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.
Upcoming Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Detroit Announces Hiring Events
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is beginning onsite hiring for its newest location in the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit, which is scheduled to open to the public on Aug. 29. The restaurant will occupy the former Roast space along Washington Boulevard.
The company will be conducting interviews for all front- and back-of-house positions, including hosts, servers, bartenders, bussers, and more beginning today and extending through Aug. 7.
Interested applicants can visit the future Sullivan’s Steakhouse restaurant (1128 Washington Blvd.) daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and are asked to bring a comprehensive resume detailing all previous relevant work experience.
The new restaurant — the company’s first in Michigan — is set to open on Aug. 29, and will offer hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, and signature cocktails such as the Knockout Martini.
For more information, visit sullivanssteakhouse.com.
Marko Law Moves Downtown Detroit Office to 220 W. Congress
Marko Law has announced that due to recent and anticipated growth, the firm has relocated from 1300 Broadway St. to 220 W. Congress in downtown Detroit’s Financial District. The new state-of-the-art office space features an expanded and open floor plan, city views, green space, walkability, and other amenities.
The five-story 220 West building, previously a factory, underwent extensive interior and exterior renovations by developer Basco Detroit. The firm now occupies 7,100 square feet of space on the building’s fourth floor, which boasts two corner conference rooms, numerous spacious office lofts with exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully stocked kitchen, welcoming reception lounge and more.
“Concurrent with the city’s growth and expanding client needs across the state, we have added considerably to the Marko Law team,” says Jonathan Marko, founder and principal attorney at Marko Law. “We are very proud of what we have built and accomplished in Detroit and beyond, and we’re thrilled to make the move to this beautiful new space. I look forward to hosting clients, colleagues, and business partners in our new home soon.”
Marko Law also has a mid-Michigan branch and a Chicago office.
Hopcat Announces Grand Opening Details for New Livonia Restaurant
Project BarFly, the West Michigan-based hospitality group that oversees operations of HopCat, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, and Stella’s Lounge today announced grand opening details for its new HopCat restaurant located at 17800 Haggerty Rd. in Livonia (between Six and Seven Mile roads).
The 9,200 square foot restaurant and beer bar will open to the public beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 24.
At 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 28, HopCat will host an invitation-only ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, local community and business leaders, as well as HopCat leadership, staff, and HopCat’s mascot, Brewce.
A public grand opening celebration will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 29 with the first 100 guests in line receiving free Cosmik Fries for one year. Lunch and dinner dine-in guests also will receive HopCat swag and special gifts while supplies last.
The new HopCat in Livonia accommodates 287 guests, featuring two indoor dining areas with high-top and low-top tables, booths, private event space, and a game room.
The restaurant features a state-of-the-art kitchen and a separate entryway to conveniently accommodate off premise orders. Two roll-up garage doors offer guests an open-air dining space while two patios – one with its own fire pit – will offer guests a total of 48 seats. Additionally, the music theme décor is on full display in the new space, with a signature wall adorned with classic vinyl record covers of famous musical artists.
As part of the grand opening celebration, HopCat named the Livonia Public Schools as its charity partner and will offer special invite-only dinner seating to raise money and awareness for the school district’s STEM program, Project Lead the Way, which takes students through journeys in technology, problem-solving, engaged collaboration, and real-world career exploration.
HopCat will match up to $5,000 of all monies raised through alcohol sales and charitable donations on these special nights. The donations will directly support the purchase of classroom materials and PLTW kits for all elementary classrooms.
For more information, visit https://www.hopcat.com/livonia/home.
Suburban Ice Macomb and Rochester Select B&R Sports as Pro Shop Partner
Farmington Hills-based Suburban Sports Group (SSG) has announced its new partnership with independent hockey retailer B&R Sports as the official pro shop provider at Suburban Ice Macomb and Suburban Ice Rochester, starting next month.
“We are very excited to welcome B&R Sports as our official pro shop partner at our Suburban Ice Macomb and Rochester locations,” says Tom Anastos, CEO of Suburban Sports Group. “Their longstanding reputation for excellence in the hockey retail industry, combined with their commitment to customer satisfaction, aligns perfectly with our expectations to service our customers.”
By partnering with B&R Sports, Suburban Ice Macomb and Suburban Ice Rochester are ensuring hockey players and skaters will have access to skate sharpening and a wide range of premium hockey products. In addition to an exceptional shopping experience, B&R Sports offers a knowledgeable and friendly staff with extensive hockey expertise.
For more information about B&R Sports and its products, visit brsports.com.
SBAM Names 24 Small Business Qwners to 2023-2024 Board of Directors
The Small Business Association of Michigan in Lansing has named 24 small business owners to lead the organization as its 2023-2024 board of directors, effective July 1.
Sue Tellier, owner of JetCo Federal, a supply chain management, logistics, and packaging services company with a focus on helping organizations achieve and maintain operational efficiency and resilience, will serve as board chair for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
“Business owners make up 100 percent of SBAM’s board, which adds credibility to the most well-respected and largest small business advocacy organization in the country,” Tellier says. “We speak for small business in Michigan because we are small business in Michigan. Looking at the current board roster, I see engaged, passionate, opinionated leaders ready to serve. I see smart, experienced, courageous advocates who are not boring yes-people. This year will be amazing.”
Joining Tellier in SBAM leadership positions are:
- 1st Vice Chair: Erick Stewart of Lagniappe Global Commodity in Battle Creek
- 2nd Vice Chair: Sheri Welsh of Welsh & Associates in Kalamazoo
- Secretary: Gina Thorsen of Stormy Kromer in Ironwood
- Treasurer: Ginny Sherrow of Fenton Winery & Brewery in Fenton
- Immediate Past Chair: Park Kersman of Lorin Industries in Muskegon
Board of Directors:
- Allison Beers of Events North in Traverse City
- Kevin Begola of Bridge Street Exchange in Fenton
- Kim Bode of 8THIRTYFOUR in Grand Rapids
- Jenny Brown of Dutton Farm Market in Rochester Hills
- Michael DeBruyn of Great Lakes Stainless in Traverse City
- Derek Dickow of com in Bloomfield Hills
- Patti Eisenbraun of Brown Iron Brewhouse in Washington
- Larry Faragalli of Brightly, LLC in Grand Rapids
- Jim Foucher of RBV Contracting in Detroit
- Bill Grubb of Star EMS in Pontiac
- Ali Haider of Michigan Franchise Owners Association of 7-11 in Okemos
- Heather Isch of LKF Marketing in Kalamazoo
- Karen May of Momentum Health in Mason
- Matt Russell of Cynerge Consulting in Pontiac
- Mike Shabluk of Erie Marking Inc. in Saginaw
- Breanne Stuart of Homewatch CareGivers in Ann Arbor
- Jason Verlinde of RFT Search Group in Farmington Hills
- Mark Ware of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island
“As we undergo this period of extensive change in Michigan’s economy, SBAM is lucky to have small business leaders in varied industries from every part of the state working on bipartisan solutions for our biggest challenges,” says Brian Calley, president and CEO of SBAM. “Our board will work collaboratively with leadership in Lansing to address the greatest threats to Michigan’s future prosperity – population growth, labor costs, and inflation — to ensure Michigan is a place every small business can thrive.”
Schoolcraft College, Corewell Health to Provide Scholarships to Nursing Students
A new partnership between Schoolcraft College in Livonia and Corewell Health in Southfield will create the Corewell Health RN Scholarship Program, which will provide scholarships to nursing students as well as guaranteed job placement at a local Corewell Health facility.
The Schoolcraft College Foundation will award 20 Corewell Health Nursing Scholarships for the upcoming fall semester, providing up to $8,500 for Schoolcraft College students to use on tuition, books, and other educational expenses during the second year of their RN nursing program. Those who receive the scholarship will need to pass the NCLEX examination for licensure and agree to work at a Corewell Health hospital in southeast Michigan for at least two years.
The agreement will be signed by leaders of both institutions at 9:30 a.m. July 13 in the Health Sciences Center at Schoolcraft College (18600 Haggerty Road).
“This partnership is a win-win for both our students at Schoolcraft College and for Corewell Health,” says Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “Not only do our students get assistance with their educational costs as they complete their studies here, they also have the opportunity to then transition to work in one of the state’s most-respected health care systems.”
Lawrence Tech to Host Online Graduate Student Open House Events
Lawrence Technological University in Southfield will host a series of free online lunchtime open houses for various graduate degree programs from July 18-27.
The complete list of programs is available here where registration also is available. All programs begin at 12:30 p.m. Details include:
Engineering: Tuesday, July 18. LTU’s College of Engineering has been creating future leaders in engineering, science, and technology for over 90 years. The college takes great pride in preparing the next generation of innovative thinkers to transform technology, create solutions to society’s most vexing problems, and make the world a better place. Graduate degrees are available in artificial intelligence, automotive engineering, biomedical engineering, cardiovascular perfusion, civil engineering, construction engineering management, electrical and computer engineering, engineering management, engineering quality, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics and robotics engineering.
Architecture: Wednesday, July 19. The College of Architecture and Design is dedicated to a pedagogy of “theory and practice,” the motto of Lawrence Tech. The college advocates not for one or the other but both, integrated and coherent. Correspondingly, CoAD offers students insight into grounded design practice, which is crafted to allow students to thoughtfully enter current modes of practice and, when appropriate, expand the practices of architecture and design to be more innovative, inclusive, and democratic.
Business and Information Technology: Thursday, July 20. Today’s technologically driven organizations look for smart, tech-savvy graduates with the leadership skills to navigate the fast-paced world of business and the visions of the future. Graduate degrees are available in business administration, information technology, and healthcare administration.
Computer Science: Thursday, July 27. Designed to meet the challenges of this exciting and evolving industry, Lawrence Tech’s Master of Science in Computer Science offers advanced knowledge and skills in data sciences, big data, data mining, intelligent systems, and robotics. With LTU’s Master of Science in Computer Science, you’ll be positioned to provide the skills business and industry leaders rely on to design and develop products, as well as apply the latest software engineering methodologies. Computer scientists specializing in artificial intelligence, or the data sciences are projected to be among the most in demand.
Kettering University, REC Foundation Solidify Mutual Support of Robotics, Drones
Kettering University in Flint and the charitable organization Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF) have formalized a partnership that has existed for years to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through robotics competitions, workshops, summer camps, and more.
Under the recently signed agreement, Kettering receives financial support from RECF to establish the RECF Programs Fund. The fund will support the Robotics Community Center and its work promoting and growing VEX Robotics and Aerial Drone Competitions. Students from middle school through college participate in the programs.
“With this generous donation, we will be able to elevate our robotics and drone programs, reaching more students who have an interest in these fields of the future,” says Kim Shumaker, director of the Robotics Community Center and Robotics Outreach for Kettering University. “Our work with the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation has helped us become a destination for robotics and drone competitions in Michigan and the country. We are excited to continue this partnership and to see what more we can accomplish together.”
Bavarian Inn Matriarch Dorothy Zehnder Passes Away at Age 101
Dorothy Zehnder, matriarch of the Frankenmuth-based Bavarian Inn Zehnder family, died at her home July 9, with members of her family by her side.
Zehnder spent more than 85 years working behind the scenes and as the visible face of the Bavarian Inn family and the many community and business operations under their name. She was born on Dec. 1, 1921, in Reese, 10 miles north of Frankenmuth.
Funeral services will be conducted at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. Details will be released later by her family. Donations may be made to St. Lorenz Church or to Frankenmuth City Beautification.
“We mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and family matriarch,” said the family in a joint statement. “We extend our thanks for the support from the Frankenmuth community and ask that you help us remember Dorothy for the amazing woman she was and who will remain in our hearts. Our family will continue to uphold the spirit of Dorothy and her legacy to this community.”
Zehnder is survived by her brother Ray Hecht, two children, Bill (Karen) Zehnder and Roxie (Jerry) Westgate, and her son-in-law Don Keller as well 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, William “Tiny” Zehnder, her sister Edna (Hecht) Hegenauer, and her daughter Judy Zehnder Keller.
Wayne County Polo & Fashion Classic Slated for July 15
The Wayne County Polo & Fashion Classic will take place from noon-8 p.m. July 15 at Nankin Mills Park (33275 Edward Hines Drive) in Westland.
Claire Sulmers, founder of Fashionbombdaily.com and the industry’s leading fashion blogger chronicling fashionistas of color, returns for her second year as the host of a fashion show. Attendees also will have an opportunity to enjoy live music and a picnic-style day party hosted by 3RY Magazine. Guests may bring picnic baskets or purchase food from various food trucks and vendors. A cash bar also will be on site.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Dave’s Choice Community Development (daveschoicecdc.org) and Detroit Horse Power (detroithorsepower.org).
Tickets are available for purchase at poloandprettywomen.com.
Michigan Science Center Opens Doors for Free July 20-21 During Concert of Colors
The Michigan Science Center is partnering with the Concert of Colors Festival for a weekend of science, music, and fun. Sponsored by Strategic Staffing Solutions, Mi-Sci is offering two community free days during the festival July 20-21.
Guests will have an immersive experience where science and music converge to create a unique festival atmosphere along with specially curated demonstrations and shows that engage and entertain visitors of all ages.
The Concert of Colors Festival is a family-friendly event, with indoor and outdoor performances at metro Detroit’s cultural institutions.
Activities and science demonstrations include:
Rainbow Paper Project — Iridescence is abundant in nature and exemplifies its beauty. Guests will create their own iridescent piece and add it to a community art project, mimicking the feathers or scales of animals in the wild.
Lava Lamps — Guests will explore the dangers of ocean acidification in this activity where pH will determine the color of a Lava Lamp.
Cartesian Divers — Rising sea levels affect pressure underwater and how sea life can survive in their environment as will be demonstrated in this Cartesian Divers activity.
Rainbow Rice sensory bin – To celebrate Concert of Colors, early learners will enjoy this neon sensory bin to explore the world of touch and light.
Build the Change — Put your imagination skills to the test in this LEGO brick building challenge focused on finding sustainable solutions to environmental issues.
Greening of Detroit: “Let’s Build Tree Equity Together” — Only on July 21 the Greening of Detroit station will include an interactive project where participants can create their own leaves to add to Detroit’s Tree Canopy.
Although the events are free, registration at mi-sci.org is strongly recommended as these events often sell out.
Key4Women Hosts Free Webinar to Discuss Online Image and Reputation Management
KeyBank’s Key4Women will present “Digital Everything: Forever and For All to See” a free, one-hour virtual event at noon on July 19.
The webinar will feature Key4Women National Director Rachael Sampson, with TV journalist Catherine Bosley, for a discussion on online image and reputation management.
Bosley is known for her down-to-earth style, authenticity, and versatility. Her presentations draw on her own life journey and has appeared on shows like “Good Morning America,” “Inside Edition” and “Oprah.”
During this webinar, Bosley will share her insight and perspective on the importance of making better everyday choices in the digital space. That includes understanding how little room there is for a “what was I thinking” moment.
“This is a very timely topic for discussion as the digital world is such a big part of our lives and business,” says Sampson. “We all need to be aware of our choices and actions, especially online. Key4Women is excited to bring the knowledge and real- life experiences Catherine has to our audience. We will all learn some key takeaways during our hour together.”
The first 50 registrants will receive a copy of Bosley’s book, “Forever and For All to See.” Guests qualify for the book if they are one of the first 50 registrants, attend the webinar, and are not an employee of KeyBank.
For more information, visit key.com/women, or register online by July 18 here.
Red Cross Offering Shark Week Incentives to Donors to Prevent a Blood Shortage
The American Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend — blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood now to avoid a looming blood shortage.
In thanks for helping, the Red Cross is offering several incentives to donors who come out to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.
- Now-July 16: Those who give by Thursday, July 16 will receive a limited-time bonus $15 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice.
- July 12-Aug. 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at org/Shark.
- July 17-July 31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last.
The Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of “Meg 2: The Trench.” Donors also will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available here.
By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Greenhouse of Walled Lake Announces Winners of Wedding Ceremony Prize
Danielle Geralds and Nile Hunt of Waterford Township have won the Greenhouse of Walled Lake Wedding Ceremony and Reception.
Geralds and Hunt were one of 15,000 vying for this wedding package worth up to $40,000.
Entrants came from throughout the state and much of the country. The couple met during Hunt’s tenure in the U.S. Navy, where he served in combat in Afghanistan and sustained a severe IED injury, which lingers to this day along with PTSD. Hunt uses cannabis to manage both his physical and emotional pain.
As the recipients of this all-expenses-paid wedding, the couple will experience cuisine that is fully cannabis-infused as they celebrate their nuptials along with 50 friends and family members in a special set up at Greenhouse of Walled Lake on their wedding day, Oct. 5. The wedding will feature a full-fledged wedding planner, food, cocktails, entertainment, and a minister to perform the ceremony. To top it off, Cannabis Plant Leaves will be thrown at the conclusion of the ceremony in lieu of traditional rice.
“This is a wonderful and incredibly deserving couple, and I could not be happier for them,” says Jerry Millen, owner of Greenhouse of Walled Lake. “It was a difficult decision and wish we could have awarded an all-expenses paid wedding to all entrants.”
