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.
Study: Nonprofit Arts and Creative Sector Generates $98.3M in Washtenaw County
Creative Washtenaw reports that Washtenaw County’s nonprofit arts and creative industries generated more than $98.3 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study.
Conducted by Americans for the Arts, the total economic impact includes $46.4 million in spending by nonprofit arts and creative organizations and $51.8 million in event-related spending by their audiences.
That activity supported 1,567 jobs and generated $17.4 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.
“The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study unequivocally illustrates that arts + creative industries are not just a source of inspiration but also engines of economic and social prosperity for Washtenaw County,” says Deb Polich, president and CEO of Creative Washtenaw. “With a staggering $98.3 million in economic impact, it underscores the arts and creative industries’ vital role in driving local commerce, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall quality of life.
“Beyond the dollars and cents, this study reveals how arts and creativity weave the fabric of our community, fostering creativity, inclusivity, and a shared sense of identity. They provide a stage for diverse voices and a canvas for self-expression, nurturing social cohesion, empathy, and a deeper understanding of one another. In Washtenaw County, arts + creativity are not just a luxury; they’re an investment in our collective well-being, forging a brighter, more vibrant future for all.”
For more information, visit creativewashtenaw.org.
Physicians Health Plan Expands to New Counties Across Michigan
Physicians Health Plan (PHP) in Lansing has received approval from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to expand its service area for individual and small group plans.
Beginning Nov. 1, individuals who live in Huron, Montcalm, and Sanilac counties can enroll in Physicians Health Plan individual plans. Individual plans also are available in Bay, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Livingston, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Tuscola, and Washtenaw counties.
Individuals and families who enroll in PHP individual plans have access to a statewide network of providers, hospitals, and pharmacies with no referrals required to see an in-network specialist. Enrollees also have prescription drug coverage, 24/7 telehealth services, a wellness portal, worldwide coverage for emergency care, as well as extra benefits including discounts on food and dining, entertainment, athletic wear, fitness activities, and more.
PHP also has added Huron, Montcalm, and Sanilac to its service area for small group employers, bringing the total number of counties to 15: Bay, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Livingston, Montcalm, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Tuscola, and Washtenaw counties.
Kevin Adell Removes CW Network from WADL-TV
WADL-TV in Clinton Township has removed the CW Network from its Detroit market station as it awaits FCC approval for its May sale to Texas-based Mission Broadcasting Inc.
Adell replaced the CW with My Networks programming.
Mission Broadcasting is a privately held company that currently owns 29 television stations in 26 U.S. markets. Mission’s portfolio includes ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW, and MyNetworkTV affiliates in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont in addition to Michigan.
WALD-TV has been serving Detroit, the nation’s 14th largest market, since its launch in May 1989. It currently reaches nearly 2 million television households.
Report: Citizens Business Conditions Index Rebounds Slightly in Q3
A strong labor market and resilient consumer trends supported a slight improvement in economic conditions during the third quarter as inflation showed some signs of abating, according to the national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI).
After falling below 50 in the second quarter, the index rose to 50.7 in the third quarter, signaling a return to modest growth.
New business applications leveled off during the quarter, but operating conditions for small businesses generally improved as interest rates stabilized following the Federal Reserve’s latest rate hike in July. Citizens’ proprietary data on client revenue was stronger across most industries during the third quarter. Consumer Services and Healthcare remained among the top sectors while the manufacturing industry continued to contract, though at a slower rate.
“The U.S. economy was resilient in the third quarter as inflation showed signs of easing despite continued strength in the labor market,” says Eric Merlis, managing director and co-head of global markets at Citizens. “While the operating environment remains fragile, Citizens’ middle market and mid-corporate clients continue to perform reasonably well.”
The underlying components of the index showed a slight rebound in the business environment during the third quarter. Three of the five components provided a boost to the Index level, one was neutral, and one weighed on the reading.
Employment trends, which are measured by initial jobless claims as an Index component, strengthened throughout the quarter, providing a tailwind for the Index.
The ISM (Institute for Supply Management) non-manufacturing component grew as demand for services remained high and inflation eased.
The activity data of Citizens’ commercial banking clients was relatively strong across regions, suggesting that conditions at many middle-market and mid-corporate businesses remain positive.
New business applications held fairly steady.
The ISM manufacturing index indicated that the sector continued to contract but did so at a slower rate as the reading improved relative to recent levels.
The third quarter CBCI revealed a business environment that continues to grapple with the impact of higher rates, but one that has benefited more recently from signs that inflation may be moderating. While operating conditions remain mixed, the economy exited the quarter with momentum.
“The third quarter CBCI shows a business environment that improved over the last quarter as initial jobless claims declined, consumer trends remained resilient and inflation eased,” says Merlis. “From here, the focus will continue to be on policymakers as they navigate a complex economic and geopolitical environment and attempt to walk the fine line toward a soft landing.”
State Offers New Career Training Scholarship Program for Michiganders
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is announcing the launch of the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship, a new career training scholarship designed to help individuals gain skills needed to prepare for in-demand jobs.
“Through programs like the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship, we are preparing Michiganders for rewarding careers in high-demand industries while supporting businesses with the highly skilled talent they need to compete and grow,” says Susan Corbin, director of LEO. “Investments like these are critical to helping fuel the jobs that are vital to our state’s economic momentum and our goals to expand economic prosperity to all.”
The Skills Scholarship is backed by a $10 million investment through the state budget and adds on to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship launched by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year to lower the cost of higher education for Michiganders, starting with the class of 2023. Under the program, graduating high school students will be eligible to receive up to $4,000 over two years to attend an eligible career training program in Michigan.
Eligible career training programs were selected to ensure students will receive training and skills that will ultimately lead to in-demand jobs with high paying wages.
To apply, interested students must complete an application through the Michigan Student Aid Student Scholarships and Grants portal (MiSSG), administered through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Students should review the list of eligible career training programs here prior to filling out their application and will need to indicate their chosen career training provider in the application.
For more information, visit here.
Country Farm Market in Pontiac Signs On as U-Haul Dealer
Country Farm Market in Pontiac has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, according to U-Haul Co. of Michigan.
Country Farm, at 701 Orchard Lake Road, will offer services like U-Haul trucks, support rental items, and in-store pickup for boxes.
U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. More than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation.
MEDC, MSU, LCC Expansion Semiconductor Education and Training
The Michigan Economic Development Corp., in partnership with the Michigan State University College of Engineering, and Lansing Community College announced MEDC grants and matching funds totaling nearly $450,000 for the capital area, with $148,000 for MSU and $300,000 for LCC.
MEDC is investing a combined total of more than $3.6 million — the largest investment in state history — in 2023 grants and matching funds with higher education institutions to promote semiconductor learning and career opportunities throughout Michigan.
“Michigan is leading the way in supporting the growth and development of the semiconductor industry back in the United States,” says Kerry Ebersole Singh, chief talent solutions and engagement officer at MEDC. “The collaboration of Michigan State University and Lansing Community College will provide an incredible foundation for students, employees, employers and entrepreneurs in communities across the capital area region.”
ProStart Boot Camp Prepares Michigan Students for Statewide Culinary Competition
The ProStart Boot Camp is a one-day interactive training event to prepare high school students for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation (MHF) ProStart Competition that takes place in Kalamazoo on March 10-11, 2024.
This intensive boot camp, which will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi on Nov. 3, will offer participants hands-on experience and insights into competition expectations.
ProStart students at the Boot Camp will experience the heat of competition, learn professional speaking skills, hear details about expectations on the competition floor, become familiar with the competition structure, and test and improve critical thinking skills. They also will train in a wide array of categories, including plating, knife skills, recipe and costing, cooler packing, and management.
The 2024 MHF ProStart Competition provides foundational education to students who are the future of the hospitality industry in Michigan. More than $100,000 in scholarships will be awarded to winners to help pursue careers in foodservice, and the winning teams in the Culinary and Management competitions will represent Michigan in the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore from April 26-28, 2024.
Lawrence Tech’s Centrepolis Accelerator Awarded $100K Grant from Song Foundation
The Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield has received a $100,000 grant from the Ann Arbor-based Song Foundation.
The grant will be used to support the overall activities of the accelerator, one of the few in the nation to concentrate on manufacturers of physical products rather than software.
“We are grateful to the Song Foundation for this generous gift, which we will quickly put to work helping hard tech entrepreneurs develop and manufacture their products in Michigan, creating quality jobs for their companies as well as providing impact to the local manufacturing supply chain,” says Dan Radomski, CEO of the Centrepolis Accelerator.
Bill Brown Ford to Host Grace West Performance at Livonia’s Trinity House Theatre
Bill Brown Ford in Livonia is set to host an exclusive performance by Canton Township native and pop-country singer Grace West at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Livonia’s Trinity House Theatre.
West was the runner-up from season 23 of NBC’s “The Voice” and will present her with a two-year vehicle lease at the dealership before the event.
The evening will celebrate West’s achievements and representation of the metro Detroit community throughout her musical journey. West, a 2021 Plymouth High School graduate, has quickly risen from a local artist to a national country music figure following her journey on “The Voice.”
Bill Brown Ford will kick off its season of giving by covering all ticket costs with a donation to Trinity House Theatre, a volunteer-run nonprofit arts organization.
Doors open to the public at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. A Q&A and a signing session will follow the main performance. Public tickets are available but limited. For more information and ticket bookings, visit here.
Thursday’s Detroit Future City Event Gathers National Experts on Economic Equity
Detroit Future City (DFC) is hosting its fourth annual Equity Forum from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 2 at the The Corner Ballpark (1680 Michigan Ave.) in Detroit, site of the former Tiger Stadium.
This year’s event, the first in-person equity forum since 2020, will explore the intersections between sustainability, economic equity, and community and economic development to explore a vision for a thriving and resilient Detroit and inspire action toward that vision.
Presenters and panelists include:
- Andre Perry, senior fellow at Brookings Metro
- Naomi Davis, founder and CEO of Blacks in Green
- Maria M. Galarza, deputy director of sustainability at the Detroit Office of Sustainability
- Donna Givens-Davidson, president and CEO of the Eastside Community Network
- Regina Strong, environmental justice public advocate for Michigan EGLE
MRLA Offers Tips to Promote Responsible Alcohol Service During Holidays
The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) in Lansing is offering tips to help industry professionals safely serve during the holiday season. These tips include guidance on how to recognize signs of overconsumption and ensure a safe environment for all customers.
The MRLA also is offering industry professionals access to its ServSafe Alcohol Training program, which is developed by the National Restaurant Association. The training offers a skills-based approach with strategies on how to intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies. It covers essential topics such as checking IDs, recognizing signs of intoxication, and handling difficult situations with professionalism. It provides an in-depth understanding of the importance of responsible alcohol service for the well-being of customers and the protection of businesses.
“As we enter the festive season, the importance of responsible alcohol consumption cannot be overstated,” says Amanda Smith, executive vice president of education and executive director of the Michigan Hospitality Foundation for MRLA. “Our ServSafe Alcohol Certification program combined with our helpful tips to serve safely during the holidays, offers a comprehensive solution to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.”
The MRLA understands that the holiday season brings unique challenges to alcohol service and has made the following tips available to help industry professionals:
- Request identification from anyone who appears 35 years of age or younger. Guests who cannot present a valid form of ID should not be given any alcohol.
- Control access to the alcohol you provide.
- Use standard-size glasses and measure the alcohol in mixed drinks.
- Count drinks.
- When serving a guest previously served by a co-worker, check with your colleague to find out how many drinks the guest has already been served.
- Offer soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, and coffee so that your guests have an alternative to alcohol.
- Allow guests to have only one drink at a time. Discourage competitive or rapid drinking.
- Offer appetizers, snacks, and other food to slow down the absorption of alcohol if you notice a guest showing signs of intoxication.
MRLA encourages servers to look for behavioral cues to determine if a guest is approaching intoxication or is already intoxicated:
- Relaxed Inhibitions: Alcohol causes people to shift behavior in ways that they would not typically act. This includes someone being overly friendly, depressed and quiet, loud, or making rude comments.
- Impaired Judgement: Signs of impaired judgement include complaining about drink strength after having the same drink, faster drinking, escalating drink strength, and making irrational or aggressive statements.
- Slowed Reaction Time: Reaction time becomes slower with every drink. If a guest begins moving or talking slowly, having trouble concentrating, losing train of thought, or experiences drowsiness, it may be time to stop service.
- Impaired Motor Coordination: This is a classic sign of intoxication. If the guest begins staggering, stumbling, swaying, spilling, or slurring, it’s time to stop service and make sure the guest has a safe way to get home.
- Make sure anyone who is visibly intoxicated does not receive any more alcohol and is not left alone. Even if the guest is not driving, an impaired guest can be injured or injure others in many ways, not just in a car.
- When necessary, provide alternate transportation for impaired guests. Either call a shared ride service or enlist the help of sober friends to take the impaired guest home.
For more information about ServSafe Alcohol Training and the MRLA, including upcoming trainings and resources, visit www.mrla.org/training.
Let’s Do Dinner Detroit to Raise Funds for Forgotten Harvest Nov. 12-16
Dine out, give back. This is one of the intents of Let’s Do Dinner-Detroit presented by Stella Artois, a citywide “restaurant week” event taking place Nov. 12-16.
More than 25 restaurants and bars in Detroit will participate, offering specially crafted prix fixe menus to support the city’s dining scene and Forgotten Harvest.
Participating restaurants will provide a unique three-course dinner special available at one or more of the following price points: $20, $35, $50, or $75. For every Let’s Do Dinner-Detroit meal served, Forgotten Harvest receives a donation that provides eight meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
During this limited-time event, diners can explore Detroit’s exciting dining destinations, celebrate the city’s culinary culture and savor the diverse flavors Detroit has to offer, such as Greek, Italian, Japanese, American, and everything in between.
Dining experiences will be offered from restaurants all over Detroit, from downtown to midtown, Greektown to southwest and Corktown to Rivertown. Diners can try something new or visit their favorite haunts for special menus and pricing. From fine dining to casual fare, there’s something to satisfy everyone during Let’s Do Dinner-Detroit.
Let’s Do Dinner-Detroit participating restaurants include:
- Anchor Bar, Andiamo Riverfront
- Bakalikon Greek Market, Bobcat Bonnie’s
- Central Kitchen + Bar, Cork and Gabel
- Detroit Sushi – Hammer & Nail
- Eatóri Market, El Barzon
- Ima Izakaya
- La Lanterna, La Noria
- Mario’s Restaurant, McShane’s Pub & Whiskey Bar, Mercury Bar, Mezcal Detroit, Mister Dips
- Ottava Via
- Parc, Penny Red’s
- Seva Detroit, Slows Bar BQ, Standby, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Symposia Detroit
- Table 2, The Whitney
- Wright & Co.
Visit letsdodinnerdetroit.com for the most up-to-date list, as well as each participating restaurant’s menus and contact information.
“Forgotten Harvest is grateful to the incredible restaurants that are participating in this inaugural event. We are proud to partner with Detroit’s eclectic dining scene and utilize the funds raised over the course of this event to support the many families experiencing food insecurity in metro Detroit,” says Mary Moore-Butler, community engagement coordinator at Forgotten Harvest.
2023 NKFM Kidney Ball Moves to International Banquet Center at the Atheneum Suites Hotel
Due to the ongoing strike at Detroit casinos, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan will move its 2023 Kidney Ball to the International Banquet Center at the Atheneum Suites Hotel in Detroit’s Greektown.
The annual NKFM Kidney Ball still will happen on Nov. 11, starting at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Enjoy “glamping under the stars” as this signature fundraiser hosts hundreds of area business, health care, and philanthropic leaders to support the NKFM’s many programs and services for preventing kidney disease and helping the more than 1 million Michigan residents living with it. The NKFM expects to raise over $400,000.
Tickets are available here.
