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.
Shimmer on the River Fundraiser Set for June 22
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy invites the general public to celebrate 20 years of riverfront transformation at Shimmer on the River, the nonprofit organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Presented by the Kresge Foundation and Friends of Robert C. Valade Park the event will take place from on June 23 from 5-9 p.m. at Robert C. Valade Park
Shimmer on the River will commemorate the conservancy’s two decades of transformation and celebrate the organizations and individuals who have supported the non-profit’s vision of a beautiful, safe, and accessible riverfront for all.
Valade Park is located at 2670 Atwater St. along the east riverfront in downtown Detroit.
This family-friendly event will feature music from the Prince tribute band, the Purple Xperience. The Riverfront Boardwalk will be lined with summer activities and giveaways, the Delta Dental Adventure Park filled with games, inflatables, and obstacle courses, a kids dance party, a strolling dinner from Detroit’s favorite food trucks, and more.
A highlight of every Shimmer on the River is the presentation of the Shimmer Award, which is the highest honor that the Conservancy can bestow and is presented to an individual or organization that has had a lasting impact on the mission of the organization.
The conservancy’s 2023 Shimmer Award honorees are James B. and Ann V. Nicholson, Mariam C. Noland, and James A. Kelly.
For more information, visit here.
GM Invests $300K to Launch BGCSM’s Newest Youth and Entrepreneur Program
General Motors Co. in Detroit is investing $300,000 in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan to launch a new Industry Club, the organization’s workforce and entrepreneurship development program.
The new Design Industry Club will focus on graphic design, illustration, animation, automotive, interior, and shoe and apparel design.
“BGCSM’s goal when we launched the Industry Club in 2020 was to create a pipeline of talent to increase the workforce in metro-Detroit, and we’re grateful for General Motor’s generous contribution to help us make this vision a reality,” says Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM. “Built on the success of previous programs like Fashion Industry Club or the Esports and Gaming Industry Club, this initiative will provide programs, and projects that introduce youth to a variety of ways that design are currently being used in the workforce.”
“Inspiring creative minds at a young age fuels every industry,” says Michael Simcoe, senior vice president of Global Design at GM. “On behalf of everyone at GM, we’re thrilled to grow our support to BGCSM through this new Design Industry Club. Our goal is to encourage Detroit youth to see themselves in a creative career, while providing them with real-world insight and experience.”
The Design Industry Club programs and activities will expose more than 250 youth in year one to several elements of the design industry and will include field trips and master classes. In addition, 50 youth will receive paid workforce opportunities to build skills in shoe and apparel design, automotive design, and interior design.
Youth interested in future Design Industry Club opportunities can sign up for the waitlist and to be notified of the next application period here.
Avalon Healing Center in Detroit to Host Open House June 29
Avalon Healing Center is hosting an open house at its new healing center (601 Bagley St.) in Detroit on June 29.
“The team at Avalon is excited for the open house and the chance to introduce our clients, community partners, donors and other service agencies to our new center,” says Kimberly Hurst, founder and executive director of Avalon Healing Center. “Along with sharing our diverse services and continued expansion of our model of care.”
Avalon’s open house event will include tours of the new center, visuals of plans for phase 2, food, drinks, and music. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit here.
Nation’s First Digital Equity Retail Store to Open in Detroit
Recognizing that digital access for everyone is essential to a promising future, Human-I-T is announcing the opening of the nation’s first digital equity store, Human I-T (6375 W. 7 Mile Road) in Detroit.
The store is the first of its kind to open anywhere in the United States and one of Detroit’s only local electronics stores.
The affordable electronics retailer along the city’s historic Avenue of Fashion is designed to advance Human I-T’s ongoing mission of delivering access to affordable technology, low-cost internet, digital skills training, and tech support for communities on the wrong side of the digital divide. The store is made possible thanks to generous support from General Motors Co. and the Rocket Community Fund.
A grand opening will take place on June 14 at 4 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“The opening of Human I-T on Seven Mile, a retail store and community space, is a significant step toward shrinking the digital divide and creating equitable access to opportunity in Detroit,” says Gabe Middleton, CEO of Human I-T. “We believe access to technology and the internet is a right, not a privilege. Everyone deserves a fair shot at success, regardless of their income or zip code. We are thrilled to provide products and services directly to the community with neighborhood-based, personalized assistance.”
The new 2,800-square-foot store will operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. All customers will have access to low-cost digital resources and qualifying customers are eligible for discounts on laptops and home internet service. The store will provide digital navigation assistance for everyone from students to seniors and low-income households. Specially trained Digital Navigators will help customers learn about available technology, purchase laptops and computers, enroll in free or low-cost internet plans, learn new digital skills, and receive onsite technical support.
CVS Opens Workforce Innovation and Talent Center Within Goodwill of Greater Detroit
CVS Health announced the opening of its newest Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. The innovation hub, which features a mock retail store, pharmacy, and other professional education programs, is designed to provide Detroiters access to opportunity and inclusive pathways to meaningful careers, including comprehensive skills training, job placement and community health services.
The new CVS Health WITC is now available for use by the Detroit metro community, with enrollment open for programs beginning July 2023.
“We recognize each person’s value and help individuals unlock their full potential through our collaborative approach to workforce development,” says Ernie Dupont, executive director of workforce initiatives at CVS Health. “Providing comprehensive workforce development and job placement opportunities, especially to pools of talent who are often overlooked or face barriers to employment, has the power to transform lives. To be most effective and build healthier communities, we need to work closely with leading community organizations, like Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit.”
The new WITC is housed within the headquarters of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit at 3111 Grand River Road and is tailored to the specific needs of the community.
Programs are specifically designed for individuals facing barriers to opportunity — including people with disabilities, mature workers, youth, and veterans — who may not only need jobs, but also additional support to help ensure long-term success.
Through the CVS Health Second Chance Program, the WITC will also provide training to returning citizens, which works with justice-involved individuals and prepares them for gainful employment with greater success.
Detroit’s First Independence Bank Partners with Minnesota’s Operation HOPE
Detroit-based First Independence Bank (FIB) and Operation HOPE in Minnesota announced what is described as “a transformational partnership” with the goal of empowering people in Twin Cities and Detroit communities through financial coaching, debt counseling, financial education, and awareness, and other community programs.
“This initiative is a part of our ongoing commitment to positively impact the people and communities where we do business,” says Kenneth Kelly, chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank. “I couldn’t be more pleased to expand our partnership with Operation HOPE and provide new financial resources and education to people in the Twin Cities and Detroit markets.”
The partnership with Operation HOPE provides FIB with onsite financial coaches in both the Twin Cities and Detroit. It’s part of the bank’s community-based approach to financial wellness and offers additional education, insights, tools, and resources that will improve people’s lives at no cost. Operation HOPE has similar partnerships with financial institutions in other markets nationwide.
For more information, visit firstindependence.com.
Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe Named Presenting Sponsor of 2023 Detroit Jazz Festival
The Detroit Jazz Festival, the world’s largest free jazz festival, announced the Dirty Dog Jazz Café in Grosse Pointe Farms as the presenting sponsor of this year’s festival to take place in downtown Detroit on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-4.
Celebrating its 15th year, the Dirty Dog Jazz Café’s presenting sponsorship of the Detroit Jazz Festival is in tribute to its founder, the late Gretchen C. Valade, who was known as the Angel of Jazz in Detroit and around the world. Among her countless contributions to Detroit’s business and jazz scene, Valade’s passion for supporting local jazz talent and audiences culminated into her spearheading the initiative to create the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization that produces the Detroit Jazz Festival, which is its signature event. The Foundation also presents jazz and educational programs throughout the year.
“The sheer symbolism of the Dirty Dog Jazz Café as our presenting sponsor this year is truly a phenomenal tribute to the Angel of Jazz, the late Gretchen C. Valade and almost unimaginable statement of commitment to our mission of jazz and the community,” says Chris Collins, president and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation. “We are humbled and honored by this contribution and inspired to deliver a jazz festival that meets her high standards of jazz performances that will bring diverse audiences from around the world together in our beautiful downtown.”
“Gretchen C. Valade’s love of jazz was legendary, so we are happy to honor my mother and continue her legacy of support for the Detroit Jazz Festival as this year’s presenting sponsor. The Dirty Dog Cafe invites everyone to join us downtown Labor Day weekend as we celebrate music and community by welcoming some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians to Detroit,” said Mark Valade.
For more information, visit detroitjazzfest.org.
Consumers Energy Awards $50K for Winners of the Put Your Town on the Map Competition
Three Michigan communities have won a total of $50,000 through the Consumers Energy Foundation’s 2023 Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition to help complete projects that will strengthen and grow their communities.
The city of Fennville received $25,000 for first place. Reed City received $15,000 as runner-up. Harbor Beach received $10,000 for placing third.
“The Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition is all about rewarding big, bold, and innovative ideas that will help Michigan’s small towns grow and thrive,” says Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Jackson-based Consumers Energy Foundation. “These three winning projects will transform their communities and make them even better places to live, work, and raise a family. The Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to support their efforts, and we look forward to celebrating with them as the projects are completed.”
The winning projects are:
Fennville – First place, $25,000: The city of Fennville is working on installing wayfinding signs to help unify the region and surrounding communities. The signs will be bilingual to support inclusivity and the community’s mission to promote diversity and growth.
Reed City – Second place, $15,000: Reed City Crossroads Recreation Connection aims to bring outdoor recreational activities to the community to enhance fun opportunities for families and visitors. They will use the funding to support many projects currently underway, including the Pocket Park in the downtown business area, a community dog park, and sites for other outdoor activities.
Harbor Beach – Third place, $10,000: The funding will be used to support efforts to expand gardening in the community so that it can grow its own food, support the local farmers market, and enhance the annual Harvest Festival. The community plans to install a large number of raised-bed planters throughout the community.
A panel of judges chose the three winning projects June 8, after officials from the 10 finalist communities made presentations at the 2023 Small Town and Rural Development Conference led by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM).
Michigan State University Outlines Plans for $2M Spartan Strong Fund
Teresa K. Woodruff, interim president of Michigan State University in East Lansing, has outlined the distribution plan for the $2 million Spartan Strong Fund.
As part of the plan, funds will support impacted students, their families, and employees following the shooting that occurred on campus Feb. 13.
The plan prioritizes support for families of loved ones who were lost, injured students and their families, physically uninjured individuals in the two Berkey Hall classrooms and food court kitchen inside the MSU Union, as well as mental health care reimbursement for students, faculty, staff and first responders impacted by the tragedy.
The announcement follows recommendations from a committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, and university leaders on how Spartan Strong Fund gifts should be disbursed in accordance with the intent of the fund.
“In the days and weeks following Feb. 13, I have seen our entire community come together and support one another during what has been a difficult time for many,” Woodruff says. “We are forever grateful to the thousands of people who have generously helped put our community on a path to healing through the Spartan Strong Fund.”
The fund, which has received $2 million from more than 4,200 donors, was established in response to growing interest from the Spartan community to monetarily provide support for the evolving needs of the individuals most critically impacted.
Approximately $1 million of the fund will help support those most directly impacted by the tragedy. This includes resources to support the remainder of physically injured students’ undergraduate careers. The funds also will provide supportive and financial resources to approximately 50 physically uninjured individuals who were present in either one of the two first-floor Berkey Hall classrooms or the food court kitchen inside the MSU Union during the Feb. 13 violence. A portion of the funding also will assist families of the deceased with needs that are unmet by state and federal crime victim compensation funds.
Recognizing the healing process is different for each person, $500,000 of the fund will reimburse or directly pay for student, faculty, staff, and first responder mental health care services. Additional information will be shared soon about how to seek reimbursement for these costs.
To honor the victims of the Feb. 13 tragedy, approximately $300,000 – and any remaining contributions to the fund in excess of $2 million – will go toward the creation and installation of a permanent memorial on MSU’s campus, planned through “a meaningful, respectful, and collaborative process.”
The remaining $200,000 will support healing and resiliency programming through the Office for Resource and Support Coordination for students, faculty, staff and first responders.
