DBusiness Daily Update: Little Liberia’s Restaurant Planning to Open in Midtown Detroit in 2024, 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.

Little Liberia’s Restaurant Planning to Open in Midtown Detroit in 2024

Little Liberia, an African fusion pop-up dining sensation and 2022 Hatch Detroit winner, is set to open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in the heart of midtown Detroit.

Owner and Chef Ameneh Marhaba recently signed her building lease with the support of Midtown Inc. and is set to take open at 6513 Woodward Ave. in mid to late 2024.

Little Liberia’s pop-up dining experiences have included both a sense of community and rich and flavorful cuisines as the only Liberian restaurant in southeast Michigan since its launch in 2016.

The halal menu at launch is being crafted from customer feedback during each pop-up, as well as special tasting events between now and the grand opening. In addition, Marhaba has been developing a menu that includes a combination of mocktails and cocktails, starting with the Coco Vanilla, a cocktail and mocktail duo to satisfy customers with a wide range of dietary and preferences.

“I am excited to bring Little Liberia’s flavors to a permanent location in the heart of Detroit, the support and love we’ve received from our community have been overwhelming, and I’m excited to create a space where our guests and fellow immigrants can experience the essence of West Africa whenever they please and feel safe doing so,” Marhaba says. “I’m also thankful to have received the resources of making this happen from being 2022’s Hatch Detroit award recipient.”

Liberian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of various spices. Little Liberia’s menu will include an array of traditional Liberian dishes including golden brown plantain chips, Liberian country dry rice, cassava leaves, groundnut stew, and palm butter, all of which are halal.

Roseville’s Ultimation Industries Expands Line of Quick-ship Material Handling Offerings

The quick-ship product line of Ultimation Industries in Roseville is expanding, with more than 100 new items added in the last year alone.

Ultimation is a direct-to-consumer conveyor manufacturer, specializing in solving productivity challenges with fast-to-deploy solutions for a broad range of end-markets, including energy, automotive, logistics, and vertical farming.

“Our customers’ businesses are evolving with the rapid growth of e-commerce and shifts in consumer demand,” says Kali Cresent, general manager for Ultimation. “We expanded our line of conveyors and accessories to help them meet these challenges and give them the flexibility and productivity enhancements they need to grow.”

Ultimation’s online stores carry nearly 400 SKUs, ranging from light-, medium-, and heavy-duty gravity conveyors to motor-driven roller conveyors, beam trolleys, expandable conveyors, replacement parts and more.

For more information, ultimationinc.com.

20th Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Raises Almost $500K for Children’s Charities

The 20th annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic, played Monday at Indianwood Golf and Country Club in Lake Orion, netted nearly $500,000 to impact the lives of 55,000 children and youth living in southeast Michigan.

Since the event’s founding in 2004, the total net funds raised by the event are now nearly $8.7 million. Proceeds from the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic support go directly to four nonprofits: The Children’s Foundation, Detroit PAL, The Children’s Center, and Variety, the Children’s Charity of Detroit.

“The real champions are our four organizations who deliver needed services and programs 365 days a year to kids in need,” says Smith. “We are extremely proud of our sponsors, most of whom have been with us since day one. They have stepped up through the 20 years despite all the challenges our region has faced because they know that their funds are making a difference in so many lives.”

The classic’s 20-year contributions were recognized with two presentations including a Proclamation from the State of Michigan, signed by Go. Gretchen Whitmer, and a proclamation from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter.

To donate to Paul W.’s Caring for Kids Club, visit here.

Michigan Earns National Ranks, International Awards for Projects and Places

The state of Michigan has been recognized as the home of opportunity for projects and places that make the state a leading place to live, work, and do business.

Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business 2023 lifts Michigan to the No. 13 spot overall, with the second-best ranking for industrial water availability and a top 10 ranking for a cooperative and responsive state government.

Michigan earned its No. 13 ranking thanks to its manufacturing heritage and strong economic toolkit. Increasing the state’s appeal and supporting important development is at the core of the Make It in Michigan economic strategy, one that has already helped bring home more than $16 billion in projects and secured 16,000 jobs building electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, and clean energy.

At the annual International Economic Development Council (IEDC) conference, the Development Counsellors International (DCI) named the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) as the No. 4 best-in-class state economic development agency. Also at the conference, the IEDC awarded two MEDC-supported projects gold and silver for Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse.

The two winning MEDC-supported projects were the Book Tower project (gold) and the Merrill High School project (silver), both in the Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse category.

“Team Michigan is proud of this recognition of our efforts alongside businesses, employees, and entrepreneurs to continue to attract and retain business investment for long-term economic resiliency across both peninsulas,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC.

“By building on our state’s innovation and problem-solving heritage and creating even more vibrant communities, we’re encouraging everyone to join us in Michigan. We’re always working hard to increase opportunities for people and businesses, and with this recognition, while significant work remains, we’re showing the world that everyone can — and should consider — Make It in Michigan.”

JPMorgan Chase Marks 90 Years in Detroit, 10 Years of Commitment to City’s Recovery

JPMorgan Chase is marking 90 years of providing banking services in Detroit while highlighting the lessons learned from the city’s comeback over the last decade.

Since the city filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in 2013, the firm has committed more than $200 million in philanthropic capital, skilled volunteerism, low-cost loans, and equity investments to help support Detroit’s economic recovery, focusing on skills training, job creation, community development, affordable housing, small business growth, and financial security for residents.

In collaboration with local community partners, JPMorgan Chase’s $200 million commitment in Detroit helped support the following:

• More than 72,000 Detroiters were placed into apprenticeships, full, or part time jobs.
• Nearly 17,000 Detroiters participated in job training programs aligned with high-demand industries.
• More than 13,000 small businesses received capital or technical assistance.
• More than 5,000 affordable housing units were created or preserved.
• More than 15,000 Detroiters received services to improve their financial health.

“Looking back, we see the returns on our investment in the strength of our customers and communities ― their ability to build wealth, create lasting careers, plan for their financial futures and achieve their dreams,” says Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. “We also see the returns in the form of a stronger local economy and people working together. Today, it’s clear that a stronger Detroit is good for business, too.”

U-M Receives $17.5M CDC Grant to Establish Center to Help Fight Disease Outbreaks

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is among 13 institutions that will receive funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be part of a national network of centers focused on predicting and responding to future disease outbreaks.

U-M will receive a $17.5 million grant over five years to establish the Michigan Public Health Integrated Center for Outbreak Analytics and Modeling, or MICOM.

Housed within the U-M School of Public Health, MICOM is a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a national collaboration among institutions’ experts, who represent a wide variety of disciplines.

At U-M, researchers from the College of Engineering, School of Information, Medical School, and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts also will lend their expertise to the effort.

“This center is a remarkable opportunity to build on the strong partnerships between the University of Michigan and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to integrate outbreak analytics, modeling, and forecasting into public health practice and improve public health in Michigan and beyond,” says Marisa Eisenberg, director of MICOM and associate professor of epidemiology and complex systems at U-M.

The 13 institutions, or funded partners of the CDC, will receive a total of $250 million in grants over five years to establish their own centers and work alongside the CDC and state and local health departments.

Habitat for Humanity Hosting Neighborhood Revitalization Event in Southfield

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County will be joined by corporate and community volunteers for a two-day neighborhood repair and cleanup event in Southfield today and tomorrow.

Bringing together homeowners, volunteers, corporate and community partners, and Habitat Oakland staff, Rock the Block is part of Habitat’s neighborhood revitalization efforts, offering minor exterior home repairs to homeowners at a modest price.

Volunteers work with Habitat’s construction staff to repair porches and/or fences, repair cracked concrete, clean gutters, and complete yard clean-up. This program ensures that homeowners reside in safe housing, enables seniors to age-in-place, maintains and increases home values, and fosters neighborhood stability.

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Announces Food Truck, Music Lineups for Detroit Harvest Fest

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has announced a lineup that includes more than 60 food trucks and six stages featuring local musicians and entertainers for its third annual Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 7-8 along the Dequindre Cut Greenway.

Admission to the event is $5 per person.  Children under 3 years of age, seniors (65+), active-duty military, and veterans are admitted free.

The Dequindre Cut is located between Orleans and St. Aubin streets and runs from Mack Avenue to Atwater Street. The event footprint runs from Woodbridge Street to Wilkins Street on the Dequindre Cut. Entrances are located at Mack, Wilkins, Gratiot, Lafayette, Woodbridge, Franklin, and Atwater.

For the full lineup of food trucks and the schedule of music performances, visit here.

Founders Brewing Announces Major Sponsorship of New York Yacht Club American Magic

Spanish brewer Mahou Group and its recently created American division, Mahou USA – and one of its most well-known brands, Founders — have announced their sponsorship of New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. challenger for the 37th America’s Cup.

The sailing competition, taking place from August through October of 2024, will be run in Barcelona for the first time in its return to Spain after 14 years.

The sponsorship is Founders’ first foray into international sports competition, expanding on its existing agreements with the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, the NBA G-League’s the Grand Rapids Gold, MiLB’s West Michigan Whitecaps, and University of Michigan Athletics. Since acquiring Founders, Mahou Group has aimed to introduce the beloved Midwestern craft brewery to a global stage, and the America’s Cup provides an ideal opportunity to reach a worldwide audience.

“The 37th America’s Cup is a chance to celebrate the connection between our Spanish and American entities and link the Great Lakes with the Mediterranean Sea,” says Elton Andres Knight, CEO of Mahou USA. “Working together to sponsor American Magic is a milestone in how Mahou Group and Mahou USA will keep building on the incredible foundation of these craft breweries, break new ground together, and introduce more people to our beloved and awarded beers.”

The Opening Ceremony of the 37th America’s Cup will take place in Barcelona on Aug. 22, 2024. After that, the Final Preliminary Event and the Challenger Selection Series will follow, leading up to the America’s Cup Match starting on Oct. 12, 2024. The Challenger Selections Series will determine which team will face the Defender Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup Match.

DTE Foundation Provides Grants to Three Home Ownership and Improvement Loan Programs

The DTE Energy Foundation has recently provided grants totaling $140,000 to three southeast Michigan agencies that assist people unable to find an affordable home to buy, or obtain loans to fix up older homes.

Those receiving grants include:

• The Local Initiatives Support Program in Detroit ($75,000)
• The United Community Housing Coalition in Detroit ($50,000)
• The Vanguard Community Development Fund in Detroit ($15,000)

Waséyabek Development Co. Becomes Majority Owner of Environmental Engineering Firm

Waséyabek Development Co. (WDC) in Grand Rapids has become the majority owner of BLDI, an environmental engineering, consulting, and remediation firm also in Grand Rapids.

WDC is the non-gaming economic development company of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribe based in southwest Michigan.

BLDI’s staff of engineers, geologists, scientists, and business professionals is focused on providing high-quality, cost-effective environmental services throughout the Midwest. The company’s services include environmental due diligence and risk assessment; Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental site assessments; PFAS testing and remediation; underground storage tank assessment, removal and corrective actions; asbestos surveys; brownfield assessment grants, cleanup, remediation and closure; soil sampling; vapor intrusion and indoor air quality surveys, and wetlands assessment.

“Adding BLDI to the WDC family of companies creates a tremendous business growth opportunity for both entities and is in line with our overall strategic plan,” says Deidra Mitchell, president and CEO of WDC. “BLDI delivers services, including PFAS assessment and remediation, that are in great demand and are largely impervious to economic slowdowns or recession. We’re thrilled to add this firm to the Tribe’s non-gaming economic development portfolio.”

Gesher Human Services Offers Program for Older Workers

Gesher Human Services in Southfield is offering free support, advice, and information for experienced adults who want to discover employment options that might be suitable at this stage of their lives, and that also might be fun and fulfilling.

“Re-evaluating Retirement” meetings will be conducted twice a month starting on Sept. 26 and are offered to anyone who is considered an age where they could be retiring, but who is instead looking for their next employment chapter. Metro Detroiters in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond are welcome.

Meetings will take place from 6-7.30 p.m. every other Tuesday at Gesher Human Services (29699 Southfield Road). Upcoming dates are Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, and Dec. 5. Participants can come to one or all of the meetings.

For more information, visit here.

To register, email Gerard Baltrusaitis at [email protected] or call 248-233-4288.

Plymouth’s Penn Theatre Starts New Jazz Music Program

For more than 80 years, people have watched movies on the silver screen at the Penn Theatre in Plymouth and now, they can enjoy live music there, too.

The nonprofit Friends of the Penn is partnering with jazz musician Chris Plum to bring biannual concerts to the theater. Plum’s first show will be on Saturday, Nov. 18, along with local bands DICHI and Cabaret Boreale.

“I was trying to figure out something unique to bring to the Penn, and, when I heard Chris play, I had an epiphany,” says Ellen Elliott, executive director of Friends of the Penn. “I knew he would be the perfect fit to kick off this program. The music Chris writes is new and fresh, but also has a historical vibe to it. And that’s what the Penn is.”

Plum’s music nods to the jazz blue ballads of the 1930s and 40s, which was the kind of music popular when Penn Theatre first opened on Dec. 4, 1941. The theater served as an escape for residents during World War II and beyond, up until 2003, when it was forced to close its doors.

A group of residents joined together to form Friends of the Penn, and, thanks to them, the theater was able to reopen in September 2006. Since then, the group has welcomed more than 720,000 patrons to the theater, and it has fully renovated the building while maintaining its historical accuracy.

With a 400-seat capacity, Plum says this will be his largest show since launching his solo career. After fronting the garage rock/pop band Mood Elevator in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he recently decided to reenter the music scene, this time focusing on his first love, jazz music.

With the addition of these concerts to the Penn Theatre, Elliott wants to remind community members that films still will be the main focus. The theater is open four nights a week — Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — and plays indie, classic, and second-run films.

For more information, visit penntheatre.com.

Eisenhower Dance Detroit Celebrates 33^rd Year with Gala Oct. 14

As Bloomfield Hills-based Eisenhower Dance Detroit begins its 33rd year, the organization is celebrating with its annual gala from 5:30-10 p.m. on Oct. 14 at its Maggie Allesee Studios for Dance and Arts Innovation (450 Enterprise Court).

Ticket prices start at $30 and scale up to $250. Food will be provided by Andiamo of Bloomfield Hills, and guests can bid in both a live and silent auction, try their luck at the wine pull, or purchase Ticket to Paradise raffle tickets to win a week-long stay in a waterfront home in St. Petersburg, Fla., donated by an EDD board member.

The evening is sponsored by Femminineo Law, the Amber Foundation, the Kasco Corp., and Anthony and Evelyn Randazzo.

Money raised through the gala will go toward completing the Studio Theatre at Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s new home base. Once completed, the Studio Theatre will set the stage for EDD, EDD Youth Ensemble, and other community arts organizations’ performances.

Longtime Eisenhower Dance Detroit supporters Debra Bernstein-Siegel and Marty Testasecca will be honored.

“We’re thrilled to host this wonderful event and our local arts community at our new Maggie Allesee Studios and to be honoring some of our incredible supporters who help us continue the important work we do here at Eisenhower and in our communities,” says Gerald Salerno, board chair of EDD.

The financial goal of this event is $50,000. For tickets and more information, visit here.