Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
State and Kidney Foundation Unveil Disease Prevention Strategy
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have collaborated with other partners in the state to develop a five-year Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Prevention Strategy.
More than 1 million adults in Michigan live with kidney disease, but many of these individuals are unaware of it because they have no symptoms.
The five-year plan outlines a comprehensive and collaborative strategy to prevent kidney disease and its progression in communities at greatest risk, especially those who struggle with access to health care and other basics.
It consists of four goals, each supported by specific activities that address social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support, and access to health care. The goals are:
- Transform kidney care using kidney disease data, shared metrics and evidence-based strategies.
- Increase awareness of preventable kidney disease.
- Increase the reach of evidence-based programs and policy/system/environmental changes.
- Maximize financial sustainability for the above efforts.
According to a recent issue of the professional journal Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, CKD is the condition that is most strongly associated with the risk of severe COVID-19. Therefore, the plan, spanning 2021 through 2026, includes information on COVID-19. People with CKD and its leading cause, diabetes, are at much greater risk of hospitalization and death if they contract the virus. Finally, COVID-19 also can cause acute kidney injury, which can then result in long-term kidney disease.
“This plan is designed to transform kidney care by focusing on earlier identification and treatment, in addition to addressing social determinants of health,” says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive for the state of Michigan. “These are crucial factors to preventing kidney disease in Michigan.”
Another key partner in forming the plan was the Henry Ford Health System. A leader in kidney disease care, the Detroit-based Henry Ford was the first hospital in the state to implement the Kidney Profile, as recommended by the National Kidney Foundation, to make it easier to screen people at high risk for kidney disease.
“We recognize how serious kidney disease is and how many lives are affected by it,” says David Shepherd, president and CEO of Henry Ford Community Care Services and chair of the NKFM Board of Directors. “The earlier you identify people with it, the earlier you can work with them to reduce further damage.”
Additional partners in the plan’s development include nonprofit community services, universities, professional associations, foundations, health plans, community health clinics, physicians and people living with kidney disease.
One in seven Americans suffer from kidney disease with a disproportionate number being people of color. Kidney disease is costly from both a quality of life and a health care perspective.
To view the full CKD plan, visit here.
Beztak Opens All Seasons Luxury Senior Living Community in Ann Arbor
Farmington Hills-based Beztak Properties announced today that All Seasons Ann Arbor has opened and is inviting seniors and their families to schedule a tour.
All Seasons Ann Arbor, at the corner of Dixboro and Geddes Road in Ann Arbor Township, is the newest community to join the All Seasons portfolio, Beztak Properties’ luxury senior living brand.
All Season Ann Arbor’s one- and two-bedroom residences and private two-bedroom cottages with attached garages are located on 35 acres overlooking the Huron River, adjacent to Parker Mill Park and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail.
“Ann Arbor is recognized throughout the world for its academic tradition and cultural eminence and is emerging as one of the nations’ most renowned retirement destinations, making it the perfect location for our newest independent living senior community,” says Sam Beznos, CEO of Beztak. “We wanted to combine the essence of Ann Arbor’s prestige in medicine, academics, sports, music, art, and culture, with our commitment to be innovative, enlivening, engaging, and totally captivating. The result is this unique community that promises to stimulate the mind, body and spirit.”
With a design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie architecture, the newly constructed community is adjacent to the historic Parker Mill, surrounded by miles of woods and walking trails that lead to the Huron River and Gallup Park and provides the amenities, dining, and service expected from a resort.
For more information, visit here.
Promenade Artisan Foods in Fisher Building Now Open 6 Days
Starting today, Promenade Artisan Foods in Detroit’s Fisher Building will be open six days a week. The bakery previously had been operating one day a week because of the COVID-19 pandemic following its soft opening last month.
The restaurant is now open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays, as well as on theater nights and for events. Its dining room is now open, with social distancing safety measures in place. Promenade will be closed this Saturday, March 20, to allow for all staff to get their COVID-19 vaccines.
In addition to offering breakfast and lunch, the Fisher location will serve catering services and grab-and-go dinners, appealing to both office workers and neighborhood residents. Grab-and-gos are available for pickup between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
The Fisher location is the second location for the Trenton eatery operated by husband-and-wife duo Chelsie and Jono Brymer. A signature of the Promenade brand is its commitment to sourcing high-quality, local ingredients and preparing homemade foods from scratch, such as its breads, pastries, dressings, and sauces, according to the owners.
Promenade offers sandwiches, salads, macarons, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and croissants. Among its most popular menu items are sea salt chocolate chip cookies and quiche that boasts a creamy custard and extra flaky crust.
“We have been overwhelmed with the support of guests so far, and are excited to be expanding our hours as our country begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Chelsie Brymer. “We will continue to prioritize the safety of our customers and our staff and look forward to welcoming new guests to our location inside the gorgeous Fisher Building. We couldn’t be more excited and grateful to be here.”
Those seeking to join the team in Detroit are encouraged to can request an application in person or email promenadefisher@gmail.com.
Macomb County EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Funding Now Available
Macomb County, which was awarded a $300,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Assessment Grant in 2020, is currently taking applications for sites that require environmental site assessments.
PM Environmental, an environmental risk management firm headquartered in Lansing with an office in Chesterfield Township, has been selected as the grant’s environmental services consultant to assist the county in managing the grant, completing environmental assessments, and providing brownfield redevelopment planning services over the next three years.
“Macomb County’s EPA Assessment Grant provides us with the opportunity to transform under-utilized properties and attract investment in our local communities,” says Amanda Minaudo, program director at the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development. “We are excited to work with PM Environmental on this project, and look forward to improving the environment, economy and quality of life for Macomb County residents.”
The MCPED plans to use the funds to assess brownfield sites where redevelopment will support environmental improvement initiatives, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Applications for projects that are shovel-ready, located within economically distressed areas of the county, have known or suspected contamination, and have the potential to create economic growth are encouraged to be submitted for the county’s consideration.
“The awarding of EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant funds allows Macomb County to directly support projects that involve the reuse of properties suspected of being contaminated from prior uses,” says Ryan Higuchi, brownfield and economic incentives project consultant at PM. “The assessment of these brownfield sites is a first step toward their restoration into economically impactful redevelopments that attract private investment into the County’s urban centers, create jobs, and increase local tax revenues.”
Grant funding will be used to provide assistance to conduct Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, Baseline Environmental Assessments, Documentation of Due Care Compliance, and Lead and Asbestos Surveys in support of brownfield redevelopment projects throughout the county. Funding will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To determine if a project qualifies, contact Ryan Higuchi at higuchi@pmenv.com.
Flint’s Long-serving McGee Collision Transforms to Car Dealership
Flint’s McGee Collision, which has served the community for more than a half century, is transforming to McGee & Son Auto Group, a premiere auto dealership that will leverage Arthur McGee’s 60-plus years of automotive service experience, and his son Omar McGee’s experience in auto sales.
Arthur McGee has been the chief auto repairman at his owned and operated McGee’s Collision for 58 years. His son, Omar, owns an operates Posh Luxury Imports, an exotic car-sales-and-rental dealership in Los Angeles.
The McGee & Son Auto Group will be located on the north side of North Saginaw Road in Flint and feature high-quality new and used vehicles for sale.
“I am honored to be going into business with my dad,” says Omar McGee, who will be the lead executive of the new venture. “My father taught me everything I know about business, so the recent national attention my business has received, is our success to share. My goal has always been to become everything my dad would be, if he had the same opportunities as me.”
Arthur McGee says, “I’m proud to have my baby boy at my side as I reinvent myself in my 80th decade. Anytime a father can have a son to step up and continue his business for him, makes me feel good. It’s time for new things and I’m excited.”
GTB Offers Virtual Symposium on Diversity in Advertising March 19
Detroit-based marketing agency GTB is conducting a free, live, virtual event on March 19, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. entitled Ads Need Soul — a symposium that brings academics, creatives, and industry voices together to address the past, present, and future of advertising.
The three-part event, which is open to the public, will feature opening remarks from Robert Guay, global CEO at GTB, and span both lecture-style presentations from university professors as well as a Q&A discussion with agency creatives.
To register for the symposium, visit here.
April 13 Summit to Address Future of Telehealth
Connected Nation Michigan, the statewide program of national nonprofit Connected Nation, is hosting a free summit from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, featuring industry insiders and health care experts to exploring the future of telehealth in America.
“The U.S. health care system made huge advances in telehealth as a result of the pandemic, but questions remain about what is working, what isn’t, and what’s ahead — including looking at the technological challenges,” says Eric Frederick, executive director of Connected Nation Michigan. “That’s why we are convening both those working in and with the health care industry and those who understand how the technology is used and why broadband (high-speed internet) access is critical for serving more people, especially in rural areas.”
The keynote speaker for the event will be Michigan’s first African American Lt. Governor, Garlin Gilchrist II. Two roundtable discussions will feature industry experts in rural broadband, telehealth applications, health care regulations, and real-world use in areas of physical and occupational rehabilitation, health monitoring, and examine the implications of telehealth and broadband access — or lack of it — for older adults.
The summit will consist of a consolidated discussion about telehealth and broadband and offer the audience an opportunity to ask questions throughout the event.
To participate in the event, visit here.
