// Rendering courtesy of City of Ferndale
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.
Woodward Construction Project in Ferndale to Close Right Lanes Until Fall
Starting May 8, the right lanes of Woodward Avenue in both directions in Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge will be closed as the Woodward Moves construction project enters its second and final phase.
Several bus stops along Woodward Avenue in Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge also will be closed through the completion of project this fall.
Woodward Moves, a road construction project led by the Michigan Department of Transportation in partnership with the cities of Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge, began late last year.
Earlier this year, the project focused on pavement and curb repairs in the left two lanes in both directions of Woodward. Now, construction will focus on road and curb repairs in the right lanes of Woodward in both directions.
“Unfortunately, with construction often comes inconveniences and disruption,” says Lena Stevens, executive director of the Ferndale DDA. “Woodward Moves is designed to make Woodward and its surrounding public spaces safe and accessible to all people, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. With the completion of this project, we are confident that we’ll be able to provide equal opportunities for more people to enjoy Ferndale. We appreciate travelers’ patience and understanding as we work towards that vision.”
In addition to resurfacing Woodward Avenue from 8 Mile Road to Oakridge Street, Woodward Moves will remove a travel lane on each side of Woodward and dedicate that space to individuals traveling without vehicles. The move could prompt lawsuits if emergency vehicles experience traffic delays due to the loss of a travel lane.
For more information on Woodward Moves or bus stop closures along Woodward, visit woodwardmoves.com.
Amazon Donates $100K to Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park
Amazon has donated $100,000 to Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park to support the expansion of Forgotten Harvest’s grocery rescue programs, as well as technology that helps the organization optimize its food collection and distribution.
“Forgotten harvest is an expert at food rescue,” says Ian Conyers, head of community engagement for Detroit at Amazon. “Amazon is excited to support their technology needs, from food rescue to making sure their last mile delivery operation can get food to families faster.”
Since 2019, Forgotten Harvest and Amazon have been partners in the metro Detroit community, with Amazon donating more than 2 million pounds of perishable items to Forgotten Harvest during that time span. Local Amazon employees also volunteer throughout the year at Forgotten Harvest to help pack and distribute care packages.
Entrepreneur Magazine Ranks Detroit Wing Co. Among Top Emerging Franchises
Detroit Wing Co. in Eastpointe (DWC) has been recognized as one of the top new and emerging franchises in the U.S. by Entrepreneur magazine in its May/June issue. The annual ranking highlights the most promising new companies that began offering franchise opportunities in 2018 or later.
“Starting with a single restaurant location in 2015, we’ve successfully expanded the DWC brand to more than 30 locations in multiple states through partnering with some of the most passionate franchise owners in the business,” said Gus Malliaras, founder of Detroit Wing Co. “Our corporate and franchise teams have worked diligently to build a concept that embodies the spirit of Detroit, and we look forward to continued growth and sharing our award-winning experience with more communities across the country.”
The Top New and Emerging Franchises ranking is based on information submitted to Entrepreneur for its annual Franchise 500 and is part of the brand’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace. Companies featured on the 2023 list have been offering a franchise opportunity for five years or fewer and were assessed across multiple data points, including unit growth, startup costs and fees, training and support, the parent company’s financial stability, and brand strength.
Gesher Human Services’ May 21 Showcase Highlights 70 Artists with Disabilities
Gesher Human Services in Southfield is hosting its fourth annual Frame of Mind Benefit and Arts Showcase from 2-5 p.m. May 21 at The Eastern (3434 Russell St. Ste. 501) in Detroit.
The immersive music, singing, theater, and art event will feature the talents of 70 participants in Gesher Human Services’ Creative Expressions program, an artistic enrichment program run by the nonprofit for individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities or who are living with serious mental health disorders.
Musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, including a flautist, cellist, violinist, violist and percussionist, will perform with participants. Detroit Opera provided vocal coaching and mentorship, along with equipment for the event, and a Detroit Opera pianist will be accompanying a vocal performance.
Solo singing performances and outdoor music featuring a drum circle performance with percussionist Sundance DiDomenico also will be part of the program. Participants in Creative Expressions have been working with artists from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Art on display will include acrylic paintings, drawings, chalk pastel works, ceramics, murals with a collage, photography, sculptures. In addition, because the event is happening on Flower Day at Eastern Market, there will be floral-inspired art on display.
For sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit here. Complimentary valet parking will be available.
To learn more about the Creative Expressions Program, visit here.
Puff Cannabis Hiring Full- and Part-time Employees in Kalamazoo
Puff Cannabis is looking for 20-25 full- and part-time staffers to be budtenders, receptionists, production, and floor lead positions for its store set to open in Kalamazoo on June 15.
Applicants must be older than 21, and those interested can send their resumes and inquiries to Dwayne Jones at djones@puffcannaco.com. The hourly rate ranges from $15 to $25 depending on experience and job type.
Since 2019, Puff has had an eight-person Deployment Team of general and regional managers, many of whom started out as budtenders themselves, who are sent to each new store location ahead of its opening to set up the store, put point of sales and other systems in place, and hire and train new staff. This Deployment Team lives in the community before and after each opening for anywhere from 4-6 months to ensure that things are running smoothly and according to Puff’s standards and values.
