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.
Sachse Construction Partners with Detroit Artists for Charity
Sachse Construction in Detroit is partnering with artists Eric “El Cappy” Lowry, Mike Han, and Phillip Simpson, and pairing them with local nonprofit youth organizations to create a unique fundraising auction titled Hard Hats for Detroit.
Each artist has designed a one-of-a-kind hard hat representing their unique interpretation of the spirit of Detroit to build a brighter future for the next generation.
The online auction allows bidders to select a specific artist’s work and, in-turn, support the partner organization’s mission. Proceeds from each artwork will benefit the Downtown Boxing Gym, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, and The Konnection.
“Our team has a long-standing commitment to youth programming in Detroit,” says Todd Sachse, CEO o, Sachse Construction, who has also served for nine years on the board of directors at the Downtown Boxing Gym. “We’re excited to partner with these talented artists to support students through the power of art.”
The hard hats are displayed at the Sachse Construction HQ in downtown Detroit. Interested collectors can bid online through 3 p.m. on Dec. 8.
WMYD-TV20 in Southfield to Become CW Affiliate Nov. 13
The CW Network and The E.W. Scripps Co. have agreed that Southfield-based WMYD-TV (TV20) will become a CW affiliate beginning Nov. 13.
TV20 will carry all of The CW’s network’s primetime entertainment, live sports and special event programming. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The move comes after Kevin Adell Removed the network from CW WADL-TV in Clinton Township amid a disagreement with Texas-based Mission Broadcasting Inc.
“We are extremely pleased to be adding TV20 as a CW affiliate, especially as we get set to launch ACC men’s and women’s college basketball next month,” says Dennis Miller, president of The CW Network. “TV20 has a legacy of service to the community, and it will be a great home in the Detroit metro area for The CW.”
Mike Murri, general manager for Scripps stations WXYZ/WMYD, says: “The CW offers our audiences and advertisers a solid lineup of attractive programming, including popular entertainment and a growing amount of live sports programming.”
Alps Alpine Recognized as Stellantis’ North American Supplier of the Year
Alps Alpine North America Inc. in Auburn Hills has been named Stellantis’ North American Supplier of the Year during the automaker’s third annual Global Supplier Awards ceremony at the Conner Center in Detroit.
Alps Alpine was recognized for its collaboration and partnership in creating products, including Premium Audio Systems, as well as for its innovation and technology in new products. This is the second Supplier of the Year award Alps Alpine has received from Stellantis.
“We are honored to be recognized by Stellantis as the top supplier in North America,” says Robert Hill, president and CEO of Alps Alpine North America. “This award recognizes the superior efforts and dedication of the entire Alps Alpine team that supports our Stellantis business and programs.”
Little Caesars Launches Detroit-Style Slices-N-Stix Across New York City
Detroit-based Little Caesars has launched its new Detroit-style Slices-N-Stix across New York City locations. Debuting ahead of Little Caesars latest store opening in Queens, Detroit-Style Slices-N-Stix is just $4.99.
The combo includes two slices of Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, topped with pepperoni, and complemented by four pieces of Italian Cheese Bread — all served with Little Caesars signature Crazy Sauce. This product will be exclusive to New York City stores and available at all participating locations throughout the five boroughs.
“We know this city takes its pizza seriously, and we’re now giving New Yorkers an opportunity to taste something a little different,” says Greg Hamilton, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars. “Whether you’re born and raised in Detroit, Chicago, or New York, we know that New York City residents and visitors will love the unique flavor of Detroit-Style Slices-N-Stix.
“Pizza enthusiasts throughout NYC savor every detail from the cheese to the sauce to the crust. We’re excited to witness Little Caesars fans enjoying a quick meal on the go as they head to the subway, a show, or even on their walk home.”
Little Caesars newest menu item showcases the brand’s continued commitment to growing its following in the Big Apple. The brand also is seeking further expansion across the Tri-State area and is looking for accomplished multi-unit franchisees with extensive QSR experience to help grow its presence.
Consumers Energy Spending $1M+ to Reduce Bills, Help Disadvantaged Communities
Consumers Energy in Jackson has invested more than $1 million this year in initiatives to improve quality of life and reduce bills for customers in historically disadvantaged communities in Michigan.
The initial investment focused on several ZIP codes in Flint and surrounding areas and will be a playbook for work in future communities. The initiatives were completely free to customers and targeted essential health and safety improvements for homes and multifamily complexes.
“One of our priorities at Consumers Energy is to provide the energy our customers need, and to ensure we’re caring for all customers and communities we serve,” says Angela Thompkins, chief diversity officer and vice president of community affairs for Consumers Energy. “That means recognizing the unique challenges individuals or communities may face, and structuring the services we provide to ensure they can live safer and healthier lives.”
The company has plans to continue investment in Flint through 2024, as well as expand the program to other communities across the state. Customers who need help paying their bills or who would like more information about assistance programs should call 2-1-1, a free service that’s available statewide.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.
Hagerty in Traverse City Partners with duPont Registry to Create Insurance Agency
Hagerty, the classic car insurance and lifestyle company in Traverse City, is partnering with the duPont Registry Group to create duPont Registry Insurance, a licensed insurance agency in Miami.
In partnership with Hagerty, duPont Registry Insurance has access to insurance coverage nationwide. Additional benefits include a free subscription to duPont Registry magazine, free listings on dupontregistry.com for vehicles insured by duPont Registry Insurance, and more.
“We’re excited to work with duPont Registry and its elite clientele,” says Derek Prechtl, senior vice president of sales, North America for Hagerty. “Properly insuring and valuing high-worth cars requires specialized knowledge. We have the data, expertise, and world-class customer service these owners deserve.”
As the latest offering in the duPont Registry Group portfolio, duPont Registry Insurance serves the insurance needs of the collector car market. Customers can take advantage of highly competitive insurance premium rates through the company’s relationship with Hagerty and additional exclusive benefits.
“More Americans than ever are purchasing high-end cars, and many of these owners have experienced the challenges of insuring these types of vehicles,” says Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont Registry Group. “Insurance coverage can be hard to find, costly and riddled with inadequate customer service that doesn’t understand the high-end car market or the experience these customers expect.
“No one in the space knows this market or how to deliver the elevated experiences that high-net consumers expect as well as we do. duPont Registry Insurance was created to provide white glove concierge service to our customers and other high-end car enthusiasts. The team will help them lock in the best coverage with the most competitive rates in the country while offering unmatched support for their driven lifestyle.”
For more information, visit insurance.dupontregistry.com.
Citizens Expands Suite of Digital Solutions for Business Banking Customers
Citizens has launched Citizens Cash Flow Essentials, a complete online and mobile cash management platform, and Digital Invoicing, a solution that allows small businesses to enhance their cash flow quickly and securely within the Citizens online banking platform.
These expanded capabilities allow customers to manage the movement of cash into and out of their accounts more easily. They also join a new Digital Account Opening feature, recent enhancements to Zelle for small businesses and mobile deposit and added digital resources for small business owners as Citizens strives to give them more time to focus on their business.
“Citizens is committed to helping our customers achieve their goals and these digital solutions are a key extension of that commitment, simplifying the job of analyzing payment data and helping customers make informed decisions to fuel growth,” says Mark Valentino, head of business banking at Citizens.
The Cash Flow Essentials platform provides access to real-time information, seamless payment functionality and practical tools to help customers confidently meet daily cash flow requirements. Payment options include Real-Time Payments, domestic Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, domestic and international wire transfers, and unlimited mobile check deposits.
For more information about Cash Flow Essentials, visit here.
Schoolcraft College Announces Grand Opening of Newly Renovated Veterans Resource Center
Schoolcraft College will celebrate the grand opening of its renovated Mark L. Whitfield Veteran and Military Services Center at 10 a.m. on Nov. 9.
The space on the second floor of the McDowell Building is dedicated to serving student veterans and will three times the usable space, with two additional office suites, a dedicated lounge dubbed the Masco Command Post, and lounge space for student veterans. The new center will have more than 1,600 square feet aimed at assisting student veterans during their academic journey.
The center aids veterans and current military members to help them become thriving students at Schoolcraft College. Its mission is to help student veterans navigate the enrollment process by assisting with transcripts and other materials, as well as make sure students are aware of any eligible Veterans Affairs benefits or scholarships.
The center is named for Mark L. Whitfield, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who served six years in active duty, as well as spent time as a Navy reservist. He is a retired commander.
Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council to Host Health Care Wellness Summit
The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) will host their Healthcare Sector Health and Wellness Summit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center.
The first 20 registrants can enjoy a free chair massage and yoga session, courtesy of the Buchanan group. Attendees can network and hear from health professionals on the impacts of health and wellness on employee productivity during an insightful panel discussion. Lunch is provided, and health care exhibitors will be in attendance.
In addition to the summit, the MMSDC Healthcare Sector will donate to the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center to aid in their operational development.
The wellness panel will focus on mental health improvement strategies, self-care practices, health disparities and other health-related questions. Erica White will moderate the panel discussion. The three panelists include:
- Jessica Madriga — project manager of employee wellness at Henry Ford Health.
- Clifford D. Robinson — CEO of Relaxing Projects.
- Alicia M. Jackson — director of health equity and community health at Corewell Health.
For more information and registration, visit here.
Detroit Opera House to be More Accessible for Patrons with Sensory Sensitivities
Detroit Opera has partnered with KultureCity on a new initiative that will promote an accommodating, positive experience for all clients with a sensory issue, no matter their age or ability.
The Detroit Opera House is now a KultureCity certified Sensory Inclusive organization. The certification process ensures that the staff and volunteers of the Detroit Opera are trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those patrons with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
KultureCity Sensory Bags, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyard will be available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed when visiting the Detroit Opera House.
At the Detroit Opera, signs are posted directing guests to the sensory bags, located near both our entrances at Madison and Broadway Streets. The sensory bags are located at the Broadway Guest Services, off the Ford Lobby, and at Madison Guest Services.
Visitors are welcome to go to either guest services area and request and use a sensory bag. They do need to leave their driver’s license or state photo ID with a member of our staff and return the bag at the conclusion of the performance. All ushers at the Detroit Opera have been trained in these new procedures. In addition, Detroit Opera will soon be adding an FAQ under the accessibility tab at its website.
Prior to their visit, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity App, where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also on the KultureCity App is a social story that will provide a customized visual preview of what to expect while at Detroit Opera.
Michigan’s Leading Law Firms Speak Out Against Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Michigan’s leading law firms, including Honigman, sent the following email to top Michigan law schools echoing the important safety and inclusion sentiments of our national colleagues:
“We trust that you are familiar with the letter sent by several major New York-based law firms to the deans of over one hundred law schools. Our firms wholeheartedly agree with the seriousness of the situation to the extent these activities are occurring on your campuses, and the sentiments expressed in the letter. We strongly believe as stated in the letter that “[t]here is no room for anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism or any other form of violence, hatred or bigotry on your campuses, in our workplaces or our communities.” We have strong relationships with your schools, and wanted to share these thoughts with you directly in the hope that you urgently take all necessary actions to ensure a safe and civil environment at your schools for all of your students. As you must recognize, it is imperative that law students are prepared to join employers, like us, that have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, or bigotry of any kind.”
Farbman Group to Host Business Leader’s Guide to Cybersecurity
Farbman Group announced the next event in its C-Series line-up of free business educational discussions, “A Business Leader’s Guide to Cyber Security: Investing to Protect Company Assets,” will take place at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at the Oakland Commons building (20700 Civic Center Drive) in Southfield.
“We see this educational event as a timely discussion to have for local business leaders and executives who are looking to get smarter on cyber security,” says Andrew V. Farbman, CEO of Farbman Group. “With advancements in technology, and the rising number of sophisticated cyber scams circulating on a regular basis, it is vital that organizations prepare and educate themselves on cyber security measures accordingly.”
Rob Cote, CEO of Security Vitals, will lead the discussion. He has dedicated his career to helping organizations protect against cyber-attacks. Security Vitals specializes in implementing cyber security solutions for mid-market and enterprise level organizations.
Breakfast will be provided at 8:30 a.m. and the session will begin at 9 a.m. To RSVP, email: gavie@farbman.com.
Northwood University Esports to Represent Team USA World Championship in Turkey
Midland’s Northwood University Esports team this weekend won the 2023 Red Bull Collegiate Valorant National Championship in Chicago last weekend earing a chance to defend its Valorant World Championship in Turkey.
“Now we get a chance to defend our world championship,” says Cody Elsen, coach and director of Northwood Esports.
Northwood will compete for the global title in Istanbul, Turkey Nov. 19-24. Northwood’s Valorant team consists of Ali Salahedin, Asbury Park, New Jersey; Benjamin Park, Bloomfield Hills; Michael S. Herrera, Wylie, Texas; Logan Coffey, Taylor Mill, Kentucky; Braden Dippel, Alton, Illinois; and Jeffrey Tomaszek, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
Northwood Valorant defeated more than 50 of the best collegiate teams last year to win the 2022 Red Bull Campus Clutch World Final in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
