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.
Ford Fireworks to Color Detroit Skyline June 24
The Ford Fireworks is set for its annual summer show over the Detroit River on Monday, June 24, at 10 p.m. In its 66th edition, this fireworks display will drench the Detroit skyline in color and attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to downtown Detroit.
The Ford Fireworks, produced by The Parade Co., is recognized as one of the largest and most magnificent shows in America and broadcast live on WDIV-Local 4.
“The Ford Fireworks inspires awe and excitement in Detroit and well beyond with a magnificent fireworks display lighting up a truly iconic American skyline,” says Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Co. “We are once again honored and privileged to work with the amazing team at Ford Motor Company to bring the people of Detroit and our region this incredible event for the 66th year.”
Mary Culler, president of the Ford Motor Co. Fund, says: “Ford is proud to be a longtime partner of The Parade Co. and to support one of the most cherished events of the summer,” said. “We look forward to bringing everyone together again to celebrate and honor America, our great city and the people and communities that make Detroit so special.”
As producers of the Ford Fireworks, The Parade Co. selects the musical arrangement and works exclusively with Zambelli Fireworks to create the world-class display made up of more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects that are visible for miles along the Detroit River. This year’s show, themed Color the Sky with Sunshine is once free and open to the public with views from Hart Plaza, Belle Isle, and beyond.
Limited tables and tickets are available for the Ford Fireworks Rooftop Party presented by Ford Motor Co., offering the best seats in the city to view the fireworks. Guests will enjoy live music with Your Generation in Concert, catering by Andiamo, games, giveaways and more. To learn more, visit theparade.org or call 313-923-7400. All proceeds benefit the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation.
In related news: USA Today has nominated the Ford Fireworks as one of the Best Places to See Fireworks this summer. The public can vote online daily for the Ford Fireworks as Best Place to See Fireworks here from now through May 13.
UWM to Host First-time Homebuyer Community Event April 24
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) in Pontiac is hosting a free first-time homebuyer community event aimed at providing consumers with a comprehensive understanding of the homebuying process at 6:30 p.m. on April 24 at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac.
Attendees will hear from leaders at Hall Financial, a local independent mortgage expert; Broadwell Homes powered by REAL Broker, a local real estate expert; and UWM. Each will share their insights and expertise, offering advice on the homebuying experience, and covering everything from saving for a down payment to finding a real estate agent to what to expect at the closing table. There also will be an opportunity for a Q&A at the end of the event.
Registration is free and open to the public. To register, visit here.
Novi’s Cunningham-Limp Continues Farmington Hills Project for Japanese Company
Novi-based Cunningham-Limp continues its efforts with the 10-acre project it is developing for Japan Solderless Terminals (JST), a global leader in the connection industry, while building its industry reputation in earth-friendly design/build solutions.
The JST parcel at 35917 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, hailed by some as Michigan’s most holistically sustainable commercial project, began development in 2019 after years of planning. The Test Lab, the first of six buildings on the JST site, will be completed this spring 2024.
“There’s a craving among forward-thinking leaders and creators in the U.S. and around the world to holistically embrace sustainable design at the outset of a development project, whether it be a community building, municipal structure, or commercial office space,” says Samuel J. Ashley Jr., president of Cunningham-Limp. “Our work with the JST concept since its inception has allowed Cunningham-Limp to take the lead in new, varied sustainable projects that align with our commitment of building better communities.”
As Cunningham-Limp celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, the company noted current and recently completed projects with an emphasis on sustainability, including:
- Northville Township Essential Services Complex
- Ypsilanti Health Center
- UL Solutions Advanced Battery Lab (Auburn Hills)
- TÜV SÜD Battery Lab (Auburn Hills)
- TI Fluid Systems e-Mobility Innovation Center (eMIC) Expansion (Auburn Hills)
Dick’s Sporting Goods, SidelineSwap Expand Resale Partnership in 2024
Dick’s Sporting Goods and SidelineSwap, an online marketplace for new and used sporting goods, are expanding their resale partnership for the third straight year to offer SidelineSwap’s re-commerce services to more Dick’s athletes throughout the U.S.
The growth of this partnership comes in direct response to consumers’ increased interest in resale to both save money and live more sustainable lifestyles.
Throughout 2024, Dick’s athletes will be able to drop-off their used sports gear at SidelineSwap trade-in events at select Dick’s locations throughout the U.S. The used gear will be evaluated by SidelineSwap buying experts, and athletes will be paid with Dick’s e-gift cards to use toward their next purchase. Items that do not qualify for trade-in can be donated or recycled responsibly.
More detail on store locations and dates for upcoming events can be found here.
AF Group in Lansing Joins Insurance Information Institute
AF Group in Lansing has joined the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).
AF Group is a holding company whose affiliated insurance companies provide specialty insurance solutions offered through independent agents nationwide including property, commercial auto, assumed reinsurance, fronting, trucking, assigned risk pools, wholesale operations, liability, third party administration operations, as well as workers’ compensation.
Triple-I members receive members-only quarterly industry economic and underwriting forecast reports and may reproduce Triple-I members-only editorial content for redistribution to management, employees, agents, and policyholders. They also are given a discounted registration fee for the annual Joint Industry Forum, which is scheduled for Nov. 19-20 in Miami, Fla.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Drafts Fritz Pollard Alliance Academy Students
The Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation in Detroit has announced NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will participate in the Fritz Pollard Alliance Academy Draft Breakfast at 8 a.m. on April 26 at the International Banquet and Conference Center (400 Monroe St.) in downtown Detroit.
The Fritz Pollard Alliance Academy Draft Breakfast serves as a platform to honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional characteristics in promoting diversity within the sports industry.
Barry Sanders will receive the inaugural Fritz Pollard Alliance Legacy Award for espousing the exemplary qualities of Fritz Pollard and for his contributions to humanity. The late Bill Walsh, a Pro Football Hall of Fame college and NFL coach, will be honored posthumously with the Daniel M. Rooney Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contributions to football. Brad Holmes, executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Lions will receive the Salute to Excellence Award for his excellence of managing a professional team. Blake Corum, All-American from the University of Michigan will receive the Fritz Pollard Alliance Trophy, given to the collegiate player who embodies the spirit and characteristics of Fritz Pollard on and off the field. Neera Shetty, executive vice president, office of social responsibility and inclusion, PGA Tour, will be honored for outstanding leadership in promoting diversity in golf.
The event also will serve as the launch of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Jr. Academy, which will feature NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell officially drafting 14 ninth-grade student-athletes for their academic, community service, and sports accomplishments.
The Fritz Pollard Alliance is named after Fritz Pollard, who became the NFL’s first Black head coach when he led the Akron Pros in 1921. His accomplishments earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. The alliance was founded in 2003 by attorneys Johnnie Cochran and Cyrus Mehri to advance diversity of coaches and executives in the NFL. Today, the NFL has nine minority head coaches; eight minority general managers, and six team presidents.
Gardner White to Host American Red Cross Blood Drives in 10 Store Locations April 23 and 25
Gardner White in Warren is proud to partner with American Red Cross to host Blood Drives in 10 store locations on April 23 and April 25 from 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit Gardnerwhite.com.
April 23 locations include Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, and Taylor.
April 25 locations include Canton Township, Howell, Novi, Saginaw, Shelby Township, Waterford Township, and Warren.
As a token of appreciation, all participants will receive a certificate for $50 off their next purchase at any Gardner White. Plus, each store will have a drawing in which one participant will receive a $500 Gardner White gift certificate.
Habitat for Humanity Partners with Oakland County to Offer Pontiac Repair Program
Oakland County, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, has established a program to provide grants for minor home repairs to eligible households within the city of Pontiac.
The program offers a variety of home repairs, helping homeowners to repair and replace roofs, heating systems, plumbing, water heaters, electrical hazards, improve accessibility, windows and doors, deck and porch repairs, kitchen and bath upgrades, as well as a variety of other home upgrades.
The program is not intended for emergency home repairs. For heating emergencies — no heat during extremely cold weather, Nov. 1-April 1 — applicants will be referred to other emergency programs.
A limited amount of grant money is available and will be distributed to eligible households based on the following criteria:
- The repair is estimated to cost less than $25,000.
- Priority is given to seniors 62 years and older.
- The program will be first-come, first-served determined by a completed application.
- The home must be a single-family, owner-occupied dwelling.
- The home must be located in one of the qualified areas.
For more information, please reach out to the Partner and Community Programs Team at 248- 338-1843 ext. 200 or email Intake@HabitatOakland.org. To submit an application, visit here.
River Rouge School District Announces Sports Documentary, Partnership with DQS Solutions & Staffing
The River Rouge Panthers, the winningest high school boys’ basketball program in the history of Michigan High School basketball, has been featured in the documentary “Rouge,” created by filmmaker Hamoody Jaafar.
Jaafar, who masterfully shares a history of winning that began with Lofton C. Greene and his willingness to integrate the team during an era of segregation to a story of the top ranked 2020 boys’ team, led by Lamonte Stone, whose season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic as they were preparing to win their 15th state championship.
In addition, the River Rouge School District and DQS Solutions and Staffing announced a $2 million partnership including naming rights for DQS/Panther Stadium and other marketing opportunities throughout the district. DQS also will provide an annual investment, yearly scholarships, paid summer internships, training, and job opportunities for graduates.
New Detroit Historical Museum Exhibit to Showcase Jewish Immigrant Life
The Detroit Historical Society is partnering with Jewish Historical Society of Michigan for In the Neighborhood: Everyday Life on Hastings Street exhibit opening on April 20.
The exhibition explores Jewish immigrant life on Hastings Street, showcasing choices, adversities, triumphs, and cultural synergies, starting in the 1880s through the area’s transition into the Black Bottom/Paradise Valley neighborhood.
Prior to 1930, Hastings Street, which later became a center for Black culture and commerce, was home to many immigrants, including working-class Jews who fled Eastern Europe driven by the terror and violence of antisemitism. This new exhibit, presented by Jewish Historical Society of Michigan, follows Jewish immigrants’ experiences from Europe to Detroit to Hastings Street. A blend of artifacts and storytelling gives visitors a rare peek into Jewish life of the period.
Exhibit-Related Programs include:
- Opening reception for sponsors: Thursday, April 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Family Program Drop In: Scrap-Enger Hunt, Sunday, May 5, 1-3 p.m.
- Catherine Cangany: Kosher Meat Riot of 1910, Sunday, May 5, 2:30 p.m.
- Panel Discussion: Black Bottom Then & Now, Thursday, May 16, 6:30 p.m.
- Yiddish Film Night: “Uncle Moses” (1932) Thursday, June 20, 6 p.m.
- Family Program Drop In: Shopping for Shabbat, Sunday, June 30, 1-3 p.m.
- Julia DiLaura: Schlussel Bathhouse Archaeology, Sunday, June 30, 2:30 p.m.
- Panel Discussion: Immigration: Past & Present, Thursday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.
- Klezmer Concert featuring Klezundheit: Sunday, July 14, 5 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. Breakers Covenant Church International (formerly Temple Beth El), 8801 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
For more information, visit here.
DSO Violinist Kimberly Kennedy Records ‘An Armenian Trilogy’
Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) violinist Kimberly Kennedy has recorded “The Freedom,” the first movement of Dan Yessian’s classical composition “An Armenian Trilogy.”
The performance was recorded to commemorate Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, which takes place April 24.
Kennedy started performing with the DSO in 1998 at the age of 22 and is now associate concertmaster. She visited Yessian Music in Farmington Hills to make the recording to honor the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottoman empire and Yessian’s effort to commemorate them. To watch Kennedy’s performance, go to the blog page at armeniantrilogy.com.
Gesher Human Services Offers Financial Trauma Webinars
Gesher Human Services in Southfield will be conducting two free online webinars in May to address financial trauma, the emotional and psychological distress caused by negative financial experiences that significantly impact an individual’s well-being.
The two-part webinar will discuss how trauma can be due to overwhelming debt or job loss, or due to generational financial hardships or behaviors with money.
Part 1 of Financial Trauma: Impacts and Behaviors will take place May 3 at 1 p.m. Part 2 will take place May 17 at 1 p.m. The programs are free, and participants are not required to attend both programs. Registration is available on the events page at geshermi.org.
The programs will discuss potential triggers for financial trauma and identify techniques for how to handle money-related stresses from childhood and throughout life, as well as current circ*mstances that individuals are facing. Referrals to outside agencies for additional help will also be available.
Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon Set for May 8 in Novi
Oakland Thrive, which works to bolster economic development throughout Oakland County, is presenting its Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 8 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
The Economic Outlook Luncheon is an opportunity for business owners, elected officials, and community leaders to get insight into the economic future for Oakland County.
This event includes Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson, University of Michigan Economist Gabriel Ehrlich, and more. There also will be a panel discussion on the future of manufacturing in Oakland County.
Space is limited. Register here. Registration will remain open until May 1 or until sold out.
Sponsorships also available. Contact hello@oaklandthrive.org if interested.
