DBusiness Daily Update: Hour Detroit Presents Inaugural GrillFest Saturday-Sunday at Campus Martius Park, and More

Hour Detroit Presents Inaugural GrillFest Saturday-Sunday at Campus Martius Park

Hour Detroit magazine is staging its inaugural GrillFest, presented by Kowalski Cos., on Saturday (1-7 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.) at Campus Martius Park (800 Woodward Ave.) in downtown Detroit.

In addition to barbecue from chefs and grill masters,, there will be live music, DJs, a cornhole tournament, and other family-friendly activities.

General admission tickets can be purchased here for $25, plus booking and transaction fees, and include 20 food vouchers redeemable with the food exhibitors for samples, small plates, and full meals.

VIP admission tickets can be purchased here for $65, plus fees, that include 30 food vouchers redeemable with the food exhibitors for samples, small plates, and full meals. VIP passes also grant access to the VIP Beach, where there will be exclusive VIP activities and gifts along with a dedicated bar.

Children younger than 12 will be given free admission.

Detroit Historical Society Museums Earn Autism Center Designation

The Detroit Historical Society’s museums, the Detroit Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, have earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation.

The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), ensures that staff members are trained and equipped to better support neuro-diverse individuals and their families. To achieve this designation, guest-facing staff completed specialized training, certification, and onsite reviews, which prepare them to offer effective planning tools and resources for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests, ensuring a successful visit. In addition, IBCCES toured each museum and made specific recommendations for improving the environment for neuro-diverse individuals.

“Learning through the IBCCES accreditation program was the answer to the Detroit Historical Society’s goal of becoming significantly more accessible for our visitors,” says Elana Rugh, president and CEO of the DHS. “Our board and staff have completely embraced this journey, and we are so proud to have been the first cultural institution in Michigan to be certified.”

In Related News: Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville (southwest of Traverse City) has become the first four-season resort destination in Michigan to achieve Certified Autism Center status.

“Since the beginning in 1956, Crystal Mountain has strived to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests,” says John Melcher, CEO of Crystal Mountain. “Obtaining Certified Autism Center status reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for everyone – including families with autistic children.”

National Black Supplier Development Program Extends Application Deadline

The National Business League (NBL) has extended the deadline for applications to its National Black Supplier Development Program (NBSDP) for the 2024/25 cohort to July 15.

Presented in partnership with Comerica Bank, Cummins, DTE Energy, Ford, GM, Lear, Magna, Stellantis (presenting partner), 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 Black Business Enterprise (BBE) equity and substantive participation following the tragic murder of George Floyd, which ignited the global Black Lives Matter movement.

The NBL’s NBSDP has already conducted three successful cohorts empowering more than 40 Black suppliers. Empowered in that they have, or are in the process of, gaining the scale and capabilities to operate as tier one or tier two suppliers. The program continues to attract interest and support from several Fortune 500 companies.

To apply, visit here .

Stellantis Opens of State-of-the-art Mopar Parts Distribution Center in Ontario

Auburn Hills-based Stellantis North America has opened a new state-of-the-art Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The PDC represents an investment of $25.1 million CAD and employ more than 170 Canadian workers.

“The opening of our new Mopar Parts Distribution Centre in Brampton represents a significant milestone for Mopar and Stellantis and is further proof of our ongoing investment in enhancing operational excellence,” says Mike Koval Jr., senior vice president and head of Mopar North America. “We’re bringing the latest technology and innovation into our facility to support our dedicated Unifor-represented employees. This new, state-of-the-art workplace will improve efficiency for our dealers and customers while ensuring that we can quickly deliver the right part at the right time every time.”

Built to support Stellantis dealerships and customers in Ontario, Quebec, and eastern Canada, the 513,000-square-foot facility houses close to 55,000 parts and has capacity to ship up to an estimated 2 million orders annually.

Americans Back Sustainable Tech Growth, But Want More Training, Education, Incentives

Despite recent reports of waning demand for electric vehicles and job cuts in renewable sectors like wind energy, a new survey found a strong demand among Americans for advancements in sustainable technologies and a workforce equipped to implement them.

A recent survey conducted by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) showed the public has a clear desire for the adoption of new clean technologies, as well as business incentives, training opportunities and robust career pathways to support this growing sector.

“The U.S. accounts for more than 11 percent of global CO2 emissions with only about 4 percent of the world population,” says Jake Foose, research analyst for Guidehouse Insights. “Reducing that share is increasingly a priority of federal and state governments, corporations, and individuals. The recent survey data from the MEDC showcases a strong public desire to not only embrace solutions that fight climate change, but also calls for programs and incentives to spur adoption.”

While some climate-driven efforts can be polarizing issues, MEDC’s survey, which polled a sample of 1,000 U.S. adults, revealed significant support for investments in sustainable technologies as a whole.

More than 70 percent (71 percent) of people believe that major investments in things like sustainable tech, clean energy, and EV infrastructure will ultimately pay off. In fact, 62 percent of survey respondents agreed that it’s important to continue developing clean energy tech. In addition, 71 percent of respondents indicated their communities need to be more open to growth in sustainable sectors, and provide new opportunities for workers.

“At the crux of any widespread transformation like electrification, is a workforce that’s able to adapt to the rapidly shifting needs of our communities,” says Foose. “Technology sectors that have been neglected in the U.S. economy can be mobilized to meet these workforce needs — for example, by creating training programs that enable new workers to enter these fields. These programs are essential to providing a steady pipeline of skilled workers.”

The vast majority of survey respondents (88 percent) agreed that companies won’t survive without providing training to employees working with sustainable technologies. Most respondents (67 percent) also consider providing training programs as the top way for states to encourage job growth.

Respondents recognized, however, that clean energy solutions need the support of government agencies to come to fruition — 86 percent said that clean energy solutions adoption won’t happen without stronger government incentives for businesses.

To see the full results of the survey, visit here .

Granite Joint Venture to Remove and Replace Lafayette Bascule Bridge in Bay City

California-based Granite announced that the GKJV-II joint venture team comprised of Granite and Kraemer North America will remove and replace the Lafayette Bascule Bridge in Bay City.

The contract, worth approximately $113 million, was awarded by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The project will be funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and MDOT and will be included in Granite’s second-quarter CAP.

The project will use the team’s experience in moveable bridge and marine construction and includes the demolition of the existing structure, cofferdam installation, new substructure and bascule piers, structural steel, machinery, bridge house, and approach spans.

While the final timeline is pending and will be announced soon, the project is expected to begin this fall 2024 and be open to traffic in summer 2027.

Green Oak Village in Brighton Expands with Two New Tenants

Green Oak Village Place in Brighton, a retail lifestyle center, is adding two new tenants this summer: Michigan Makers Marketplace and StretchLab.

“These new stores align perfectly with our commitment to offering diverse and enriching experiences at Green Oak Village Place,” says Sean Valentino, director of retail operations at REDICO. “Michigan Makers Marketplace brings a vibrant collection of talented vendors offering handcrafted goods and unique products, enriching our shopping experience with local artistry. StretchLab introduces an innovative wellness concept with customized assisted-stretch sessions, further enhancing the health and fitness options available to our visitors.”

Michigan Makers Marketplace offers a space for local craftsmen and artists to sell their work, along with scheduled craft shows where shoppers can browse a variety of products made by artisans from across the state.

StretchLab is a national tenant with more than 400 studios in North America and over 900 licensed locations globally. The StretchLab team provides customized one-on-one assisted stretching services designed to increase mobility and flexibility, helping to reduce pain, decrease muscle aches, improve posture, reduce recovery time and enhance quality of life. StretchLab will open later this summer.

Nissan Foundation Awards Grants to Four Michigan Organizations

The Nissan Foundation in Nashville is awarding $1.2 million in grants to 44 nonprofits, four in Michigan, promoting cultural understanding that leads to acceptance and appreciation of our differences.

The local recipients include:

• Arab American National Museum in Dearborn ($30,000)
• Detroit Educational Television Foundation ($50,000)
• The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit ($30,000)
• Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills ($25,000)

Applications Open for MotorCities Challenge and Mini Grants

The MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership continues to accept applications on a rolling quarterly basis for its 2024 Challenge Grant program. Challenge Grants are awarded up to $25,000, and funds must be matched by a combination of cash, in-kind, donated goods, and documented volunteer services.

Smaller projects are eligible for the Mini-Grant program only available during this quarterly submission cycle, which does not require match and funds projects up to $1,500.

To be considered for the next scheduled review on Sept. 15, the next grant application deadline for both Challenge and Mini-Grants is Aug. 16 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and to get started, visit here .

For new potential applicants, it is mandatory to watch the MotorCities Grant Training Workshop on the organization’s YouTube page .

Projects must be largely automobile and/or labor heritage-related and deal with the following:

• Revitalization of our historic automotive and labor structures through preservation.
• Interpretation efforts which attempt to tell the story to a broad audience or education activities which engage a specific audience and create increased appreciation of our heritage.
• Heritage tourism projects which promote the region and its heritage activities.

In addition, projects which exemplify diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility will receive preference.

Michigan Science Center Opens Doors for Free During Concert of Colors

The Michigan Science Center is partnering with Concert of Colors Festival for a weekend of science, music, and fun with two community free days during the festival July 18-19.

Guests will have an immersive experience where science and music converge to create a unique festival atmosphere along with specially curated demonstrations and shows that engage and entertain visitors of all ages.

The Concert of Colors Festival is a free family-friendly event, with indoor and outdoor performances at metro Detroit’s cultural institutions.

Free activities and science demonstrations include:

• Science Stage Shows – Mi-Sci educators feature colorful science demonstrations and hands-on activities – 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
• Toyota 4D Engineering Theater – A 7-minute film on Martha Reeves starting every 20 minutes throughout the day.
• Above & Beyond exhibition on innovations in aerospace in the Science Hall
• Arts and Scraps – a program providing reused materials and educational resources to promote sustainability and creativity in Detroit
• 60-minute dance lessons – African dance on Thursday; Latin dance on Friday

Washtenaw Vet Fest ’24 Headed to WCC Campus in Ann Arbor

The Washtenaw Vet Fest 2024 for veterans and their families will be hosted 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.

The WCC Wadhams Veterans Center and multiple veterans’ organizations in Washtenaw County have partnered to bring benefits resources, live entertainment and kids’ activities. More than 70 veterans service providers and agencies will be set up at the event.

The third annual Vet Fest is free and will take place near the main entrance of campus, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Please register here .

Included with the lineup of military trucks and vehicles expected to be on location is a Vietnam-era Huey chopper from the Michigan Flight Museum (formerly Yankee Air Museum) and the possible return of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the Michigan Army National Guard.

This year’s event will include a blood drive hosted by the Michigan Blood Bank. Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders will perform live on the plaza.

Activities are planned for all ages and include:

• Military and police dog demonstrations
• Free lunch
• Live music
• Ice cream treats from Sweet Peach
• Hourly raffles
• Military & EMS vehicles
• Kids’ activities (bounce house, face painting, dunk tank)
• Resource provider exhibits
• War Dog Memorial
• Merchandise available from Rosie the Riveter museum staff and VVA

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