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.
Wolverine Boots in Rockford Inks NIL Deal with 13 U-M Football Players
Rockford-based work boot and clothing manufacturer Wolverine has announced a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement with 13 University of Michigan football players including star running back Blake Corum.
Called the Maize and Blue Collar Campaign, the partnership will involve a video series spotlighting each of the players and how they embody Wolverine’s spirit of tenacity, grit, and determination. It’s set to debut on Wolverine’s social media channels and website this fall.
The athletes to sign with Wolverine include 2022 Heisman Trophy finalist Corum, Junior Colson, Mason Graham, Colston Loveland, incoming freshman Benjamin Hall, Donovan Edwards, Trevor Keegan, Zak Zinter, Kris Jenkins, Mike Sainristil, Mike Barrett, Cornelius Johnson, and Ladarius Henderson.
“It’s a natural fit for Wolverine to partner with members of the Michigan Football program, as they share the same values, blue collar work ethic, and tenacity that the Wolverine brand was founded upon.” says Scott Schoessel, vice president of Global Marketing at Wolverine. “The Maize and Blue Collar Campaign is all about the importance of hard work and commitment, whether you’re battling on the 50-yard line or on the front lines of a job site.”
The announcement of the Maize and Blue Collar Campaign comes after Wolverine partnered with University of Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh and several Wolverine football players at SkillsUSA Signing Day in Bay City, an event celebrating high school students as they signed letters of intent to pursue careers in skilled trades professions.
To learn more about the Maize and Blue Collar Campaign, visit Wolverine.com.
Architectural Firms Join Southgate Tower Transformation Team
Constantine George Pappas Architecture/Planning of Royal Oak and studio g+G architect of Windsor, Canada — two regional architectural firms — are overseeing the transformation of the Southgate Tower into the new Bank Tower Apartments redevelopment.
The project also will include a new public park area and pedestrian bridge marking the gateway into the city of Southgate.
“We’re very excited to be a part of this project,” says Constantine Pappas. “Our two architectural firms are up for this challenge and we can’t wait to transform this long standing abandoned building into a state-of-the-art living space for many individuals.”
The one-time headquarters of Security Bank and Trust will offer 216 apartments for rent — one-, two-, and studio bedroom apartments will be available, including a series of two-story penthouse apartments.
The project is slated for completion by mid 2025. The developer of this $46 million project is Alex Begin of Gordon-Begin Properties. The Alan Group of Troy will oversee the construction management part of this project.
For more information, visit: thebanktowerapts.com.
Bedrock Invites Detroit Community to Grand Opening of Book Tower Aug. 2
Bedrock is inviting the Detroit community to the grand opening of the renovated Book Tower for a Celebration in the City from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 2.
The event will include an augmented reality experience that explores the past and present of Book Tower, an historical exhibition inside Book Tower showcasing artifacts and imagery, and a pop-up artisan market featuring Detroit’s Rebel Nell, El Cappy, India Solomon, Sheefy McFly, Quetarshe Textile, and Haile & Co.
Free food from local food trucks Hero or Villain, Los Dos Amigos, Sonny’s Hamburgers, Aruba Freeze, and Stix & Stone pizza will be available while supplies last.
There will be live painting by artist KaCeyCal, photo opportunities, caricature artists, street performances, an interactive installation for guests to share Book Tower memories on custom post cards that they can send to friends and family or submit to an archive.
Live performances by DJ Sky Jetta, the Detroit Youth Choir, and Miguel are expected.
For more details and to register for the event, visit here.
City Capital Ventures Partners with SERVPRO of Saginaw to Form Great Lakes Restoration
City Capital Ventures, a private investment partnership headquartered in Chicago, has made an unspecified investment in SERVPRO of Saginaw to form the Great Lakes Restoration Group, which will continue to do business as SERVPRO of Saginaw.
Starting in 1997, Randy Miller was an early pioneer for the SERVPRO system and has become one of the largest and top franchises in the system over the last 25 years. Randy and his wife, Tina, have grown and acquired multiple territories in Michigan and Indiana and currently operate 17 licensed franchise territories.
The Millers will retain a significant stake in the company and remain in active leadership roles.
“This investment from CCV validates our team’s hard work and how far we’ve come in the past couple decades,” says Randy Miller, owner and CEO of SERVPRO of Saginaw. “We eagerly anticipate partnering with CCV, tapping their multi-location and franchise expertise, and accelerating the company’s next growth phase. We’re truly just getting started.”
Comerica Donates $17K to IMAGINE Mentoring During Tigers’ Negro League Weekend
Comerica Bank named IMAGINE Mentoring as its featured Detroit Tigers Negro Leagues Weekend community partner and donated $17,000 to the nonprofit organization, which serves, teaches and empowers young women who have experienced trauma.
IMAGINE Mentoring educates youth to imagine the power of their potential, increase their self-esteem through self-awareness, and encourage them to pursue their dreams in spite of the obstacles they face in life.
“I am proud to have Comerica as a partner,” says, Latonya L. Garth, founder of the program. “Their support allows IMAGINE to expand and enhance our programs in ways that otherwise would not have been possible. They truly raise the expectations of what a bank can be in and for the community.”
Based in Warren (22699 Van Dyke Ave), IMAGINE Mentoring reaches youth throughout southeast Michigan, including in Detroit and communities in Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland counties.
IMAGINE’s programs have created a brighter future for more than 1,000 of metro Detroit’s most vulnerable children. The young people who have gone through the IMAGINE program grow up to be better parents, coworkers and citizens.
Ally Brings Moguls in the Making Alumni to Detroit
For the fifth year, Ally and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the largest organization exclusively representing the Black College community, are hosted Moguls in the Making, a pitch competition offering 60 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities the opportunity to learn vital business skills, while competing for valuable scholarships and paid internships. In advance of this year’s program, more than 100 former Moguls in the Making competitors gathered in Detroit July 21 and 22 to celebrate entrepreneurship, collaboration, and success.
“This is our fifth year celebrating the innovation and entrepreneurship of over 200 HBCU students, whose successes have provided viable business ideas that support economic mobility in our communities,” says Natalie Brown, senior director of corporate citizenship at Ally. “Moguls in the Making is an ongoing commitment to increase social capital among HBCU students, while also providing access, exposure, and opportunities to elevate their success. Our Mogul alums are gamechangers, which is cause for celebration.”
During this past weekend in Detroit, program alumni participated in empowerment panels, financial workshops, and celebrated their achievements. The program culminated Saturday with a Detroit community celebration and stage program featuring UnitedMasters artists Keely Crawford, Jay Pitts, and Curtis Roach.
During the Moguls in the Making competition each September, 60 students are grouped into teams of four from 15 HBCUs and asked to develop and pitch business ideas that promote economic mobility. This year’s program will take place in Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte-area business leaders alongside Ally and TMCF team members will serve as judges and mentors.
More than 300 students completed the application process for this year’s competition. Those chosen to compete will hail from Alabama A&M University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith University, Morgan State University, NC A&T State University, NC Central University, Norfolk State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University at Baton Rouge, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, Tuskegee University, and Virginia State University.
Each member of the top three winning teams will earn scholarships for $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively as well as guaranteed paid internship offers from Ally, a laptop and other prizes. All students from each of the 12 other teams will earn $1,000 scholarships for their participation in the rigorous challenge.
SEE Eyewear in Southfield Celebrates 25 Years of ‘Radical Individuality’
SEE Eyewear in Southfield is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the optical industry by offering customers $25 second pairs, an exclusive birthday cleaning cloth, drinks, SEE’s candies, DJs, and other activities in store through Aug. 14.
Founded by Richard Golden, who previously helmed D.O.C (Detroit Optometric Centers), SEE has grown to 42 locations from coast to coast.
“One of the things I’m most proud of, more than the Caddy, Addy, and Clio Awards we won with D.O.C, is the fact that SEE has been voted Best Eyewear over 80 times in readers’ polls in major publications from coast to coast,” sayss Golden. “The fact that we were able to be the first to market with our own brand, featuring the edgiest styles and branding the public had ever seen in this industry, and to continue to be experiencing growth with such a rabid following of SEE fans is incredibly fulfilling.”
Detroit Wing. Co. to Mark National Chicken Wing Day with 86 Cent Wings
Eastpointe-based Detroit Wing Co. (DWC) is gearing up for National Chicken Wing Day July 29 with an offer of 89 cent chicken wings, available in both classic and boneless options, available at all DWC locations.
In addition to the National Chicken Wing Day deal, foodies also can explore some of DWC’s newest menu options, which include chicken sandwiches, jumbo hand-battered chicken tenders served with a house-made dipping sauce, and a craft strawberry lemonade.
For more information, visit detroitwingco.com.
Gardner White’s Summer of Sleep Campaign is Underway
The Gardner White Summer of Sleep campaign — an educational, retail, and community focused effort with the mission of ensuring individuals and families sleep and live well — has returned.
The program, taking place now through Labor Day, offers customers the opportunity to receive a personalized sleep assessment and plan to help deliver the ultimate night’s rest. Alongside this initiative, Gardner White has partnered with metro Detroit based nonprofit organizations Angels’ Place and Grace Centers of Hope, to provide 100 new TempurPedic mattresses to the communities they serve.
“As home to Michigan’s largest bedding selection, we take our sleep seriously at Gardner White,” says Rachel Stewart, president of Gardner White. “It is no secret that quality sleep is essential for optimal physical, mental, and emotional health for yourself and your family. So as a family business, we are deeply committed to providing customers the tools and comforts they deserve to live their best lives.”
Recently, Gardner White released the GW Mattress Guide, delivered to nearly 1 million households throughout metro Detroit, Saginaw, and Ann Arbor.
In all 13 Gardner White locations, a GW team of certified, factory-trained bedding experts in branded Summer of Sleep attire are standing by to offer guests a customized sleep assessment to understand their sleep styles, requirements, and personal preferences to align them with their best sleep.
Gardner White also is offering Instagram followers the chance to win a new mattress during the Summer of Sleep Mattress Giveaway. One winner will be chosen each week through Aug. 30. No purchase necessary. For details visit Gardner White’s Instagram page (@GardnerWhite).
For more information and to view the GW Mattress Guide, visit gardner-white.com.
Mike Morse Law Firm Continues Project Backpack for 10th Year
The Mike Morse Law Firm in Southfield is celebrating the 10th year of its Project Backpack program, which has provided more than 300,000 area students with school supplies to start the new school year since its inception in 2013.
All southeast Michigan students, grades K-5, are invited to participate in the Annual Big Tent Backpack Event at Mike Morse Law Firm from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the company’s headquarters (24901 Northwestern Hwy.) in Southfield.
In celebration of the 10th year of this charitable initiative, Project Backpack also will be providing thousands of backpacks and supplies for a new partner, Cornerstone Schools, in addition to the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
“Empowering area students with the right tools is the best investment we can make,” says Morse. “Over the past decade, handing out thousands of backpacks, I’ve seen not just bags filled with supplies, but hope and potential to begin the new school year. Every child deserves the same start, and this is my way of ensuring they get one.”
In addition, the is giving every Project Backpack participant the opportunity to win an array of Ultimate Back to School prizes, which includes a $500 Visa gift card, Nintendo Switch, Nike Air Jordan shoes, a bicycle, $100 Amazon gift card, and more. Winners will be chosen and notified the week of Aug. 14.
Bradford White Corp. to Support Grandville Schools Robotics Lab
Pennsylvania-based Bradford White Corp., an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers, and storage tanks with a facility in Niles (in west Michigan near the Indiana border) has struck a five-year deal for naming rights to the robotics fabrication lab at the Grandville Public School district’s new Robotics Competition Center. Grandville is southwest of Grand Rapids.
Charitable grant funds from Bradford White Corp.’s signature charitable giving program, Industry Forward, are targeted to support the new Robotics Fabrication Lab as a naming sponsor and robotics teams and events at the new facility in Grandville.
The facility, attached to the new Grandville Middle School, will be one of the largest built-for-purpose robotics competition centers in the country. Naming rights sponsors for the facility are being coordinated through the Grandville Academic Team Boosters.
Under the terms of the sponsorship arrangement, Bradford White will provide $25,000 in annual funding over the five-year agreement.
“We are excited to partner with such a great organization as Bradford White,” says Roger Bearup, superintendent of Grandville Public Schools. “We are grateful for their support as we provide an amazing learning environment for our scholars.”
Rebecca Owens, senior communications manager at Bradford White, says: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Grandville Public Schools and to provide funding that will positively impact the students in Michigan through meaningful workforce development training and education and exposure to industry careers. Their robotics program has a successful history, and we look forward to a great partnership together.”
Gale to Install the First of 21 Little Free Libraries in Detroit’s Littlefield Community
Farmington Hills-based Gale, in partnership with Brilliant Detroit and Little Free Library (LFL), will install its first of 21 Little Free Libraries in the Littlefield neighborhood hub (12789 Indiana Ave.) in Detroit at 3 p.m. on July 27.
A ceremony will take place at the hub to mark the first installation. Representatives from Gale and Brilliant Detroit, along with families and volunteers will be at the event to fill the library with books.
Each LFL will be stocked with a variety of books — donated by Gale and its employees — for children and adults to encourage a lifetime passion of reading. The little libraries will include diverse, award-winning, and bestselling youth large print books donated by Thorndike Press, Gale’s large print publisher. Youth large print makes reading more accessible for developing readers and is proven to increase decoding and comprehension.
The remaining LFL installations will take place throughout the months of July and August at each of Brilliant Detroit’s newest neighborhood hubs, as well as at its early learning and care, school, and community sites, where they partner with a program to serve children.
The 21 LFLs initially were built by Gale employees at a May 18 charity event hosted by the company at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
Gale will restock the libraries with books annually, ensuring the neighborhoods continue to have access to a wide selection of reading materials to enjoy.
A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book-sharing exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books, often built by supporters or volunteers with their own unique, personal touch. Little Free Library book-sharing boxes provide 24/7 access to books in areas where books are scarce to encourage reading.
Lawrence Tech in Southfield to Host Online Graduate Student Open House Event July 27
Lawrence Technological University in Southfield will host a free online lunchtime open house for its graduate computer science program at 12:30 p.m. July 27.
Designed to meet the challenges of this 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, graduates will 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.
For more information and to register, visit here.
Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival Returns to Southfield Aug. 11-12
The city of Southfield will host the seventh annual Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival from 6-10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and on Sunday, Aug. 12 from 3-10:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Southfield Municipal Campus, 26000 Evergreen Road.
The free, outdoor two-day event will feature live music, food trucks, boutique vendors, Fitness Hoopers, as well as a bike cruise. Parking will be available on the Southfield Municipal Campus for $10 (cash only) in both the north and south parking lots. Parking proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Southfield Public Arts. A variety of food will be available for purchase from several food trucks in addition to boutique vendors offering unique products for sale. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
For more information visit here.
MCC’s Lorenzo Cultural Center Presents Icons of Rock, Blues and Soul Photo Exhibit
The Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus in Clinton Township, is presenting “Front Row Center: Icons, of Rock, Blues and Soul,” a collection of more than 70 images taken by concert photographer Larry Hulst of legendary musicians and singers across the generations and genres. The exhibit is open now through Sept. 27.
“The photo exhibit brings the world of rock, blues and soul to our door and takes our patrons to the lights and excitement of the live music scene from 1970 through 1999.” said William Wood, director of Cultural Affairs and Community Engagement, Macomb Community College. “The stunning photography by Larry Hulst captures the high energy and enthusiasm of some of our greatest performers from Janice Joplin and Jimi Hendrix to David Bowie and Lauryn Hill.”
Hulst’s photography has appeared on album art and accompanied numerous magazine features, including in Rolling Stone. The hallmark of his work is his ability to evoke the raw energy and emotion of the concert experience.
His first concert photos chronicled an energetic show by The Who in 1967 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. One of his early works, a photo of blues performer Muddy Waters taken in March 1973, was used in a Rolling Stone magazine issue that year celebrating Water’s birthday. Hulst’s photograph of Jimi Hendrix taken at the Golden Raceway in Sacramento, Calif., on March 26, 1970, was used on Hendrix’s compilation album South Southern Delta, released in 1997.
The Front Row Center exhibit is complementary and open to the public Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and select Saturdays: Sept. 9, 16, and 23. The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb’s Center Campus at 44575 Garfield Road.
Treetops Resort in Gaylord to Offer Autumn Sensory Sensation
Treetops Resort in Gaylord is celebrating Michigan’s most colorful season — autumn — with three October color tours paired with creative cuisine.
Guests will enjoy a leisurely golf cart ride along the Jones Masterpiece Golf Course, led by an experienced Treetops staff member, and will have the opportunity to take photos of the beautiful fall foliage. There are several stops along the way, and at each stop guests will enjoy a tasting of a Michigan-made beer or wine, as well as a fall themed hors d’oeuvre.
The evening will wrap up at Legends restaurant overlooking the fall foliage, enjoying live entertainment, and a main course meal and pumpkin cheesecake dessert. The event price includes five drink tastings.
The Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner is priced at $149 per person and includes taxes and gratuity. The event may be best enjoyed with a stay at Treetops Resort. Overnight packages begin at $234 per person, plus taxes and resort fees, and are based on double occupancy.
For more information, visit here.
