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.
Registration Open for Free Enterprise Camp at Northwood University in Midland
Registration is open for the June 18-23 Learning About Business (LAB) Camp at Northwood University in Midland.
Designed for students in grades 9-12, the LAB Camp is billed as an immersive and dynamic program designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among aspiring young minds.
“LAB Camp is a unique opportunity for high school students to explore their entrepreneurial potential and gain valuable skills for future success,” says Patrick McElgunn, camp director, an entrepreneur who also runs the NU Idea Center in downtown Midland. “The program offers a week-long intensive experience that combines hands-on learning, mentorship, and team collaboration.
During LAB Camp, participants will engage in a range of interactive activities and workshops, led by seasoned professionals and faculty members from Northwood University. Through lectures, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, students should develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership.
One of the highlights of LAB Camp is the “Shark Tank” event. Throughout the week, participants will work in teams to create a company that seeks to solve a real-world problem and develop an innovative solution. At the end of the week, each team will pitch their start-up idea to a panel of industry experts, who will provide feedback and select a winning proposal just like on TV.
“We are excited to provide a platform for young individuals to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit,” McElgunn says. “By equipping them with the necessary skills and mindset, we aim to empower these students to create a positive impact in their communities and beyond.”
The program is limited to 50 participants. Interested students are encouraged to apply here early to secure their spot. The deadline to apply is June 11.
Eaton’s Power Connections Employing Innovative Sealed High-power Lock Box Connectors
Galesburg-based Intelligent power management company Eaton announced its eMobility business is offering specialized high-power lock box (HPLB) power connectors for use in current and future electrified and internal combustion vehicle solutions.
The HPLB connectors, according to Eaton, offer a space-saving profile, superior performance, cost savings, and reduced manufacturing complexity. The HPLB connectors were designed and developed by Royal Power Solutions, a manufacturer of high-precision electrical connectivity components that Eaton acquired in 2022.
“Eaton recommends use of sealed connection systems to meet reliability and durability requirements,” says Chris Mancuso, general manager of power connections at Eaton. “Additionally, we’ve designed our HPLB terminal system for high-current and high-temperature applications, up to 500 amps and 125 degrees Celsius, respectively.”
Traditionally, eyelet terminals within vehicle electrical components are not sealed, potentially exposing them to road spray and salt, which accelerates terminal galvanic corrosion. Corrosion can mitigate the power flow, leading to system failure.
The fully sealed connectors also are resistant to severe vibration and deliver a component service life that meets USCAR safety performance requirements.
Ghafari Architecture Firm in Dearborn Receives Ford World Excellence Award
Dearborn-based architecture, engineering, and consulting firm Ghafari Associates was recognized by Ford Motor Co. May 19 as one of its top-performing global suppliers, receiving the automaker’s World Excellence Award.
The World Excellence Awards — Ford’s highest recognition for its suppliers — honor companies that have demonstrated superior quality, delivery, and performance.
Ghafari has worked with Ford since the A/E firm’s inception in 1982. Over the past four decades, Ghafari has supported the Dearborn automaker on hundreds of projects ranging from existing facility upgrades to all-new production campuses, R+D facilities, and corporate office spaces.
Ghafari is playing a role in Ford’s efforts to advance its electric vehicle goals, providing full architecture and engineering services for the massive BlueOval SK battery plants — a joint venture between Ford and SK On — in Tennessee and Kentucky. The firm also served as Ford Land’s design partner on the award-winning Ford Experience Center and is providing engineering services for the automaker’s new research and engineering center known as The Hub, both located in Dearborn.
“We are so honored to receive the World Excellence Award from Ford, an exceptionally loyal client that we have been proud to serve for over 40 years,” saya Yousif B. Ghafari, founder and chairman of Ghafari. “This award is a testament not only to our shared history but also a celebration of our promising future. It is such an exciting time to be supporting Ford on projects that are powering the global electric vehicle movement and transforming the automotive industry as a whole.”
JARS Cannabis to Sponsor Movement Festival in Downtown Detroit
Troy-based JARS Cannabis is returning as the exclusive cannabis retail sponsor at Movement, an internationally renowned dance music festival that takes place annually during Memorial Day Weekend at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit.
JARS will sponsor the Waterfront Stage presented by JARS and welcome a roster of headlining performances such as Three 6 Mafia, Zeds Dead (Altered States), Caribou, Ela Minus, Special Request, CJ Seinfeld, and many more. Parallel to Detroit’s riverfront and positioned on either side of the Waterfront Stage presented by JARS, the cannabis retailer will simultaneously debut a new immersive pop-up experience, Planet JARS.
Powered by partnerships with Stiiizy and Breeze Canna, the experiential Planet JARS pop-up is open to all Movement ticket holders and will immerse festival attendees in a variety of space-themed installations and photo opportunities, inspire them to capture and share post-worthy content using, and offer limited-edition JARS x Movement Planet JARS merchandise that will be available for purchase while supplies last, only at Movement.
“Music possesses an extraordinary ability to evoke emotions, forge connections, and surpass boundaries,” says Mariah Lenander, marketing director at JARS. “It artfully reflects the very essence of our brand at JARS, rooted in authenticity, creativity, and community.
“Through our sponsorship of Movement Festival in Detroit, we aim to merge the realms of two cultural powerhouses to ignite a movement that celebrates unity, self-expression, and the vibrant intersection of cannabis and music.”
Miranda Lambert to Headline Concert at Ally Challenge Golf Event in Grand Blanc
Ally Challenge tournament officials in Grand Blanc announced that country music superstar Miranda Lambert will headline the sixth annual Ally Community Concert, which will take place on the driving range at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club, Aug. 26, following the second round of competition at The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren, a PGA Champions Tour event.
“We know that fans have come to expect top talent at the Ally Challenge and Miranda Lambert and her legendary high-energy hits will cap off an amazing day of entertainment for the whole family,” says Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer at Ally. “Her music has entertained audiences for decades and we hope to attract a sell-out crowd to welcome her to Warwick Hills.”
In related news, tickets for the 2023 Ally Challenge presented by McLaren go on sale May 25 at 9 a.m. The tournament is open to spectators from Aug. 24-27 and ticket prices start at $10. For a complete listing of ticket options please visit the tournament website.
Gage Cannabis Launches The Legend Brand in Michigan
TerrAscend Corp. in Toronto announced that its subsidiary, Gage Cannabis Co., has launched Legend in Michigan.
Legend products will be available at all 19 of TerrAscend’s retailers statewide, including Gage, Cookies, and Pinnacle Emporium locations.
Legend aims to preserve the simplicity of cannabis and all that it has to offer with good strains, grown right, at a great price. Legend embraces the entourage effect, harnessing the synergy of cannabinoids and terpenes to deliver a well-rounded and balanced cannabis experience.
The initial Michigan product launch features three strains of Legend’s dried and cured flower, including Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains, available in 14g and 28g. In addition to the Michigan launch, Legend is currently available in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with plans to expand to new markets in the near future.
Hospice of Michigan’s Camp Good Grief Offers Kids Free Grief Support, Education
Hospice of Michigan, based in Ann Arbor, invites Michigan residents to register for Camp Good Grief, a free grief support program designed for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Camp Good Grief is a day-long program that provides grief support, emotional comfort, and enjoyable activities for children. The camp is free of charge and is run by qualified grief professionals and trained volunteers from Hospice of Michigan and partner organization, Arbor Hospice.
The program includes a variety of recreational activities, such as arts & crafts, music therapy, pet therapy and camp related team-building games, that are designed to provide fun and adventure for the participants. Campers will have the opportunity to express their emotions, remember their loved ones and establish lasting friendships.
Campers will have the opportunity to explore and play on acres of groomed fields and natural woods, and parents can trust the adventures are led by well-trained staff whose primary focus is their campers.
The camp is open to any child ages 8-17 dealing with grief, regardless of whether their loved one received care from Hospice of Michigan. There are three opportunities to attend a Camp Good Grief this year:
Camp Newaygo (5333 S. Centerline Road) in Newaygo, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., June 12. Applications open through May 31. For more information contact Karen Monts at kmonts@hom.org or 313-578-6326.
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa (7300 Hickory Ridge Road) in Holly, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., July 28. Applications open through June 30. For more information contact Jackie Morris at jmorris@hom.org or 313-578-6328.
YMCA Camp Timbers (3269 Horseshoe Lake Road) in West Branch, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 18.
Applications open through July 21. For more information contact Alexandra Irwin at airwin@hom.org or 989-358-4295.
“Hospice of Michigan is committed to serving kids across the state by providing professional grief services and the opportunity to connect with peers who have gone through similar experiences,” says Karen Monts, grief support services director for Hospice of Michigan. “Children deal with grief much differently than adults, meaning the support, education and guidance offered at Camp Good Grief is critical for children struggling with the emotional toll of losing a loved one.”
