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.
The Temptations and The Four Tops to Perform at Fox Theatre Oct. 5
The Temptations and The Four Tops will return to Detroit for a special hometown concert at the Fox Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Aug. 18 at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.
The Temptations are one of the most iconic, bestselling brands in the entertainment world today. While the group has evolved over the years, Otis Williams has continued to lead the group and carry the torch forward for the next generation of Temptations’ fans. The Temptations are headlining concerts around the country throughout 2023. Their concerts include fan favorites such as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” and more.
The Four Tops, originally called the Four Aims, made their first single for Chess in 1956, and spent seven years on the road and in nightclubs, singing pop, blues, Broadway, but mostly jazz — four-part harmony jazz. When Motown’s Berry Gordy Jr. found out they had hustled a national “Tonight Show” appearance, he signed them without an audition to be the marquee act for the company’s Workshop Jazz label.
That proved short-lived, and Levi Stubbs’ powerhouse baritone lead and the group’s harmonies and started making one smash hit after another with the writing-producing trio Holland-Dozier-Holland.
Their first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, made them stars and their ‘60s track record on the label is indispensable to any retrospective of the decade. Their songs include “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “It’s The Same Old Song,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Love,” and “Bernadette.”
Advantage Health Centers Opens New Clinic in Midtown Detroit in August
Advantage Health Centers has opened a new $4 million, 20,000-square-foot clinic in Midtown Detroit effective Aug. 7 to expand its medical, dental, and behavioral health care services to those who live and work in Detroit. The soft opening is the first two weeks of August with patient appointments already scheduled throughout the month.
This new clinic is part of Advantage’s strategic effort to increase its presence and investments in and around the city of Detroit in accordance with its long history of serving city residents. A majority of Advantage’s patients are eligible for Medicaid although an increasing number of its patients are private payors or have employer-sponsored insurance.
The nonprofit health care provider purchased the building at 101 East Alexandrine, one block off Woodward Avenue in early 2021. That location will provide services to patients five days a week, including a same day (walk-in) service along with scheduled appointments with its experienced providers. It is expected to house about 70 employees, including providers, says Nina Abubakari, president and CEO of Advantage.
Advantage also has invested more than $7 million in the purchase and renovation of two additional buildings that now house clinics at 1355 Oakman and 15400 W. McNichols.
“We have rented space in Midtown at a nearby location for several years, but we wanted to increase our stake in this vibrant part of the city,” Abubakari says. “It is a convenient location for many of our patients based on where they live and work and opens us up to a new segment of patients as well.
“We are a Detroit health care provider, and we are committed to our patients and our community here,” Abubakari adds. “Owning these buildings gives us additional opportunities to serve the community.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield Augments Blue Cross Coordinated Care Portfolio
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in Detroit has enhanced its care management portfolio to include additional services, tiers, and pricing options so employers can select features that best fit the needs of their workforce.
Blue Cross Coordinated Care offers comprehensive, customized, and holistic care management, and advocacy programs to simplify health care for members. The new programs expand access to additional levels of service and are available to smaller-sized companies. All program tiers assist members in organizing and accessing medical, behavioral, pharmaceutical, and social services according to each member’s unique needs.
An evaluation of members who participated in Blue Cross Coordinated Care against those who were eligible but didn’t participate, revealed an average employer savings of $3,100 per managed member, including a 25 percent reduction in hospital admissions and a 32 percent reduction in medical spend among those at risk for re-admission.
“The health care system can be difficult to navigate, particularly for members who require comprehensive, frequent, and ongoing care,” says Michelle Fullerton, vice president of market insight and care management at BCBSM. “With the Blue Cross Coordinated Care (BCCC) portfolio, employers can help their employees connect the dots, get necessary care, and stay healthy and productive.
“Based on customer feedback, and insight gleaned through a deep analysis of our data, we’ve developed new program tiers that offer graduated features so employers can select the tier that best fits the needs of their employee base for a smarter, better health care solution.”
Blue Cross Coordinated Care Core serves as the foundation of the portfolio and delivers a holistic, member-centric approach to care management for those with complex and chronic health care needs. This is the base program tier given to all Blue Cross customers. Blue Cross Coordinated Care Enhanced is a new addition to the portfolio for 2024. It includes all the features of BCCC Core and takes basic care management to the next level with expanded engagement of members with complex and chronic conditions.
Blue Cross Coordinated Care Advocate includes all the features of BCCC Core and BCCC Enhanced, and expands the level of clinical support by providing access to care advocates — registered nurses who provide guidance and support for non-emergent medical needs. It also offers support for members with high-risk maternity and other multiple chronic conditions and provides discharge support for after-hospital care planning.
Finally, Blue Cross Coordinated Care Advocate Plus offers all the features of BCCC Core, BCCC Enhanced, and BCCC Advocate. It gives members access to member advocates who help guide them through their personal health journey to close care gaps and ensure convenient access to providers, employer benefits and other resources. Both BCCC Advocate and BCCC Advocate Plus offer customized Blue Cross Virtual Well-Being webinars, self-management education, group-specific cultural training, and enhanced data integration.
Within all program tiers of the Blue Cross Coordinated Care portfolio, advanced technology and enhanced analytics are used to identify members who would benefit from the program, and to then provide personalized services for each member’s needs. This includes proactive recommendations, customized reminders, and condition-specific content.
Omnichannel support is readily available to members by phone or through the BCBSM Coordinated Care app to help drive increased engagement through the communication channel of their choice. For more information, visit here.
MSUFCU Launching ‘The Culture of Finances’ Education Initiative
MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) in East Lansing is launching a new financial education initiative called The Culture of Finances designed to foster financial confidence and empowerment among both young people and adults alike.
The program covers topics such as budgeting, understanding credit, debt management, and effective financial goal setting.
The Culture of Finances was developed when MSUFCU recognized a need for a diverse community outreach program that supports, develops, and encourages financial growth through tailored education courses. The courses offer personalized financial education, address economic and social barriers, and present strategies to help adults and young people ages 13-17 overcome financial fears. Participants will be equipped with essential tools to build confidence and pave their own path toward achieving their financial dreams.
A launch party will be hosted at the Abbot Road Community Room, 311 Abbott Road in East Lansing, at 6 p.m. on Sept. 6, to kick off the new program. To attend the launch party, participants are encouraged to register here.
Study: American Customer Satisfaction Shows Largest Increase in 15 Years
In the second quarter of 2023, customer satisfaction in the United States “skyrocketed,” gaining 0.7 percent to a score of 74.1 (on a 0-100 scale), according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), based in Ann Arbor. This is the largest one-quarter gain in satisfaction in nearly 15 years and follows three small consecutive upticks in satisfaction beginning in the second half of 2022.
This recent upswing offers a glimmer of hope as it succeeds a tumultuous timeframe, according to the ACSI. Over a period of about four years, a total of 15 fiscal quarters, overall customer satisfaction as measured by the ACSI dropped almost every quarter. Consequently, the satisfaction of American consumers fell in Q2 2022 to its lowest level in nearly 20 years.
Today’s strong positive movement in aggregate customer satisfaction is being driven by gains in several large consumer industries, including automobiles, household appliances, and personal computers. There also have been improvements in categories such as search engines and, to a lesser extent, social media platforms.
The jump in satisfaction is good news for consumers, as the ACSI is a strong predictor of economic performance. Accordingly, the 0.7 percent improvement in ACSI is accompanied by solid gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.4 percent and moderate consumer spending growth (1.6 percent) in the second quarter.
“While the large gain in ACSI coupled with slowing inflation bodes well for future growth in the U.S. economy, satisfaction still remains below pre-pandemic levels, as evidenced by the more moderate growth, just 1.6 percent, in consumer spending last quarter,” says Claes Fornell, founder of the ACSI and the Distinguished Donald C. Cook Professor (emeritus) of Business Administration at the University of Michigan. “To drive more robust consumer spending growth, greater improvement in aggregate satisfaction is needed.”
For more information, visit theacsi.org.
Detroit Fintech Firm Credibly Announces Management Buyout
Credibly, the Detroit-based data science-driven fintech lending platform that champions small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has announced a management-led buyback of all the outstanding equity investment previously held by a prominent private equity firm.
This buyout was financed through a new equity investment and the issuance of a new corporate note, which earned a BBB rating from Egan-Jones Ratings Co., a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization (NRSRO).
“When we established Credibly in 2010, our mission was to deliver much-needed capital to the underserved small business market, which forms the backbone of economic stability and job growth in the U.S.,” says Ryan Rosett, co-founder and co-CEO of Credibly. “Thirteen years in, we recognize the opportunity before us is even more substantial. As we reclaim full ownership of the company, we look forward to a promising future, anticipating continued growth and success for our management team, employees, and the small businesses we serve.”
Michael Seneski, Credibly’s CFO, says: “We’re immensely proud of Credibly’s robust and profitable growth over the years, a trend we intend to continue. Our superior platform and dedicated team are committed to Credibly’s core mission of providing essential capital to empower small businesses to grow and realize their full potential. We anticipate building on our successes and maintaining our status as an industry leader.”
Southfield’s Clarience Technologies Hosts Leaders and Innovators at Partner Summit
Global transportation technology provider Clarience Technologies hosted its inaugural Road Ready Advanced Telematics Partner Summit on July 25 at its global headquarters in Southfield.
The event brought together executives from more than a dozen Clarience Technologies partner companies whose technologies are helping to shape the future of advanced trailer telematics and digital fleet management solutions.
“We believe the most meaningful innovations for commercial fleets will come through collaboration with other technology providers,” says Brian Kupchella, CEO of Clarience Technologies. “We are grateful for the support and feedback from our partners and look forward to continuing our work with each of them on current and future integrated digital fleet solutions that continue to advance our vision of providing Total Visibility to transportation.”
Summit attendees represented companies who currently partner with Clarience Technologies on data and connectivity solutions, including Clarience Technologies technology alliance partners Wabash and Meritor, Road Ready technology and innovation partners Platform Science and Convoy Technologies, and Road Ready LogIQ Smart Trailer Partners Air-Weigh, Hendrickson, Meritor, Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.), Right Weigh, SAF Holland, SKF, Stemco, and Thermo King.
Among the highlights of the event was a panel discussion on technology and the future of telematics and digital fleet solutions that featured three industry leaders: Mike Jeffress, vice president of maintenance and equipment at Maverick Transport; Joe Palmer, vice president of parts and services at Wabash; and Jim Sharkey, president of Pressure Systems International, a Clarience Technologies Co. All three panelists shared their perspectives on the current state of the industry, technology adoption by Class 8 fleets, and the importance of trailer telematics for the future of transportation.
Big Sean Returns to Detroit to Empower Youth in Celebration of 50 Years of Hip-Hop
As momentum builds toward Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary on Aug. 11, multi-platinum artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Big Sean is set to celebrate this milestone with his return to Detroit for the Fifth Annual Detroit’s On Now (DON) Weekend presented by the Sean Anderson Foundation (SAF) in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan and Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield.
The weekend will include activities that speak to Hip-Hop culture and highlights Detroit’s impact on it. Tickets are free and available here.
“It’s such a blessing to be hosting our Fifth Annual DON Weekend, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has supported us so far,” says Big Sean. “I’m looking forward to celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop in the city that has given me so much love.”
DON Weekend’s celebration of Hip-Hop will run from Aug. 25-27 and begins with an intimate, invite-only VIP Reception featuring a 16-Bars Rap Battle sponsored by the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Saturday’s annual Block Party and City Council President Mary Sheffield’s Occupy the Corner is again taking place at the Boys and Girls Diehl Club and will feature live music performances, a DJ battle, carnival games, community services, arts and crafts, a celebrity flag football game, and more.
On Sunday, the weekend will close with a free community skating party with Big Sean at the Monroe Street Midway Skating Rink.
In addition to the community activities, a large donation presentation and a special announcement surrounding the strategic partners for the newest BGCSM Club locations including the latest Sean Anderson Foundation Content & Production Music Studio.
Sean previously opened three other recording studios for Detroit’s youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan: Dick & Sandy Dauch Club, the Lloyd H. Diehl Club, and the Fauver-Martin Club. Sean also unveiled a recording studio at his alma mater, Cass Technical High School.
This year, attendees also will be able to participate in DON Talks. These panel conversations will include Monetizing the Culture Now and into the Future, Mental Health: Harness the Benefits of Technology While Protecting Mental Health, and Reimagine Neighborhood Development in Detroit. DON Talks and the Community Block Party and City Council President Mary Sheffield’s Occupy the Corner require registration here.
For a detailed schedule of the weekend’s events, visit here.
Distinctively Detroit Tours Adds Weed & Wine and Thanksgiving Parade to Schedule
Distinctively Detroit Tours (DDT) is adding two new tours to its offering: Weed & Wine and America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The rapid growth of the cannabis industry inspired DDT’s new Weed & Wine Tour. The inaugural tour launches on Sept. 22 and will take customers to van outdoor budding farm to learn all aspects of the cannabis industry from cultivating to packaging to selling.
The tour includes lunch and wine at Vineyard 2121 and departs from both Southfield and Ferndale. Details and reservation link may be found at distinctivelydetroit.com under Detroit Tours & Day Trip.
For those who have wondered how the Thanksgiving Day parade floats are made, you can tour behind the scenes of the Parade Co. with the 2024 America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Tour. Between Nov. 25-29, DDT expects to bring several motorcoaches to Detroit for this exclusive tour that, in addition to the Parade Co. includes reserved grandstand seating for the parade, Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise; Dinner at Motown Jazz Cafe with a talk by Miller London, the first African American sales executive for Motown Records, and more.
A Simple Ride Provides Critical Support That Saves Lives
The Road to Recovery program of the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Southfield provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.
“Helping cancer patients get treatment is essential for their recovery,” says Jenni Beamer, senior executive director for the American Cancer Society. “Presently, there are significantly more cancer patients requesting rides than we have volunteers available to drive them. So, our volunteer recruitment efforts in Detroit are critical to ensuring the people facing cancer in our community are able to get to their lifesaving cancer treatment.”
Volunteer drivers must be between the ages of 18 and 84, have a valid driver’s license, pass a background check, and have access to a safe, reliable car.
Visit cancer.org/drive or call 1-800-227-2345 to learn more about volunteering with the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program.
