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.
Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township Offering NFL Draft, Spring Deals
Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township is offering a Sports Package tailored for guests attending the NFL Draft festivities.
By presenting their NFL Draft tickets upon check-in, guests can get a 15 percent discount off the best available room rate and complimentary breakfast for two each day of their stay.
In addition to the NFL Draft, the resort offers access to nearby communities Plymouth Township and Northville. Downtown Plymouth Township has “charming” shops and restaurants. The Northville Farmer’s Market typically begins in May and there are plenty of local treasures to discover year-round in the area.
Back at Saint John’s Resort, guests can indulge in culinary delights at FIVE Steakhouse and unwind in the sophisticated ambiance of The Wine Grotto. Plus, this spring marks the opening of the new 18-hole golf course, The Cardinal, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Flint & Genesee Group Reports 2023 Successes in Business, Talent, and Place
The Flint & Genesee Group reported on its accomplishments in 2023 and shared its priorities moving forward during the organization’s annual meeting — themed “Connected for Good” — at the FIM Capitol Theatre Thursday.
“As the region’s lead economic development organization, the Flint & Genesee Group takes a holistic approach to our work by focusing on business, talent, and place,” says Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group. “Last year, we saw momentum in all three of these focus areas, bringing us closer to our vision of positioning Genesee County as a top-five community in Michigan based on jobs, talent, livability, and equity by 2040.”
According to Herman, 2023 was a year of connection, a common theme found throughout the organization’s latest annual report. “Today, we celebrated the impact of those connections – connections to resources that individuals and organizations needed to succeed; to partnerships that made a positive impact; and to opportunities to invest in the future Flint & Genesee,” he says.
Among the highlights noted in the report is the early success of the Flint & Genesee Group’s Make Your Move talent attraction initiative, which launched in early 2023. In its first year, the website was visited 25,300 times and 116 people signed up to learn about living and working in Genesee County. By year’s end, the program resulted in five direct hires — two of which relocated to work in Flint & Genesee.
Additionally, Explore Flint & Genesee, Genesee County’s convention and visitors bureau, worked diligently to bring new events and visitors to the region in 2023. In fact, group business secured by Explore Flint & Genesee resulted in an estimated economic impact of $12 million dollars.
The Flint & Genesee Chamber gained 156 new members, prompting its total membership to surpass 1,000 members for the first time since the pandemic. And the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance closed on five major development deals that will result in $244.4 million of private investment and the creation of 458 new jobs for Genesee County. These included Flexible Automation, Goyette Mechanical, J.P. O’Sullivan Distributing, Miller Industries, and Plastic Omnium.
Finally, Flint & Genesee Education & Talent continued to support area teens and young people. The division helped 257 high school students learn how to get and keep a job through the TeenQuest pre-employment and leadership training program. And by year’s end, it welcomed 19 college graduates to its Flint Promise alumni network.
Looking forward, the Flint & Genesee Group will focus much of its attention on attraction. This will include intentionally telling the region’s story – and taking advantage of national and statewide opportunities, while preparing for success when jobs and investment occur, according to Herman.
For a more thorough overview, visit here.
Stellantis’ Mopar Division Bringing Two New Jeeps to Easter Jeep Safari 2024
The Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar design team returns to the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, March 23-31 with two new, one-of-a-kind, rock-crawling, terrain-traversing concept vehicles designed to take four-wheeling to the next level on some of the toughest trails in the world. Details about the vehicles will be released in the coming weeks.
Corewell Health Receives CDC REACH Grant to Reduce Barriers to Care in Wayne County
Corewell Health received a $3.4 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support the system’s efforts to improve health, prevent chronic diseases and reduce health disparities, specifically among Indigenous Peoples, Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latino individuals and families in Wayne County.
The five-year Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant will support programming in communities where health gaps remain.
“Corewell Health recognizes the profound importance of fostering health equity, reducing disparities and increasing access to high-quality care in every community we touch,” says Alicia Jackson, director of health equity and community health at Corewell Health. “The REACH grant will ignite our efforts in Wayne County and Detroit, enabling us to expand vital community partnerships and increase support for populations with the highest risk of chronic disease.”
Corewell Health will work with an active, cross-sector network of community partners to address key health disparities and implement proven public health programs related to physical activity, access to nutrition and healthy foods and continuity of care in breastfeeding.
Corewell Health is the only health care system in Michigan to receive the 2023-2028 REACH grant. The CDC REACH grants were awarded to 50 communities across 32 states and the District of Columbia.
Keylink and Wolf Announce Expansion into Michigan
Keylink, a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of aluminum railing systems, is expanding into Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin with distributor Wolf Home Products.
“We are excited to expand the distribution of our aluminum railing systems to dealers and contractors in these states,” says Javan Lapp, CEO of Keylink. “This is a continuation of our ongoing partnership with Wolf in a thriving market and we’re excited to see the growth that results for all of our partners.”
In addition to its extensive product offerings, Keylink provides ongoing education and training, a range of marketing materials, and business resources to its customers, a practice it plans to continue with Wolf in the new markets. Both companies have hired representatives who live in the Midwest, know the market, and will be readily available as a resource for dealers and contractors.
Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance Expands to Become Michigan Black Business Alliance
The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance is now the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MMBA) representing the organization’s expansion to a statewide focus, beginning with the cities of Flint and Lansing.
Under the expansion, which is supported by state funding, the alliance will bring programs that help entrepreneurs gain access to capital, build relationships with financial institutions, and improve administrative capacity.
“Our work to close the racial wealth gap through strengthening Black businesses is critical now more than ever,” says Charity Dean, president and CEO of the Michigan Black Business Alliance. “According to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the state of Michigan’s economy stands to gain $92 billion if it were to eliminate those gaps.
“Our unique programs and bold policy advocacy have helped decision makers begin to approach small businesses as essential drivers of economic development. We’ve started that change in Detroit. We will continue the change in Detroit. Now we’re going to bring that change across the state.”
The Michigan Black Business Alliance’s mission is to help close the racial wealth gap by creating programs and advocating for policies that result in thriving Black businesses. The alliance, which supports business owners regardless of their race, represents more than 1,500 small businesses.
The Michigan Black Business Alliance made its announcement during the Second Annual State of Black Business Luncheon on March 14. In addition to announcing its expansion, the alliance showcased its annual report and hosted panels discussing the current landscape of supporting small businesses.
To learn more about the Michigan Black Business Alliance, visit blackbizalliance.org.
Eastern Michigan University and Henry Ford College Launch Transfer Program
Embarking on a higher education journey from Henry Ford College (HFC) to Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is now more streamlined thanks to the Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University guaranteed transfer program.
The initiative offers HFC students a seamless transfer experience that paves the way for attaining both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree within four to six years. Leaders from both institutions will celebrate this partnership at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, at Eastern Michigan’s Welch Hall, Room 205.
Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University provides a guaranteed transfer pathway to a bachelor’s degree. It offers a three-year tuition freeze at HFC and resources at both institutions designed to support student success.
“Henry Ford College has been a longstanding and important partner to Eastern Michigan University for many years,” says Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. “We understand that for many students, navigating the transfer experience can seem challenging. This collaboration with HFC provides students with comprehensive guidance and resources from the start of their college journey, ensuring they are well-equipped for academic success.”
The program allows EMU to offer guaranteed admission to any HFC student with at least a 2.0 GPA, 60 credit hours, and an associate degree in arts, business, science, applied science, or general studies.
“Eastern Michigan University warmly welcomes Henry Ford College students and provides them with pathways to high-quality bachelor’s degrees,” said HFC President Russ Kavalhuna. “This is why we are pleased to partner with EMU on the new Learn4ward guaranteed transfer program. This allows us to remove any barriers to transfer and encourage more students to earn degrees that will lead to rewarding, high-paying careers, while also retaining talent in Michigan.”
In addition to the transfer process, Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University offers many advantages, such as enhanced career advising, EMU scholarship opportunities, access to academic resources and athletic events, and degree-tracking resources.
For more information about Learn4ward to Eastern Michigan University, visit the Henry Ford College website at https://www.hfcc.edu/learn4ward.
Portillo’s Brings Its Iconic Beef Bus to Michigan as it Prepares to Open Doors in Livonia
The Beef Bus will serve up Portillo’s legendary Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and other menu items, March 2-30, ahead of opening doors to the first Portillo’s restaurant in Livonia.
Beginning April 1, Portillo’s will conduct on-site interviews with job applicants interested in joining the Portillo’s team, those who complete an interview will receive a voucher for complimentary meal from the Beef Bus food truck.
The Beef Bus tour locations are as follows:
- March 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Portillo’s Livonia (13004 Middlebelt Road) in Livonia
- March 22, at 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Plymouth Food Truck Park (39411 Schoolcraft Road) in Plymouth Township.
- March 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Glover Agency Easter Egg Extravaganza (777 W. Ann Arbor Trail) in Plymouth Township. (Free, public event; kids need to be registered if they want to participate in the Easter egg hunt.)
- March 24, 4-9 p.m., Ann Arbor StreetSide (S. Main Street and Liberty).
- March 28, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Plymouth Food Truck Park.
- March 29, 3-8 p.m., Detroit StreetSide (Woodward Avenue and Adelaide Street) in Detroit.
- March 30, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Briarwood Mall (100 Briarwood Cir.) in Ann Arbor).
To request the Beef Bus make a stop at your office, studio, or elsewhere, contact Portillos@icrinc.com.
Oakland Thrive to Host Celebration to Honor Oakland County Businesses
Oakland Thrive, in partnership with Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Oakland County Economic Development, is hosting a celebratory event to commemorate Oakland County’s business community at 5:30 p.m. March 20 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.
The Oakland County 2024 Business Spotlight and Reception will showcase the accomplishments of local businesses and the organizations who supported them as well as offer networking opportunities and food from Oakland County’s culinary gems.
“Oakland County’s business community prides itself on its innovation, inclusiveness and collaborative culture,” says Vicki Selva, CEO of Oakland Thrive. “Our businesses are thriving, and we can’t wait to showcase their successes with fellow enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and community leaders.”
The businesses and organizations being honored include:
- IDEACore (Birmingham)
- Lake Orion and Oxford DDAs
- Andy’s Place Restaurant (Holly)
- Fashion Savvy Beauty Bar (Lathrup Village)
- PitaWay (Clarkston)
- Sidetrack Bookshop (Royal Oak)
- Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (Clawson)
- Kravings Restaurant (Oak Park)
- Consulate General of Mexico (Madison Heights)
- Exlterra (Hazel Park)
- Meknology (Southfield)
- Alchemi Restaurant (Royal Oak)
More than 20 Oakland County restaurants will provide food for the event, including:
- Lolo Potluck (Troy)
- Andy’s Place Gone Mobile (Holly)
- Holiday Market Smokehouse (Royal Oak)
- Qamairia Yemeni Coffee (Troy)
- Shawarma Castle (Madison Heights)
- Tacos El Guero (Lake Orion)
- It’s a Matter of Taste (Commerce Township)
- Salads for Life (Royal Oak)
- Luisa’s Artisanal Street Food (Ferndale)
- Zeoli’s Modern Italian (Clawson)
Tickets are $50 and are available at oaklandthrive.org. Registration is available until noon March 19.
Nominations Open for 2024 Detroit Green Task Force Earth Day
The Detroit Green Task Force is seeking nominations for the 2024 Earth Day Awards. The annual Earth Day Awards Celebration will take place April 20 at Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center at 11687 American St., Detroit from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The luncheon event will feature remarks from local sustainability leaders and an award ceremony for nominees and recipients. The event has been generously sponsored by Flowers for Dreams, My Big Fat Shawarma, JW Shaw Electric, and in partnership with the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Joyride Group and Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit.
The Earth Day Awards are given in recognition of Detroit community members who have made significant contributions to the City of Detroit through advocacy, responsible business practices, and implementing creative sustainability solutions in the neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. Award categories include Community Leadership, Local Business, Youth and Lifetime Achievement.
Nomination forms and full award criteria can be found on the Green Task Force website. Nominations are open until 5 p.m. on April 10 here. Self-nominations are accepted.
Great Marshmallow Drop Set for March 29 at Catalpa Oaks County Park
It will be raining marshmallows over Catalpa Oaks County Park in Southfield during Oakland County Parks’ Great Marshmallow Drop March 29.
A helicopter will drop more than 15,000 marshmallows over a designated area in the park beginning at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by Henry Ford Health – GoHealth Urgent Care, there will be four drop zone groups. Three will begin at 10 a.m.: Ages 4 and younger; ages 5-7; and ages 8-12. A drop for individuals with disabilities of all ages will begin at 11:30 a.m. An American Sign Language interpreter will be available on site.
All participants ages 12 and younger and individuals with disabilities will receive a prize.
Staff and volunteers will be on site to assist with parking, provide a safe boundary for kids to run in, distribute prizes and take care of other activities that support the program. This is a popular event, so participants are encouraged to arrive early for parking. No preregistration is required. Catalpa Oaks County Park is located at 27705 Greenfield Road in Southfield.
Nearly 200 volunteers are needed for two volunteer shifts from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., a short-term assignment for students, corporate groups, and seniors. Register to volunteer at VolunteerMatch.com. For more information, email Volunteer@oakgov.com or call 248-975-9717.
