Woodward Dream Cruise Signs Ziebart as Presenting Sponsor
Troy-based Ziebart International Corp. has signed on to be the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Woodward Dream Cruise.
The Woodward Dream Cruise, the world’s largest one-day classic car event, brings together car enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate classic cars and automotive culture. The event draws more than 1 million people with over 40,000 classic cars.
“The Woodward Dream Cruise is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of automotive history and passion,” says Thomas A. Wolfe, president and CEO of Ziebart. “As we commemorate Ziebart’s history and its deep roots in the Detroit area, we are thrilled to partner with an event that shares our love for cars and dedication to preserving their beauty and performance.”
The event originally began in 1995 to help raise money for a local children’s soccer field as owners of cars from the 1950s and 1960s would gather to cruise America’s first highway — Woodward Avenue — through Detroit. Organizers were shocked when about a quarter million people showed up and the Dream Cruise has grown each year since.
Attendees of the Royal Oak Memorial Park Auto Show and the Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug. 16-17, can look forward to vehicles new and old that can cruise comfortably, thanks in large part to the rustproofing power of Ziebart, the company boasts.
As a sponsor, Ziebart and its new mascot, Bart, will be in attendance with a red 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 to start the weekend event that will feature the auto show, the Dream Cruise itself, and the Cruise in Shoes 5K walk/run. Continuing its partnership with U.S. military veteran and family support group Mission 22, Ziebart also will have opportunities for attendees to donate to the nonprofit group for a chance to win gift cards, giveaways, and more.
“Throughout the weekend, it’s always exciting to drive back into history through automobiles that keep our history alive,” says Wolfe. “In the home for American auto innovation, we can’t wait to take even more of a part of Detroit history and see the passion of people from around the globe.”
To find a full schedule for the Dream Cruise, please visit here.
For more information on Ziebart, visit zeibert.com. To learn about Ziebart franchising opportunities, visit here.
DENSO, JERA to Develop Hydrogen Generation Technology
DENSO Corp., which has its North American headquarters in Southfield, and JERA Co. Inc. say they plan to jointly develop high-efficiency hydrogen generation technology that combines SOEC*1 with waste heat utilization and conduct joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station.
DENSO for years has pursued initiatives in the three areas of manufacturing, mobility products, and energy use to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Notably, because hydrogen production will be essential in addressing energy use, the company is applying technology cultivated through the development of automotive systems to the development of the SOEC, which has the advantage of high stability and efficiency.
JERA, under its JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050 objective, is taking on the challenge of building a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions from its domestic and international operations by 2050. In thermal power, it is moving forward with the introduction of greener fuels as it pursues zero-emissions thermal that emits no CO2 during power generation.
Using an SOEC (Electrolyzing Power: *2 200kW) developed by DENSO, the two companies will initiate a joint development focusing on high-efficiency hydrogen production technology utilizing waste heat. Beginning in FY 2025, DENSO and JERA will conduct a joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station. Based on the outcomes of the 200kW joint demonstration test, the companies will aim to scale up the technology to a multi-thousand kW level by integrating multiple SOECs.
Through this joint development and joint demonstration testing, the companies will work toward the early establishment of a global supply chain for green hydrogen and ammonia and contribute to finding solutions for global decarbonization and energy issues.
Molina Healthcare of Michigan Donating $100K to Expand Energy Program for Seniors
Molina Healthcare of Michigan in Detroit announced a $100,000 donation to Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics in support of its Energy Efficiency Assistance program to increase participation in southeastern Michigan.
The program provides a wide range of energy efficiency upgrades to reduce utility costs and improve quality of life for low-income Michiganders. Molina’s funding will positively impact many of its senior members.
The EEA program includes replacement of inefficient or non-functioning equipment such as furnaces, water heaters, and refrigerators. Participants also can take advantage of home weatherization services including attic insulation and air sealing. Molina’s $100,000 grant will expand services focused on health and safety concerns such as roof repair and asbestos mediation.
Those considered energy impoverished carry a much higher energy burden than non-low- income households due to lack of economic resources and energy efficiency. Approximately one in seven American families live in energy poverty, which can impair the health condition of residents living inside a home with polluted air. In many cases, energy poverty means that a family can only use solid fuels for heating and cooking, leaving residents vulnerable to many diseases.
Detroit Pistons to Host Free Community Events at Detroit’s Palmer Park Saturday
The Detroit Pistons are hosting two free events Aug. 10 at Palmer Park (910 Merrill Plaisance St. in Detroit) in collaboration with the Pistons Neighbors Program and Detroit Pistons Youth Council.
The activations are part of the organization’s commitment to provide programming at Detroit’s parks through the Pistons Neighbors Program, a summer initiative of free drop-in activities for all ages, including sports clinics, live music, dance classes, and visual arts at 12 Detroit parks.
The day will tipoff with the Detroit Pistons Neighbors Program’s second All-City Tennis Tournament beginning at 9 a.m., bringing together budding tennis enthusiasts from every corner of the city. The tournament is presented in partnership with the Detroit Pistons Foundation and the Pistons Neighbors Program along with the USTA, the Motor City Tennis Club, and Palmer Park Tennis Academy. Registration is currently closed for the tournament.
The Detroit Pistons Youth Council, a leadership development program consisting of youth from the metro Detroit area, also will its their second free Family Fun Day event in conjunction with the tennis tournament from noon-3 p.m., also at Palmer Park.
The Family Fun Day event, created by the Youth Council members, will include a food truck, family fun activities, and Pistons-themed giveaways along with appearances from Pistons Entertainment Teams including Pistons Mascot Hooper, Pistons Dancers, and a DJ. The Pistons also will be partnering with the Michigan Secretary of State Office to encourage community members to register to vote onsite.
Created in 2021, the Detroit Pistons Youth Council provides metro Detroit youth the opportunity to deliver feedback and support to the Detroit Pistons organization and to create and participate in a variety of projects and community initiatives.
Pet Business International Brings State-of-the-Art Pet Business Insurance to Michigan
Pet Business International, the Arizona-based exclusive provider of instant online insurance quotes for small to medium-sized pet businesses, has launched in 12 states including Michigan.
“We’re thrilled to enter the North American market and begin supporting the full range of pet businesses in the U.S.,” says Shannah Cantillon, director at PBI. “We’re proud to support the businesses that care for our growing fur families, and making policies accessible with high-quality, low-premium plans is a key part of our commitment.”
PBI offers comprehensive coverage including general liability, accidents, and injury to and loss of animals, with optional extras such as professional liability, equipment coverage, and animal illness insurance. Coverage is open to anyone aged 16 and older who cares for third-party animals.
Customers turn to PBI for ease, affordability, and reliability when it comes to selecting the best-in-class pet business insurance offering and love the immediacy of the instant online quote.
With more than 20 years of industry experience and a 96 percent claims payout rate, PBI says it’s committed to providing efficient claims handling specifically tailored to the unique needs of pet businesses.
To learn more about pet business insurance options in the U.S., visit here.
Griffin Claw Releases its Annual Screamin’ Pumpkin Beer
Griffin Claw Brewing Co.’s Screamin’ Pumpkin beer is about to hit the shelves at Kroger, Meijer, and other select stores.
Since 2013, the company says it’s been local favorite that signals the arrival of autumn in Detroit. This year, the brewery is pumping out 1,200 cases and 500 kegs to satisfy fan demand.
In total, there are 1,265 stores around the state to find Screamin’ Pumpkin. Locations that sell Screamin’ Pumpkin can be found on Griffin Claw’s website.
Griffin Claw Brewing Co. also offers a special release whiskey based on Screamin’ Pumpkin called Screamin’ Pumpkin whiskey.
The brewer has two locations, one in Birmingham and one in Rochester Hills, where the product can be found on tap.
Altair Enlighten Award Winners Announced
Altair in Troy, a provider of computational intelligence, has named the winners of the 2024 Altair Enlighten Award. Presented in association with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), the award honors the greatest sustainability and lightweighting advancements that successfully reduce carbon footprint, mitigate water and energy consumption, and leverage material reuse and recycling efforts.
“The Enlighten Award is the leading award highlighting the automotive industry’s finest innovations in sustainable technology,” says James R. Scapa, founder and CEO of Altair. “We are thrilled to once again recognize the organizations creating a more sustainable future. This year’s winners can consider themselves the best innovators meeting those challenging targets.”
The winners include:
- Sustainable Product: DuPont™ BETAMATE Broad Bake Adhesive Technology
- Sustainable Process: BMW M GmbH, AMC GmbH, Bcomp Ltd., Gradel Lightweight Sàrl, and Lasso Ingenieurgesellschaft – BMW M Visionary Materials Seat
- Module Lightweighting: Syensqo and General Motors – High-Performance Thermoplastic Battery Module Structure
- Enabling Technology: CompositeEdge GmbH – Next-Gen Sustainable High-Performance Structures
- Future of Lightweighting: WEAV3D, Braskem, and Clemson Composites Center – Cost-Effective Lightweight Vehicle Body Structures
- Responsible AI: Dow Inc. – Sustainable SPECFLEXTM Polyurethane Solutions
Joshua Tree Dream Gallery Enables Detroiters to Visit Mojave Desert Without Leaving Town
Joshua Tree in San Bernardino County, Calif., is a thriving hub for artists and creatives. Former metro Detroiter Lisa Schyck-Aronson and her husband, Robert, who moved there during the pandemic, are bringing their love for the rural desert community and its artists more than 2,200 miles across the U.S. to Detroit though a new photography book launch and art gallery show that opens later this week at Gallery Camille (4130 Cass Ave., Suite C) in Detroit.
The show opens Friday, Aug. 9, from 5-8 p.m. and runs through Aug. 25
The show will feature “Glimpses of the Joshua Tree Dream,” a lifestyle photography book by Schyck-Aronson and collaborators that showcases creative living spaces in the desert. The works of artists also will be on display including paintings by her husband, print maker Robert Aronson, photographer Bill Brewer, painter Sue Kearns, surrealist Snake Jagger, and assemblage artist Bobby Furst. Drone landscape videography of Joshua Tree set to music will help set the scene.
The exhibit will benefit Keep A Breast foundation, a Joshua Tree-based organization that works to reduce breast cancer risk and its impact globally through art, prevention, education and action. Representatives from the organization will be in Detroit for the event.
The show also will feature artwork by local artists with special needs from the Friendship Circle Soul Studio in West Bloomfield. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Soul Studio program.
Forgotten Harvest’s Women’s Harvest Lunch Returns on Oct. 16
Forgotten Harvest announces the return of the annual Women’s Harvest Lunch at Eastern Market – Shed 5 on Oct. 16.
Presented by the Kroger Co. of Michigan, this fundraising event brings together women, businesses, and community leaders who are committed to alleviating hunger and reducing food loss, with proceeds benefitting our organization’s efforts to provide fresh, healthy produce that is too often unavailable or unaffordable to those in need in Metro Detroit.
Featuring a coursed luncheon highlighting seasonal, nutritious ingredients distributed through Forgotten Harvest’s pantry partners, the program will include a panel of distinguished women speakers sharing the importance of relieving food insecurity and strengthening our communities, and a networking hour.
The event also will include a silent auction again including hand-painted plates made by children in the organization’s Summer Lunch Program. Similar to past years, sponsors also will be able to create themed tables for the luncheon — a creative and fun activity for friends and colleagues alike.
For tickets, visit here. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit here.
Bedrock’s Douglass Site to Host World’s Largest Afrobeats Festival Aug. 17-18
The world’s largest Afrobeats festival has chosen Detroit as its only U.S. stop, Aug. 17-18, at Bedrock’s Douglass site.
The Douglass site is an historically significant housing project in Detroit that was the first federally funded housing project for African Americans in the United States. It was home to icons such as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and other influential African Americans.
This year’s festival will feature performances by Lil Wayne, Rema, Asake, PartyNextDoor, and many more — including two Detroit natives: Donovan Glover and Sky Jetta.
For more information, visit here.
Discover the Flavors of Detroit at the Yaba Late-Night Food Village Aug. 17-18
The Yaba Late-Night Food Village is taking place Aug. 17-18 at the Eastern Market.
The village will feature a diverse lineup of food trucks, food stands, music, and a bar, an infusion of Detroit, West African, and island cuisines in one place.
“We’re excited to bring together some of the best food vendors in the area for a night of culinary delights and entertainment,” says the event’s organizer, Something New Det. “This event is all about community, good food, and great vibes.”
The event starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 4 a.m. Admission is $2, and all ages are welcome.
