May-June 2014
Oakland County Partners with Detroit Blight Authority
PONTIAC — Oakland County will team up with the Detroit Blight Authority to help resurgent communities such as Pontiac, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Bill Pulte, chairman of the Detroit Blight Authority and CEO of Pulte Capital Partners, announced today.
Detroit Completes First Phase of Street Lighting Program
DETROIT — The Public Lighting Authority of Detroit has completed ahead of schedule its installation of new Light Emitting Diode street lights within the two pilot areas’ neighborhoods, city and Lighting Authority officials announced today. Installing the new lights in the two pilot areas was the latest step in the PLA’s mission to relight Detroit.
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Tribute to Ricky Lawson
Friends, family, and fans of the late Ricky Lawson gathered at Detroit’s Music Hall Center on April 26 for “The Final Drumline: A Memorial Tribute.”
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PublicCity PR Adds Three New Clients to Roster
SOUTHFIELD — PublicCity Public Relations, a boutique public relations agency specializing in media and community relations, has added Barton Malow, Life Time Athletic, and Medical Weight Loss Clinic to its growing list of clients.
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McConnell Communications Marks 10 Years
DETROIT — McConnell Communications Inc., a full-service public relations and marketing firm founded by former reporter Darci E. McConnell, is celebrating 10 years in business.
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It’s a Small World for Detroit Zoo’s Newest Baby
ROYAL OAK— Being the smallest species of deer isn’t stopping the growing family of southern pudus at the Detroit Zoo. The herd welcomed female Noni last Sunday, marking the third pudu birth in less than two years at the zoo and the fifth since the arrival in 2008 of 6-year-old mother Carol and 7-year-old father T. Roy. The fawn joins sisters Hammie, 1, and Penny, 11 months.
McLaren Health Care Acquires Port Huron Hospital
FLINT— Executives of McLaren Health Care and Port Huron Hospital today have finalized an agreement for Port Huron Hospital to become the 12th hospital in the not-for-profit McLaren Health Care system. The hospital will be renamed McLaren Port Huron.
U.S. Border Patrol Accepting Job Applications
DETROIT — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency responsible for securing U.S. borders from all threats, is now accepting applications nationwide—including Detroit — to fill 2,000 additional officer positions at air, land and sea ports across the country.
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OCC Names New Auburn Hills Campus President
Oakland Community College has named Timothy L. Taylor as the new Auburn Hills Campus president. He was previously president of Frontier Community College in Fairfield, Ill.
$10M Donated to Temple Israel Early Childhood Center
FARMINGTON HILLS — Temple Israel, a West Bloomfield-based Reform temple, has announced it has received a $10 million endowment for its Susan and Rabbi Harold Loss Early Childhood Center from longtime congregation members Audrey and William Farber.
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Farewell Party for George Jackson Jr.
A farewell party for George W. Jackson Jr., who retired after 12 years as president and CEO of Detroit Economic Development Corp., was held on April 1 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.
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New Partner Joins Wilson Elser, Opens Michigan Office
New York-based law firm Wilson Elser, a AmLaw 200 firm, has named John T. Eads III as a partner, and has opened a new office in Novi. With nearly 25 […]
Wayne State Adds MBA in Human Resources
DETROIT — The Wayne State University School of Business Administration has announced a new concentration in human resources to be available to new and current students in its traditional MBA program.
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Campaign Helps Michigan Residents ‘Avoid Energy Drama’
A coalition of Michigan organizations recently launched a new campaign to help the state’s residents take control of their energy use. The campaign takes a humorous look at “energy drama,” or the conflict that emerges in households between those who want to save money and those who want to be cozy at all costs. The message? Forget the drama—it’s possible to save energy and be comfortable at the same time.
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The Foundry: Sneak Peek at Shinola
Shinola offered a sneak peek of its spring watch collection, along with its urban bicycles and leather goods on March 20 at its flagship store in Midtown Detroit. The event drew members of The Foundry, a club made up of Shinola’s inaugural customers.
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Merrill Lynch Director Named Top Adviser
FARMINGTON HILLS — John Kulhavi from Merrill Lynch in Farmington Hills was recently recognized on the Financial Times “Top 400 Financial Advisors” list. The list is an industry honor of […]
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Call for Entries for 2014 Detroit Design Festival
DETROIT — The Detroit Creative Corridor Center is calling on designers, architects, and creatives to submit proposals to exhibit at this year’s Detroit Design Festival, to be held Sept. 23-28.
Kidney Foundation of Michigan Marks Women’s Health Week
ANN ARBOR — This year, National Women’s Health Week is May 11-May 17. The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is recognizing National Women’s Health Week throughout the month of May […]
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Rehmann Names New Assurance Principal
TROY— Magdalena Marriott has joined Rehmann as an assurance principal in the firm’s Troy office. Marriott has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting. She most recently served […]
Volunteers Plan Events in May to Support Military Awareness
Two local military support groups, Soldiers Around The World and the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center Inc. have joined forces in May to support special activities in Military Awareness Month.
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Ilitch Holdings Name VP of Corporate Communications
DETROIT — Ilitch Holdings Inc. has named Doug Kuiper as vice president of corporate communications. Kuiper will oversee the organization’s communications function, with a high level of focus on the […]
Plante Moran Financial Managers Among Forbes' Top 50
tSOUTHFIELD — Plante Moran Financial Advisors was recently recognized by Forbes in its annual list, “The Top 50 Wealth Managers,” improving its ranking from the previous year. tThis year, PMFA […]
Brooksie Way Awards $10K Grants, Unveils New Logo
PONTIAC — A program that teaches individuals living with Down Syndrome how to ride a conventional bike, an elementary school’s recess run club, and a family fitness event in Pontiac are among nine recipients of the latest round of The HealthPlus Brooksie Way Mini-grants. The mini-grants, totaling more than $10,000, were awarded Saturday at the 2014 kick-off of The HealthPlus Brooksie Way at Oakland University’s Rec Center.
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Auto Sight: Reception During SAE World Congress 2014
Detroit-based law firm Butzel Long, in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico, hosted a reception for 130 people at the 150 W. Jefferson Building on April 9 during SAE World Congress 2014 at Cobo Center in Detroit.
Oakland Animal Shelter Makes Major Pet Adoption Push
AUBURN HILLS — The Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center is calling on the community — individuals, businesses, churches, civic, community and charitable organizations — to get behind the Auburn Hills shelter’s major push to adopt-out as many animals as possible in 2014.
Metro Times Merges with Real Detroit Weekly
DETROIT — The Metro Times has merged with Real Detroit Weekly, making it the largest alternative newsweekly in Michigan.
DNR Honors Michigan ‘Tree City USA’ Communities
LANSING — The Department of Natural Resources and the Arbor Day Foundation today announced that 125 Michigan communities have been awarded “Tree City USA” certification for their promotion of community forestry in 2013.
Walsh College Honors 3 Teens with 'Make it Better' Award
tTROY — Walsh College Blackstone LaunchPad has honored three Michigan teenagers with cash prizes for their entrepreneurial ideas for the third annual "Make it Better" comepetition. tThe competition challenged individuals […]
Bloomfield Hills Financial Awards 3 Teens with Scholarships
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The 2014 Detroit metropolitan area wide Bloomfield Hills Financial, “Stock to Scholarship Challenge” has awared more than 600 local high school students who competed for $8,500 in […]
Automation Alley to Attend Farnborough International Airshow
TROY — Automation Alley, a Michigan-based technology and business association, is headed to the U.K. this summer for a trade mission to the Farnborough International Airshow, the world’s largest aerospace […]
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Boyne Golf Academy Offers New Team Building Programs
HARBOR SPRINGS — Boyne Golf Academy, which provides golf instruction and clinics at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs and Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, has launched a new line-up of team building programs as enhancements to the resorts’ meeting and group events.
Etkin to Manage Office Building in Centerpoint Campus
t Etkin, a Southfield-based real estate firm, has been selected to manage an office building as part of the 350-acre Centerpoint Business Campus in Pontiac. tThe 71,723 square-foot building at 2001 […]
Lourdes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center to Expand
WATERFORD — A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled next week for an addition to the Lourdes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Waterford. A new one-story building – located in an area by part of the existing facility – will retain wooded areas and walking paths near Scott Lake.
Lions and Tigers and Beers … Oh, My! Spring Zoo Brew Set
ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo’s popular Zoo Brew is no lager just a fall event. The Zoo is adding a spring Zoo Brew on May 29.
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Somerset Collection Offers 'Free App' Thursdays
TROY — The Somerset Collection is treating shoppers to a free appetizer on Thursdays starting next week. To partake in this tasty shopping experience, Somerset guests can show their receipts, […]
MGM Resorts International Names New Regional COO
tLAS VEGAS – MGM Resorts International has named Anton Nikodemus to serve as Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International Regional Operations. tIn this new role, Nikodemus will oversee operations […]
CPA Firm to Clean Up Detroit Elementary School Playground
STERLING HEIGHTS — UHY LLP and UHY Cares Michigan is partnering with Playworks, a local nonprofit that helps kids and refurbishing school yards, to improve the playgound at Academy of the Americas School in Detroit.
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WSU Engineering Students Ramp Up Big Data Research
DETROIT — Wayne State University College of Engineering students are finding more opportunities to conduct research in the growing field of big data. Two of those students are Haidar Almohri, […]
College for Creative Studies Hosts Annual Student Exhibition
DETROIT — For the past 89 years the College for Creative Studies has transformed its campus into the ultimate gallery, showcasing more than 3,500 pieces of student artwork during the school’s Annual Student Exhibition.
Movement Electronic Music Festival Announces Stage Lineup
DETROIT — Movement Electronic Music Festival has announced its stage lineups for this year for Memorial Day weekend and welcomes the newest addition to the festival — The Silent Disco stage, powered by Ford and Sennheiser.
Beyond Basics Plans Annual Spring Fundraiser
DEARBRON — Beyond Basics will host its 12th annual spring fundraiser, “Come Together for Children 2014,” at Lovett Hall at The Henry Ford on May 16. The evening offers culinary […]
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Southfield's Goodman Acker Adds 3 New Attorneys
Goodman Acker PC, a Southfield-based personal injury law firm has added three new attorneys to the firm. They are: Charles W. Wojno, Johnny A. Hamood, and Eboney R. Hughes. Wojno, […]
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LMG Names Senior Director of Client Services
DETROIT — LMG LLC, a national provider of video, audio and lighting support, has named Don Mascot as senior director of client services in Detroit as the first step in […]
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Spring Zing: A Tribute to the Titanic
The Rotary Club of Mount Clemens hosted its annual Spring Zing fundraiser, which had a Titanic theme, on May 3 at Zuccaro Banquet and Catering in Chesterfield Township. Proceeds from the event benefited several organizations.
BorgWarner Begins Production in New Brazil Plant
AUBURN HILLS — BorgWarner has recently begun producing its electronically-controlled Visctronic fan drives at its new plant in Itatiba City, Brazil. By operating only when needed and precisely controlling the […]
Michigan Voters: ‘Let’s Fix Detroit’
DETROIT— Business Leaders for Michigan today released the results of a statewide survey showing more than 87 percent of Michigan voters believe revitalizing Detroit is important to the state’s overall economy.
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OpTech Names New Acquisition Talent Specialists
TROY — OpTech, a Troy-based information technology and engineering workforce solutions provider, has named Colleen Blaesing and Angela Lovelace to the team as senior talent acquisition specialists. Blaesing, of Clawson, […]
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THAW Adds VP of Government & External Affairs
DETROIT — The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW) has named Korey Hall as the vice president of government and external affairs.
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Redico Names Senior VP of Operations
SOUTHFIELD — Redico, a national real estate development, investment, construction, and property management company, has named David Haboian as senior vice president of operations. In this role, Haboian, of Bloomfield […]
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'My Gift to the World' Student Art Exhibit
Beyond Basics hosted an opening reception for the student art exhibit “My Gift to the World” at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit on April 15. The exhibit will be on display through May 31.
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6 Salon in Birmingham Earns Design Award
BIRMINGHAM — 6 Salon Birmingham’s renovation last year of its new location has recently earned it two special industry awards for its salon design and aesthetics. The salon has been […]
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APACC 13th Annual Dinner Celebration
The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce hosted its 13th Annual Dinner Celebration on May 3 at the MGM Grand Detroit. Juju Chang served as the event’s keynote speaker.
Mahindra North American Opens Technical Center in Troy
LANSING — Mahindra USA Inc. is opening a new technical center in the Troy with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The project will generate a total capital investment of […]
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Henry Ford Hospital Names Chair for Neurosurgery Department
DETROIT — Neurosurgeon Steven N. Kalkanis, M.D., has been appointed chair of the department of neurosurgery and co-director of the neuroscience Institute at Henry Ford Hospital. Since arriving at Henry […]
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Beaumont Nurses Earn Oakland Nightingale Awards
ROYAL OAK — Four Beaumont Health System nurses were honored by Oakland University’s School of Nursing at the 26th Annual Nightingale Awards held in May.
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Champions of the New Economy 2014
For the fifth year in a row, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, in partnership with DBusiness magazine and News/Talk 760 WJR, selected six regional executives who are driving growth in highly competitive industries.
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Bartech Tops Baker's Dozen 2014 List
SOUTHFIELD — The Bartech Group Inc., a global workforce management and staffing solutions company, ranked No.1 as the top Managed Service Provider by HRO Today in its Baker’s Dozen. As […]
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38th Annual Matilda R. Wilson Award Luncheon
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan Women’s Association hosted its spring luncheon, honoring Maureen D’Avanzo, the recipient of the 2014 Matilda Wilson Award. The event took place on May 6 at the Detroit Athletic Club.
Chrysler to Donate Tablets to United Way
AUBURN HILLS — Chrysler Group LLC will donate 160 Samsung Galaxy tablets to United Way of Southeastern Michigan to help Detroit high school students become college and career ready. Initially […]
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OpTech Names New Accounting Specialist
TROY— OpTech, a Troy-based information technology and engineering workforce solutions provider, has named Hassen Hijazi as accounting specialist. Hijazi formerly worked in the accounting department at an engineering company in […]
EMU Students Join Google's Community Leaders Program
YPSILANTI — Five Eastern Michigan University students have been accepted into Google’s Community Leader’s Program, a volunteer operation in which students help equip local small businesses and non-profits to compete […]
Fourmidable Creates Real Estate Brokerage Division
BINGHAM FARMS — Fourmidable, a Bingham Farms-based national real estate management company, has formed a commercial and residential real estate brokerage division.
Carbon Media Begins Streaming Outdoor Lifestyle Programs
BINGHAM FARMS — Carbon Media Group, a producer of digital content for outdoor enthusiasts with a network of more than 500 websites, will now offer its proprietary digital lifestyle network, CarbonTV, to television viewers through Roku, a digital media player that allows viewers to stream Internet content to their televisions.
Michigan Companies Offer Increasing Number of Relocations
EVANSVILLE, IND.— More than 30 percent of Michigan companies that participated in a recent study by Atlas Van Lines said they relocated 200 employees or more in 2013, up from 20 percent in 2012.
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Lake Orion Allstate Agency Owner Earns Top Award
FARMINGTON HILLS — Allstate exclusive agency owner Kevin Mlynarek of Lake Orion has been recognized as Allstate’s 2013 Best in Company.
GM to Provide New Bikes for Kids Awaiting Adoption
Royal Oak – More than 200 children waiting to be adopted in Wayne County have never had the opportunity to experience the joy of owning new bicycles.
Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic to Benefit Detroit PAL
DETROIT —The 11th Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic will kick off the next decade of supporting Detroit youth on Aug. 11 at the Detroit Golf Club.
Detroit Gallery to Feature Weekly Creative Collaborations
DETROIT — The focused, speedy recovery of the Motor City ignites a stunning decision by local, woman-owned gallery to push businesses to the next level. The daily street vibe is […]
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JARC Activists Win Dove Awards from Oakland Arc
FARMINGTON HILLS — For the past 44 years, The Arc of Oakland County has honored groups and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the lives of people with intellectual […]
Michigan Companies Offer Higher Number of Relocations
More than 30 percent of Michigan companies that participated in a recent study by Atlas Van Lines said they relocated 200 employees or more in 2013, up from 20 percent […]
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Farbman Group Names New Executive Vice President
SOUTHFIELD – Farbman Group/NAI Farbman, a full-service real estate firm based in Southfield, has promoted Bill Bubniak from senior vice president to executive vice president. 
 
Bubniak has been with Farbman […]
YMCA Seeks Nominations for 2014 Detroit Achievers
DETROIT – The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit iCan Achieve program is seeking exceptional adults to nominate as 2014 Detroit Achievers. To celebrate its 34th year, the 2014 goal is to induct 34 new Detroit Achievers into our volunteer roles who will devote 34 hours to provide at least 34 youth with summer work experiences.
New Acts Added to Freedom Hill 2014 Summer Lineup
STERLING HEIGHTS – Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, one of the region’s premier outdoor entertainment venues, announced today that it is adding Bob Weir and RatDog along with Dwight Yoakam and The Devil Makes Three to this season’s 2014 summer lineup with a show on Aug. 30.
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AlpineWEB Honored with Best Small Business Award
GAYLORD — AlpineWEB and its subsidiary SunFrog Shirts, based in Gaylord were recently selected from among 5,500 companies to receive the Michigan Small Business Development Center’s Best Small Business Award […]
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A Magical Night at the Medallion 2014
Benefitting surgical services, Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals hosted A Magical Night at the Medallion on March 1 at Penna’s of Sterling in Sterling Heights. The event drew more than 400 people.
Canadian Government Awards Chrysler Plant for Going Green
WINDSOR — Chrysler’s Brampton Assembly Plant has been received a Leadership Award from the Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation for its innovative advancements and contributions to energy efficiency.
S&P Reaffirms Oakland County’s AAA Bond Rating
PONTIAC — On Thursday, Standard & Poor reaffirmed Oakland County’s AAA bond rating for the 17th consecutive year, awarding the highest credit ratings to the county’s short-term and long-term bonds.
E. coli Illnesses in Oakland Likely Related to Ground Beef
PONTIAC — The Michigan Departments of Community Health and Agriculture and Rural Development, along with local health departments in Oakland, Kent, Livingston, and Ottawa counties, are investigating a cluster of recent illnesses due to the bacteria E. coli O157. There is one confirmed case of an Oakland County resident who acquired the illness in Ohio, officials said today.
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DMC Names New CEO of Sinai Grace Hospital
DETROIT — The Detroit Medical Center has named Paula R. Autry the new CEO of Sinai-Grace Hospital. Autry currently serves as chief of staff and vice president of strategic planning […]
Detroit Dog Park Opens First Site Downtown
DETROIT — Detroit Dog Park, a nonprofit that turns vacant land into parks for dogs and people, is opening the city’s first canine-focused park at 17th and Rose streets in Corktown on Saturday.
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TRW Names New Director of Global Communications
LIVONIA —TRW Automotive Holding Corp. has named Colleen Hanley as director of global communications. In this role, Hanley will develop and execute the company’s global internal and external communications strategy […]
Medical Main Street Opens Registration for INNO-VENTION
WATERFORD — Oakland County’s Medical Main Street is seeking life science and health care companies to apply for space at INNO-VENTION 2014, an annual conference that enables companies to showcase innovative and eye-catching healthcare-related products at Demonstration Alley.
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GM Names New Senior VP of Global Communications
DETROIT — General Motors named Tony Cervone senior vice president of GM global communications. He rejoins GM from Volkswagen where he served as executive vice president of group communications […]
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Daifuku Webb Names Executive Vice President
FARMINGTON HILLS — Daifuku Webb Holding Co. has promoted John Doychich to executive vice president.
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Big Rock Names New Certified Executive Chef
BIRMINGHAM — Big Rock Chophouse of Birmingham has named Matthew A. Fitchett as its new certified executive chef.
Detroit Zoo Walk Raises $390,000 for Kidney Foundation
ANN ARBOR — The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan on Sunday held its annual Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo, gathering 4,500 attendees and raising $390,000 to support the foundation’s prevention programs and patient services that are offered to the 900,000 Michigan residents living with kidney disease, and many more at risk.
DMC Surgery Hospital to Offer Urgent Care July 1
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Detroit Medical Center Surgery Hospital will open an urgent care center on July 1 in place of the facility’s emergency room services. “We are transitioning our […]
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On the Road
Planterra launches wedding-in-a-box event planning.
Ziebart Introduces New Paint Protection Film
TROY — On Wednesday, Ziebart International began a statewide launch of “Z-Shield,” a clear paint protection film designed to safeguard cars against chips and scratch marks from stones, sand, and road debris.
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Local Charm
Operating 160 restaurants in Michigan, one community at a time.
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Remote Control
A virtual security firm in Troy reduces crime and saves money.
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Smoke Wagon
Bozeman Watch Co. joined up with Miguel Cabrera to create a luxury watch with humanitarian implications.
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PDA Q&A: Jerome Raska
An e-interview with Jerome Raska, the president of Blumz by JRDesigns in Ferndale.
Movement Electronic Music Festival Prepares for Weekend
DETROIT – The Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit will once again offer a variety of top-notch amenities designed to enhance the festival experience even more for the thousands expected to descend upon Hart Plaza this weekend, including some tantalizing new food and beverage options.
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Fore Income
How small contracts can lead to larger projects.
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Sisters Code
Marlin Page’s Detroit-area nonprofit Sisters Code weaves empowerment with technology.
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Construction Begins on Quicken Loans Tech Center
DETROIT — Quicken Loans Inc. and Bedrock Real Estate Services LLC, today began construction on the state-of-the-art Quicken Loans Technology Center, a 66,000-square-foot data center and office complex located at 1401 Rosa Parks Blvd. in Detroit’s up-and-coming Corktown district.
Computing Source Acquires MuniDeals
SOUTHFIELD – Mark St. Peter, CEO and managing director of Southfield-based Computing Source, announced today that the digital evidence and legal support firm has acquired MuniDeals.
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Water Wars
The future of Detroit’s Water and Sewage Department after the city’s Chapter 9 bankruptcy.