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.
Tickets Available for the 2023 Meijer LPGA Classic Near Grand Rapids
Tickets are available for the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give June 15-18 at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, north of Grand Rapids.
Tournament officials announced plans to expand the food-focused event’s culinary offerings at this year’s event as it continues its mission of feeding families in need through the retailer’s Simply Give program.
“At Meijer, feeding people is at the heart of what we do, even on the golf course — whether through the Simply Give hunger relief program the tournament benefits or by providing a best-in-class culinary experience right off the fairway,” says Cathy Cooper, executive director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “Last year’s attendees loved the introduction of a premium culinary experience in J. Brewer’s, so we’re excited to announce that we’ve expanded that this year to include a new food experience called Frederik’s.”
Brewer’s is returning to the course offering a premium all-you-can-eat meal experience curated by Meijer chefs and local restaurants right off the fourth fairway. In addition to honoring the founder of Blythefield Country Club, J. Brewer, tournament officials will expand the pavilion this year to include a new Frederik’s food experience.
Named for Frederik Meijer, co-founder of the retailer and creator of the first-ever “one-stop shop,” the new addition will offer guests additional menu and beverage options. The Frederik’s menu will change daily and feature products exclusive to the retailer’s premium Frederik’s product line, including seafood. The line draws inspiration from its namesake’s innovative spirit, combining the finest ingredients with authentic and appealing flavors.
General Admission tickets cost $10 each and are valid any one day, Thursday through Sunday, while weekly tickets cost $25 and are valid all week. Kids, ages 17 and under, once again will receive free admission with a ticketed adult.
General admission tickets include general grounds access to the tournament, public viewing bleacher seating, and various concessions areas located throughout the course. Discovery Land will again return as a destination for kids and families and will be free and open to the public.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Toyota Enlists DTE Energy’s MIGreenPower Program
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), which has facilities throughout Washtenaw County, and DTE Energy (DTE) in Detroit today announced Toyota’s enrollment in MIGreenPower, DTE’s voluntary renewable energy program.
Toyota’s participation puts all of TMNA’s research and development operations in Michigan on a path to attribute 100 percent of its electricity use to renewable energy projects starting in 2026.
The 20-year agreement includes the company’s R&D Headquarters in Ann Arbor, along with six other facilities across Washtenaw County. TMNA’s clean energy commitment will have the environmental benefit equal to avoiding 29,000 metric tons of CO2 or the greenhouse gas emissions from more than 6,200 gasoline-powered passenger cars driven for a year.
“Renewable energy programs like DTE’s MIGreenPower program are crucial to helping companies seeking a reduced carbon footprint to achieve their goals,” says Kevin Butt, director of Environmental Sustainability for TMNA. “From our R&D facilities in Michigan to our production and corporate facilities across the nation, Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout our operations by 2035.”
Brian Calka, vice president of renewable sales and project development for DTE Energy, says: “We are excited to welcome Toyota to the MIGreenPower program. Toyota joins a growing list of Michigan-based automotive manufacturers and suppliers who are enrolling in MIGreenPower to meet their sustainability goals. Currently, more than 70 percent of MIGreenPower business customers are involved in the automotive sector.”
GM Leads $50M Funding Round in EnergyX to Unlock U.S.-based Lithium Supply
GM Ventures, the investing arm of General Motors Co. in Detroit, is leading a $50 million Series B financing round in Energy Exploration Technologies Inc. in Austin, Texas and has entered into a strategic agreement to develop EnergyX’s lithium extraction and refinery technology.
The collaboration is focused on unlocking the North American supply of lithium, a critical material for EV batteries, by using EnergyX’s process to maximize efficiency while improving sustainability for GM’s rapidly scaling EV production.
EnergyX’s direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology portfolio can make lithium metal directly from brine and potentially in anode-ready form for EV batteries, which enables more cost-effective and sustainable lithium recovery to unlock a vast lithium supply chain in North America that may otherwise be unviable.
GM is investing in every stage of the battery supply chain in North America, from raw materials, to processing, to cell components and full battery cell production.
The extensive collaboration between these two American companies includes three key components:
- A technology development program to support commercialization of EnergyX’s advanced DLE and refinery processes, which could complement or replace traditional methods of evaporation ponds.
- An agreement enabling GM to access competitive lithium offtakes for GM’s exclusive use in EV production, including material sourced from North and South American mining companies contracted by EnergyX.
- Additional strategic financing for lithium production projects in North and South America, using EnergyX’s technology to drive potential supply chain opportunities for GM.
“We are committed to securing EV critical minerals that are sustainable and cost competitive to maintain our leadership position among automakers,” says Jeff Morrison, vice president of global purchasing and supply chain at GM. “The investment in EnergyX is a further proof point of GM’s leadership position. EnergyX is developing a novel direct lithium extraction process that’s not only cost competitive but also will reduce energy, land, and water usage as compared to the current extraction and processing process for brine-based lithium. We are excited to be partnered with EnergyX on their efforts.”
Penske Automotive Group Donates $1.3M to Paralyzed Veterans of America
Bloomfield Hills-based Penske Automotive Group has donated $1.3 million to Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) in Washington, D.C. The amount includes donations from customers and employees of Penske Automotive Group, as well as matching contributions from the company.
A PVA partner for eight consecutive years, Penske Automotive Group has contributed more than $8 million to PVA. This year’s donation, which was part of Penske Automotive Group’s Service Matters Campaign, will go directly toward helping ensure all veterans live full, productive, and independent lives.
“It is an honor to kick off our ninth year with PVA by making a contribution to help our nation’s veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases,” says Robert H. Kurnick Jr., president of Penske Automotive Group. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our customers and employees who have embraced PVA’s important work and generously supported this initiative.”
Visit here to learn more about Penske Automotive Group’s Service Matters campaign.
Consumers Energy Foundation Gives $500K to Genesee Nature Conservancy
The Consumers Energy Foundation in Jackson has awarded $500,000 in grant funding to two organizations — the Nature Conservancy-Michigan Chapter and the Genesee Conservation District — for its 2023 Planet Awards. The two grants, each totaling $250,000, will fund projects in both organizations to protect threatened and endangered species, and create natural spaces.
“At the Consumers Energy Foundation, we know how important protecting Michigan’s natural resources is to our future and our quality of life,” says Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The Planet Awards are an opportunity not only to celebrate organizations that share that commitment but to make a major investment in protecting Michigan’s land, water and air.”
The two grant recipients are:
The Nature Conservancy-Michigan Chapter — The grant will fund expansion of The Nature Conservancy’s prescribed fire program in four Michigan counties — Jackson, Van Buren, Lenawee, and Monroe — to help preserve several threatened and endangered species and restore and maintain several fire-dependent ecosystems in the area.
Genesee Conservation District, Flint — A two-year project to convert publicly owned land in Flint back to naturalized spaces, the grant will fund restoration of dozens of vacant lots in the city back to native forest and grassland.
Detroit’s Pocketnest Woos GenZ to Financial Planning
Pocketnest, the Detroit-based female-founded financial wellness platform, announced AlumniFi Credit Union as its partner in wooing the young-adult generation into financial planning with its intuitive mobile app and quirky approach to financial education.
“The transition from student to graduate is one of the biggest in an individual’s life,” says April M. Clobes, president and CEO of AlumniFi. “The change in how they need to manage their finances is real, and many may be doing it for the first time on their own. AlumniFi can support them in that journey with accessible products, resources, and trusted partners like Pocketnest who provide approachable financial education for total financial wellness.”
Built on behavioral science and psychology, Pocketnest coaches users through 10 themes of financial wellness, from setting a budget to planning for the future with investments, savings, and debt elimination planning. Using AlumniFi and Pocketnest, recent graduates can tackle their financial plans — possibly for the first time in their lives — in just three minutes a week.
“Helping young people ease their way into financial maturity with a strong and approachable foundation is core to our belief of bringing financial wellness to the masses,” says Jessica Willis, founder and CEO of Pocketnest. “If we can lessen the burden and remove the stigma of ‘financial planning’ for recent graduates, we can set them up for a lifetime of financial wellness.”
Plain Sight Partners with Bamboo Detroit to Launch Tech Tuesdays
Plain Sight, an event tech startup in Detroit, is partnering with local coworking operator Bamboo Detroit to launch Tech Tuesdays, an initiative to connect and empower founders, funders, coders, creatives, and community builders in the tech and innovation sectors.
Through the partnership, free coworking will be available at Bamboo Detroit from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., as well as free event space available for tech-focused events from 6-10 p.m. every Tuesday.
“Having consistent spaces to gather and make connections is critical when it comes to building a thriving tech community,” says James Chapman, CEO of Plain Sight. “Our goal with Tech Tuesdays is to build a framework so that all people in tech have the ability to utilize shared spaces to host events, share knowledge, and collaborate.”
Plain Sight launched Tech Tuesdays in Miami in April, and is set to kick off in Detroit in May with free coworking, mentor office hours featuring prominent venture capitalists across the state, and programming scheduled every Tuesday of the month at Bamboo Detroit (1420 Washington Blvd.).
For a full schedule of events and to register for events, visit here.
Citizens Announces $105K in Financial Empowerment Contributions to Michigan Nonprofits
Eight nonprofit organizations in Michigan will receive support from Citizens through the bank’s Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program. The initiative helps strengthen communities by supporting programs, through direct funding as well as volunteerism, that give people the resources they need to be financially healthy and inspire them to pursue their goals.
This years’ funding recipients in Michigan include:
- Accounting Aid Society
- Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation
- Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan
- Great Lakes Women’s Business Council
- Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan
- National Faith HomeBuyers
- Southwest Economic Solutions
- Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
“Citizens is committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to economic opportunity, and we know that having strong financial knowledge is essential to unlocking that opportunity and reducing the wealth gap,” says Yasmeen Jasey, Michigan market executive for Citizens. “In Michigan, Citizens is proud to support our local partners in providing residents with the confidence and tools to own their financial success and build brighter futures.”
Grand Rapids and Kent County Visitorship Hits Record Levels in 2022
Grand Rapids leaders this week released record-setting tourism economy data for Kent County in 2022.
Hotel room sales and revenue in Kent County were the highest in the region’s history last year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by a healthy margin and beating tourism industry predictions by two years.
“After two very rough years, group business has made a strong comeback in Kent County,” saya Doug Small, president and CEO of EXGR. “That, combined with robust leisure travel in 2022, drove huge increases in hotel room sales and revenues over 2021, and pushed us past 2019’s pre-pandemic record numbers. That’s two full years ahead of industry forecasts that predicted we wouldn’t see new sales highs until 2024.”
At 2,157,455, the number of hotel rooms sold in 2022 jumped by more than 350,000 — or about 19.4 percent — more than 2021 figures and exceeded 2019 sales by nearly 91,800 rooms, an increase of about 4.4 percent.
At $248,702,424 in 2022, Kent County hotel room revenue grew by nearly $77.5 million over 2021, a 45 percent increase. Hotel revenue was nearly 10 percent higher than in 2019 with a more than $22.5 million bump.
“Hotel room numbers matter because those overnight visitors make a big impact on local businesses and our regional economy,” Small says. “They’re also important for Experience Grand Rapids because hotel room sales drive the revenue that allows us to continue to market this destination to leisure, group and business travelers. That’s exactly what the tourism industry professionals here for the Governor’s conference are talking about — how to drive more visitors to support jobs, businesses, and the Michigan economy.”
A 2022 comeback in group business was a big contributor to the hotel sales growth. A total of 481 individual meetings, sporting events and group tours drew 443,024 attendees to the region, restoring 92 percent of the number of groups convening in Grand Rapids when compared to 2019.
Small acknowledged the valuable role that EXGR’s partners at the West Michigan Sports Commission played in the comeback. “We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the talented team at the West Michigan Sports Commission,” he says. “Sporting events have been and will continue to be a very important component of our tourism economy.”
St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center Partners with U of D Jesuit to Offer Classes
The St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center (SVSF Center) is partnering with University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy to offer education classes at its Johnson Recreation Center in Detroit.
U of D Jesuit took over the Johnson Center from the city of Detroit two years ago and has renovated the recreation facility and park to now offer community and school activities, sports access/training, and — with SVSF Center — education.
In November 2022, SVSF Center began providing free GED tutoring for adults on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, bringing its education services to a much-needed part of Detroit. In April, a children’s educational program will be available for after-school homework help for grades 1-6.
“We are thrilled that St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center is partnering with University of Detroit Jesuit,” says Diane Renaud, executive director of SVSF. “Our two organizations are a perfect alignment of a faith base of service, devotion to education and commitment to the community.”
Focus: HOPE Hosts Free Education Summit to Highlight Black and Brown Male Educators
In recognition of the Focus: HOPE’s 55th anniversary and to coincide with the Month of the Young Child, Focus: HOPE is presenting an education summit entitled, “Black & Brown Male Educators Matter.”
As of 2019, fewer than 3 percent of preschool and kindergarten teachers were men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Focus: HOPE is leading the way in changing that scenario with nearly 40 percent of its educators being Black and Brown men. The summit will bring together those leading male voices in early education to discuss the positive impacts, how to and how to eliminate barriers to increase Black and Brown male representation in the classroom.
The free education summit will take place from 10:00 a.m.-noon April 18 at the Focus: HOPE Conference Center (1400 Oakman Blvd.) in Detroit, Michigan.
“We’re very excited to highlight the conversation and the importance of having Black and Brown men in our education programming,” says Portia Roberson CEO of Focus: HOPE. “As a human and civil rights organization, it is imperative to ensure all spaces, especially those for our early learners include Black and Brown educators.
“We want our Pre-K kids to be the most prepared as they enter their next phase of education and beyond — and increasing the number of teachers that look like them will greatly impact their growth, confidence and successful.”
The program will feature a panel discussion featuring subject matter experts and group discussions and a detailed tour of Focus: HOPE’s early learning facility.
