by the American Heart Association for stroke care.
They are:
- DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital: Get with The Guidelines, Stroke Gold Plus
- DMC Harper University Hospital: Get with The Guidelines, Stroke Gold Plus
- DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital: Get with The Guidelines, Stroke Silver
- DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital: Get with The Guidelines, Stroke Gold Plus
Each hospital received the American Heart Association’s Get with The Guidelines Stroke quality achievement award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
“Recognition received for stroke care by the American Heart Association is a testament to the high-quality program that we have in place, led by our dedicated quality and clinical teams,” says Brittany Lavis, CEO of the Detroit Medical Center. “At the DMC, we are committed to improving stroke care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines to ensure more people in the communities we serve experience longer, healthier lives.”
Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center Releases Findings of TAPUR study
Dr. Gordan Srkalovic, medical director of the Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center in Lansing, spoke recently at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting outlining the results of the phase 2 Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) Study.
The findings, based on responses from 28 patients with 16 different types of tumors, suggest the drug talazoparib may be effective in any cancer that has a BRCA1/2 mutation, which results in uncontrollable cell growth and the inability to repair damaged DNA. The results exceeded researchers’ expectations.
“Nobody expected such a high response rate because these patients have advanced disease, and they were heavily pretreated and had exhausted all the other standard-of-care treatment options,” Srkalovic says.
Women with BRCA1/2 genes have up to a 75 percent risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 50 percent risk of developing ovarian cancer during their lifetime. While risks in male carriers are not as high as female BRCA mutation carriers, they still face an increased potential of breast and pancreatic cancer, as well as an elevated risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
“This result opens an avenue for the treatment of cancers other than breast and ovarian,” Srkalovic says.
For more information, visit here.
Washtenaw Community College Plans ‘Reconnect Week’ July 17-18
Adults age 25 and older who do not have a college degree are invited to information sessions July 17-18 to learn how the state’s Reconnect Scholarship can pay for their college education at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor.
Washtenaw Community College’s events are hosted in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development’s (LEO) Michigan Reconnect Scholarship as part of a statewide campaign to connect working-age adults with postsecondary educational opportunities.
The Michigan Reconnect program will pay for in-district tuition, technology fees, and contact hours not already covered by a Pell Grant or other tuition-only funds.
WCC’s July 17 in-person event is geared specifically toward adult Ypsilanti residents as it focuses on Reconnect as a means to cover tuition for adults participating in the new Advance Ypsi job training and education initiative. Advance Ypsi will launch this fall semester.
This free event will be from 6-8 p.m. July 17 at the Parkridge Community Center (591 Armstrong Drive) in Ypsilanti. Food will be served. Registration is required.
Adults from Ypsilanti will enroll as WCC students in an academic program – with the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship potentially covering tuition – and be paired with an industry partner who will offer training for careers in the automotive/mobility, IT and manufacturing sectors with an earning potential of at least $40,000.
Students will be supported every step of the way through a robust coaching model that will include mentors, tutoring, small class sizes for deeper learning opportunities and expert resources.
The July 18, live YouTube event is for any Michigan resident 25 and older without a college degree who is interested in finding out how the Reconnect Scholarship can pay their college tuition as they pursue an associate degree or certificate.
This live YouTube information session will be conducted from 6-7 p.m. July 18. Registration is required.
Attendees at the YouTube event will hear speakers outline the Reconnect program and how to apply for the scholarship, as well as the simple steps to become a WCC student. An interactive Q&A will conclude the event. Opportunities for one-on-one sessions via Zoom or in-person will be offered to assist prospective students.
Prospective students may apply for admission here.
Grand Valley, Jackson College Team to Create New Pathways for Nursing Students
Leaders at Grand Valley State University near Grand Rapids and Jackson College signed an agreement July 11 that includes a nursing pathway for Jackson College students to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from GVSU, strengthening the talent pipeline in that field.
Funding for the nursing partnership comes from $56 million in state appropriations for community colleges to partner with four-year universities and design a bachelor’s degree in nursing specific to that community.
The agreement also provides other Jackson College students with seamless pathways to complete their bachelor’s degrees at GVSU and gives Grand Valley a physical office at Jackson College’s main campus on Emmons Road. Starting this fall, the office will be staffed by a jointly hired student services coordinator to offer broad-ranging transfer and student support.
GVSU President said the agreement benefits and empowers Jackson College students to continue their education without barriers.
“We are so pleased with this agreement that develops a deep partnership with Jackson College and the surrounding community,” says Philomena V. Mantella, president of GVSU. “Having a physical presence will allow us to collaborate on joint programming and community engagement. The nursing partnership builds health equity and educational equity in Jackson by meeting the needs of area residents.”
