DBusiness Daily Update: Eaton in Southfield Changes Name of its Vehicle Group, and More

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.

Eaton in Southfield Changes Name of its Vehicle Group

 Southfield-based intelligent power management company Eaton has changed the name of its Vehicle Group and eMobility businesses to the Mobility Group.

The company says the change represents its focus on providing solutions across the propulsion spectrum and meeting the evolving needs of its customers from internal combustion to electrified or a combination of both.

“Our new name, Mobility Group, leverages our 100-plus years of diverse experience in the vehicle space and Eaton’s extensive electrical background at a time when the industry is quickly becoming a mixed market of internal combustion and electrified vehicles,” says Pete Denk, president of Eaton’s Mobility Group.

Eaton will continue to offer traditional powertrain solutions as manufacturers and the industry determine optimal propulsion systems based on market demands. To support increasing degrees of electrification, the Mobility Group offers a suite of technologies, including power distribution solutions, power electronics, and transmissions that improve safety, efficiency, and performance.

Power connection solutions were introduced following the acquisition in 2022 of Royal Power Solutions. The principal markets for the Mobility Group are original equipment manufacturers of on- and off-highway vehicles and aftermarket customers.

Eaton designs, manufactures, and supplies drivetrain, powertrain systems, and critical components that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, stability, performance, and safety.

Five Burger King Locations to Reopen in Metro Detroit

Burger King Franchisee Union Burgers has announced plans to reopen five newly acquired BK restaurants in metro Detroit. This is part of the brand’s “Reclaim the Flame” strategy announced in September 2022 to reinvigorate the system with committed operators and modernized restaurants designed to enhance the guest experience.

The first restaurant of the five restaurants opened Aug. 15 at 2411 8 Mile Rd in Warren.

Union Burgers entered the Burger King system in 2019, and previously operated five restaurants. This acquisition brings its total portfolio to 10 Burger King restaurants in metro Detroit and surrounding areas. The reopening of these five locations will bring 150-200 jobs to the community and is the first step in bringing more new and refreshed Burger King locations to the area.

“At Union Burgers LLC, we are passionate about refreshing and remodeling restaurants to keep guests coming back for years to come and creating an environment for our teams that they are proud to be a part of,” says John Pastor, CEO of Union Burgers. “We’re excited to bring hundreds of jobs to our community and offer Guests a refreshed experience along with their flame-grilled Whopper they can’t get anywhere else.”

The additional restaurants set to open will be located at 13600 W. McNichols and 15500 W. Seven Mile Road in Detroit; 10336 W. Eight Mile Road in Ferndale; and 30711 Southfield Road in Southfield.

MSU Board of Trustees Votes to Permit Alcohol Sales at University Events

The Michigan State University Board of Trustees conducted a special meeting today to adjust university alcohol policies regulating the sale of alcohol in certain venues on campus.

In a unanimous vote, trustees approved amendments to the university’s alcoholic beverage ordinances and discussed efforts to address binge drinking at athletics events.

“The actions we are taking today create a better fan experience for Spartans and those visiting our athletic venues,” says Rema Vassar, chair of the board of trustees. “Amending our alcoholic beverage ordinance to limit alcohol-related incidents creates a more welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.”

Recent data from peer institutions show regulating the purchase of alcohol during athletic events reduces binge drinking and alcohol-related incidents, making it unnecessary for fans to overconsume alcohol knowing they will have access to regulated sales in the venue. In the first year of sales, alcohol-related incidents at Ohio State University, Indiana University, and University of Iowa decreased by 30 percent or more, according to each institutions’ reports.

The university plans for sales to begin during the MSU vs. Washington football game at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 16, pending approved licensing from the state, procurement of equipment, and appropriate staff training. Additional future venues would potentially include Breslin Students Events Center, Munn Ice Arena, and Old College Field.

Green Living Science, Gilbert Family Foundation Announce Our Backyard Detroit Party

Detroit’s Green Living Science, in collaboration with the Gilbert Family Foundation, today announced the inaugural Our Backyard Detroit Block Party from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 19 at Pingree Park in Detroit.

The event is a celebration of the Our Backyard Detroit program, which was created by Green Living Science and the Gilbert Family Foundation to increase access to healthy green spaces in Detroit.

The program utilizes resident ambassadors to facilitate engagement, stewardship, and collaboration in support of eight city parks. Our Backyard Detroit selected eight residents out of a total of nearly 40 applicants, who were already stewards of their parks and provided them with additional resources to promote a healthier and cleaner city. These paid positions bridge the gap between city departments and public community spaces in parks across Detroit.

Eight individuals, called Detroit champions, have transformed local parks into vibrant community hubs through a range of unique, community-informed activities. They execute community events, lead cleanups and beautification initiatives and foster connections between neighborhood residents and their local green spaces.

“We can’t wait to see the turnout to both celebrate the success of this program and provide a fun, inclusive and accessible celebration for all Detroit residents,” said Natalie Jakub, executive director of Green Living Science. “Together, we’ve transformed our parks and created a positive impact that’s visible in every corner of Detroit.”

The Gilbert Family Foundation invested $200,000 in this initiative, providing beautification grants to the eight parks.

Block party attendees will have the chance to enjoy a variety of food trucks, explore a Community Resource Fair, and take part in activities such as bounce houses and face painting. Additionally, there will be an interactive photo booth for capturing memories.

Tickets are free and can be acquired here.

Daxton Hotel in Birmingham to Host Dream Cruise Party

The Daxton Hotel in Birmingham will be hosting a Woodward Dream Cruise Party Aug. 18-20 with live jazz music in the lobby and specialty car-themed cocktails.

The hotel is expanding its offers for the weekend with more food, drinks, and treats.

Live jazz will be played on Saturday from noon-5 p.m. Daxton Delights, a walk-up window on the northwest side of the building off Old Woodward Avenue, will be open from 2-9:30 p.m. Specialty cocktails will be available at the Geode bar all weekend.

Among the drinks being served:

• Pink Cadillac — Vodka, Rose, Pomegranate, Prosecco
• Stingray — Tequila, Cherry, Fresno Pepper, Ginger Beer
• Mustang Sally — Gin, Chambord, Hibiscus, Cranberry Bitters
• Lowrider — Mezcale, Coconut, Pineapple, Orange Bitters

The Daxton Hotel is located at 298 S Old Woodward Ave. in downtown Birmingham.

Detroit’s Ludwig+, Birmingham’s OneStream Software Makes the Inc. 5000

Detroit-based brand actualization and business acceleration agency Ludwig+ and OneStream Software in Birmingham have been named to Inc. magazine’s 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Woman-owned Ludwig+ cracked the list for the first time, debuting at No. 422. This is OneStream’s eighth appearance on the list. It is ranked No. 4,082.

The ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment — independent, entrepreneurial businesses.

“We’re so excited to be featured on the Inc. 5000 list,” says Barbara Yolles Ludwig, CEO of Ludwig+. “Since our founding in 2019, we’ve experienced 600 percent revenue growth. This recognition is a direct reflection of our brilliant team and amazing clients. We are so tremendously proud of this recognition.”

Tom Shea, CEO at OneStream Software, says: “OneStream’s recognition on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list is a testament to the market demand we are seeing for cloud-based financial software that can help organizations plan, report, and analyze their operations with speed and agility.

“With a mission of delivering 100 percent customer success, we are enhancing our platform with AI and ML capabilities that empower Finance leaders with enhanced productivity and rapid insights to drive confident decision making. We are honored to receive this recognition for the eighth consecutive year and will continue to pave the way for organizations to achieve long-term success in today’s ever-changing business landscape.”

OneStream has grown 111 percent over the past three years.

For complete list of the Inc. 5000, visit here.

Bank of America Invests $2.4M in 47 Metro Detroit Nonprofits

Bank of America is awarding $2.4 million in grants to 47 metro Detroit nonprofit organizations focused on addressing food insecurity, access to quality education and health care, and building pathways to employment and economic mobility through workforce development.

A grant to COTS will support essential services such as emergency shelters, supportive housing, and affordable housing as well as the Self-Sufficiency Framework, a researched-based transformative coaching and mentorship strategy designed to create poverty-resistant families. Forgotten Harvest received a grant to support its Health Kids Program, an initiative to provide nutritious food to nearly 25,000 children in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

The bank’s grant to The Greening of Detroit will support the Detroit Conservation Corps’ Workforce Development Program that connects low-income Detroiters to sustainable, family-supporting jobs in urban forestry, landscaping, arboriculture, and nursery care. Additionally, a grant to NPower will provide a training pathway to IT careers for military veterans and vulnerable young adults.

“Partnering with Detroit nonprofit organizations to address issues like prevention and access to healthcare and youth workforce development and employment is part of our approach to fostering economic mobility and equitable progress,” says Matt Elliott, president, Bank of America Michigan. “These investments demonstrate how we are taking action to provide our community with the essential resources and support needed to help people succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s economy.”

The four first-time grant recipients are:

The Carr Center, an organization whose work extends beyond performance, presentation and exhibition of African American arts, but is equally focused on new work and building the next generation of artists and audiences.

The Children’s Center, which provides specialized clinical services for children who struggle with behavioral, emotional, intellectual, and developmental challenges or may have experienced trauma.

MCHS Family of Services, a child welfare agency that provides foster care and adoption, transitional living, child abuse prevention, and community wellness programs.

WHOH Detroit, whose mission is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community through traditional and non-traditional sports as well as serve inner-city youth to create a pathway for higher education and careers.

These grants are among the $18 million Bank of America has awarded to Detroit nonprofits since 2018 as part of the company’s commitment to delivering responsible growth to improve the financial lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.

Additional background about Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation giving can be found here.

Total Health Care Foundation Announces New Name, $900K in Grants

The Total Health Care Foundation in Detroit has changed its name to Priority Health Total Health Foundation following the merger of Total Health Care and Priority Health. The name change was implemented to showcase Priority Health’s commitment to Southeast Michigan communities.

The organization also announced 10 new grant recipients, totaling more than $900,000.

The funds will be used to address the social determinants of health (SDoH) affecting Detroit and southeast Michigan, such as food and housing shortages, economic stability, and physical/mental health issues.

The recipients include:

• Because of His Love Outreach
• Canines for Change
• Cass Community Social Services
• City of Inkster
• Haven Homes of Detroit
• Humble Design
• Legal Aid and Defender
• Neighborhood Service Organization
• Pope Francis Center
• USNAP BAC

“Priority Health and the Priority Health Total Health Foundation are thrilled to be able to invest in these organizations so they can continue to expand and push their initiatives forward to help address concerns within their communities,” says Shannon Wilson, executive director of the Priority Health Total Health Foundation. “We are committed to helping improve the health and well-being of the people of Detroit and the most effective way to do that is by investing in organizations that are making a difference and successfully transforming lives.”

For more information, please visit priorityhealth.com.

Performance Coach Greg Harden Publishes ‘Stay Sane in an Insane World’

After more than 30 years of building athletes at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, performance coach Greg Harden has published a book titled “Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive.”

In “Stay Sane,” Harden poses the same question he asked a young Tom Brady when he first entered his office: Why should I believe in you, if you don’t believe in yourself?

Harden coaches the reader how to practice, train, and rehearse to give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time, making hard work and extreme effort second nature.

Readers will learn to:

• Stop fearing fear: When fear and self-doubt are predictable, they become manageable.
• Control the controllables: Emotions, reactions, and responses must be mastered first.
• Commit, improve, and maintain: Small improvements daily are vital to a transformed life.
• Become the world’s greatest expert on yourself: It’s the only way to become the best
• version of yourself.
• Practice self-love and self-acceptance: The keys to eliminating and replacing self-defeating
• attitudes and behaviors.

“I highly recommend this book as a must-read, says Jim Harbaugh, head football coach at U-M. “Greg and I have worked together since my days as a player at Michigan and now as a head coach for the Wolverines. He has been instrumental in creating championship cultures in and out of sports.”

Desmond Howard, Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP, says: “If Greg Harden wasn’t at the University of Michigan, I don’t win the Heisman.”

For more information and to purchase the book, visit here.

C & C Heating & Air Conditioning in Roseville Celebrates Diamond Anniversary

C & C Heating & Air Conditioning in Roseville will spend August honoring its employees and its heritage by celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary.

“It’s been a privilege to serve the citizens in the greater Detroit area for this long,” says Dayna Hottle, general manager of C & C Heating & Air Conditioning. “When my grandfather started this business 75 years ago, it was his goal to offer the best HVAC services in the area and do it for a reasonable price. Our longevity is proof that his goals were reached.”

Hottle’s grandfather, Joe Corrion, and his brother, Roger Corrion, whose family had immigrated from Belgium, were raised on their family’s farm in Fraser. After years of agricultural work, the brothers decided that farming was not the lifestyle either of them wanted. So, they began to learn the heating and cooling trade as a way to support themselves and their families.

In August 1948, the brothers opened C & C, and the heating and cooling company became a staple in the community. The business enabled Joe Corrion to put his son, Jim Corrion, Hottle’s father, through college. While Jim Corrion didn’t work in the family business at the time, he did remain in the trades after graduating from college.

In 1977, Hottle’s grandfather passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Both his sons and their families decided it was time to come back home to C & C and took over the business. Hottle also put her time into C & C as a child by answering phones and performing light office work.

Hottle worked part time while she was in school, and worked during holidays and breaks while she attended Albion College. After graduating with an economics degree, she began working as C & C’s operations manager in 2005.

The family worked together as the business continued to grow, and they added new employees. In 2016, Hottle’s uncle passed away and the family rallied again in the wake of his passing to make sure C & C stayed open and continued to serve its customers.

By 2022, Hottle was ready to become the third generation of Corrions to take on the role of managing the family business. She took the reins as the company’s general manger in January of that year and has vowed to keep the company family-owned and operated.

“It’s been a great ride, and it’s one we plan to continue for as long as we can,” she says. “Our customers are our lifeblood. Without them, we wouldn’t have made it 75 years. We hope we can serve them for another 75 years or more.”

The company that started with three employees now boasts 80 workers and a fleet of more than 50 trucks.

MSUFCU Donates $175K to Habitat for Humanity Capital Region, Detroit Public Theatre

The Desk Drawer Fund, the philanthropic foundation of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) in East Lansing, is awarding $175,000 in grants to two community organizations — Habitat for Humanity Capital Region and the Detroit Public Theatre — supporting their efforts to make positive impacts on our community.

The donation to Habitat for Humanity Capital Region falls under the stable housing pillar. The Desk Drawer Fund Board of Directors approved $150,000 to be awarded ($75,000 for the first year, $50,000 for the second, and $25,000 for the third).

The grant funds will allow Habitat for Humanity Capital Region to own the land on which the nonprofit builds homes — a new opportunity for the organization. Ownership will grant Habitat for Humanity Capital Region greater control and the ability to generate more revenue.

A $25,000 donation to the Detroit Public Theatre was approved by the Desk Drawer Fund Board of Directors under the arts and culture pillar.

The Detroit Public Theatre is a regional theater that provides educational programs throughout Michigan. It aims to involve the community and promote local talent by partnering with theater training programs at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan to hire and keep performers in the state. Its mission is to create bold, relevant work that illuminates the thrills, joys, and challenges of our shared human experience.

For more information, visit deskdrawerfund.org.

Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills Presents ‘The Suitcase’ Musical of Sept. 10

The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills will be hosting an in-person musical performance of “The Suitcase” at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10.

This one-man show will be performed by Tim Lorsch, a Nashville-based producer, session player, arranger, and songwriter with more than 40 years of experience in the music industry.

After receiving the suitcase his great-uncle Julius brought to a Nazi concentration camp, Lorsch embarked on an emotional journey to share his family’s harrowing experiences before, during, and after the Holocaust.

“The Suitcase” is a multimedia show featuring eight musical pieces that blend narrative storytelling, visual projection of photos and videos, and all-original music. Lorsch creates an orchestra of one, using “live looping” technology and electrically amplified classical string instruments.

His performance serves as a remembrance of Julius, one of the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The musical journey also evokes the vulnerability and resilience of immigrants who forged new lives for themselves and their children after history’s darkest period.

“We are honored to have ‘The Suitcase’ come to metro Detroit,” says Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO of the Zekelman Holocaust Center. “This powerful and moving performance offers a profound reflection on the Holocaust, reminding us of the importance of preserving history and fostering hope for a better future.”

Registration is required for attendance. Visit here or call 248-553-2400.

Hazel Park Art Fair Return to Green Acres Park Aug. 26-27

The Hazel Park Art Fair, a free and family-friendly event presented by the Hazel Park Arts Council, will return to Green Acres Park Aug. 26-27.

The Hazel Park Art Fair is an opportunity for new emerging artists to get introduced to the fair circuit and for experienced and polished fine art artists to share their work with the Hazel Park community.

“This is an art fair for the artists,” says Amy Aubry, chairperson of the Hazel Park Art Fair Planning Committee. “We’re celebrating their work and working with them to share it with the wonderful Hazel Park community.”

Nearly 100 artist vendors of all media including painters, jewelers, glass blowers, potters, photographers, digital artists, and more will be on hand.

In addition to shopping and perusing the artists’ booths, attendees will be able to enjoy art demonstrations, aerial performances, and interactive exhibits. The Clawson Clay Guild will be conducting live demonstrations on the pottery wheel and audience members will be invited to test their clay skills. The guild will also be hosting an exciting “Clazel Park Showdown,” a ceramic competition in which their potters will compete live during the fair.

Back this year is Shadow’s Circus + D3 Circus Troupe with aerial acts including lyra, silks, fire performing, LED props, ground and standing acrobatics, stilts, characters, and more.

New this year is the Traveling Wishing Tree exhibit, which invites attendees to write their wish on a ribbon and tie it to the Wishing Tree. Participants can see what others in the community are wishing for and can even come back next year to try and find their wish. The Hazel Park Arts Council intends for this exhibit to evolve every year, reflecting the wishes of the growing Hazel Park community on an annual basis.

Artisan food vendors including Detroit Jerky, Che Cosa, the Great Bread Co., and more will offer snacks for hungry attendees. Thirsty guests 21 and older will be able to stop by the charity craft beer tent, which will feature beers from local breweries.

Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Aug. 26 and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Aug. 27.

All of the proceeds from the Hazel Park Art Fair are reinvested into the community, which includes initiatives such as scholarships, artist roundtables, mural projects, events, and public art installations.