DBusiness Daily Update: Taubman Malls Achieve WELL Health-Safety Rating, and More

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.
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The Taubman Realty Group’s corporate office and its 17 U.S. shopping centers, including Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi (pictured), have earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating. // Photo courtesy of Taubman
The Taubman Realty Group’s corporate office and its 17 U.S. shopping centers, including Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi (pictured), have earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating. // Courtesy of Taubman

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.

Taubman Realty Group Achieves the WELL Health-Safety Rating

The Taubman Realty Group announced that its corporate office in Bloomfield Hills and its 17 U.S. shopping centers have earned the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) WELL Health-Safety Rating.

The rating is evidence-based, third-party verified, and awarded to companies that focus on “exceptional operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement, and emergency plans that address the global COVID-19 pandemic,” according to IWBI.

“We take pride in our ongoing commitment to upholding or exceeding industry-leading health and safety standards,” says Steve Moore, director of facilities, energy, and sustainability at Taubman. “Recognition from the International WELL Building Institute and the WELL Health-Safety Rating acknowledges our care and concern for our people, our customers and for the communities in which we operate.”

Throughout the pandemic, Taubman shopping centers have implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures to reduce respiratory particle exposure. Prior to COVID-19, the company regularly conducted ventilation assessments and mold and moisture management, among many other actions, to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers.

Further, Taubman says it has, for decades, focused on emergency preparedness planning, business continuity strategies, and expanding emergency resources to ensure resilience if faced with a crisis. The company also says it has a sharp focus on the total well-being of each employee, which can be seen in its comprehensive benefits package, wellness programs, and vacation policy.

Novi’s Hino Trucks Partners with Allison Transmission on Heavy-duty EV Trucks

Novi-based Hino Trucks has selected Allison Transmission of Indianapolis as its e-axle development partner for Class 6, 7 and 8 Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) trucks slated for low-volume production in early 2023.

The two companies have signed the framework behind a strategic Joint Collaboration Agreement (JCA) that builds on their long-standing partnership in the conventional transmission space.

Through this agreement, Hino will integrate Allison’s eGen Power 100D e-Axle into its vehicles as the two companies collaborate to build out what they call “a truly differentiated product for end users.”

“This is an exciting development as we continue to expand our electrified product portfolio in support of our promise to provide the most reliable and valued propulsion solutions in the world,” says Rohan Barua, vice president of North America sales, global channel, and aftermarket for Allison Transmission. “We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Hino Trucks in delivering innovative solutions for our mutual customers.”

Hino announced Project Z in October 2020 and has continued collaborating with Allison since then in designing BEV solutions tailored for the North America medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle markets. As part of the work being undertaken with Hino and other development partner-customers, Allison is launching a new e-Axle product that will be added to the eGen Power family — the eGen Power 100S.

The eGen Power 100S incorporates several of the core components offered in the eGen Power 100D, and packages these elements into a lighter and more compact design best suited for class 6 and 7 vehicles, and in a tandem configuration for class 8 6×4 vehicles. Under the terms of the JCA, Hino will be the first global OEM to integrate the eGen Power 100S, ensuring a partnership in Class 6 through Class 8 vehicles.

“We are pleased to formalize our collaboration with Allison on the integration of their eGen Power electric axles into Hino’s class 6, 7 and 8 BEV line up,” says Glenn Ellis, senior vice president of customer experience at Hino Trucks. “It is especially exciting to be the first OEM to integrate the eGen Power 100S into our class 6 and 7 BEV trucks, representing another critical step in Hino’s Project Z, Path to Zero initiative we announced late last year. Whether our conventional diesel-powered products or our next generation electric propulsion platforms, our mutual customers expect reliable and durable solutions from the Hino and Allison partnership. I’m confident we’ll continue to deliver that promise.”

The Little Salumi Panini and Wine Shop to Open in Northville

Northville native Jessica Poole is close to opening the doors of her new panini and wine shop, The Little Salumi, at 137 E. Main St. in her hometown.

Poole worked at her parents’ Poole’s Tavern, then the Lake St. Tavern in South Lyon. She moved to California to work for a corporate chain restaurant before returning to Michigan to “bring something different to downtown Northville,” she says.

The Little Salumi will feature fresh pressed paninis filled with the finest ingredients along with a top selection of wine. Poole says applying her family’s tried-and-true techniques combined with her own fresh, local approach is a “recipe for success.”

The Little Salumi is located next to the historic Marquis Theatre and directly across from the Town Square. It currently is undergoing its finishing touches and is expected to open soon.

State Awards DocGo $15M Mobile Health Care Contract

Ambulnz Inc., a New York company that does business under the name DocGo, has been awarded a $15 million contract by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to increase mobile health care accessibility for high-risk populations in a variety of settings across the state.

DocGo will deploy statewide during its two-year contract, facilitating mobile health services for homebound patients, seasonal agricultural workers, transient communities, and other vulnerable populations. Additionally, DocGo will set up community-based mobile clinics and vaccinate at shelters.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to work with the people of Michigan,” says Anthony Capone, president of DocGo. “Our goal is always to facilitate accessible, affordable, and efficient patient-centered care. The experience we’ve gained from our extensive programs and partnerships has equipped us well to serve Michiganders.”

Century Technology Group Acquires Th3rd Coast Digital Solutions

Century Technology Group, a Grand Rapids-based investment firm, has acquired Th3rd Coast Digital Solutions, an extended reality (XR) and immersive technologies company in Grand Haven. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Th3rd Coast Digital Solutions partners with clients to deliver content through entertaining, immersive, and interactive storylines. Th3rd Coast services include virtual and augmented reality (AR/VR), video production, marketing, eLearning, training content development, and consulting.

“The partnership with Th3rd Coast will enhance our offerings in the areas of immersive experiences and media production,” says Dana Jacks, president of Century Technology Group. “Their capabilities fit perfectly alongside global learning leader, Inno-Versity, another Century Technology portfolio company.

“When we began conversations with the team at Th3rd Coast, it was clear very early that their cutting-edge services and solutions were providing tremendous value to their clients. What they’ve built is truly special, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner in their future growth.”

Joseph Van Harken, co-founder and CEO of Th3rd Coast, says, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Century Technology Group and their focus on helping to accelerate our market penetration through sales and marketing initiatives. With current digital transformation and Industry 4.0 trends, we are seeing an uptick in demand for our solutions. This new partnership will enable us to help clients become smarter, faster, and better.”

Canterbury Village Food Pantry Opens in Lake Orion

Canterbury Village in Lake Orion has partnered with Troy-based Woodside Bible Church to open the Village Food Pantry at Canterbury Village.

The Village Food Pantry will serve families struggling with hunger and food insecurities in the surrounding communities and beyond. The new food pantry is located at 2500 Joslyn Ct. in Lake Orion. It features room for storage, distribution, and aisles to allow space to walk through and see all food items on display.

The Village Food Pantry concept began in 2020 during times when so many were having financial struggles through the pandemic. The realization that there were so many local families and children within the community that there were going without meals, the mission to help became a heartfelt priority for Keith and Angie Aldridge; owners of Canterbury Village, along with Jon Dahlke, community outreach and Next Steps director of Woodside Bible Church. The renovation and construction of the Village Food Pantry began thereafter.

Over the past year the event producers at Canterbury Village have been incorporating food drives into their local events, which already have collected thousands of pounds of food and helped hundreds of households, even prior to Monday’s official grand opening.

Those in need are encouraged to attend food distributions as they will be open to the public.  Attendees are welcome to walk through the Village Food Pantry and personally select food items that they would like and best suit their needs. The Village Food Pantry will host distributions Monday and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  Anyone in need is welcome to walk-in anytime on distribution days for assistance.

For those interested in donating, food items can be dropped off at Woodside Bible Church in Lake Orion from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The Village Food Pantry suggests packaged foods such as cereal, pasta, packaged rice/potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and other boxed/non-perishable food items. Those interested in providing monetary donations or becoming a volunteer can visit here.

Council Re|Sale Thrift Store in Berkley to Feature Art Sept. 11

Council Re/Sale in Berkley, one of the oldest thrift stores in metro Detroit, will be participating in the Berkley Art Bash on Sept. 11 with an Art Bash Sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and a silent auction from 1-4 p.m.

All proceeds will be used for the many projects run by National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (NCJW|MI), which operates the store to benefit Detroit-area women, children, and families.

The painting being auctioned is called “The Carnivale,” 4-foot by 4-foot acrylic on canvas painting by Greek American painter Yiannis Karimalis, worth more than $1,500. Bidding will start at $300 and bids can be made in $50 increments.

Also featured during the silent auction is “Moses,” a plaster sculpture measuring 16-by-14 inches by sculptor David Fisher who graduated from Greek Art College of Odessa in the Ukraine, worked as an artist in the Soviet Union for many years before emigrating to the U.S. Fisher, who passed away in 2013, is most famous for a sculpture at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. The sculpture is valued at more than $400, and bidding will start at $125 and bids to be made in $50 increments.

“We have always been known for having high-end fashion and designer clothing and our more recently revamped Home Décor room, and now we are happy that our generous donors will make Council Re|Sale a destination for purchasing art during Berkley Art Bash,” says Amy Cutler, president of NCJW|MI. “We have dozens of unique art pieces, which can dramatically transform any room at bargain prices. And we are particularly grateful for the donations for our art auction.”

Money raised through the art sale and auction will support NCJW|MI projects such as the Back 2 School Store, Backpack Project for homeless children, blankets for foster children, Kosher Meals on Wheels, literacy outreach, and social action initiatives such as voter advocacy.

For more information, visit here.

Southfield to Host Oct. 3 Walk to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence

The City of Southfield Police and Fire Departments, 46th District Court, and community partners will host the “2021 Walk to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence” on Sunday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. beginning at the Southfield Municipal Campus at 26000 Evergreen Road.

The first 500 people to register for the walk in each time slot will receive a free walker’s package mailed to their home, which includes a walk t-shirt, wrist band, and face mask. The approximately 2.5-mile ½ walk will begin and end on the front lawn of the Southfield Municipal Campus.

The event will kick-off with a press conference prior to announce the city’s new strategy to address and reduce the impact and occurrence of domestic violence. All walkers must register to participate by Sept. 9 here.

The event is sponsored by 411 Therapy in partnership with the city of Southfield, Haven Oakland, Oakland County, Southfield Public Schools, Southfield Domestic Violence Group, Family Assistance for Renaissance Men, Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Dr. Martin Luther King Task Force, and Road Masters Vette Club.

For more information, visit here.