DBusiness Daily Update: Hudson

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.

Hudson-Webber Foundation Unveils Six-year Impact Report

The Trustees of the Detroit-based Hudson-Webber Foundation have released “Six Years in Review: Impact Report 2017-2022,” which highlights the organization’s milestone achievements in grantmaking and funding strategies.

The report, a first of its kind for the foundation, was initiated to have a better understanding of the impact of its strategy in Detroit. The report also documents and reflects on lessons learned from grantees and key external stakeholders and to inform the ongoing development of Hudson-Webber Foundation strategies and objectives moving forward.

“This report presents us with an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our nonprofit grantee partners who have been instrumental in driving positive change in Detroit,” says Melanca Clark, president and CEO of the Hudson-Webber Foundation.

Between 2017 and 2022, the Hudson-Webber Foundation awarded 241 grants to partner organizations totaling more than $36.5 million. The foundation moved significant resources to advance equitable neighborhood reinvestment and worked with partners to address critical social and economic, and community issues facing Detroiters, including housing stability and affordability, small business development and job access, the tax foreclosure crisis and mass incarceration.

Key metrics revealed in the report include:

“As the Hudson-Webber Foundation looks forward to its next chapter, it will remain committed to its mission and the growth of a vibrant city that provides opportunities for all Detroiters to prosper,” says Jennifer Hudson Parke, board chair. “The trustees and staff embrace the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to continued collaboration with our partners and stakeholders.”

To read the full report, visit here.

Godfrey Hotel Detroit in Corktown Accepting Reservations Starting Aug. 24

The Godfrey Hotel Detroit, Curio Collection by Hilton, a 227-room luxury lifestyle hotel located in historic Corktown, is accepting room reservations for guests to stay starting on Thursday, Aug. 24.

“Over the past two years, our team has been hard at work building a property that shows off the best of what the city of Detroit has to offer, and we are excited to start accepting reservations,” says Aaron Black, general manager of The Godfrey Hotel Detroit.

“Guests will enjoy the city’s best views from our indoor/outdoor I|O Rooftop lounge or can enjoy a meal at our restaurant, Hamilton by Samy Eid. Whether guests are staying at The Godfrey Hotel Detroit, Curio Collection by Hilton, for business, a wedding or using it as a jumping-off point for an urban adventure, guests can experience authentic local offerings and premier services and amenities.”

The hotel, located at 1401 Michigan Ave., features digital check-in, a lobby bar, five room options, pet-friendly rooms, a fitness center, valet parking, a 5,000-square-foot ballroom, four flexible meeting spaces, in-room dining, the city’s largest indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge, and more.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit godfreyhoteldetroit.com or call 313-385-0000.

EVgo and GM Open 1,000th DC Fast Charging Stall as Part of Charging Collaboration

Los Angeles-based EVgo Inc., one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for electric vehicles, and General Motors Co. in Detroit have surpassed 1,000 fast charging stalls as part of their collaboration to expand EV charging infrastructure.

First announced in 2020 and expanded upon in 2021, the collaboration is expected to lead to the development and installation of 3,250 DC fast charging stalls in major metro markets.

To date, EVgo and GM have opened fast charging stalls across nearly 230 locations in 39 markets covering 27 states, with the majority featuring high-power 350kW fast charging.

EVgo and GM are working together to broaden access to public charging where EV drivers already spend time, such as grocery stores, retail centers and city centers, while also serving the need for customers who are unable to charge at home or work, such as renters and those living in multifamily dwellings.

“The availability of fast charging infrastructure is key to widespread EV adoption and consumer confidence in all-electric transportation,” says Cathy Zoi, CEO at EVgo. “That is why we’re working with GM to build convenient and reliable fast charging stations across the country to serve current and future EV drivers.

“Today, we’ve hit a major milestone in our joint efforts to electrify the transportation sector and we look forward to further expanding our charging footprint with GM in the coming years to realize our vision of Electric for All.”

For more information, visit evgo.com.

Edward Rose & Sons in Bloomfield Hills Reach 70K Apartment Milestone

Edward Rose & Sons, a Bloomfield Hills-based property management company, has achieved the milestone of owning, developing, and managing 70,000 apartment homes.

The 70,000th apartment home, completed at Avant II Luxe+ Apartments on June 22 in Carmel, Ind., exemplifies Edward Rose & Sons’ dedication to delivering exceptional living spaces and elevating the communities they serve, the company says.

Led by CEO Warren Rose, the company has a legacy of more than 100 years in creating communities. Its focus on design, construction, and property management has fueled its growth and established it as a trusted name in the industry, according to the company.

“Our mission is to consistently deliver quality homes, communities, and services provided by caring, empowered, and committed team members,” Rose says. “Each apartment home within that 70,000 is just that, a home to someone. It’s the place where they find rest after their workday, the place they see their kids grow up, enjoy time with their pets, and make memories with their friends and families.”

Edward Rose & Sons conducted a celebration on July 13 to express gratitude to its team members, residents, clients, and partners who have contributed to this achievement.

Detroit Auto Dealers Association Fund Tops $7M in Giving

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan announced that it has made nine grants totaling $300,000 to support nonprofits improving the quality of life for children throughout this region.

These grants bring the DADA’s total giving since 1999 to more than $7 million.

The DADA Charitable Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation supports nonprofits that benefit children and youth in grades pre-K-12 throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, St. Clair, Monroe, and Livingston counties. The fund is supported by proceeds from the North American International Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview.

“The Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund is an example of the power of endowment to deliver on a donor’s wishes during good times and bad,” says Richard (Ric) DeVore, president of the Community Foundation. “The DADA has been building endowment with us for nearly 25 years. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic paused the North American International Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview, its biggest fundraiser, the DADA’s endowment allowed it to keep making critical grants. Fortunately, the charity preview is back, and ticket sales will once again benefit young people throughout our region.”

This year’s grants include:

This year’s Charity Preview is on Friday, Sept. 15. For more information, visit naias.com.

Michigan Ability Partners Receives $175K Grant from KeyBank Foundation

The KeyBank Foundation has awarded Michigan Ability Partners (MAP) in Ann Arbor a $175,000 grant to support the organization’s Permanent Supportive Housing services.

The grant dollars from the KeyBank Foundation will allow MAP to place 15 additional participants into permanent housing the first year, decreasing the homeless population, and to annually support 30 participants to maintain housing, preventing eviction.

Under the Permanent Supportive Housing program, MAP offers subsidized rent and long-term case management services for the chronically homeless. The organization owns and operates seven properties and continues to develop affordable housing. Participants eligible for this program are homeless, low-income and have a documented disability. Thanks to the efforts, 97 percent of participants remain stably housed.

“At Key, we believe all individuals should have access to safe and affordable housing,” says Dave Mannarino, Michigan market president for KeyBank. “We’re incredibly proud to support the mission of Michigan Ability Partners and the work their staff is doing to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors can achieve their goals and dreams.”

Applications Now Open for National Black Supplier Development Program

The National Business League (NBL) announces that applications are now open for the National Black Supplier Development Program (NBSDP) for the 2023/24 cohort.

Presented by Stellantis and in partnership with Comerica Bank, Cummins, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Lear Corp., Magna, and Toyota, the NBSDP was launched in 2021 to address the economic challenges faced by Black-owned businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to promote racial equity and inclusion following the murder of George Floyd, which ignited the global Black Lives Matter movement.

The NBSDP aims to empower Black suppliers and support their growth in the marketplace. The pandemic resulted in nearly 40 percent of the nation’s 3.2 million Black-owned businesses facing closure, prompting the NBL to collaborate with Stellantis as the founding sponsor for three years, receiving additional support from MPS Group, a prominent Black-owned BE 100 company. The program already has generated millions in contracts for Black businesses.

Black businesses seeking to capitalize on this exceptional opportunity for growth, development, and increased market access can now apply for the third cohort of the program here.

Trinity Health, Schoolcraft College Partner to Offer Employees New Career Paths

Schoolcraft College and Trinity Health Michigan, both in Livonia, announced a program to provide tuition assistance for Trinity Health employees seeking brighter career paths in eight critical health care fields.

“This big pipeline of talent from Trinity Health will get access to everything they need right here on the campus of Schoolcraft, from the classrooms of our new Health Sciences Center to Trinity Health’s on-campus community healthcare facility,” says Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft. “There’s nothing like this in Michigan.”

While other health systems offer tuition reimbursement for employees, this partnership of two Livonia-based enterprises is unique because it provides full tuition assistance to current employees and Schoolcraft students who express interest in working for the health system.

Trinity Health will prioritize flexibility so current employees can work while in school. This allows students who would otherwise be unable to financially attend school to further their education. In addition, the partnership offers a tailored workroom-to-classroom pipeline at a community college whose campus includes a private health system facility. The Trinity Health Michigan facility opened on the Schoolcraft campus in 2021 to offer a continuum of care to Livonia residents, the surrounding communities, and Schoolcraft students and faculty. The center includes primary, specialty, and urgent care, as well as pharmacy, surgery, advanced imaging, and other ancillary services.

“This is a win-win-win-win,” says Rob Casalou, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan and Southeast Regions. “Trinity Health employees get a new career path for little or no tuition. Schoolcraft gets a pipeline of students. Trinity Health Michigan deepens our bench of first-class healthcare talent. And the communities of Southeast Michigan benefit from a continuum of Trinity Health Michigan services at the conveniently located Schoolcraft campus.”

Pet Supplies Plus to Host Adoption Event at Detroit Lions Training Camp on Thursday

Livonia-based Pet Supplies Plus will host the first adoption event at the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park on Thursday.

Occurring during the Lions training camp, dogs of various breeds and ages will be available for adoption from 7:30-11 a.m.

Marked as Pet Adoption Day at the Detroit Lions training camp, Pet Supplies Plus has partnered with local rescues including Bark Nation, Macomb County Animal Control, and Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control who will have adoption-ready dogs. Each adoption will be free of charge, as Purina Pro Plan is covering all costs and will be distributing coupons.

“As a Detroit-based company, we’re especially honored to be able to host the first adoption event at the Detroit Lions training camp,” says Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “Being engrained in the communities we serve is woven into our brand’s DNA, and it is incredibly special that we get to help some dogs find their forever homes right here in our backyard.”

Football fans and dog-lovers alike can participate in giveaways for tailgate essentials and Pet Supplies Plus gift cards. Attendees also will be able to get their hands, or paws, on swag items including t-shirts, treats, and more. The Detroit Lions cheerleaders and mascot Roary also will be in attendance.

“We are proud as an organization to host our first-ever Pet Adoption Day, especially with a local partner as well trusted in the community as Pet Supplies Plus,” says Mace Aluia, vice president of corporate partnerships for the Detroit Lions. “As we continue to reach fans in places we haven’t before, the touchpoint of not only offering an opportunity to bring a new member of the family home directly from the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility, but to waive the cost of adoption, is significant.”

Focus: HOPE Center for Children is Open for Enrollment

Focus: HOPE in Detroit, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, racism, and injustice, has opened enrollment for its Center for Children’s early childhood programs.

“Our early learning programs at Focus: HOPE have been instrumental in shaping the lives of hundreds of children and families in the community,” says Waymond Hayes, director of Early Learning at Focus: HOPE. “The Center for Children educates over 200 children per year and provides over 250 mothers with various support services. We’re honored that our programs have been recognized for our outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.”

One of the notable programs within Focus: HOPE’s early learning programs is the Great Start Readiness program. This preschool program provides a full-day curriculum for four-year-olds, emphasizing hands-on learning, creative expression, and the development of fundamental math and reading skills. The program also offers meals and snacks, ensuring children receive proper nutrition throughout the day.

For more information and to enroll, interested parents can visit here or call 313-494-4400.

Michigan Women’s Expo Accepting Exhibitor Applications

The Michigan Women’s Expo, set to take place Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi is currently accepting exhibitor applications.

The three-day expo will feature hundreds of women-owned and women-focused businesses offering products, services, samples, and demonstrations.

More information and the exhibitor application can be requested here. The expo will have hundreds of booths and is expected to sell out.

“We’re delighted to bring our successful Women’s Expo brand to Novi by hosting a show that truly offers something for every woman, from fashion to health and fitness to home décor and more,” says Pam Glass, president of Kohler Expos. “We’ve had strong interest from exhibitors locally and around the state who recognize face-to-face marketing continues to be one of the best ways to engage customers.

“Whether you are an established business looking to attract new customers or a startup testing the waters with a new product or service, Michigan Women’s Expo provides an affordable way to engage directly with consumers.”

Metronet Delivers Ultra-high-speed Fiber Optic Internet to Portage

Indiana-based Metronet announced that residents and businesses located in initial construction areas of Portage, near Kalamazoo, now have access to 100 percent fiber optic internet.

As Metronet’s service becomes available throughout the city, residents will have access to multi-gigabit speeds up to 2 gigabits; and businesses may access speeds up to 10 gigabits.

With access to 100 percent fiber optic internet, customers will experience ultra-high-speed service that connects directly to their home or business, bringing symmetrical upload and download speeds right to their device, free of buffering. Customers located in Metronet’s initial construction areas may now sign up for service installation online at metronet.com.

“We know how important access to a fast internet connection is, and we are excited to serve as another provider option for Portage as we expand to more communities throughout Michigan,” says Ben Ruzick, government affairs director at Metronet. “We know that Portage will quickly see the impact that service like ours can provide. With future-proof internet speeds, Portage is now powered with an infrastructure that will grow with the needs of the community, supporting future goals and achievements.”

Life Remodeled Calling for Volunteers

Life Remodeled, a Detroit-based nonprofit that repurposes properties into one-stop hubs of opportunity, is calling for volunteers for two upcoming projects.

The first is the organization’s annual Health and Wellness Community Block Party at the Durfee Innovation Society on Aug. 18. Life Remodeled needs volunteers to help with set-up and tear-down, food service, managing activities like bounce houses and face painting, and more as it serves more than 500 Detroiters as they access the resources provided at the event.

For more information and to volunteer, visit here.

The second is the group’s Six Day Project (6DP) to clear blight and beautify Detroit’s neighborhoods Oct. 2-7. Life Remodeled needs volunteers to help with set-up, equipment prep, neighborhood canvassing, registration, parking cars, and more. Volunteers who take on these roles have the option of working just one day of the week or multiple.

Visit here for more information and to sign up.

Planet Fitness Launches School Supply Drive for Boys & Girls Clubs

More than 50 Detroit-area Planet Fitness locations are conducting a school supply drive with all donations benefiting children in grades K-12 at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM).

The drive runs through 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at every Planet Fitness location in the area. The locations are owned and operated by two franchise groups — EPIC Fitness Group and Impact Fitness. Find a location here.

Items being collected range from writing utensils and notebooks to art supplies, backpacks, and more. There is no minimum donation and Planet Fitness members and nonmembers are invited to contribute. All items will be distributed by BGBSM staff to local children in need.