DBusiness | September-October 2024 by Hour Media

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20 MARKET RETURN

The Detroit Stock Exchange lasted from 1907 to 1976 — it was a victim of deregulation. A movement today could set the stage for a return.

20 BEST AND BRIGHTEST

A surge of employees who retired from their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic left a huge gap in talent, while the aging of the U.S. population and the low fertility rate portend years of labor shortages.

20 ROBOT CENTER USA

Robots are showing up in the workforce like never before, a trend that will continue now that the Michigan Supreme Court, in a recent 4-3 decision, amended versions of the state’s Wage Act and Earned Sick Time Act.

How outsiders view Detroit.

26 ROAD CIRCUIT

A father-and-son team are nearing the finish line in anticipation of opening Motorsports Gateway next spring in Howell. By R.J. King

27 TAX SHELTER

A craft builder in Boyne City designs and produces custom motorboats and sailboats. By Seth Schwartz

27 TENANT ONE

Michigan Central in Detroit has announced founding member Google and its Code Next program as the first office tenant in the newly renovated Station. By R.J. King

28 AMERICAN SEWN

A once thriving sewing industry is lining up for a comeback. By R.J. King

28 PDA Q&A

Shawn Loving, executive chef, Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit. By R.J. King

30 CONTEMPORARY LEADER

Lane Coleman, new chair of the Detroit Institute of Arts, is taking nothing for granted. By Bill Dow

Exec

Life Et Cetera

57 REAL EXECS, REAL FASHION

As summer temperatures begin to cool, local business professionals will soon be donning cashmere coats, wool suits, and long-sleeve shirts. By Stephanie Daniel

60 RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Whiz Kid: Detroit native Rick Inatome built a $7-billion computer powerhouse in the early years of the tech industry. By Tom Murray

64 TOP BUSINESS RESTAURANTS

Our list of the region’s most businessfriendly dining establishments.

70 PATENTS AND INVENTIONS

Patent Act: Kenneth Cook, an accomplished inventor and professor at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, was awarded the Order of Merlin for his superior wizarding.

By Norm Sinclair

72 OPINION

Running on Empty: The American consumer is broke. Michigan’s middle-market companies must power the economy forward.

By Christopher T.R. Letts

74 THE CIRCUIT

Our party pics from exclusive events.

78 FROM THE TOP Metro Detroit’s Top Intellectual Property Law Firms, Largest Conventions/Events in Metro Detroit, Largest Meeting Venues in Metro Detroit.

82 CLOSING BELL

Paper Performance: After the dawn of industrial design in the Roaring ’20s, the Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild addressed the need for well-trained talent. By Ronald Ahrens

ON THE COVER

In a July 27 soccer game at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Elvis Amoh of Detroit City FC, right, competes against Damiá Viader of Sacramento Republic FC. Photo by Sal Rodriguez

Startup Central

Michigan is doing a ne job of providing large corporations with billions of dollars in support to maintain and grow their operations here.

Marshall facility. e di erence is emerging companies, if successful, wind up creating new jobs, while the workforce in Marshall remains the same.

operations here.

But is the investment worth it? Would it be better to use public incentives to nurture and attract more startup businesses in Michigan?

Granted, the track record for startups is daunting, but not insurmountable. According to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 23.2 percent of new businesses failed after the rst year, and half of the companies were still around after ve years. e gures don’t account for mergers and acquisitions.

wound up contributing $1.75

Consider, if the state wound up contributing $1.75 billion in planned incentives for Ford Motor Co.’s BlueOval Battery Park plant now under construction in Marshall, it works out to $700,000 in taxpayer funds for each job created.

at’s based on what was Ford’s initial $3.5-billion plant investment that called for 2,500 workers being paid an average wage of $45,136 per year. But things have changed dramatically since the EV battery plant was announced two years ago.

Sales of electric vehicles have since tanked due to high costs, limited range, and the lack of a national battery charging network. As a result, automakers are pulling back from EV production and Ford’s Marshall plant will now be much smaller.

Rather than throwing so much money and incentives at big corporations, why not take a larger portion of public economic investments, mix in added support from colleges, universities, and foundations, and earmark them for startups?

At the same time, raise the stakes with a bold and audacious campaign that provides money and incentives for new businesses. Take $1.25 billion that lawmakers readily furnish for large projects and o er startups from around the world $50,000 each to establish their operations in Michigan over a given period of time.

at equates to 2,500 businesses, the same number of workers Ford would have originally hired at its

Yet, look at the upside. If a handful of those businesses wind up creating 10,000 jobs, the state’s economic output would be much larger. Touting the successes to a global audience would generate even more interest in setting up shop here.

In turn, with a huge supply of o ce space generated by a rise in remote workers, along with a rich network of colleges and universities, there’s plenty of space to put startups. A deep ecosystem of support organizations is in place, as well.

For example, there’s TechTown Detroit, an early player on the startup support scene launched by Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health, and General Motors Co., along with Detroit Venture Partners, Newlab Detroit, Beacon MFG, OU INC, Ann Arbor SPARK, and more.

In addition, there’s a promising initiative called Innovate Michigan, announced in May and led by the Detroit Regional Chamber and the University of Michigan, to keep skilled graduates from leaving the state and help identify nancing and other incentives for businesses founded by researchers.

Standing pat and retreading longstanding economic models, which is the playbook of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, needs to change. Now in her sixth year in o ce, Michigan ranks 40th in Forbes’ 2024 ranking of the best states to start a business.

Which begs the question, with more business incentives awarded than ever before in Michigan, why aren’t we No. 1?

R.J. King rjking@dbusiness.com

I just ﬁnished reading the Powered by Women article on Kim Montague in the July/August issue of DBusiness and it’s terriﬁc! Very detailed and well done. My compliments to Tom Murray. I plan on reading the articles on the other women next.

Roger Jankowski Detroit

EDITORIAL REACTION

I think you are so spot-on with the July 9 DBusiness Daily News editorial calling for both President Biden and Donald Trump to withdraw from the presidential election (Biden left the race on July 21). One old man with a bad memory and the other an old man. As a person in my 80s, I feel great. I’m sore in the morning, I exercise, walk ... but there is zero way l could run the country. The decisions are beyond me. I suggest reading Tom Clancy’s book, “Sum of all Fears.” There are decisions of signiﬁcance that hold nuclear war at our ﬁngertips, and either of these gentlemen would need fact-storage, cause-e ect-results, (and decision-making) abilities that neither has. Thanks for including that editorial. People need to think (about) the results — not Democrat or Republican results, but the America as we know it. Start over with new faces.

James Carlson Clarkston

R.J. KING

Business leaders say they trust the attorneys of Plunkett Cooney to anticipate legal pitfalls, to resolve high-stakes litigation and to craft contracts they can sign... with confidence. See your business differently. Get the Plunkett Cooney perspective. n Appellate Law n Banking, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights n Business Transactions n Cannabis Law n Commercial Litigation n Estate Planning & Business Succession n Foodservice & Hospitality Law n Government Relations & Public Policy n Health Care Law n Labor & Employment Law n Mergers & Acquisitions n Nonprofit Law n Real Estate Law n Tax Law n Zoning, Planning & Permitting

CONTRIBUTORS

John Sitkiewicz has been a contributing writer for DBusiness for more than a decade, during which time he’s produced a series of investigative features on topics ranging from terrorism to narcotics tra cking in the city of Detroit. His work also has appeared in The Detroit News, Michigan Capitol Conﬁdential, and Xology magazine. He’s a graduate of Oakland University and earned an MBA from Lawrence Technological University. In this issue, he explores how politics and a gubinatorial campaign eventually fast-tracked the state’s response to Benton Harbor’s water crisis.

EDEN AMCHESLAVSKY

Eden Amcheslavsky served as a summer publishing and sales intern at Hour Media. In this role, she worked on updating the Hour Media database, assisted with event coordination, managed projects, researched lists for DBusiness, and helped fact-check the proﬁles featured in DBusiness’ Detroit 500. Amcheslavsky is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in advertising management, with double minors in advertising analytics and business, at Michigan State University in East Lansing. She says she’s driven by a passion for advertising.

Born and raised on Detroit’s east side, Sal Rodriguez is a freelance photographer known for capturing moments in time. Rodriguez often ﬁnds inspiration in the ruins of the city. His style has helped attract a wide range of clients, such as Red Bull, Bedrock, and General Motors Co., as well as multiple publications including Hour Detroit, Architect, Gra ti Art, and Hi-Fructose. One of his latest projects is “Shipwreck Detroit,” a visual look at the Detroit phenomenon of abandoned boats. He’s also working on a project documenting the artists of our time, from Shepard Fairey to many Detroit-based artists. For this issue, Rodriguez visited the Detroit City Football Club at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, shooting the DCFC’s July 27 game against Sacramento Republic FC.

Luanne Lim

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Connor McDonald IT

IT DIRECTOR Jeremy Leland

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers

CIRCULATION COORDINATORS David Benvenuto, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold

MARKETING AND EVENTS

MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Lyndsay Zelenak

MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Jaime Presnail

COMMUNICATIONS AND PR Regan Wright

WEDDINGS ACCOUNT MANAGER Karen Wilkie

MARKETING AND EVENTS INTERNS: Samantha Boeskool, Anna Forberg, Erin Timmis

EVENT DESIGN INTERN: Paige Tushman

MARKET RESEARCH

MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR Soﬁa Shevin

MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATORS Alyssa Fueri, Kristin Mingo

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR Alex Thompson

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES ASSISTANT Theresa Lowery

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Okamoto

MARKETING RESEARCH INTERNS Grace Grandelius, Sarah Helling, Natasha Samsonov

BUSINESS

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT John Balardo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS Kathie Gorecki

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES Dian Mauro, Austin Schmelzle

DISTRIBUTION Target Distribution, Troy

EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Eastern

BE FEARFUL WHEN OTHERS ARE GREEDY. BE GREEDY WHEN OTHERS ARE FEARFUL.”

— WARREN E. BUFFET, CEO AND CHAIRMAN, BERKSHIRE

JAMES YANG

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Market Return W

ith Detroit well-established in 1907 as the automotive capital of the world, it was natural the Detroit Stock Exchange would emerge to allow local manufacturers of all kinds to sell stock to fund new factories and machinery.

While the Detroit exchange lasted until 1976 — it was a victim of deregulation — a movement today could set the stage for a return.

Part of the appeal of a local exchange in the first half of the last century was geography. With limited tchnology, buyers and sellers relied mostly on the local business market to research and make informed investment decisions.

That changed when the public markets embraced technology in the 1990s, using the internet to buy and sell stocks (and other securities). Prior to that, a telegraph receiver called the stock ticker printed a company’s current stock price on ticker tape.

With 55 public companies in Michigan listed on either the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, enterprises in the state have billions of dollars of investment power. From fintech to health care, manufacturing, and chemicals, most every enterprise has a need to raise funds to run and grow operations.

Over the last century, the NYSE and Nasdaq have become what some describe as a duopoly on corporate listings. But that has started to change in recent months as Elon Musk, dissatisfied with the investment markets in New York and the regulatory climate in Delaware, has moved Tesla’s incorporation to Texas from the nation’s First State.

He also conveyed SpaceX’s headquarters to Texas from Delaware, while X (formerly Twitter) and Neuralink Corp. are now established in Nevada. Part of the motivation behind moving Tesla to Texas stemmed from a Delaware judge voiding a $56 billion compensation package for Musk in January.

At the same time Musk was pulling out of New York and Delaware, the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) was formed by a group of investors — Black Rock, Citadel Securities, and others raised $120 million for the venture.

Later this year, the group plans to seek approval from the SEC to run the stock exchange out of Dallas. Musk tweeted the move “sounds promising.” Some of the largest corporations in Texas include American Airlines, AT&T, Comerica, and Exxon Mobil.

Whether a return of the Detroit Stock Exchange finds footing — few area corporations or investors are advocating for a local securities market — will depend on how successful the TXSE becomes. If it takes off, other regions and states will look at establishing local capital markets.

One thing going for the TXSE is that it allows participating companies to have dual listings; other exchanges would likely match or expand such offerings. Fees for regulatory compliance offers another savings opportunity relative to New York and Delaware.

A locally based securities exchange not only would boost Detroit’s standing in the financial markets, but also draw investment and create jobs across multiple sectors. In addition, company leaders wouldn’t have to travel nearly as far to ring the day’s opening bell.

BEST AND BRIGHTEST

A SURGE OF EMPLOYEES who retired from their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic left a huge gap in talent, while the aging of the U.S. population and the low fertility rate portend years of labor shortages.

Now there are emerging signs of better days for employers that are scrambling to fill key positions even after offering higher pay, more benefits, added perks, and redesigned workspaces.

Recognizing the need for skilled talent, the U.S. State Department, in July, announced new measures to speed up visa processing for college graduates with job offers, especially in key industries like financial services, manufacturing, aerospace, and medical devices.

The drive to attract more talent, especially foreign students attending American colleges and universities, fits with the goal of Global Detroit, a regional economic revitalization strategy group. The nonprofit organization has long been focused on drawing top talent to the region from around the world. With new, streamlined procedures for hiring foreign graduates with a job offer, the overall economy will be that much stronger.

ROBOT CENTER USA

IT’S NOT A MATTER OF ONE DAY seeing robots perform the jobs that humans find, dull, dirty, or dangerous — they’re already here. From automobiles to kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, computers, and smartphones, robots have been powering the local and national economy for decades.

While automated machines have long made consumers’ lives easier, robots are now showing up in the workforce like never before. The trend will continue now that the Michigan Supreme Court, in a recent 4-3 decision, amended versions of the state’s Wage Act and Earned Sick Time Act.

As a result, wages will rise steadily on an annual basis over the next few years. As in California, where state political leaders recently raised the minimum wage to $25 an hour, local businesses — especially those in the fast-food industry — will either close locations, reduce product offerings, or install more robots.

At the same time, according to Interact Analysis, a research firm, 21 percent of warehouses used some form of robotics to streamline operations in 2023. In 2018, the use of robotics stood at 15 percent. The use of robots in the local workforce will continue to rise as state businesses grapple with what the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association predicts will be the loss of up to 60,000 jobs, due to the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling.

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COMPENDIUM: HOW OUTSIDERS VIEW DETROIT

DETROIT DRIVERS ARE STILL PAYING MORE BECAUSE OF WHERE THEY LIVE

OUTLIER MEDIA

JULY 18, 2024 BY OUTLIER STAFF

Insurance reforms were supposed to bring relief. Detroit drivers are still paying more because of where they live.

The high cost of auto insurance pushed Clarissa Williams to move out of Detroit and all the way to California, where she thought it more likely she could get to work. She was right.

For Alana, the fact that she can’t afford to insure her car in Detroit has pushed her out of the job market altogether. She’s a retired preschool teacher, but she wants and needs to get back to work and back out into the world.

Tonya can’t afford car insurance in the city either, but she also can’t afford to not drive her son to school and herself to work, neither of which she can find in her neighborhood. She breaks the law every day by driving without insurance. She risks getting caught and racking up expensive fines she doesn’t know how she would pay.

The average cost of auto insurance in Detroit is $5,300 a year, more than any other big city in the country. A Detroiter making the city’s median income would spend one out of

every seven of their dollars on auto insurance alone.

State reforms five years ago were supposed to bring relief. A 2019 law prohibited insurers from considering certain factors unrelated to driving, including ZIP codes, when setting rates.

A new investigation from The Markup and Outlier Media shows how little the reforms did to stop insurers from using where people live to set their rates. These location adjustments are a burden on the majority of Black residents of the state, and much less so for white residents.

By cataloging how each insurer’s pricing algorithm takes location into account, we show how Michigan’s auto insurance reforms have failed to deliver on the promise of affordable insurance in Detroit. We found insurers are still using customers’ addresses as a proxy for risk in a way that charges higher premiums to customers in neighborhoods with more Black residents.

Most Detroiters already know living in the city means they pay more for their insurance, but insurers typically don’t allow individual shoppers to see how their rates would change at another address. We worked with an insurance agent and three Detroit women to see how much location can impact rates on an individual level.

Workers can send a thank you card to UAW president Shawn Fain.

Car companies scrap old models all the time as they come out with new ones. But making EVs requires fewer workers than gas-powered cars ...

As government destroys more jobs, taxpayers will inevitably be asked to compensate for the damage.

DETROIT BUSINESS OWNERS FACE CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGALLY POSTED SIGNS

INC. • JULY 1, 2024 • BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

We pulled quotes for premiums using their actual driving records. ...

THE REAL GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION: AUTO MAKER LAYOFFS

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL AUG. 11, 2024 BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Stellantis is showing what the real green-energy transition looks like: On Friday the auto maker announced plans to lay off 2,450 workers in Michigan as it ramps up electric-vehicle production. As consolation, the laid-off workers will receive a generous parting gift.

Car makers are struggling to sell higher-priced cars as consumers pull back after three years of inflation. At the same time, the rich labor agreement that Stellantis, Ford and GM struck last autumn with the United Auto Workers is raising costs. The companies need healthy profits from gas-powered trucks to subsidize their money-losing EV production.

Hence, Stellantis’ scramble to slash costs.

The company last month announced buyouts for salaried workers in the U.S. On Friday it said it will lay off as many as 2,450 production workers in Warren, Mich., where it produces its classic Ram 1500 pickup, as it rolls out a new electric model.

William Shaw has a message for other business owners advertising their services on illegally posted signs in Detroit: “Don’t put them up. They will come after you and your company, and they will make you pay for it.”

As part of court-ordered community service for posting hundreds of signs promoting his suburban Detroit plumbing company, Shaw is required to remove similar placards in the city.

“They’re not going to back down,” Shaw said of Detroit blight enforcement officials as he yanked signs Friday morning from utility and other poles on the city’s northwest side.

Many Detroit street corners and city neighborhoods are plastered with signs offering things like lawn services, event rentals, cash for homes — and even inexpensive health care.

Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration has been aggressive in removing blight. Over the past decade, as the city emerged from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, about 25,000 vacant or abandoned structures have been demolished. The city says it also has cleared about 90,000 tons of trash and illegally dumped debris from alleys over the past four years.

The city said that from February 2022 to July 2023, it removed more than 615 “Shaw’s Plumbing” signs. William Shaw has been cited with more than 50 misdemeanors because of it.

A judge ordered Shaw to serve 40 hours of community service with the city’s Blight Remediation Division. Part of

that includes removing signs illegally posted by others.

Shaw said Friday he has paid thousands of dollars in fines, but noted that “business is booming” at his shop in Melvindale, southwest of Detroit.

“I was putting up signs in the city of Detroit to promote business illegally, not knowing that I was doing that,” he told The Associated Press. “We put up a lot to promote business. We did it elsewhere in other surrounding cities, as well. And we paid fines in other surrounding cities, as well as Detroit.”

Gail Tubbs, president of the O’Hair Park Community Association, pressed the city to do something about the number of “Shaw’s Plumbing” signs. She calls illegally posted signs nuisances.

“We just don’t want it,” Tubbs said Friday as Shaw took down signs in her neighborhood. “We do not need any more visual pollution and blight in our community. Don’t want it. Don’t need it.”

Shaw said he is being made an example. Others will follow, according to the city.

“Mr. Shaw is just the first. We have a list of the top 10, top 20 violators,” said Katrina Crawley, Blight Remediation assistant director. “This is just the first of many.”

“Quality of life is an issue for all of our residents,” Crawley added, “and having nuisance signs plastered on poles where they’re not supposed to be ... is something that we want to deliver a message to the business owners. You must stop. There are legal ways to advertise your business.”.…

BOOK TOWER DETROIT IS MICHIGAN’S COOL NEW PLACE TO EAT, PLAY, AND STAY FORBES

JULY 24, 2024 • BY KATIE CHANG

Temperatures have been sizzling across the country this summer, but one buzzy destination in downtown Detroit has managed to stay cool all season long. A mixed-use development spanning architect Louis Kamper’s 1917 landmark Italian Renaissance-style Book Tower and the adjacent Book Building, Book Tower Detroit is the latest project by commercial real estate firm Bedrock, whose portfolio includes Shinola Hotel and the highly anticipated Detroit Edition (2027).

Though Bedrock meticulously restored countless original features during the seven-year and $300 million-dollar renovation, including the bejeweled sky-high glass rotunda and 29 caryatids (sculpted female figures that provide architectural support) framing the facade, jaw-dropping design is only one reason why you should plan a summer getaway to Book Tower Detroit.

Thanks to the creative vision of Method Co., the Philadelphia-based hospitality development firm behind hip spots like Charleston’s The Pinch, Book Tower Detroit is home to six unique restaurants and bars and a boutique hotel. In short? It’s more than easy to spend a delicious and relaxing weekend here without ever having to leave.

Starting from top to bottom: Kamper’s on the 14th floor may conjure up the convivial vibes of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with its handsome wood bar and menu of pintxos and tapas, but the stunning views are unmistakably Detroit. Le Suprême’s decor clearly draws inspiration from Parisian brasseries (bistro chairs, quirky art, steel bar), and fittingly, the kitchen sends out tried-and-true French fare such as icy shellfish towers and steak frites. Bar Rotunda is a rare hotel lobby bar that smoothly transitions from breezy breakfasts to sophisticated evening drinks, while come-as-you-are Sakazuki puts a fun twist on Japanese izakayas by pairing wagyu hot dogs and triple-fried chicken wings with refreshing cocktails like the sake-based Yuzu Colada.

You’ll find Book Tower Detroit’s most lively dining

experience, however, below ground at Hiroki-San. The sleek sister of Philadelphia’s acclaimed Hiroki is also overseen by Executive Chef Hiroki Fujiyama, and turns out all styles of Japanese cuisine. The seafood dishes especially shine, from the nigiri spotlighting pristine fish flown in from Japan weekly to the split king crab legs finished with ginger mayo and crispy shallots. While the cocktail and sake offerings are no slouch, why not wrap the evening with a nightcap at the new The Aladdin Sane? Tucked away next door behind curtains, this hidden and hushed lounge offers an extensive whisky list in an ornate setting of colorful rugs, red light, and plush seats.

The best part of socializing at Book Tower Detroit is that a solid night’s rest is just steps away at Roost Detroit. …

DETROIT PISTONS LAND FAVORABLE GRADE FOR ROSTER-BUILDING EFFORTS

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED JULY 18, 2024 BY

JUSTIN GRASSO

At this point in time, the bar for the Detroit Pistons is low. After winning just 17 games two seasons ago, the Monty Williams era started off with a shocking regression as the Pistons followed up with a 14-win season.

That called for major changes in management from the front office down to the coaching staff. The keys to the player personnel department were handed over to Trajan Langdon. Monty Williams was replaced by former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

The Pistons didn’t make any major roster changes. In fact, they doubled down on Cade Cunningham’s future by inking the former No. 1 overall pick to a max extension.

With Cunningham remaining the cornerstone player for the franchise, the Pistons looked to build a roster better catered to the potential future All-Star.

How did they do so far?

According to Bleacher Report, the Pistons have graded out with a “B” for their roster-building efforts this summer.

“This offseason was more about Cade’s max extension and the incoming veterans who should hopefully make his life as the lead playmaker easier.

Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. all have playoff experience and can space the floor. Add the recently re-signed Simone Fontecchio to that core, and it should be easy for the Pistons to keep Cunningham surrounded by shooting. If that’s the case, his assist numbers could go up. More importantly, if defenses are more worried about collapsing on Cunningham’s drives or isolations, his own efficiency could begin to rise as well.”

Although the Pistons entered the offseason with enough cap space to sign a star or two, the team didn’t attempt to expedite the rebuild turnaround by throwing major deals at veterans.

Instead, the team offered short-term contracts to helpful veterans such as Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley. While the Pistons cut the cord with the trade deadline acquisition Quentin Grimes, they swapped him out for the better fit in Tim Hardaway Jr.

CADILLAC WANTS TO TAKE ON ROLLS-ROYCE, ASTON MARTIN

NEWSWEEK • JULY 30, 2024 • BY JACK

LINGEMAN

Cadillac introduced its “ultimate expression of coach-built luxury” in late July, a clear indication that the Detroit-based automaker is attempting to fit in with the likes of British and German customization operations.

That expression came in the shape of the battery-electric Cadillac Sollei, a 2+2 (two doors and four seats) grand touring convertible complete with a long rear overhang and massive chrome wheels.

The company says the concept explores the possibilities of what bespoke customization could look like rather standing as a precursor to a forthcoming model.

Cadillac is currently offering those types of personalized choices with its electric Celestiq sedan, which starts at around $340,000. Customizations cost extra. That starting price is more than most Bentleys, besides the limited Batur and Bacalar, as well as most production Mercedes and Porsche vehicles.

Aston Martin’s is called Q and offers an array of bespoke options, materials and finishes with help from a dedicated design team. Dynamic wheel finishes, carbon fiber tinting, tailored woven leathers and painted interior graphics are all available. Some customers invest more than 30 percent of the original retail price to customize their car.

Bentley uses its Mulliner team with a range bespoke finishes including specialty veneers and precious metals including ancient stone veneers, 18-carat gold plated organ stops and pinstriped and painted veneers. Porsche and Mercedes offer a version of the same.

Rolls-Royce, the kings of customization, has been doing this for years with its Coachbuild program that allows buyers to go to the private design office and work with specialists to create the perfect luxury vehicle for each buyer. The British brand and others meet their well-heeled customers where they are to help them design a build.

Rolls-Royce goes a step further, allowing customers to create bespoke, one-off vehicles. Three have been created in the last few years, with the last one presented during Monterey Car Week. Owners are only limited by the size of their wallet. …

GREYSTONE

THE TICKER

SAIL AWAY

The Italmas, a 44-foot-long sailboat built by Van Dam Custom Boats in Boyne City.

The family-owned company has been designing and building luxury sailboats and motorboats since 1975.

Road Circuit

A father-and-son team are nearing the finish line in anticipation of opening Motorsports Gateway in Howell next spring.

BY R.J. KING

Racing against time and the advent of colder weather, a private race course with 68 planned garage condominiums is taking shape along I-96 in Howell.

During a late July tour of the Motorsports Gateway, prep crews had compacted most of the subbase material, with August dedicated to paving the 1.75-mile, 15-turn South Circuit with medium-grip asphalt.

By next spring and summer, the track will include the Pit Lane Clubhouse (literally along pit row); dozens of trackside, two-level garage condos each spanning 1,200 square feet with prices starting at $515,000; a Paddock Building; and short-term rental garages.

The Motorsports Gateway Howell Automotive District consists of 273 acres of rolling topography, vistas, and woodlands for members, including garage owners.

When the first course opens after Labor Day, members can begin racing along the 40-foot-wide track,

DBUSINESS DIRECT

TravisMathew Opens Store

At Somerset Collection in Troy

California-based TravisMathew has opened a store at the Somerset Collection North in Troy. It is the retailer’s first store in Michigan, and the 55th brick-and-mortar retail store overall. TravisMathew’s designs are for everyday activity.

DRIVING TOUR

Motorsports Gateway in Howell will offer two road courses to its members, one of which opens in September. The rendering shows the Pit Lane Clubhouse, center, and garage condos, along with the South Circuit.

Chevrolet Unleashes ‘Most

Powerful’ New Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2025 Corvette ZR1, equipped with what the automaker is calling the most powerful V-8 — a 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged, DOHC, 1,064 horsepower engine — ever produced in America by an automaker.

which includes a half-mile straightaway that runs parallel to I-96 (hidden from view). Here, drivers will be able to reach speeds of up to 150 mph.

A North Circuit, located closer to Grand River Avenue and near downtown Howell, is scheduled to open in the next two years. The dedicated performance track will be complemented with facilities geared to OEMs, suppliers, and tech companies. When the track isn’t being used for testing and other activities, members can drive both FIA-grade circuits (designed by Driven International).

“Every condominium will have a large (second-level) balcony that faces the track, while the rear of the condo will have a (ground-level) patio that faces the parking areas,” Eli Bayless, head of communications for Motorsports Gateway, says during the tour. A public entertainment zone is planned, as well.

Individual memberships are available and start with an initiation fee of $40,250, plus $7,500 in annual dues. Corporate memberships have an initiation fee of $390,000 and $90,000 in annual dues (prices may vary). Both packages offer 120 annual driving days, daily guest drivers, clubhouse access, and other features.

In addition, Motorsports Gateway has signed a partnership agreement with Pratt Miller Motorsports (PMM) in New Hudson, one of the most decorated sports car teams in America and the home of Corvette Racing. The deal gives Drivers Club members exclusive access to the PMM pit, garage, and trailer tours during select IMSA GTD Pro events, along with other offerings like meet-and-greet opportunities with drivers and executive team personnel.

The project was brought to life by Jordan Dick, a professional racecar driver who serves as CEO, along with his father, Mark, COO. The pair had owned JD Racing Indoor Karting at Fountain Walk in Novi, but sold it in 2001 to Full Throttle Adrenaline Park. Completing the family affair, Jordan’s wife, Brittnee Dier, is Motorsports Gateway’s head of technology.

Apart from driving the track and participating in various competitions, members can access on-site automotive maintenance and repair services and an Arrive and Drive program, where exotic cars can be rented.

University of Michigan Solar Car Team Wins American Race

The University of Michigan Solar Car Team won the American Solar Challenge, an eight-day, distance-based race from Tennessee to Wyoming. The team covered 2,120 miles in their vehicle, called Astrum, before crossing the finish line.

Grain Management Completes

Acquisition of Southfield’s 123Net

Grain Management has completed its acquisition of a majority investment in 123Net in Southfield, a commercial and residential fiber internet, data center interconnectivity and colocation, and business voice services provider.

Ann Arbor Insurance Firm

Acquires Three Area Agencies

Ann Arbor-based insurance brokerage Tropolis and Unity Partners in Dallas have acquired three insurance agencies: 360 Risk Management and Modi Benefits in Northville Township and Fishman Agency in Commerce Township.

TENANT ONE

MICHIGAN CENTRAL IN Detroit has announced founding member Google and its Code Next program as the first office tenant in the newly renovated Station.

Code Next’s computer science education programming helps Black, Latinx, and Indigenous high school students pursue careers in tech, with a goal of developing a pipeline of diverse talent for Michigan tech startups and established companies.

Anchoring The Station’s youth programming on the fifth floor, Michigan Central believes Code Next is a key piece of a larger skills training initiative, which provides free job training for Detroit residents and grows the Michigan Central innovation ecosystem.

“Today marks a significant milestone for Michigan Central and our efforts to build a vibrant hub for innovation, community and opportunity.

Having Detroit youth and Google’s Code Next be the first to call The Station home speaks clearly to the mission of Michigan Central to create not only tech and innovation, but opportunity,” says Carolina Pluszczynski, COO of Michigan Central.

Code Next’s Detroit lab — Google’s first in the Midwest — has enrolled approximately 100 students across two cohorts.

The lab will operate on The Station’s youth floor, which spans 23,000 square feet.

— By R.J. King

Anchors Aweigh

A craft builder in Boyne City designs and produces custom motorboats and sailboats..

BY SETH SCHWARTZ

Studying as an apprentice with master craftsman Vic Carpenter in Port McNicoll, Canada, gave Steve Van Dam a foundation for boat-building. In 1975, Van Dam and his wife, Jean, moved to Harbor Springs, built a small workshop, and founded Van Dam Custom Boats.

While restoring a few boats, a restaurant bar, and taking on assorted carpentry, Van Dam built his first craft, Feather, a 24-foot sailboat with a wooden hull, in 1975. Silvan followed in 1980.

Soon after, word got out about Van Dam’s craftsmanship and orders started coming in. Since then, the company has built 51 motorboats ranging from 16 feet to 55 feet, and 12 sailboats.

In the early 1990s, the business moved to Boyne City, where today there are five 12,000-square-foot buildings across 16 acres, along with a 22,000-square-foot production area.

Adjacent to the property is a sister company, Boyne Boatyard, which offers 90 feet of access to Lake Charlevoix. In July, a solar-powered system was installed to provide electricity to power the entire area.

“Working directly with (our clients) in the beginning allows us to get to know them better, and allows some insight into the nuances of what they’re really looking for,” says Jeremy Pearson, sales manager at Van Dam Custom Boats. “With that personalization and relationship, we’re able to build in the concept design — which helps us build a better boat.”

While most everything is done in-house, the naval architecture and running surface engineering is done by a third-party engineering firm.

“Our time is better served focusing on the styling, plan, profile, layout, and material and hardware choices with the owner,” Pearson says.

The craft business includes a metal shop, a paint and varnish department, and plenty of customization options. Each boat is a one-off wood composite that takes roughly 16 months to 24 months from conception to completion.

Smaller boats require roughly 8,000 hours of work, while larger ones need close to 30,000 hours.

WAVE LENGTH

Van Dam Custom Boats in Boyne City produces an array of motorboats and sailboats. Used prices range from nearly $72,000 up to $899,000, according to YachtWorld.

Power plants vary between electric, gas, and diesel motors. If an owner wants a truly custom engine, Van Dam works with Sterling Performance, which is based in Milford Township.

Seven employees handle the woodworking, motor installs, HVAC systems, and plumbing, while two workers in the metal shop fabricate cleats, hinges, motor mounts, life-line stanchions, and port lights. Four other employees handle the paint and varnish.

Sourced materials include sipo mahogany from Africa, which is planked and kiln-dried in the Netherlands. Van Dam’s son, Ben, meanwhile, travels to a lumber yard in Seattle to inspect other wood for correct grain patterns.

“If the grain pattern and quality is up to our standard, we’ll purchase the wood and have the yard cut it to specific lengths and angles and ship it to our facility in Boyne City,” Pearson says. “We’ll mill it down to specification from there, depending on what the wood is being used for.”

Huron Capital Exigent Group Adds HVAC Firms in Ohio, Maryland

The Exigent Group, the building mechanical and plumbing services platform of Detroit private equity firm Huron Capital, has acquired Smith-Boughan Mechanical in Ohio and Maryland’s Electrical Automation Systems (EASI).

National Mobility Consortium Opens New Ann Arbor HQ

The National Advanced Mobility Consortium Inc. has opened of its new, expanded headquarters in Ann Arbor, reflecting the organization’s growth and its commitment to advancing defense technology and innovation.

Shinola Hotel Brand Expanding to Indianapolis

Boxcar Development in Indianapolis has proposed putting a Shinola Hotel into the former CSX building in downtown Indianapolis, which is being redeveloped to include a hotel, a music venue, retail space, and a skybridge.

Big Ten Selects Detroit to Host 2028 Women’s Hoops Tourney

The Big Ten Conference has selected Detroit to host its 2028 Women’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit March 1-5, 2028, according to the Detroit Sports Commission.

The Shyft Group in Novi Buys Service Truck Upfitter

The Shyft Group Inc. in Novi has announced acquired Independent Truck Upfitters (ITU), a service body and work truck upfitter with facilities in Roseville, Kansas City, and Iowa. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

For full stories and more, visit dbusiness.com/daily-news to get daily news sent directly to your email.

AmericanSewn

A once-thriving sewing industry is lining up for a comeback.

BY R.J. KING | JOSH SCOTT

For businesses that use textiles, Tim Rose has them covered.

With clients ranging from manufacturers and contractors to different branches of the U.S. military, Rose and his dozen employees are on pace to produce more than 150,000 bags, straps, and canvas covers this year. That’s more than double the output from 2023.

“We get the drawings and the specs from our customers, and we make covers for military personnel and equipment,” says Rose, president of Textile Fabrication and Distribution Inc. in Mount Clemens. “We also have automotive and industrial clients.”

While there’s plenty of demand for domestically produced products, the craft of threading by hand or operating a commercial sewing machine is notches from where it once was. At the same time, the production workforce has steadily been trimmed by overseas competition and robotics.

The challenge at Textile Fabrication, which was founded in 2001, was that although it had steady sales, Rose knew they could do more with trained seamsters. Enter the power of networking.

Through a recommendation, in 2022 Rose began working with the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, or ISAIC, a nonprofit organization located on the third floor of a former Chrysler dealership along Cass Avenue in Detroit’s Midtown district.

Executive

STITCH IN TIME

Tim Rose, president of Textile Fabrication and Distribution Inc. in Mount Clemens, has been able to expand his business in tandem with hiring more industrial seamsters.

In some way, he says the company now has a certain kinship with the Art Deco space. Before machines took over in the 1950s, thousands of car seats and liners were hand-stitched across scores of automotive assembly plants.

“We had an enormous amount of professional seamsters in Detroit, but as times changed, demand fell off. Now, ISAIC and others are offering training programs as a way to expand local job opportunities,” says Rose, who earned an advertising degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.

“That’s been a big help to me. We also work with agencies to provide jobs to the hearing-impaired,

PDA Q&A: THE E-INTERVIEW

DB: WHERE ARE YOU?

SL: I’m in Paris for the Summer Olympics.

DB: WHAT’S GOING ON?

SL: I’m the executive chef for USA Basketball, (and) I oversee all of the food programs for the women’s national team, the men’s national team, and both the women’s and men’s three-on-three basketball teams. There’s also the Nike group.

DB: ARE THERE MEAL PLANS?

SL: We make sure the food selections are what (is) expected by the players. Overall, it averages five meal packages a day. There can be breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, snacks in between, and meals to go for players on their way to practice or a shoot-around.

DB: HOW DID YOU START?

SL: In 2008, through relationships with NBA

players who ate at my restaurant, Loving Spoonful (in Farmington Hills). I had the restaurant from 2001 to 2007.

DB: ARE YOU MAKING ANY SPECIFIC FOODS?

SL: We follow everyone’s diets, of course. There’s nothing special — just healthy, wholesome food. One player may like to eat a certain pasta at a certain time of the day, and they may like

which we developed a specialty for. My wife and several of our employees are hearing-impaired.”

ISAIC’s training curriculum is being used in multiple states across the country, while its learning and contract manufacturing factory, in which it strives to teach mass-production principles, is located at the Detroit facility.

“To find trained workers ready to go has been very helpful for the business,” says Rose, who developed a novel way to produce camouflaged tarps for the military.

With the added momentum in recent years, he’s eyeing a future expansion.

“There’s plenty of work to go around if we can find more workers,” he says. “Rather than see orders go overseas, jobs can be created right here.”

different fruits before or after their pasta. There’s so many things that go into it.

DB: HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU FEED DAILY?

SL: It works out to 300 to 325 people, which includes the players, their families, the coaching staffs, the training staffs, and the agents. What makes it challenging is we’re cooking from two different Marriott properties, one in Paris and

one in Lille. There are six to eight chefs working each day, spread out with different schedules.

DB: WHAT DRIVES YOU?

SL: I love challenges. The volume of this project is no different than what I have going on at the DAC. But here there are language barriers, along with traveling between two hotels. Overall, it’s very rewarding.

— R.J. King

SHAWN LOVING

Chef Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit

Experience Excellence!

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Contemporary Leader

Lane Coleman, new chair of the Detroit Institute of Arts, is taking nothing for granted.

BY BILL DOW

When Eugene Gargaro announced in May 2023 that after 20 years he was stepping down as board chair of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the bar was set high for anyone moving into his shoes.

Gargaro left an extraordinary legacy that included overseeing the DIA’s $158-million renovation in 2007, securing the museum’s financial stability by proposing and co-chairing the successful tri-county millage campaigns, and guiding the institute through Detroit’s 2014 bankruptcy by leading the effort to raise $100 million as part of the “Grand Bargain” that saved the art and the building in perpetuity.

Led by Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Bonnie Larson, after a three-month search and the vetting of several candidates, Lane Coleman, a Detroit business leader and former Naval officer, was unanimously chosen as board chair to serve a term of three years. According to current DIA bylaws, a chair may serve up to three full terms.

Coleman is the first African-American to lead the DIA in its 139-year history, although in the past 10 years the board has become increasingly diverse.

Following a five-month transition period during which he regularly conferred with Gargaro, Coleman, who served on the board and the DIA’s executive, finance, and audit committees, formally took over as chair in January.

“I’m honored that I was chosen to lead the DIA for the next three years, and l look forward to advancing the museum’s mission,” Coleman says. “Gene Gargaro really helped me to prepare for this, and he’s still a confidant.”

After earning an engineering degree from Northern Illinois University in 1986, Coleman, who was raised in Chicago, became a Navy pilot. A veteran of Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom, he reached the rank of lieutenant commander.

From there he entered private industry and managed distribution for Amoco. Later, Coleman moved to Detroit and became a regional manager for Mays Chemical.

“Amoco wanted me to work in Detroit for a year, with a promise that after that I could move anywhere, but I didn’t want to go,” Coleman says. “I never experienced a city where the people were so kind, and I had never seen so many people of color in management positions or who owned their own firms. When my

ART OBJECTIVE

Lane Coleman was named board chair of the Detroit Institute of Arts and formally began his three-year term in January. The former U.S. Navy veteran is president and CEO of Strike Group in Detroit.

year was up, I told my boss that I wanted to stay here — and I’m now one of Detroit’s biggest ambassadors.”

Encouraged by the entrepreneurial spirit of Bill Mays, owner of Mays Chemical, in 1998 Coleman became founder, president, and CEO of Detroitbased Strike Group, a leading company specializing in sustainment logistics, material supply sourcing, and IT services.

He says his passion for art began in college, after he signed up for an art history class to fulfill credit hours.

“I like to say that as a kid, my only exposure to art was a framed poster my parents bought to match our couch,” Coleman says. “The college class opened my mind up to the importance and value of art, as I first learned about the masters, and it was so interesting. The next semester my fraternity brother, Kevin Cole, (who became a world-renowned artist) gave me one of his large three-dimensional pieces with (shoelaces), sunglasses, and ties mounted on it.

“I’d never seen anything like it, and I quickly became hooked on art,” Coleman remembers.

“When you pull back the art veneer that covers the DIA, it’s a big business,” Gargaro says. “I like everything Lane offers. He runs a large business and is very aware of the nuances of doing that. He’s very respected and connected to the Detroit community. He and his wife, Leigh, are passionate art collectors, and he already had a great rapport with Salvador Salort-Pons (the DIA’s director) and his wonderful team.”

Although the DIA is on very sound financial footing, and is admired worldwide for its collection and

business model, Coleman takes nothing for granted.

“It’s really easy to fly a jet at a high altitude with smooth weather, but bad weather can come in quickly — so I’m never complacent,” Coleman says. “I’m not here to flip the apple cart, but I can help make the case for some new approaches.

“My responsibility is governance. I don’t get involved in day-to-day operations, but if I see something that’s not working, I’ll be on it. My leadership style is that it’s not about me, it’s the team.”

Pursuant to a strategic plan already in place, Coleman says the DIA is working to raise its endowment to $500 million by 2027, and to nearly $800 million by the time the millage ends in 2032.

“Our goal is to become self-sufficient, but also my big objective is for the DIA to be a place for everyone,” he says. “You can be an art lover and art historian, or be a kid from the city who has never been to an art museum.”

To that point, Coleman points out that the co-curator of the current DIA exhibit, Regeneration: Black Cinema 1989-1971, is native Detroiter Rhea Combs, who today is director of curatorial affairs at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. She was first exposed to the DIA on a school trip.

“The DIA is still one of those places where you can bump into Cynthia and Edsel Ford and a school kid from Cass Tech. If minorities and people from different ethnic backgrounds become more comfortable with the museum, that’s beneficial for everybody,” he says.

OCTOBER 17, 2024 | 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Higher Support

Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti is investing millions of dollars in its infrastructure to pave the way for the future.

BY TIM KEENAN | NICK HAGEN

Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti is involved in its largest building boom since the 1960s as it invests hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade the campus literally from end to end.

New buildings are being constructed; existing structures are being remodeled — and, in some cases, repurposed; and green spaces are replacing older buildings. The overarching goal is to enhance campus life and attract new students.

“It’s taken us two, two-and-a-half years, to get us where we are,” says James Smith, president of EMU. “The planning has been going on for double that amount of time.”

To that end, in April the university unveiled two new laboratories in Sill Hall, which is the home of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.

The labs are named in honor of business leaders and EMU alumni John Bodary, president of Woods Construction, and Jack Roush, founder and chairman of Roush Enterprises, both of whom contributed to the project. The $40-million renovation and expansion of the 92,625-square-foot Sill Hall, built in 1965, features modernized classrooms and labs, lecture halls, and student commons.

Other new amenities include themed labs dedicated to autonomous vehicle research, cybersecurity, virtual reality, robotics, and maker spaces.

GameAbove, an alumni group based in Fort Myers, Fla., falls under the CapStone Holdings Inc. umbrella.

WATERFRONT LIVING

Eastern Michigan’s new Lakeview Apartments for upperclassmen has opened for the fall semester. It’s part of a $250 million investment in student housing.

Since 2019, it has given more than $35 million to various athletic and academic causes at the Ypsilanti institution.

“These are exciting times at the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology for our students and faculty,” says Mohamad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. “With support from our local and international business community, we’ll continue to raise the profile of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology and its graduate students, who are well prepared to pursue their careers in engineering and technology fields.”

In 2019, the university updated Strong Hall, a science building that opened in 1958, to the tune of $36 million. “Strong Hall is a geosciences building,” Smith says of another project that took place during his time as president (he will retire at the end of his 10-year contract on June 30, 2026). “Geosciences have changed a lot in the last 25 years.”

The biggest investment, some $250 million, is in on-campus housing. Work is expected to be complete by the fall semester on two new apartment-style residence halls. Every other existing residence hall room has been renovated over the past few years.

“It’s a bright new day on our campus,” Smith says. “The level of investment in new modern living spaces and in demolishing older buildings is changing this great university’s footprint as we celebrate our 175th anniversary.

“At the same time, our investment in energy conservation measures is modernizing the infrastructure, which is an investment that will benefit the university for decades to come.”

The new buildings are Lakeview Apartments (near the student center) and Westview Apartments (situated between the main and west campuses).

“Students have said they want apartment-style living,” Smith says. “These aren’t glitzy apartments, but they’re what students want.”

The projects were done as a collaboration with Gilbane Building Co. in Detroit, a family-owned construction company. It built the new facilities, remodeled the existing dorms, and will manage all student housing.

SPECIAL TEAMS

AMONG THE MANY building and remodeling projects at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti is the resurfacing of the Rynearson Stadium football field on the West Campus.

“It’s a pretty complex agreement, but it’s one where we keep ownership,” Smith explains. “We own the buildings, and they’re working with us on either the rebuild or the new builds.”

Elsewhere on campus, the past will give way to modern times as Brown (built in 1949) and Munson (built in 1941) apartments, located in the center of campus across from Bowen Field House, onetime home of the EMU basketball team, are demolished.

Built before and after World War II, the buildings were well-constructed and outfitted, yet they had their shortcomings, given their age. In recent years they’ve been popular with international students because each suite had a kitchenette where they could cook food from their home countries.

“The one that was the most obvious was Jones-Goddard,” Smith says. “We’re trying to save as much of the statuary and architectural features as we can and put them in storage. It was riddled with asbestos and had been in mothballs since 2004. Brown-Munson lived a great life, but they were getting functionally obsolete.”

The two buildings, as well as the Jones-Goddard residence hall complex, constructed in 1948 and 1955, respectively, will make way for green space, which is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

Final construction of the new Windgate Arts Complex in the EMU School of Art and Design opened this summer. The complex, funded in part by a gift from the Windgate Foundation, is designed to advance opportunities in several arts disciplines by providing a new and expanded space that establishes a collaborative, creative environment for art-making.

It houses sculpture, ceramics, furniture design, digital fabrication, 3-D design, and metalsmithing. The programs were previously housed in several buildings scattered across campus.

Meanwhile, reconstruction of the main floor at the Halle Library, which opened in 1998, transformed it into a state-of-the-art information commons. The renovation included an improved Academic Projects Center, a new gallery, the

Following a $1 million donation to the EMU Athletic Department by Las Vegas Raiders defensive captain Maxx Crosby and his wife, Rachel, the new gray FieldTurf artificial field was named in Crosby’s honor.

The project included subsurface grading, field drainage and surface, and relocating the track and field track from the stadium to a nearby facility.

“First and foremost, Eastern Michigan University holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly grateful for the significant role my EMU experience has played in shaping my life as an athlete and as a man,” Crosby says. “Without EMU, I wouldn’t have the lifelong friends that now serve as advisers and business

partners. Without EMU, I may not have ever had the opportunity to achieve my dream of playing in the National Football League.”

EMU Athletic Director Scott Wetherbee says the donation will help launch Phase Two of the Championship Building Plan. Phase One included the construction of the Student-Athlete Performance Center, which opened in 2019. Heavily supported by fundraising efforts, it was part of the Athletic Department’s plan to build a “safe and highly effective atmosphere” for student-athletes.

Details about the second phase of the Championship Building Plan have yet to be released.

“I’m a firm believer in the power of education and sports, and personally serve as an example of how they can positively impact both individuals and communities,” Crosby says.

— By Tim Keenan

EXECUTIVE ACTION

EMU President James Smith has overseen a building blitz during his eight years at the school’s helm.

EMU Athletic Director Scott Wetherbee, Maxx Crosby, and head football coach Chris Creighton.

PRESIDENTIAL GROUNDS

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, like the state’s other three “directional schools” — Central Michigan, Northern Michigan, and Western Michigan — started as a teachers’ college.

Michigan State Normal School was founded in 1849, and opened its doors in 1853. It was the first normal school in Michigan, and the first created outside the original 13 colonies.

President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt toured the campus in 1896, and three years later the school became Michigan State Normal College. At the time, it created the first four-year curriculum for a normal college in the nation.

With the additions of departments and the large educational enrollment after World War II, the school became Eastern Michigan College in 1956. Eastern Michigan achieved university status in 1959. A year later, then Sen. John F. Kennedy visited the campus. More than three decades later, President Bill Clinton gave a speech about women in business, and in 2000 returned to deliver the commencement address.

Today, the university has close to 13,352 students. Degree studies are offered in arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, technology, and more.

— By Tim Keenan

SOMETIMES IT LOOKS LIKE WE’RE JUST DOING THINGS FOR A FACELIFT...ALL OF THESE (PROJECTS) ARE TO MEET STUDENT NEEDS.”

— JAMES SMITH, EMU PRESIDENT

addition of two centers: the Civil Rights and Social Justice Center, and the Center for Jewish Studies.

The Holman Success Center, Faculty Development Center, University Writing Center, and Academic Projects Center will remain in the building. University Archives and the Oral History Program will move to the first floor as part of the project for increased visibility.

The renovation also includes new student study and research space, and three recording studios for student/faculty use for podcasts and other recording projects. Work began in May and was completed in August 2024.

That project was the result of a gift from the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation. Bruce T. Halle, who died in 2018, was the founder of Discount Tire and an EMU alumnus.

Looking to reduce electrical, heat, and water demand on campus, Eastern started a $25-million, three-year project investment this summer, including LED lighting upgrades at the Mark Jefferson science building, Oestrike Stadium (baseball), the Coating Research Institute, the Pray Harrold classroom building, the Student Center, the Porter teacher education building, Warner Gymnasium, Halle Library, and others.

Boone Hall, which is part of the upgrades, was named for Richard Gause Boone, the principal who in 1899 led a successful lobbying effort to rename the school Michigan State Normal College.

Seven existing building also received building automation systems upgrades and optimization. The installation of interior classroom locks is part of an ongoing campus safety initiative.

New electrical infrastructure is being put in place to better serve the Cornell apartments and Fletcher building, which houses the Autism Collaborative Center and EMU’s Children’s Institute. The work will involve boring holes underground. The engineering process is underway and completion is expected in winter 2025.

EAGLE EYE

Once the home of all EMU administrative offices, Pierce Hall (above), built in 1948, is the future home of the university’s College of Business.

Using funding from the State of Michigan’s Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund, further renovations to the Fletcher Building included new classroom space to support growing demand for Children’s Institute services. Other improvements were made at the Alexander Music Building, which opened in 1980, and the observatory dome of Sherzer Hall, dedicated in 1903.

ROOSEVELT HALL, 1930

THEN SEN. JOHN F. KENNEDY IN DETROIT, 1960

BILL CLINTON SPEAKING AT EMU COMMENCEMENT, 2000

West Campus, which is home to Rynearson Stadium (football), Oestrike Stadium, the George Gervin GameAbove Center, and other athletic facilities will undergo electrical infrastructure upgrades. The project is expected to be completed in winter 2025.

This summer’s projects were a continuation of the work Smith started on his arrival at Eastern in 2016.

One of Smith’s first projects was finalized in 2020, when Eastern opened its refurbished Olds-Robb Rec/IM building at a cost of $16.8 million in student fees. “The students taxed themselves for that, and have resoundingly said it’s a great investment,” Smith says.

Originally built in 1982, many of the Rec/IM’s facilities were obsolete.

“When it was built in the 1980s, racquetball and squash were very popular, and (lately) they weren’t being used,” Smith explains. “Now we have pickleball courts and a studio where you can do Zumba and Pilates. To me, it looks like a high-end fitness center. We took out a concrete wall and replaced it with glass so you can look out at a pond.”

In addition to the glass wall, the original space, which spans 72,000 square feet, was redone. Another 33,000 square feet was added, as well.

Next year, Eastern will spend $42.5 million, 75 percent of which will be state funds, to renovate Roosevelt Hall to accommodate expansion of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. Work is expected to be completed in 2028. The building originally was constructed in 1924 as a laboratory high school for EMU’s College of Education.

“The big takeaway for someone who hasn’t been here for a while is these are all things we’re doing to benefit students,” Smith stresses. “It’s not a glamor thing. Sometimes it looks like we’re doing things just for a face-lift, but we’re very headstrong on retention and graduation — and all of these are to meet student needs.”

The

and Technology (above photos), along with the restored Sellars Residence Hall (top right) and the demolition of the Goddard Residence Hall. (lower right).

BY JOHN SITKIEWICZ

The Politics of Water

In light of the tragedy in Flint, why did Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the State of Michigan wait nearly ﬁve years before replacing all the lead water pipes in Benton Harbor?

It was good governance, or so it seemed. ose in receipt of a press release issued on Nov. 13, 2023, by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy touting infrastructure improvements made in the city of Benton Harbor courtesy of the state over the two previous years would be hard-pressed to think anything otherwise.

Left unsaid was any mention of the lead water crisis that had upended everyday life for the predominately Black residents in this Lake Michigan shoreline community founded in 1837.

e city’s lead service lines, roughly 4,500 in number, were replaced with new copper pipes by an executive directive signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October 2021, three years after the crisis began.

For all that was celebrated in the state’s press release, it was a far cry from where things stood in Benton Harbor in late 2021.

At that time, city residents felt all but abandoned by the state, according to community leaders. Local constituents also wanted their lead water lines replaced.

As it stood, home water taps showed o -the-charts lead levels of 889 parts per billion — nearly 60 times above what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe for usage — in a six-month monitoring period ending on June 30, 2021.

During the whole time, the state never issued a public health advisory for the city, even after Benton Harbor was o cially noti ed by EGLE of a lead

exceedance level of 22 parts per billion in its water supply on Oct. 22, 2018 — the amount was more than the 20 parts per billion what the city of Flint had averaged during its water crisis disaster that began in 2014.

Before Whitmer and state agencies began replacing the lead pipes after more than three years had lapsed, it was activists in the city who were doing what they believe should have been the state’s work.

Almost immediately following the 2018 report, the Benton Harbor Community Water Council, a 13-member grassroots group, began distributing thousands of cases of bottled water a year. At the same time, they educated the public on the known health risks associated with lead exposure.

“In a Black city like Benton Harbor, who really cares? ey (state o cials) don’t care about people here having bad water, having contaminated water, having lead-infested water,” says Rev. Edward Pinkney, lead pastor of Benton Harbor’s God’s Household of Faith Church and president of the Benton Harbor Community Water Council.

Pinkney and others believe the state only became interested in ending the water crisis in September 2021, when its hand was essentially forced in an e ort to avoid embarrassment and a political fallout for a rst-term governor seeking re-election in 2022.

At the same time, Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel had undertaken rigorous attacks and led criminal complaints against former Gov. Rick Snyder and state department o cials for their role in

the Flint water crisis. e criminal charges were eventually dismissed.

As Whitmer began to focus on the problem in Benton Harbor, the state’s lead agency on water quality, EGLE, was still dealing with a corrosion control quagmire in the city that was much of the department’s making.

In January 2019, when EGLE o cials and Benton Harbor agreed to attempt combating lead contamination in the city’s water supply using corrosion control, two issues were known up front.

Prior to the city’s lead level exceedance in 2018, Benton Harbor had only been monitoring its water supply for the presence of lead every three years.

e state corrected that by placing the city under six-month monitoring periods, where random samples of city tap water coming out of homes would be tested to detect for lead.

e other issue, the fact Benton Harbor hadn’t been implementing adequate corrosion control in its own public water system for some time, would take care of itself with a concerted e ort.

Overall, success or failure hinged upon nding a mix of chemicals capable of coating the city’s lead service lines to prevent contaminants from continuing to seep into water being delivered into Benton Harbor homes and businesses.

EGLE and the city needed a solution that could take lead levels down somewhere below 15 parts per billion, the level the EPA considers safe.

BENTON HARBOR

Founded: 1837

Population: 11,182 (2020 U.S. Census)

Median household income: $17,471

Largest ethnic group: African-Americans (92.4%)

Main industries: Advanced manufacturing, logistics, food processing, tourism

Attractions: Main Street and Arts

District, Lake Michigan coastline, St. Joseph and Paw Paw rivers

Source: DBusinessresearch

To that end, Benton Harbor proposed utilizing a proprietary phosphate blend developed by its consultant, Elhorn Engineering Co. Dubbed “Carus 8600,” the blend consisted of a 70/30 percent orthophosphate/ polyphosphate mix.

On the surface, nothing seemed concerning when Benton Harbor submitted a permit application to EGLE on Jan. 24, 2019, requesting to install the phosphate blend in the city’s public water system. Using phosphates to treat public water is a common occurrence.

e di erences between types and their strengths are an entirely di erent matter.

Orthophosphate is widely considered a strong corrosion inhibitor when pitted against lead. Polyphosphate, meanwhile, is highly e ective in fending o iron and other materials that cause water discoloration, but is weak in terms of lead protection.

When combined, and if concentrated correctly, a blend of orthophosphate and polyphosphate can provide a one-two punch against lead contamination and iron discoloration in tap water.

No one at EGLE raised any issues with the phosphate types being proposed by Benton Harbor through its consultant, or the application itself, for nearly a month — until one agency expert started ashing caution.

In a Feb. 21, 2019, email to EGLE sta , Brian urston, at the time the agency’s community water supply section manager, expressed concerns with Benton

Harbor’s permit application, warning: “ e attached permit does not show how the consultant (Elhorn Engineering) is planning to reach OCCT (optimal corrosion control treatment).”

urston, who did not support approving Benton Harbor’s application, also believed the phosphate blend used in Carus 8600 was o .

In his view, the solution was lacking in orthophosphate, the known corrosion inhibitor that Benton Harbor’s public water system needed most because of its ability to prevent seepage from occurring in lead service lines.

Before closing out the email addressing issues with the permit, urston asserted: “In my opinion, a higher initial dose of orthophosphate is (needed for Carus 8600) to quickly establish a protective lm in the Pb (lead) service lines.”

Despite urston’s issues with the application as submitted, and skepticism regarding the Carus 8600 blend expressed in internal agency communications just days earlier, EGLE green-lit Benton Harbor’s permit on Feb. 25, 2019.

e agency’s approval was based on the condition that Benton Harbor monitor and issue reports on the e ectiveness of the corrosion inhibitor.

One month after receiving its permit from EGLE, and satis ed with that condition, Benton Harbor started feeding the Carus 8600 blend into its public water system on March 25, 2019.

Although no one would realize it until months later, one of the most consequential mistakes of the city’s water crisis had just occurred. e Carus 8600 product would fail two consecutive six-month monitoring periods, just as EGLE’s urston had predicted.

Tap water samples in the six-month period from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2019, showed detectable lead was at least at 27 parts per billion. e highest level found in one city tap was 59 parts per billion.

When Carus 8600 had the bene t of working over the course of a full six-month monitoring period, the results were even worse.

e tap water samples covering July through Dec. 31, 2019, showed detectable lead was at least at 32 parts per billion. One city tap showed a lead level of 72 parts per billion.

At that point, three things were clear.

First, lead levels in Benton Harbor’s public water system were on the rise.

Second, the results from the six-month monitoring period ending in June 2019, when the deployment of Carus 8600 was at its mid-point, was the same or worse. And the product was clearly failing.

So much so that by mid-February 2020, EGLE wanted Carus 8600, a product they approved Benton Harbor to use for corrosion control less than a year earlier, scrapped.

In a Feb. 13, 2020, letter to then Benton Harbor City Manager Ellis Mitchell, Brandon Onan, a former EGLE supervisor in the Lead and Copper Unit, stated: “the treatment of (Carus 8600) is not achieving desired results quickly enough.”

Onan directed Mitchell to scrap Carus 8600 in favor of a new product containing 90 percent orthophosphate no later than Feb. 28, 2020.

In addition, Onan instructed Benton Harbor to have a third-party consultant submit a corrosion control study proposal complying with Michigan’s lead and copper rule to EGLE within six months of the directed treatment change that identi ed an optimal corrosion control treatment method for the city.

e direction to change the solution set o a series of debacles that would continue until the end of 2020.

One EGLE surface water treatment specialist believed Onan was steering Benton Harbor to keep using phosphate products by not considering alternative methods.

For reasons unknown, Benton Harbor kept Elhorn Engineering Co., the out t behind the failed Carus 8600 product, on as a consultant.

Benton Harbor did, in compliance with Onan’s letter, enter a 90 percent orthophosphate product into its public water system sometime before April 17, 2020, but there were already issues being raised with its distribution rate.

e tap water samples in the six-month monitoring period from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2020, showed detectable lead was at least at 23 parts per billion. e highest lead level found in one city tap was an eye-popping 440 parts per billion — a level nearly 30 times above EPA safe usage limits.

e results out of the next monitoring period were a mixed bag. Tap water samples in the six-month monitoring period from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, showed detectable lead was at least at 24 parts per billion. One city tap came in at 240 parts per billion.

By any objective measure, it was undeniable the state was completely stuck on a failed corrosion control e ort in the third year of Benton Harbor’s water crisis.

It also was undeniable that Benton Harbor’s residents were going to be heading into the water crisis’ fourth year having never been issued a public health advisement. In addition, the state never delivered one case of bottled water to the city.

What made matters worse, according to Pinkney’s recollection, was EGLE had little to no appetite for seriously discussing a comprehensive lead service line replacement e ort in the city, which Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad often described as being a $30 million project in media reports, whenever the BHCWC attempted to engage the agency’s sta on the topic.

“Any conversation we had with EGLE wasn’t very productive, Pinkney says. “ ey were counting on us to back down. I (had) requested $60 million (for Benton Harbor lead service line replacement).”

Beyond frustrated with the state’s response, Pinkney and the rest of the BHCWC entered 2021 focused on changing tactics.

In early January, one of the group’s rst orders of business was to do away with plans to start a letter-writing campaign to President Joe Biden. Shortly

AQUA ALERT

A worker from the Berrien County Road Department that includes Benton Harbor, ﬁlls plastic jugs with non-potable water so residents can ﬂush their toilets. The handouts were the result of a lead water crisis in Benton Harbor.

TIMELINE

Oct. 22, 2018 — Benton Harbor officially notified of a lead exceedance level of 22 parts per billion in its water supply. The amount was more than the 20 parts per billion what the City of Flint had averaged during its water crisis disaster that began in 2014.

Jan. 24, 2019 — Benton Harbor submitted a permit application to EGLE requesting to install a phosphate blend dubbed Caris 8600 to combat high levels of lead in the city’s public water system.

Feb. 21, 2019 — In an email to EGLE staff, Brian Thurston, the agency’s then community water supply section manager, expressed concerns with Benton Harbor’s permit application.

Feb. 25, 2019 — Despite Thurston’s issues with the application as submitted and skepticism regarding the Carus 8600 blend, expressed in internal agency communications just days earlier, EGLE green-lit Benton Harbor’s permit.

Feb. 13, 2020 — In a letter to then Benton Harbor City Manager Ellis Mitchell, Brandon Onan, a former EGLE supervisor in the Lead and Copper Unit, stated, “the treatment of (Carus 8600) is not achieving desired results quickly enough.” The assessment came after Benton Harbor’s water lines continued to show high levels of lead.

Dec. 31, 2020 — With a new water treatment solution directed by state officials, Benton Harbor tap water samples in the six-month monitoring period from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, showed detectable lead was at least at 24 parts per billion. One city tap came in at 240 parts per billion.

Jan. 1, 2021 — Over the next nine months, the Benton Harbor Community Water Council and others completed a Petition for Emergency Action under the Safe Water Drinking Act, 42 U.S.C., that described the imminent and substantial endangerment city residents were facing due to lead contamination known to be present in public drinking water.

Sept. 8, 2021 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to replace all lead service lines in Benton Harbor over a five-year period.

Sept. 9, 2021 — An emergency petition requesting EPA action in Benton Harbor was submitted to EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and EPA Region 5 in Chicago.

Sept. 22, 2021 — EGLE announced plans to distribute bottled water to Benton Harbor residents.

Oct. 6, 2021 — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urged Benton Harbor residents to use bottled water for everyday functions “out of an abundance of caution.”

Oct. 14, 2021 — Whitmer accelerated lead service line replacement efforts in Benton Harbor. Completion was slated to occur within 18 months. Lead service line replacement was completed in May 2023.

Nov. 5, 2021 — EPA Region 5 issued the City of Benton Harbor an administrative order that provided the agency oversight authority related to addressing the known presence of lead in its public water supply.

Nov. 8, 2022 — Whitmer won election to a second term.

— John Sitkiewicz

GROUND SUPPORT

Beginning in 2018, Rev. Edward Pinkney led the way in exposing a lead water pipe crisis in Benton Harbor. Pinkney is lead pastor of God’s Household of Faith Church and president of the Benton Harbor Community Water Council.

thereafter, its members agreed to take legal advice being provided by the Natural Resources Defense Council and go all in on petitioning the EPA for emergency action, citing the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

The petition was written by lawyers from the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center in Detroit.

Overall, the goal was to request the EPA issue an administrative order that would allow the agency to take expedited actions in Benton Harbor ranging from on-the-ground support to technical expertise, and fast-tracking the city’s access to federal grant dollars.

Over the course of the next five months, BHCWC, as the lead petitioner, assisted with fact-finding and assembling a series of co-petitioners.

Twenty organizations ranging from community groups to nonprofit corporations and environmental advocacy organizations agreed to sign on to the effort by the time the petition was in draft form in early June.

When completed in early September 2021, the Petition for Emergency Action under the Safe Water Drinking Act, 42 U.S.C., contained 27 pages of content that described the imminent and substantial endangerment Benton Harbor residents were facing due to lead contamination known to be present in public drinking water.

Sequenced by dates and events, the petition chronicled the three-year period when Benton Harbor first learned of high levels of lead in its drinking water.

The repeated failures by EGLE and Benton Harbor to arrive at an optimal corrosion control treatment method during any point of the fiasco were all documented.

It detailed in March 2019 how EGLE had allowed an unproven phosphate blend, the ill-fated Carus 8600 product Benton Harbor had proposed for use, to be deployed in the city’s public water system without adequate study or testing.

To bring attention to the filing of the petition, community leaders and the BHCWC planned a press conference for Sept. 9, 2021, a date selected months before. Nicholas Leonard, a lawyer who had drafted

the petition’s content, also had copies ready to be sent electronically and by traditional mail to the EPA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and EPA Region 5 in Chicago.

During the press event, Pinkney planned to reveal some uncomfortable facts about Benton Harbor, a city where nearly half of its roughly 10,000 residents, 85 percent of whom are Black, live below the poverty line and often lack access to quality health care.

Benton Harbor is still very much a city that never fully recovered from the segregation that plagued its public schools and housing projects in the 1950s. Nor has it ever fully rebounded from the flight by affluent whites dating back to the 1960s.

At the height of its water crisis in 2021, Benton Harbor had the misfortune to become something else: A city in modern America being made to want for safe tap water.

Unfortunately for the BHCWC, which had hoped to pull off the element of surprise with their press event, the effort was thwarted 24 hours prior by a public communication released by the governor’s office.

Coincidently, in a press release dated a day earlier, on Sept. 8, 2021, Whitmer called on the state Legislature to approve $20 million in its fiscal year 2022 budget to fund a five-year lead service line replacement effort in Benton Harbor.

Saying that “every Michigander deserves access to safe drinking water, and every community deserves lead-free pipes,” Michigan’s 49th governor also pledged to use federal, state, and local resource to ensure funding.

After more than three years of moving at seemingly a snail’s pace, Benton Harbor began receiving attention from the state in ways it had never experienced before.

On Sept. 22, 2021, EGLE announced it was going to distribute bottled water to Benton Harbor residents — a feat the BHCWC had already been doing for three years.

Two weeks later, on Oct. 6, 2021, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provided the city something just shy of a state public health

advisory when it, “out of an abundance of caution,” encouraged Benton Harbor residents to use bottled water for drinking, oral hygiene, food preparation, cooking, and preparing baby formula.

More than a week later, on Oct. 14, 2021, Whitmer signed ED 2021-06, a directive that offered a “whole-of-government” approach to deal with lead contamination in Benton Harbor’s public water system.

For added measure, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II appeared in Benton Harbor that day to announce lead service line replacement efforts in the city were being put into overdrive.

Perhaps in a bid to spare scrutiny heading into the re-election cycle, the original five-year lead service line replacement effort announced just weeks before was being scrapped in favor of an 18-month timeline.

“While there are already a range of efforts underway, this directive ensures that state government is taking a truly all-hands-on deck approach, that we are all rowing in the same direction, and that we are all laser-focused on the same end goals,” Gilchrist said in comments made inside the city.

Whitmer would make another public pitch to the state’s Legislature on Oct. 19, 2021. While in Benton Harbor for a “listening session” with community leaders, she requested additional funding to cover lead service line replacement efforts in the city.

The $11.4 million requested was going to be used on top of $10 million the Legislature had appropriated for Benton Harbor lead service line replacement on Sept. 23, 2021. The remaining cost of the $30 million project was going to be funded with $3 million from state revolving funds and a $5.6 million EPA grant awarded in 2020.

As for the EPA, its Region 5 office in Chicago issued Benton Harbor a Unilateral Administrative Order on Nov. 5, 2021, which provided it statutory authority to assess and oversee remedies to violations of the Safe

Drinking Water Act that were alleged in the Petition for Emergency Action under Act, 42 U.S.C.

When reflecting upon the state’s quick actions that began on Sept. 8, 2021, one day prior to the release of the petition submitted to the EPA requesting emergency action in Benton Harbor, Pinkney believes it’s highly likely someone was providing Whitmer’s office with information.

“I do believe we had a spy among us giving the governor’s office information in reference to what we were doing,” Pinkney says. I (also) think we put enough pressure on the EPA that they had a conversation with the governor.”

Pinkney also believes another factor may have been motivating the state to take decisive action in September 2021.

It was something those at the highest levels of Michigan’s government likely knew was coming, following the release of the BHCWC’s emergency petition to the EPA earlier that month.

“The prospect of a class-action lawsuit is what got the state’s attention more than anything else,” Pinkney says.

There also was Flint. At the height of the state’s activity in Benton Harbor, Michigan was in the latter stages of finalizing a settlement to resolve a series of cases pending in state, federal, and appellate courts related to Flint’s man-made water crisis disaster.

When finalized on Nov. 10, 2021, the state agreed to pay the lion’s share — $600 million — of a historic $626.3 million settlement with homeowners.

In a strange twist of fate, on that same day, the first class-action lawsuit related to Benton Harbor’s water crisis naming Whitmer as a defendant was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan in Grand Rapids.

That suit, a joint filing between Detroit law firm Edward & Jennings and Florida’s Morgan and Morgan, on behalf of eight adult Benton Harbor residents, their

children, and various grandchildren, was seeking $76 million in damages.

The 63-page complaint accused Whitmer, officials in EGLE, DHHS, and Benton Harbor of civil rights violations by demonstrating “deliberate indifference” related to their failures to warn Benton Harbor residents of elevated lead levels in the city’s water supply.

Ten days later, another class-action lawsuit was submitted to the same court. That suit, filed on Nov. 20, 2021, by John R. Beason II, an attorney based out of Benton Harbor, on behalf of 17 city residents, was seeking $500 million in damages.

As was the issue with the class action filed 10 days prior, the 78-page complaint accused officials in EPA, EGLE, DHHS, and Whitmer of “knowingly, willfully, and consciously” failing to warn residents of elevated lead levels in Benton Harbor tap water.

The court assigned Magistrate Judge Phillip J. Green to consider both cases. An additional class-action lawsuit against the City of Benton Harbor and EGLE officials appeared for Green to take up on May 27, 2022.

All three class actions were subject to more than a year in court. Along the way, various proceedings and amended filings were submitted.

In a report issued to Chief Judge Hala Y. Jarbou dated June 1, 2023, Green recommended the complete dismissals of all three class actions in their entirety. “The claims largely consist of an incoherent jumble of accusations and conclusionary assertions,” Green wrote in the report.

Jarbou eventually made most of Green’s recommendations official in a ruling for the court on Sept. 28, 2023.

The action dismissed two of the cases and all Benton Harbor water crisis-related claims against any State of Michigan official or agency in their entirety. In the end, the only claims Jarbou allowed to move forward were those related to Benton Harbor officials in the Nov. 10, 2021, class action filing.

Whether any Benton Harbor-related claims against Whitmer, state departments, or public officials will be further adjudicated remains to be seen; the plaintiffs appealed Jarbou’s ruling with the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

Despite what happens, Benton Harbor residents know that for more than three years, state and city officials undertook lead pipe corrective measures that ultimately failed to work.

In hindsight, there are more questions than answers on what transpired.

Benton Harbor residents waited more than three years before new water lines were installed by the state starting in 2021. The project to replace lead water lines was completed in 2023.

“What happened in Benton Harbor should never, ever happen to another community, city, or town anywhere in America,” Pinkney says. “It took nearly five years for the State to replace our lead water pipes, and when they did, they all of a sudden hurried things up to avoid a political fallout.

“I don’t call that good government. I call it political expediency. Our residents’ safety was severely impacted, and to this day no one has paid a dime to us in damages.”

PIPE DREAM

Building a soccer stadium for Detroit City Football Club in southwest Detroit won’t be easy, but it will go a long way toward ensuring the sport’s standing in the region.

BY DALE BUSS AND BRANDON LEWIS

PHOTOS BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

MARK THE SPOT

During a recent game at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Rhys Williams, a defender for Detroit City FC, right, advances the ball against Lee Desmond, a defender with Sacramento Republic FC.

Like other revitalization pioneers in Detroit before him, Sean Mann is standing amid a toothless urban landscape, surrounded by decades-old detritus, permanent gra ti, and pockmarked vistas — but he’s inspired by his own vision of what’s possible, and propelled by the hope that others see it, too.

Mann isn’t dissuaded by the fact the creaking skeleton of a huge, abandoned building looms behind him; it’s just one of the obstacles standing in the way of a new stadium he wants to build as a permanent home for the Detroit City Football Club.

Speci cally, the co-founder and CEO of the professional soccer team is showing o the future site at the southwest corner of the intersection of Michigan Avenue and 20th Street in an area between Corktown and Mexicantown.

On the other side of a hurricane fence stands Southwest Detroit Hospital, now just the husk of a half-century-old structure that closed nearly two decades ago but was never torn down. Mann recently struck a deal to demolish the structure and build a venue on the site that would usher in the future of pro soccer in Detroit. It would open in time for the 2027 season.

“ is stadium will draw people year-round,” Mann says, waving his arm in a semicircle toward 20th Street and nishing his panoramic turn at the hospital, where broken-out sections of the exterior invite occasional squatters, and an inadvertent pond outside the service dock is home to some transplanted koi. e decaying building looks like an upside-down gray, layered birthday cake that landed on the property.

VIVE LE ROUGE

Sean Mann, co-founder and CEO of Detroit City FC, along with a group of investors, plans to build a 15,000-seat, open-air stadium at Michigan Avenue and 20th Street in southwest Detroit, between Corktown and Mexicantown. The stadium is scheduled to open in time for the 2027 season. Local youth soccer teams also will play at the new venue.

“And it’ll be more than our stadium; we’ll have an entertainment district,” Mann adds. “On a summer day ve years from now, you’ll see a dense urban landscape of bars, restaurants, and retail on both sides of the stadium, creating a seamless connection from Michigan Avenue to Mexicantown.”

Mann needs to come up not only with funds, but also with partners so he can create the critical mass to cement his team as the true nucleus of professional soccer in Detroit for decades to come. It’s been one thing for established leagues and owners to build new homes for the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons, but Detroit City doesn’t enjoy anything like the other teams’ stature, economic impact, fan bases, or legacies.

at’s one reason why there are plenty of skeptics about Mann’s plan. Another is the built-in limitations of generating revenue from stadiums that can be very expensive to build and maintain.

“Stadiums are terrible at economic development,” says John Mozena, president of the Center for Economic Accountability, a not-for-pro t, nonpartisan think tank in Michigan, who describes himself as a Detroit City fan. “We think of them as these super-vibrant places because that’s what they’re like when we go there, but most of the time, there’s nothing going on at the stadium.”

Detroit City already owns the past and present of pro soccer in Detroit; Mann and his company are trying to own the future of the sport, as well. ere’s little sign of interference in that goal from Major League Soccer, whose interest in putting a club in the city has been in the background for several years but never seems to reach fruition (see sidebar).

HIGHER GOALS

WHILE THE DETROIT CITY FOOTBALL CLUB is soaring, the area’s other notable foray into professional soccer has never gotten o the ground. Major League Soccer has ﬂirted with Detroit over the years, but has never managed to consummate a relationship.

MLS hasn’t placed a franchise in Detroit largely because no one in the city has been willing to commit to building a soccer-only stadium for the club. The position of local soccer backers is that MLS instead would have to share a partially remodeled Ford Field with the Lions.

Eight years later, it’s easy to forget the excitement that greeted Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Rocket Cos., and Tom Gores, owner of Platinum Equity and the Detroit Pistons, when they announced they would be jointly seeking an MLS expansion team for Detroit.

MLS was growing robustly then, adding new city franchises, and Gilbert and Gores promised to build a $1-billion mixed-use development with a 23,000-seat, 500,000-square-foot open-air soccer stadium at its center.

And Detroit City — nicknamed “Le Rouge” because of its red-and-gold uniforms, the city’s original French settlers, and a nod to the Rouge River — has been extending years of sterling performances on the eld. is season, Le Rouge made a strong playo push in the USL Professional League behind stars such as goals leader Maximiliano Rodriguez and Elvis Amoh.

In the U.S. Open Cup tournament in May, Detroit City upset the Houston Dynamo, defending MLS champions. at followed a stretch in 2020 and 2021 in which the men’s team didn’t lose a match for 364 days in its previous association with the National Premier Soccer League.

Newly elevated to the USL since 2022, Detroit City now reaches an audience of millions of people in televised games, including some national telecasts on CBS on Saturday afternoons. e club has an amateur women’s team that plays in the USL W League and made its own robust showing in the playo s this season.

The proposed location was the site where planners had started to build a Wayne County jail project that had been sitting unﬁnished for three years. In return for that land on Gratiot Avenue at I-375, the bidders would help the county build a justice complex elsewhere in town.

“We said, ‘What a great place for a soccer stadium,’ ” after touring the jail site, Dan Garber, MLS’s commissioner, told The Athletic.

But just before the four ﬁnalist cities for the next MLS franchise — Detroit, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Sacramento — were about to make their formal pitches to league executives in Manhattan, Detroit’s franchise backers announced in November 2017 that they had abandoned the dedicated-site plan and instead would pay $25 million to retroﬁt the 64,500-seat Ford Field for soccer.

The new plan would have brought Detroit Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford in as the stadium landlord and a potential investor.

MLS made its displeasure very obvious: The league awarded a team to Nashville in December 2017, and one to Cincinnati in May 2018. Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Charlotte, and St. Louis also have secured teams since then, with San Diego set to become the league’s 30th team next year.

“The Gores-Gilbert e ort fell through because they didn’t see a reasonable path to ﬁnancial gain, and the city wasn’t giving enough of a sweetheart deal with the jail site,” explains Stefan Szymanski, a professor of sports management at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“The presence of Detroit City also could have been a factor, in that they didn’t think they could draw a big enough audience” away from Le Rouge.

Representatives of both MLS and Platinum Equity declined to comment for this story.

Never say never, but many local soccer fans aren’t exactly missing MLS, anyway, regarding it as more interested in proﬁts for team-franchise owners than in e ectively promoting soccer in the U.S.

“Personally, I can do without MLS,” says Dion Degennaro, a longtime Detroit City backer. “I don’t love the structure, and the teams are operated as franchises instead of independently owned. I really don’t love the business model.”

— By Dale Buss and Brandon Lewis

UP AND DOWN

LIKE MOST SPORTS AFFINITIES, soccer fandom can be deeply personal, and in the United States it’s also deeply varied.

One aspect of that fandom is how passionate some people feel about the “promotion-and-relegation” structure that governs most global soccer leagues, but which is unknown to U.S. sports.

Basically, it holds that teams — say, in England’s leagues — can move up or down within the overall structure of the sport depending on their recent won-loss performance.

The best-ranked teams in a lower division are promoted to a higher division for the next season, and the worst-ranked teams in the higher division are relegated to the lower division for the next season.

Commenting on play, sportscasters will often note how better-performing teams in any league are in the “promotion zone,” while poor performers are ﬂirting with the “relegation zone.”

While it’s a central concept of global soccer, promotion-and-relegation likely will never make its way into professional soccer in the U.S. And the dim outlook for this idea in America is, in the view of many soccer fans, one major reason the sport never will be as exciting here as it is abroad.

When the mechanism is in place, teams are in a constant state of playing for their position in their respective league. If they’re too good, they move up; if they’re not making the grade, they move down a league. This structure is considered critical to making competition as great as it can be.

But this very notion is foreign to long-established professional leagues in every other American sport. “It’s not like the Tigers are going to be playing in AAA when they stink,” says Joe Novak, a Detroit City Football Club and Detroit Tigers fan.

Another reason Major League Soccer won’t adopt promotion-and-relegation is because it will hurt the economic interests of their franchisees. “MLS is dumb in its attempt to wall o soccer from international ways, all to make the game more proﬁtable,” asserts John Mozena, president of Michigan’s Center for Economic Accountability and a Detroit City fan.

A few teams, like Detroit City, can claw their way up through the ranks of professional soccer in the U.S. by continually elevating their own play and their overall brand.

But team CEO Sean Mann says his club is “a supporter of the concept of promotion and relegation, publicly and privately, at the league level. It would be a good idea for the good of the game and to boost soccer in America, especially because American fans are knowledgeable and have access to how the product is done in the rest of the world. And it would di erentiate our sport from others here.

“We’d love to see it happen,” Mann says, “but it’s an uphill ﬁght, given how entrenched MLS is. It’s a missed opportunity, but the practicalities of it are hard to imagine unless MLS would adopt it.”

— Dale Buss and Brandon Lewis

EYE ON THE BALL

Detroit City also is a liated with youth soccer clubs around the state that number more than 3,000 players.

All of this has grown in just 12 years from what began as a bootstrap operation conceived by Mann and a few friends. While now bigger and more secure, Detroit City remains basically that sort of from-the-ground-up enterprise today, engendering tremendous loyalty from fans and supporters who justi ably view the venture as their own — and who like this version of professional soccer that retains an amateur personality.

“We wanted to be something rooted in the city, something that re ected the city, and it wasn’t long before we were having the goal of becoming Detroit’s soccer team — in a unique, grassroots way,” says the 44-year-old Mann. “ at still guides us to this very day.”

Relative to mammoth professional leagues for native sports that are more than a century old, professional soccer remains a very young player on the American sports scene. It wasn’t until millennials and Gen Z came along that youngsters in the U.S. grew up with soccer as a mainstream recreation in their communities and families, with participation fueled by growing immigrant communities.

A loyal and vocal fan base packs Keyworth Stadium for every Detroit City FC game. The east bleachers lead a nearly continuous string of chants such as “DC,” while the west bleachers, favored by families, yells back, “FC.” During a recent game, Matt Sheldon, a defender for Detroit City FC, right, advances the ball against Nick Ross, a midﬁelder for Sacramento Republic FC.

Now soccer is arguably more common as a youth sport in America than the traditional pursuits of baseball, basketball, football, and hockey.

Meanwhile, the explosion of cable TV channels, followed by internet access and social media, have fueled American spectator interest in the professional game, fed by telecasts of contests from around the globe that range from pugnacious European leagues to World Cup tournaments. Now Detroit youngsters are donning the jerseys of Messi, Ronaldo, and other international soccer superstars, supplanting the preferences of earlier generations who wore Barry Sanders and Miguel Cabrera gear.

But all of this hasn’t translated quickly into matching popularity for professional soccer in the United States, although it got a huge bump from fan interest in the FIFA World Cup games in the U.S. in 1994 (some games were played at the former Pontiac Silverdome) and the subsequent establishment of MLS.

e men’s U.S. national team almost made it to the round of 16 in the World Cup in 2022, further piquing interest. And the U.S. women’s team featuring stars

TURF TIME

such as Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain, who were far more marketable than any standouts on the U.S. men’s teams, has medaled in every women’s World Cup and Olympics tournament in the last decade except for one of each. A new group of female athletes triumphed at the recent Paris games.

“What’s been changing is that, in the United States, the sport has become more commercially viable than it was,” says Stefan Szymanski, a professor of sports management at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor who held similar posts in the UK for many years. “People are now willing to pay more to go watch a game they’re interested in,” he says.

is so dominant over there,” he says. “Here, it’s more fractured. You can compare it to college football in the U.S., where people care deeply about it and (devotion) is passed down from one generation to the next. But soccer is much more accessible there than college football is here. Anyone can follow a team; (fan interest) transcends class, education, race, and in some cases, religion.

get involved with neighbors in southwest Detroit, and we started by cleaning up vacant lots,” he says. “ e thing about soccer is the community aspect of it, the tribal identity associated with it. I wanted to create the same passionate community experience here.”

So in 2010, Mann started a neighborhood soccer league as a community-organization project. “It was very recreational, friends and neighbors, co-ed,” he says. “In the early days, there were as many people picnicking and watching as playing. We got up to 300 people playing in 11 neighborhoods.” ese days, the league that Mann established includes more than 1,000 players in 30 Detroit neighborhoods.

Mann’s soccer dreams grew from there. “At the time, so many of my friends in Detroit were entrepreneurs and small-business owners, and there was a lot of excitement among people who were taking chances, opening bars and restaurants,” Mann recalls. “Some other guys I knew through our neighborhood league thought, ‘Why not create a soccer team for Detroit?’ ”

Le Rouge players are unionized and earn salaries in “the mid- ve gures to six gures,” Mann says, plus club-provided housing in Lafayette Park, east of downtown Detroit. ey’re among the 50-some full-timers on Detroit City’s payroll, which includes a sporting director who oversees soccer operations, as well as coaches, tech people, and o ce sta . To get competitive players, Detroit City participates in a worldwide recruiting scrum with a network of freelance scouts who try to sni out promising talents from Scotland to Senegal.

And despite the growth of its expenses and its reach, Le Rouge o er an a ordable ticket for local fans: prices range from $69 to $99 for a package of four tickets, four cheeseburgers, and four drinks.

“It’s a tough balancing act,” Mann says. “We have to pay our guys to be professional players, but we can’t o er the same thing as the major sports in town. We try our best to be the most a ordable and accessible event in town, but also try to be a viable business.”

Indeed, the rising costs of attending other prosports contests in Detroit — which easily can reach $500 to attend a game for a family of four — arguably have helped Le Rouge’s prospects. e team “might not have the popularity they do if you could go see a (Tigers) game for 50 cents,” Szymanski says.

Mann is a Livonia native who graduated from Kalamazoo College and then earned a degree in international a airs at the University of Bristol in England. He wanted to join the U.S. Foreign Service, but a visa glitch gave him an extra year in England. He spent the year working in the House of Commons for the sports secretary.

“And there are di erent points for access. In the UK you’ve got Manchester United, and Newcastle, and just miles away you have fourth- and fth-division teams playing in front of 5,000 people who are just as passionate as the (higher teams’) fans,” Mann notes. “Fundamentally, they’re playing the exact same sport and they’re all professional; they just have di erent entry points and there’s a di erent identity set to it.”

Mann captured memories of his soccer experiences in Europe, but he parked them for a while. When he came back to the U.S., he served a stint in Lansing as a policy adviser, then as a lobbyist for the Michigan Municipal League, before becoming a multi-client lobbyist. He moved to Detroit in 2010, wanting to participate in the economic renaissance.

Mann bought a house in southwest Detroit and rehabbed it, relying on skills he’d learned from his father, a high-school industrial-shop teacher. Next, Mann and his wife bought the house next door, an 1890s-vintage, ve-bedroom, four-square structure on West Grand Boulevard. ey rehabbed that place and have lived there since 2016.

All of this came after Mann had grown up watching European soccer on American television. “Soccer

But he couldn’t let go of the “football” bug that had bit him in England. “I was trying to think of a way to

COME TOGETHER

Detroit City launched in 2012, “the de nition of a bootstrap,” Mann says. Each of the hanful of co-founders kicked in $2,000 to buy goals and pay an entry fee in the amateur NPSL.

Eager fans like Dion Degennaro jumped on the Detroit City bandwagon immediately. “I bought the highest-level season tickets available in 2012, for $60, and got a jersey, a scarf, and tickets,” says the general manager of Sergio’s Pest Control in West Bloom eld. He became an avid fan of the game in part because of his Argentinian grandfather, who founded the company.

“I went to every game that year and the following year,” Degennaro says. “ is was a soccer team in Detroit, which didn’t exist at that time. And even at the rst game there were crazy fans and a culture around the team that really set the tone and was a major factor.

“ is was a fourth-division team, and all amateurs, (but) I was still really excited about the prospect of having a team. I know what it takes to run a business; you’re not going to start out with a $500-million budget. e philosophy was turning the team we had into one we wanted, with a larger fan base. What better way than to take something that was there and make it into something bigger?”

Detroit City FC includes Elvis Amoh, Ben Morris, Abdoulaye Diop, Rhys Williams, Alexander Villanueva, Devon Amoo-Mensah, and Matt Sheldon.

The playing ﬁeld at Keyworth Stadium, which is owned by Hamtramck Public Schools and includes the western “family” stands, consists of artiﬁcial turf. For the new stadium planned in southwest Detroit, natural grass could be installed based on user demands, Mann says.

1914

Detroit teams, including Packard FC, participated in the first U.S. Open Cup competition.

Ford Motor Co., Buick, Chrysler, and Holley Carburetor also fielded teams.

Detroit hosted the U.S. Open Cup; 21 area teams competed in a field of 124 teams.

Detroit Soccer Timeline

1967-1968

The Detroit Cougars became Detroit’s first professional soccer team in the United Soccer Association. They played at Tiger Stadium, and later at the University of Detroit stadium.

Turning Detroit City into an economically viable, as well as community-supported, business would prove a challenge. Le Rouge started out playing its games in the stadium at the former Cass Tech High School in Detroit, renting the field for $125 a game. Later, it moved the games to Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck — a now creaking, 7,933-seat venue that was opened by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1936.

“The Hamtramck school district prioritized funding, and Keyworth didn’t get it, so by the time we were launching, most of the stadium had been vacated,” Mann says. “It wasn’t deemed safe, and the district was talking about tearing it down to build something new.”

Detroit City originally approached Hamtramck’s school leadership in 2012, when the club was brandnew, about renting the facility, but was turned down. Then the team sold out every game at Cass Tech, demonstrating its drawing power, and it was in dire need of some sort of partnership so it could keep growing attendance.

The Detroit Express joined the North American Soccer League and played at the Pontiac Silverdome.

At that point, Hamtramck’s school brass saw the light, and Detroit City raised $750,000 from supporters in 2016 under Michigan’s MILE Act, a new crowdfunding mechanism, as part of a total $1-million investment in refurbishing Keyworth Stadium.

Detroit City has been investing in Keyworth ever since, Mann says, leveraging support from nonprofits and foundations, as well. “Now the field is in better shape than it was before,” he asserts. Fan support of the team has been crucial, and not just in showing up at Keyworth to take in a game. A nucleus of early, rabid Detroit City fans tried to create some of the same mania around their team as they saw in Europe.

Called the Northern Guard, they’ve been a constant support for Detroit City, known for showing up in the dozens and hundreds, wearing rouge and gold to the games, and contributing to the overall experience with chants, singing, drums, cowbells, and colorful smoke bombs.

Joe Novak is one of the stalwarts of the Northern Guard. Like Mann, the Livonia native grew up playing soccer and was on the team at Clarenceville High School. “I was like everyone else, watching the teams in England,” says the 45-year-old business analyst for an insurance company. “But there was never anything here for us.”

Then, in 2012, Novak read about the launch of Detroit City and, happening to be in Buffalo, N.Y., on business, he attended the club’s first away game, a 0-0 draw. Soon he was not only attending home games with his wife and young daughter, but also helping launch the Northern Guard.

Nowadays, before home games, members of the Guard will flock to the group’s rented space at the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit to create banners and flags that they display at Keyworth on match day. These creations are props for the drama Guard mem-

The Detroit Lightning joined the Major Indoor Soccer League and played in Cobo Arena.

A new version of the Detroit Express played in the American Soccer League.

bers act out at every contest to back their team.

“We’ve taken a lot of influences from all over the place, because we have supporters from all over the place, like anything else that’s Americanized,” Novak says. “There’s certainly influence from European supporters, like songs from fans from England, and smoke and pyrotechnic displays from people from eastern and southern Europe, and drums from supporters from Mexico and Central America.”

The 34-year-old Digennaro and his partner, 36-year-old Jackie Carline, also were early sign-ons to the Northern Guard, with Digennaro helping with the team’s website (detcityfc.com) and Carline, a communications director for a mortgage company, helping run the merchandising side of the Northern Guard out of their basement and garage in Farmington Hills.

Along the way, Detroit City became a performance leader in the NPSL. It joined other city clubs in attempting to launch its own professional league, but got stymied by the costs of insurance as well as the internal politics of American soccer, Mann says.

So, in 2020, Detroit City joined a third-division professional league, the National Independent Soccer Association. Excitement ran high about how the team was ratcheting itself up in the ever-changing and broadening landscape of U.S. professional soccer.

The men’s team’s first game in that league was on Feb. 29, 2020. Within a couple of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, pancaking its progress. “It was a tough time,” Mann quips, “to be in the business of gathering large groups of people together.”

Detroit City squeaked through on federal income-extension programs meant to help businesses get by during the pandemic. And in the fall of 2020, Mann and company launched a “Reg CF” (Regulation Crowdfunding) effort under a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission program, selling 10 percent of the equity in the club to more than 2,700 people.

“We reached the cap on what we could sell in just 72 hours,” Mann says. (Detroit City planned a secondary market offering for this summer so that owners can sell their units to others.)

Four years ago, all of that wasn’t enough for Mann and his partners, nor the soccer fans. NPSL “was struggling in 2021,” he says, and “we had legitimate concerns about its viability.”

At the same time, Keyworth was proving problematic. Contributing to its physical decay was the fact

MARK THE SPOT

Detroit City FC has acquired the former Southwest Detroit Hospital at Michigan Avenue and 20th Street, lower structure, which it plans to demolish to build a 15,000-seat, open-air stadium. To add more room, a Detroit Public Works yard, center dome, will likely be relocated. Michigan Central is located just above the dome.

The Detroit Rockers became a member of the National Professional Soccer League and played at Cobo Arena, Joe Louis Arena, and the Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Detroit Neon, which became the Detroit Safari, played in the Continental Indoor Soccer League at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Borrowing their name from the local 1970s World Football League team, the Detroit Wheels were part of the U.S. International Soccer League and played at Wisner Stadium in Pontiac. They were replaced by the Detroit Dynamite in 1996.

The Detroit Arsenal became a member of the National Premier Soccer League and played at Berkley High School’s Hurly Field. The team won the league championship in 2005.

Detroit’s Waza Flow was a charter member of the Professional Arena Soccer League, winning championships in 2012 and 2013. The team played at Melvindale Ice Arena and the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, dropping Detroit from their name. Now in the Premier Arena Soccer League, the team plays at the Detroit City Fieldhouse.

The Detroit City FC plays in the National Premier Soccer League at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, but plans to move to a new facility at Michigan Avenue and 20th Street in Detroit for the 2027 season.

that it’s one of the few — and perhaps only — professional-sports venues in the U.S. that also is essentially a public park. When the Detroit City men’s or women’s teams aren’t playing or practicing there, Keyworth is open to all players of all ages.

“After school every day, there are 50 kids pretending to be Messi and scoring the winning World Cup goal,” Mann says. “It’s an awesome place. It doesn’t meet a lot of the standards for contemporary stadiums, but it makes up for that in charm.”

Still, charm wasn’t enough. Mann sought to join the USL Championship League, in the division just below MLS, but the league was “very hesitant” about its teams playing in Keyworth, Mann says.

“Keyworth has been a great host, but it’s basically a public park,” Novak notes. “It’s hard to maintain that, and also hard to provide stability for your club when you’re renting. If Detroit City wants to continue to be Detroit’s soccer team and have stability in the long term, not just on the field, they need to have their own space and to control that from a financial standpoint — a home and a place people feel comfortable (in) and can make it their own.”

In late 2021, the future of Detroit City came to a climax. “In the very short window of six weeks,” Mann recalls, “we navigated bringing on additional investors, exited the old league, and joined USL — all with the eye toward being in a stable league that would grow our reach. It was very abrupt and very quick, but we pulled it off and launched in the USL Championship league in 2022.

“It’s been a very positive experience for us. We’ve got a higher platform that has great credibility, much more stability, and all of our games are broadcast both locally and nationally. We’re also set up to finance and build a stadium.”

All of that led to the point where Mann is now, where he hopes to follow in the footsteps of great Detroit urban-renewal pioneers including Henry Ford II, Peter Karmanos Jr., and Dan Gilbert. And, of course, he’s practically on the path of the most recent of those bold revitalizers, Bill Ford, the executive chairman of Ford Motor Co. who bet nearly a billion dollars of the company’s money on refurbishing and repurposing the former Michigan Central train station three blocks to the southeast of Mann’s site, on Michigan Avenue.

“We’ll be collaborating and leveraging (Ford Motor Co.’s) cooperation,” Mann says. Detroit City also

plans to seek brownfield redevelopment tax incentives from the state, which help transform properties that are either contaminated, obsolete, or blighted. To add more space, the City of Detroit will likely relocate a public-works yard at Michigan and 19th Street to add room for parking or other ancillary needs.

A prime exemplar of “blighted,” Mann’s hospital site is a massive piece of property bounded by interchanges for I-96 and I-75, where 2 million people a day pass by, according to Mann.

Southwest opened in 1973 as the first Detroit hospital to acquire and accredit African-American doctors and nurses. It closed in 1991, declaring bankruptcy. In 1997, it reopened as United Community Hospital, but then closed again in 2006, and has been abandoned since.

Mann declines to discuss many details of the transaction or of the planned open-air stadium, which will have a capacity of around 15,000 seats. The site was purchased for $6.5 million in March by a limited liability company linked to Edward and Emily Siegel. The site was sold by an entity linked to Dennis Kefallinos, a landowner whose entity bought the property for less than $8,000 in 2016.

Where graffiti-covered buildings now stand, and weeds proliferate, Mann sees the future of Detroit City.

“A remarkable amount of growth has already taken place in that neighborhood,” he says, including, of course, a flourishing prompted by Ford’s revamping of Michigan Central. “We see bars and restaurants, a year-round destination that ties Michigan Avenue and (nearby) Vernor Highway into an entertainment district.

“The stadium will draw people year-round, and we’re working with other developers for activations in the area. I have long personal relationships with entrepreneurs in the area, and I’m having exciting conversations with friends about projects.”

Among Le Rouge fans, even this point amazes longtime supporters such as Digennaro. “Twelve years ago, if you’d have told me the goal was to build a stadium in Corktown, I would have said you’re crazy, it’s never going to happen. But we’ve got motivated people, and everyone’s chugging on the same page and building something toward a shared goal.

“The way it usually works in capitalism is survival of the fittest,” he adds. “Whoever gets here first and has a stadium first has a much higher chance of surviving and being successful. I personally would like to see the one built from nothing to be the one that survives, and I’m hoping the stadium gives (Detroit City) the footing they need to withstand economic pressures.”

Adds fellow Northern Guard devotee Novak: “We’re 13 years into this, and a lot of folks have been around from the beginning,” he says.

“My daughter’s first (Detroit City) game was when she was 2 years old, and now she’s on the fence line every game. A lot of supporters have kids who’ve grown up with the club and the idea. So we want a day where we pass this on to the next generation. Having a home like the stadium in southwest Detroit would go a long way toward ensuring that.”

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Despite high interest rates and fewer listings, Michigan’s mortgage ﬁrms have been able to maintain their dominance in the industry by working together and embracing tools like AI to drive operational e ciencies.

BY TOM BEAMAN

Over four days in late June, Detroit’s Rocket Mortgage staged the sixth annual Rocket Mortgage Classic, the only PGA Tour event hosted in the Motor City.

With nearly 2.5 million viewers tuned in to CBS Sports during the nal round at the Detroit Golf Club, the Rocket Mortgage Classic exposes a national audience to a Detroit they may not know.

It also serves up a heavy dose of goodwill and awareness of its namesake parent, which is the country’s third largest mortgage lender.

As a measure of metro Detroit’s standing as the nation’s mortgage capital, in July executives and 100 broker partners from United Wholesale Mortgage, the country’s No. 1 mortgage lender, rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate National Mortgage Brokers Day.

ose brokers are in addition to some 600 of their colleagues who descend on UWM’s Pontiac campus

Market Rate

every week for training, networking, and to learn about new products.

“ at was pure excitement for the brokers,” says Alex Elezaj, UWM’s chief strategy o cer. “You tend to hear a lot of doom and gloom when you read media reports about real estate and lending, but we’re very optimistic. We’re excited about the back end of 2024, and we’re very excited about 2025 and 2026.”

Such an optimistic outlook isn’t typical among their peers, but Rocket Mortgage and United Wholesale Mortgage aren’t conventional enterprises.

ey’re two of the three largest non-bank mortgage lenders in the country, with a collective 14.2 percent share of the U.S. mortgage market.

Seemingly una ected by market conditions, UWM posted rst-quarter 2024 loan origination volume of $27.6 billion, with 24 percent more loans originated than during the same quarter in 2023, and $180.5 million in net income, compared to a $461 million loss in the same period a year earlier. e company expects second-quarter loan volume to be in the $28 billion to $35 billion range.

On the other hand, Rocket Cos., the Detroit-based ntech platform company that includes mortgage, real estate, and personal nance businesses, reported rst-quarter 2024 net income of $291 million on $1.4 billion in total revenue. e company posted $20.2 billion in loan origination volume, a 19-percent increase over the rst quarter in 2023.

As two powerhouses in the industry, Rocket Mortgage and UWM today nd themselves in the right place at the right time.

“We’re in the era where non-banks are dominating the mortgage market, and Rocket Mortgage and UWM epitomize that,” says Guy Cecala, executive chair of Inside Mortgage Finance.

“ ey have pretty di erent strategies. Rocket mortgage was basically a call center lender that advertised aggressively and promoted technology that would help the borrowers get access to their products, but had more or less been what we call a retail lender. United Wholesale is the complete opposite, in that they deal exclusively with brokers.”

It’s noteworthy that the two companies’ performance in the mortgage market has taken place against stressful market headwinds — what e Wall Street Journal calls a “frozen housing market that is warping the economy.”

Existing home sales in the U.S. fell in June as the median sales price climbed to $426,900 — marking the highest price ever, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Locally, the median home sales price in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston counties increased by 7.5 percent in July to $340,650, says Jeanette Schneider, president of RE/MAX of Southeastern Michigan in Troy. Residential sales were up 3.4 percent year-overyear in July, following a 15 percent drop in June.

CAPITAL CALL

On July 24, 2024, a team from United Wholesale Mortgage in Pontiac, along with independent mortgage brokers, rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in recognition of Mortgage Brokers Day.

Buyers currently earning $100,000 a year can afford to buy 37 percent of the listings in the country, a stark contrast to the 62 percent of listings they could afford in 2019. A nationwide inventory shortage of 4 million homes — 160,000 in Michigan — complicates the matter.

Add to this situation the current 30-year fixed mortgage rates that are keeping people in their homes. Two-thirds of outstanding U.S. mortgages have an interest rate below 4 percent, according to Morgan Stanley’s housing strategist Jim Egan. Though far from the dizzying 16-percent 30-year rates of 1981, today’s rates of around 7 percent make it difficult to move up or refinance.

The good news is if a homebuyer has a $3,000 monthly budget, they can afford a $447,750 home with a 6.85 percent mortgage rate (current at the time of this writing), according to Redfin, a real estate website. That buyer has realized $22,250 in additional purchasing power since mortgage rates hit a five-month peak in April, when they could have bought a $425,500 home with an average rate of 7.5 percent.

“We continue to see listings grow all the way from the first-time homebuyer to jumbo mortgages in the million-plus dollar range, and construction is up a little bit,” says John Lambrecht, owner/broker at Lambrecht Realty, which has offices in Grosse Pointe Farms and Troy. “At some point, if someone is ready to buy a house, the difference between 5, 6, and 7 percent may not be very great on their budget, but once you own the home you can take advantage of lower rates in the future and refinance.”

Real estate agents call the concept “Marry the house, date the rate.”

“While there are certainly people who want to hold onto their lower interest rates, there’s been a big growth in homeowners who take out a home equity loan,” says Austin Niemiec, chief revenue officer at Rocket Mortgage. “Homeowners are sitting on $17 trillion in home equity, and many may not realize that tapping into this equity is an option without sacrificing a lower mortgage rate. Rocket’s first-quarter home equity loan volume (this year) has grown three and a half times since the first quarter of 2023.”

While metro Detroit is the nation’s mortgage capital, it also leads the way in digital mortgage innovations. Still, the epicenter of the overall technology sector remains in Silicon Valley, according to National Mortgage News

The industry publication states Rocket Mortgage “has been the catalyst for the wave of new point of sale system implemenatations,” while other mortgage companies around the state are pioneering new technologies to advance digital transactions.

Meanwhile, Lake Michigan Credit Union in Grand Rapids offers another sector of mortgage lending.

“We like the business, we’re committed to it, and therefore we end up doing pretty well in it,” says Eric Burgoon, executive vice president and chief lending and experience officer at Lake Michigan Credit Union. “Overall, our business is up 10 percent, and we’ve gained some market share this year.

FINTECH FOUNDATION

The American Dream became a reality for many Michiganders in the early 20th century.

The auto industry was coalescing in the state, with 75 active manufacturers in 1923. As Michigan’s population grew to 4.3 million in 1925, from 2.6 million at the turn of the century, the demand for housing followed.

To set the stage for Michigan’s leading mortgage sector, in 1919 General Motors designed, financed, and built the Modern Housing Corporation Addition — 261 single-family bungalow/craftsman-style homes on Pontiac’s north side — and deducted mortgage payments from workers’ paychecks.

A few years later, in 1926, Detroit issued building permits worth $184 million, primarily to fund the construction of single-family homes near factories. In the same period, Flint and Pontiac issued permits totaling more than $35 million.

Detroit banks often loaned developers 100 percent of the cost of the land to build and sell tract homes, and most mortgages were written by real estate salesmen, in cooperation with building societies and savings and loans institutions.

The city’s landmark Guardian Building was built in 1929 by what was to become Union Guardian Trust Co., a consortium of several banks that held 40 percent of Detroit’s banking resources, and offered 10-year mortgages with a cash down payment of 50 percent.

Guardian had borrowed heavily from insurance companies and other banks to invest in Michigan mortgages and mortgage bonds, which comprised almost 72 percent of its assets, but in 1932 the enterprise fell victim to the Great Depression and went into receivership as the New Union Building Corp.

Following the stock market crash and the ensuing Great Depression, unemployment had risen to 23.6 percent in 1932, and by early 1933 the government estimated that 20 percent to 25 percent of the nation’s home mortgage debt was in default.

Stimulated by the creation of the 1944 World War II Servicemen’s Readjustment Act,

better known as the GI Bill, and the resurgence of the auto industry after the war, Michigan homeownership rose to 67.5 percent in 1950 from 55.4 percent in 1940, and peaked at 74.4 percent in 1960.

As the demand for housing grew, lenders like Standard Federal (absorbed by Bank of America), National Bank of Detroit (subsumed into J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.), and independent mortgage companies like Manufacturers Hanover were happy to supply the funds. As local life insurance companies like Jackson National Life and Lincoln Financial climbed on the mortgage bandwagon, intellectual capital grew, and southeast Michigan maintained its role as a center of lending expertise.

By comparison, for a period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New England produced some of America’s earliest and bestknown automobile companies, including Pope, Stanley Steamer, Stevens-Duryea, and Locomobile. Some 180 automobile manufacturers operated in Massachusetts from 18611930, producing more vehicles than Detroit.

“Those two locations were really a function of transportation networks and access to raw materials, and Detroit eventually won out,” says John Moore, professor and chair of the Finance and Economics Department at Walsh College in Troy. “But the mortgage industry provides a service which really isn’t geographically constrained.

“What you need to make that work is an educated workforce, but it’s much more contingent upon the sheer fate of having an entrepreneur like Dan Gilbert, who happened to live in a certain locality and thinks it’s a great place to set up shop.

“Detroit doesn’t control the mortgage market, but we clearly are the source of innovation. Rocket came out of nowhere and did mortgage lending in a far more dynamic and creative way than anybody else. Then UWM took it up even a notch further. Innovation is the key to Detroit’s success in the industry, and (it’s) why we’ve become an intellectual hub.”

— Tom Beaman

CATHEDRAL OF COMMERCE

The Guardian Building in downtown Detroit.

178,270 loan officers 2021

93,938 loan officers 2024 - 47%

We all advocate positvely in Washington, D.C. and Lansing for the mortgage industry and borrowers.”

— BRIAN MCGOWAN

“Credit unions don’t generally do a lot of mortgage business because it takes investment in scale to be successful. You have to set up mortgage servicing on the back end to collect taxes and insurance. A group that pools and sells mortgages on the secondary market is critical. We’re big enough to compete in the mortgage business, but still small enough and cost-effective enough that we can be nimbler than the bigger banks.”

Burgoon says he sees two major buyer groups: young first-time buyers and those who are nearing retirement and want to build their dream vacation home. LMCU’s construction lending is up 10 percent in response to these multimillion-dollar projects.

Detroit’s mortgage industry, meanwhile, has been dynamic.

In 2018, Quicken Loans, the predecessor to Rocket Mortgage, was already listed as the nation’s third largest lender with $86 billion in volume, as tabulated by Inside Mortgage Finance. United Wholesale Mortgage was No. 12 that year, with $29.5 billion, and Troy’s Flagstar Bank was ninth. Flagstar ranks 23rd at the time of this writing.

In 2022, New York Community Bancorp Inc. acquired Flagstar in a $2.6 billion merger, promising a “diverse revenue and earnings stream; an expansive retail banking network; (and) industry-leading positions in several national lines of business, including multi-family lending (and) residential mortgage origination.”

The merger was fraught with difficulties, though, including the fact Flagstar had “admitted, acknowledged, and accepted responsibility” for improperly approving residential home mortgage loans, according to an April 2024 letter from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Richard Blumenthal to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

In late July, Texas-based Mr. Cooper Group announced it was set to acquire Flagstar’s mortgage servicing portfolio and third-party origination platform. According to Inside Mortgage Finance, the non-bank Mr. Cooper Group will pay $1.4 billion to New York Community Bank for the assets.

Third-party originations account for the bulk of Flagstar’s production, says Inside Mortgage Finance. In the second quarter of 2024, Flagstar originated $4.6 billion in mortgages, with 73.3 percent coming through third-party channels.

“The big banks have a love-hate relationship with the mortgage market, and they’ve had that for 50 years,” says Inside Mortgage Finances’ Cecala. “At one point they decide they want to be big in the mortgage market and go after business, and then they dial it back. After the (2008) financial crisis and the housing crisis, which decimated the wholesale market and non-banks, banks easily started to dominate the market again, particularly as jumbo mortgages started to grow.

“That helped accelerate the dominance of large, commercial banks in the mortgage market. But five or so years ago, the non-banks started picking up market share, particularly in a low-interest-rate environment, and did very well.”

High interest rates and fewer homes on the market have resulted in an oversupply of real estate professionals and a dearth of mortgage loan officers. The National Association of Realtors counts 1.5 million active agents in the country, but there are 1.3 million listings.

According to Ingenius, a mortgage analytics and consulting firm, the total number of mortgage loan officers who closed at least one loan in the previous 12 months peaked at 178,270 in June 2021. By January 2024, that figure had fallen 47 percent, to 93,938.

“We’ve lost a lot of loan officers who probably shouldn’t have been in the business,” says Brian McGowan, assistant vice president of mortgage operations at Michigan First Credit Union, and vice president of the Michigan Mortgage Lender Association state board.

“When rates were very low, a lot of times when the phone rang, you picked it up and you got yourself a mortgage. They didn’t represent borrowers well. Most lenders now are taking a very advisory approach with borrowers. The more we can educate people about all aspects of a mortgage that pertain to them — why costs are the way they are and how interest rates work — the better position they’re in to make an informed decision.”

McGowan says advances in fintech, specifically artificial intelligence, hold great promise. “We’re all looking to disrupt how we’ve done things,” he says. “Today, the biggest conversation we’re having with other lenders and vendors is AI.

“We’ve looked at large language models to create content on the sales side. How do we manufacture loans with a greater certainty in the data that we’re using (such as) credit, income, and asset information? This has typically been provided manually — the loan officer talks with the borrower, that data gets passed up the chain to your operations teams and the underwriters to review and approve the loan, and then manual files are sent around the industry.

“Do I need your pay stubs, or do I need ADP? Can I get your tax returns directly from the IRS? From a fraud standpoint, we create a little more certainly around the data behind all the decisions. AI can look for large bank deposits that might need to be addressed. It can look for derogatory credit.”

McGowan says Michigan’s mortgage lending community is respected in the industry.

“When we attend conferences, there’s a focus on what happens in Michigan,” he says. “We do a lot of things that a lot of other state associations try to model, like the way we collaborate.

“We have every type of lender; they’re competitors, but we welcome their perspective. We all advocate positively in Washington, D.C., and Lansing for the mortgage industry and for borrowers. I don’t think you see that collective effort just anywhere.”

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

WITH AN AWARD-WINNING meeting staff and indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa isn’t like other hotel event venues. Looking to work on your short game or relax in a spa? Want to meet at the beach or in a ballroom with space for 2,500? All of that and more awaits at our Michigan conference center.

Bring the beauty of northern Michigan into your next meeting. “As northern Michigan’s largest convention center, we are thrilled to offer state-of-the-art upgrades and features in every one of our meeting spaces,” says Katie Leonard, director of sales. “Located off the lobby, the 10,000-square-foot Michigan Ballroom is seen by so many. The chic design and natural colors are eye-catching.” The “lake effect” theme continues in the resort’s 19,000-square-

foot Governors’ Hall, plus the Tower, Mackinac, and Peninsula ballrooms. The design of the spaces was inspired by the natural beauty of the Traverse City area. Updated meeting space restrooms include all touchless features, air walls offer increased sound dampening, 21-inch digital reader boards are outside of all meeting rooms, and all rooms are furnished with linenless classroom tables and Michigan-made banquet chairs. The meeting spaces are also equipped with a state-of-the-art Crestron sound system, lighting, and increased bandwidth.

With four seasons of adventure, we’ll show you how a small-town meeting can make a big difference. At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the entire property is your home. With 86,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and endless dining options, plus opportuni -

ties to relax or have fun, the resort is your one-stop meeting spot. Mix business with pleasure while enjoying our full-service spa. The renowned Spa Grand Traverse brings a relaxing element to meetings and events. Looking to work on your short game? The resort is home to three championship golf courses, including Jack Nicklaus’ The Bear. Engage in positive team building at The Den, Traverse City’s entertainment hub. Located off the main lobby, The Den features axe throwing, boutique mini-bowling, an escape room, and more. Take your meeting beyond the boardroom at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. To learn more about holding a meeting or event at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, visit grandtraverseresort.com/meet.

LEGACY CLUB - ROOFTOP COCKTAIL LOUNGE

CIRCA RESORT & CASINO

8 FREMONT ST., LAS VEGAS, NV 89101 • 702-305-5084 • 702-CIRCALV • SASHA.LEE@CIRCALASVEGAS.COM CIRCALASVEGAS.COM

CIRCA RESORT & CASINO STANDS AS A BEACON OF contemporary luxury and excitement in the heart of downtown Las Vegas right next to Fremont Street Experience.

The resort boasts an impressive array of accommodations, from stylish rooms and premium suites to customizable meeting and conference spaces. Whether for business or pleasure, Circa offers a variety of unique venues for all occasions.

The meeting and convention space spans 35,000 square feet, bringing a new era of meetings to downtown Las Vegas. These facilities provide meeting planners contemporary options to book events more off the Strip. Circa gives groups top-tier, turnkey audio and visual capabilities with in-house IT and customizable rooms for up to 1,000 guests.

The Hospitality Suites deliver the perfect setting for closing a deal or prepping for a work function. Each suite features a spacious living room complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, a banquet table, a convertible couch, a 65-inch HDTV, and lounge-style seating to accommodate any group.

Sky-high on the 60th floor, Legacy Club Rooftop Cocktails is an indoor/outdoor, 9,330-square-foot lounge delivering panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley. Legacy Club is complemented by an upscale cocktail experience, an expansive outdoor terrace with firepits, and a showstopping attraction of 1,000 ounces of pure gold bricks.

Hang poolside at Stadium Swim, the resort’s year-round pool amphitheater featuring a 143-foot screen with six pools, private cabanas, and stadium-style food and drinks.

Circa Resort & Casino is a 21+ experience, and guests who meet and stay here are guaranteed to have the “Time of Your Life.”

THE WESTIN BOOK CADILLAC DETROIT

1114 WASHINGTON BLVD., DETROIT, MI 48226 • 313-442-1616 • JOY.DAY@WESTIN.COM • WESTINBOOKCADILLAC.COM

THIS HISTORIC HOTEL IS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS of excellent hospitality. Elevate your event at the Westin Book Cadillac, where more than 36,000 square feet of meeting and event space has been thoughtfully transformed following a $23 million renovation. Upgrades have also been made to the guest rooms and suites, allowing you to experience a contemporary urban oasis in downtown Detroit. The enhancements include the arrival of Sullivan’s, a brand-new steakhouse, and Haus of Brunch, coming fall 2024.

Secure your next meeting or event at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit by calling 313-442-1616 or visiting westinbookcadillac.com.

THE H HOTEL

ELEVATE YOUR NEXT MEETING OR event at The H Hotel in Midland, Michigan. Whether for corporate meetings or teambuilding retreats, this high-end hotel stands as the ideal destination for hosting memorable gatherings.

Immerse your team in one of The H Hotel’s Signature Events. These ultimate experiences are designed to ignite creativity and strengthen bonds. The hotel offers diverse activities from an exciting “iron chef” competition and elegant bourbon-tasting sessions to engaging culinary experiences with its in-house pastry team. Each event is carefully curated to provide an unforgettable and enriching experience for all attendees.

Say goodbye to event-planning stress — The H Hotel offers a flexible approach to meeting spaces complemented by comprehensive catering services tailored to meet every group’s specific needs. The seamless planning journey ensures that each event is customized to perfection, guaranteeing a stress-free and successful experience for both hosts and guests.

Boasting 25,000 square feet of indoor and

outdoor meeting and event space, The H Hotel presents a variety of unique spaces, from upscale traditional conference rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities to the intimate courtyard ideal for

sophisticated evening soirées. No matter the experience you are planning, The H Hotel provides the perfect backdrop for meetings and events that transcend expectations with a harmonious blend of inspiration and success.

FORBES HOSPITALITY

333 MADISON ST., DETROIT, MI 48226 • 313-463-4215 • SALES@FORBESDETROIT.COM • FORBESDETROIT.COM

A STAPLE OF THE DETROIT EVENT venue scene for over 30 years, Forbes Hospitality proudly owns and operates Detroit’s premier venues for unique occasions: the Gem Theatre, Colony Club, and Elwood Bar & Grill.

The historic Gem Theatre, centrally located on Madison Avenue, is one of Detroit’s most dramatic locations for weddings, presentations, and special events. It features ornate Spanish Revival and Arts and Crafts architecture; four unique event spaces, including a striking outdoor garden and patio; and capacity for up to 450 people.

The Colony Club, at the corner of Montcalm Street and Park Avenue, is an impeccable space for weddings and private events. Featuring gold-leaf ceilings, glimmering crystal chandeliers, and exquisite Louis XVI décor, it offers an unparalleled experience for any occasion. The Colony Club includes two unique ballrooms in one location with capacity for up to 500 people, along with a newly renovated bar on the first floor.

Elwood Bar & Grill is an icon of the Detroit tavern scene and a game day favorite for

Tigers fans. The Elwood’s Art Moderne design creates a distinctive atmosphere for rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, and get-togethers. Each venue offers full-service catering and bar services, turnkey event rentals and linens

on-site, full audiovisual capabilities, and convenient parking. Forbes Hospitality is a full-service hospitality solution and collaborative partner that knows how to make your occasion the perfect experience.

by Bureau

MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL

313-237-1589 • MOTORCITYCASINO.COM

FROM THE PLANNING TO THE PRESENTATION to the post-party, MotorCity Casino Hotel has all the ingredients for a perfect meeting or event. Fully loaded with in-house lights and sound, their ballrooms, boardrooms, and the 1,500-seat Sound Board theater provide the canvas for an unforgettable experience. Inspired menus and meals prepared by award-winning chefs will impress you and your guests.

When work wraps up, it’s time to play, and there’s no better place to let loose. Excitement radiates from the electrifying gaming floor, and fans flock to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The fun gets fueled by a wide assortment of dining options, from casual grab-and-go to award-winning culinary experiences, including their new modern American steakhouse, Revel Steak.

Time slows down with massages, saunas, and spa services at D.Tour Spa. Then, when it’s time to wind down at the end of the night, 400 luxurious hotel rooms and suites are only steps away.

Give MotorCity Casino Hotel a call and let them help you create an unforgettable event in an unparalleled space.

Photo

LEFT, Jose Luis Flores: Coat, 100 percent cashmere from Scotland, Pricing starting at $1,875 Jacket, fabric from Lorpriani, Italy, Pricing starting at $1,500

Egyptian cotton shirt, $225 Wool Super 120s pant, $495 Crown Custom Clothing, customtailormi.com

Watch, Santos de Cartier, $7,050, Cartier, cartier.com

RIGHT, Milton Putman:

Coat, 100 percent cashmere from Scotland, $2,250 Jacket, Super 160s fabric from Scotland and Holland, $2,575 Egyptian cotton shirt, $275 Wool Super 120s pant, $596 100 percent silk tie, $175 Crown Custom Clothing, customtailormi.com

Rambler Belt, $125, Shinola, shinola.com

Real Execs, Real Fashion

We asked two metro Detroit CEOs to show o the latest fall/winter styles from Crown Custom Clothing in Royal Oak. BY STEPHANIE DANIEL

STYLING BY JESSICA VANASSCHE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVER LONG

SHOT ON LOCATION AT NEWLAB AT MICHIGAN CENTRAL IN DETROIT

TAILORING BY MOHAMMED KALAM

ABOUT:

Milton Putman is founder and CEO of Complete Image Manufacturing and Complete Dominance Athletics, both in Detroit. Recognized for his expertise in apparel and textile manufacturing, Putman specializes in crafting sports and teamwear apparel. In 2022, Putman was selected as one of DBusiness magazine’s 30 in Their Thirties honorees.

The award celebrated his signiﬁcant contributions to the business community and fashion industry.

Tan/Navy linen and leather Brogue Wingtips, $198, Dolce Moda, dolcemoda.com

Watch, The Runwell 47mm, $595, Shinola, shinola.com

ON PUTMAN: Jacket, 100 percent Super 110s wool from Scotland by Holland & Sherry, Pants, 100 percent cotton by Holland & Sherry, Shirt, 100 percent Egyptian cotton, Pocket Square and Lapel Pin, 100 percent silk, Prices starting at $495, Crown Custom Clothing, customtailormi.com

ABOUT:

Jose Luis Flores, CEO of Ancor Automotive in Troy, helps drive Michigan’s e-mobility movement. Flores and his team deliver the latest data management tools to streamline production techniques for OEMs. “I’m a very energetic and dynamic leader,” Flores says. “I’m always trying to find creative solutions to complex problems, and I do them in a fun approach so people get excited and want to tackle it.” Blending sharpness and confidence, Flores, a 2023 honoree of DBusiness’ 30 in Their Thirties, says his fashion sense embodies where business meets style.

customtailormi.com

Burnished leather Cap-Toe Oxfords In Espresso, $355, Donald Pliner Dolce Moda, dolcemoda.com Watch, The Canfield Chrono 43mm, $895, Shinola, shinola.com

ON FLORES:

Bespoke Suit, 100 percent Super 120 wool from Italy, Shirt, 100 percent Egyptian cotton, Tie, Pocket Square, Lapel Pin, 100 percent silk, Prices starting at $1,995, Crown Custom Clothing,

Whiz Kid

Detroit native Rick Inatome built a $7-billion computer powerhouse in the early years of the tech industry.

BY TOM MURRAY

In his captivating rat-a-tat-tat cadence, Rick Inatome — tech entrepreneur, company founder, and investor — covers his early years growing up in Detroit before jumping into the background of his Japanese-American parents, and now he’s seamlessly segued into chatting about his days as a 10-year-old, when he spent much of his free time assembling analog computers.

“By the way, I really do have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), so I’ll go all over the place,” he says, bursting into laughter.

It’s the perfect interval to somehow squeeze in what seems to be the obvious question: As an adolescent putting computers together, when did Inatome realize his future in the technology world was virtually assured?

“Well, the light bulb never really went off in my head,” he recalls. “But it did go off in my dad’s head.”

Inatome’s father grew up in San Francisco, his mother in Seattle. In mid-February 1942, just a few months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066.

It directed all Japanese-Americans on the West

Coast to be immediately rounded up and held in prison camps surrounded by barbed wire, with no charges, no trials, and no due process.

“To get out of the camps before the war ended, you had to be sponsored,” Inatome explains. “Oddly enough, my mother’s family got sponsored by a Chrysler executive in Palmer Woods, and my dad got sponsored by a priest at the Episcopalian Church of St. Paul in Detroit. Then they both went to Wayne State University, and that’s where they met.”

Inatome was born in Detroit at Holy Cross Hospital and grew up in Warren, on Darlene Street east of Van Dyke Avenue and north of 11 Mile Road. It was there, among a long block of tidy brick ranch homes, that he began assembling analog computers.

MEGABYTE MANIA

Rick Inatome, founder of Inacomp Computer Centers, was one of the early pioneers of personal computers. After launching Inacomp in the early 1980s, Inatome and his brother, Joe, acquired Computer City in 1983, which at one time was the nation’s second largest computer chain.

“I’m proud of it now,” Inatome says with a wry laugh. “My father was one of those guys with a slide rule at all times, and a plastic pocket protector stuffed with pens. He worked at Giffels, one of the biggest architectural engineering firms in Detroit, and was the HVAC guy — which is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. He started building software and writing programs to make his life easier.”

Inatome was enlisted by his father to help out. “Way before there was a computer revolution, you could buy basic things like Heathkits,” he says. “As a very young kid, my dad had me pick up a soldering iron and, as a good Asian son, I did what my dad asked me to do.”

Inatome continued to follow his dad’s instructions, all the way through Warren’s Cousino High School. Once he got to Michigan State University in September

1972, his dorm room doubled as a highly productive and lucrative workspace.

“I’m building these computers for my father’s friends,” he says. “Each kit was $499, but if you bought five at a time you got a 25 percent discount, so I could double my profit to 200 bucks for each one of these things I made.”

It all seemed too good to be true until the night Inatome was home from MSU for the weekend and heard some noises right outside the front door of his family’s house.

“It’s around two in the morning, and I’m figuring it’s my friends from high school coming (over),” Inatome recalls. “You could drink at 18 back then, and I’m thinking they see my car’s home and (they) started banging on the door.”

Just as Inatome got to the door to greet what he assumed were his buddies, it flew wide open.

“And there’s these two guys with guns in their hands, and the only thing they said was, ‘We just killed a cop, and we need a car.’ So I just put my hands up and said, ‘What do you need? I’ll get it for you.’ ”

The family owned four cars. Inatome quickly offered up the keys to one of them, which led to an indescribably odd reaction from the intruders.

“Instead of leaving, one guy says, ‘You know what, let’s stay here for a while.’ And the other guy looks at him and he says, ‘Yeah, OK.’ ”

At which point Inatome made a surprising offer. “I just said, ‘Sure. Are you guys hungry? I’ll make you something to eat.’ ”

Over the next several hours, Inatome calmly pulled together a meal as he learned more ghastly details from his dinner guests. In no particular order, “they told me they broke out of a maximum security prison in Marquette. They stole a car and came down I-75, broke into a sporting goods store in Troy — which is when they killed the cop — and they also killed two other people.”

Inatome somehow maintained his composure throughout the conversation, as the two killers debated about when they should leave the area, and how.

“I even brought out a map of Warren, and we were talking about where the roadblocks might be, and the best ways to get out of there. Soon, it was starting to get light out, and I told them, ‘Listen, you guys gotta get out of here, because my parents are gonna wake up.’ ”

As if the cold-blooded killers of three people so far could care less about making a ruckus? But, amazingly, they not only adhered to their host’s suggestion, agreeing to leave immediately, but they also went along with a helpful tip from Inatome.

“They were worried about roadblocks, so I said, ‘We’ll take two cars. I’ll be in the front car, and if you see me get caught, it’ll give you time to do anything you want.’ They agreed, but then we got to Telegraph Road, and all of a sudden they pulled around me and took off at about a hundred miles an hour.”

Inatome flagged down the first police cruiser he saw and gave a description of the stolen car, which led to the fugitives being quickly apprehended. But none of what transpired that evening actually sunk in until later, when he told the police about his ordeal.

... I’D BUILD COMPUTERS ON ONE TABLE AND ON THE OTHER SELL BYTE AND THE OTHER EARLY HOBBYIST MAGAZINES.”

— RICK INATOME

APPLE SAUCE

Joyce Inatome, Rick Inatome, center, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, along with the Inatome’s children, Dania and Evan, during the early days of the personal computer industry.

“And the chief says, ‘Do you realize how close you were to dying?’ ” Inatome says. “And that’s when my knees and legs and everything else start shaking. Until then, I hadn’t thought about anything I was doing that night. I was just reacting.”

Not surprisingly, Inatome says the events of that unforgettable evening were a turning point in his life.

“It gave me an inner confidence that no matter how bad things get, you can find your way through it,” he says. “And if you need something, just go ahead and ask for it. What do you have to lose?”

In 1976, soon after graduating from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and with the help of his father, Inatome launched the early iteration of a company that would ultimately become Inacomp Computer Centers. The premise was to not only sell computers to the general public, but provide computer education and instructions through a network of local colleges and schools, focusing on how to maximize their use.

The game plan helped to build the early market in Michigan for the new technology. So did the next move made by Inatome and his father.

“We rented a little 500-square-foot place in Royal Oak, but then quickly moved to Troy, and I’d build computers on one table and on the other sell Byte and the other early hobbyist magazines.”

Over time, Inacomp grew into a $7-billion, Fortune 500 business, and Inatome would go on to launch Computer City, a multibillion-dollar superstore chain. He also founded and managed various private equity funds, served on numerous boards, and at 71 has achieved a level of success that was unimaginable all those years ago, in the exhilarating pioneering days of the digital age.

Back then, Inatome was one of the tech industry’s original whiz kids, destined to be known as a legendary entrepreneur and innovator.

“There was Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak from Apple, and some other early guys you never heard of, and (one day early on) we’re jumping up and down on a trampoline in Bill Gates’ backyard in Seattle,” Inatome recalls.

“So, you’re on this huge rocket ship and it’s pulling you, and you don’t know where it’s going, and you gotta figure it out before it gets there. And you had to do it

KNIGHTS OF HONOR

collectively with software, hardware, manufacturing, and distributing.”

Universally recognized as a driving force in the effort that introduced the personal computer to corporate America, as well as countless millions of everyday users, Inatome has no plans to settle down anytime soon.

“I’ve retired and un-retired three times, and now it’s about being a part of helping the next generation. And when you think about it, there’s nothing more critical and more at risk than education.”

In the early 1990s, Inatome was part of an investment group that acquired Sylvan Learning Centers, building it into the nation’s largest supplemental learning and tutoring provider, and offering teacher training, computerized testing, distance learning, and other educational services.

Inatome’s involvement with Sylvan was the culmination of his lifelong interest in education, and his firm belief in its power as an essential tool for maximizing human potential.

“It’s our entire future,” he says bluntly. “But we’re anywhere between 22nd and 30th in the world when it comes to education — nowhere near being competitive — and I’m taking a look at where the intersection of education and technology could help.”

Inatome offers a specific example at a school under his purview: Léman Prep School in New York City, with a student body ranging in age from 12 months old through 12th grade.

“People are spending $60,000 to $100,000 a year at my schools, literally from K to 12,” he says. “A hundred grand a year, right? But there’s a lot of research that says 95 percent of your brain is formed in the five years from K to 5. So I’m looking at how to make that first 95 percent more relevant, and I think the answer will not come solely from Silicon Valley.

“I’ve been looking at some technology-enabled family networking structures in primarily underdeveloped countries,” Inatome adds. “They’re evolving

Pre-K and 1-5 children at a rate we’re not seeing in the U.S. So, the best way to leapfrog may be not to work with the privileged communities through traditional classrooms, but instead in cities like Detroit where the leapfrog mandate is more easily grasped — and, more importantly, (it’s) a necessity.”

Inatome is clearly excited about the idea, exuding the same enthusiasm and sense of purpose that was on display all those years ago, giddily bouncing around on a trampoline and spitballing ideas that would soon change the world.

“And it was all kids,” Inatome says. “There weren’t any real adults in any of these rooms. We didn’t know what we were doing, but I think we were all bonded by a vague feeling that we were onto something.

“Now, with the benefit of some hindsight, my guess is that if we were confident about any of it, we would have assuredly screwed it up. So, probably better to be young, naive, and optimistic, than assured, arrogant, and determined to prove ourselves right.”

Looking back on the early days of personal computers, Inatome says the pace of change was unlike anything he had experienced. “It became about who could think of something 15 minutes faster, and then try to convince the other guys that was the right way to go.”

For Inatome, it proved to be a surefire formula for spectacular success during his entire career, and most assuredly for his very survival on that harrowing longago evening with two killers in his house.

BUILDING ANEW

Inatome has helped numerous charities over the years with financial and personal support, including the construction of a residential home with Habitat For Humanity.

American singer Frankie Valli, center, with Rick and Joyce Inatome, on Feb. 11, 2024, at the Royal Order of Francis I knighting ceremony in Naples, Fla. Both Inatome and Valli were inducted along with 11 other Florida residents.

KIDSGALA GOLF INVITATIONAL 2024

Sept. 16, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. kidsgala.org

The 2024 KIDSgala Invitational will take place on Sept. 16 at Oakhurst Golf and Country Club. The annual golf invitational beneﬁts the KIDSgala foundation. KIDSgala provides a gifted celebration to children who have experienced or are in the midst of a life-altering event. KIDSgala is dedicated to hosting celebrations that will individually celebrate each child’s life achievements.

Join the foundation for a great day of fun, food, and golf.

DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OPENING NIGHT GALA

Sept. 28, 5 p.m. to midnight dso.org

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is proud to kick off another remarkable season of performances and programming with the Sept. 28 Opening Night Gala, which will support the DSO’s mission to ensure young people have access to music education and a path to all that is possible. The unforgettable evening will feature a concert by your Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Grammy Award–winning artist Branford Marsalis, conducted by Music Director Jader Bignamini. There will be red-carpet arrivals and photos, and all levels of the William Davidson Atrium will be activated with a preconcert reception for concert attendees. In addition, for gala supporters, a formal dinner in The Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings Cube will follow this once-in-a-lifetime performance. Visit dso.org to ﬁnd more information on sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets.

2024 GREENS ’N’ GRAPES GOLF AND WINE EVENT

Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. migreengrape.com

The 2024 Greens ’n’ Grapes golf and wine event at Saint John’s Resort combines a competitive golf tournament environment throughout the day with world-class wine and craft brewing offerings during the evening. Start your day at the brand-new golf course The Cardinal (opened May 2024) with a four-person golf scramble and 18 individual experiences centered on wineries, craft brewers, and some of the best local foods available.

In the evening, transition from the course to an exclusive “grand tasting” event featuring wine samples from local, national, and international wineries paired with chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres and small-plate offerings from Five Steakhouse. The evening event also features award-winning musical artists, including the Walter Blanding jazz trio and Northville Folk. This year’s event proudly supports both the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor and the Northville Educational Foundation. Tickets are available for purchase at migreengrape.com

UNCORK FOR A CURE

Oct. 19, 6 to 10 p.m. dynamifoundation.org

Now in its ninth year, metro Detroit’s premier breast cancer fundraiser and soiree, Uncork for a Cure, will take place at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event will feature award-winning chefs, world-class wines, music, art installations, track rides, live and silent auctions, and more. Uncork for a Cure, hosted by The Dynami Foundation, raises funds for breast cancer research, education, and patient support.

WOMEN ROCK SCIENCE

Oct. 9, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. science.cranbrook.edu

Women Rock Science is a women-led fundraising event that aims to celebrate women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and ignite curiosity in children. Proceeds from the event will help bring more STEAM programming, delivered by Cranbrook Institute of Science educators, to Pre-K-12 students in under-resourced communities throughout Michigan, including Detroit, Pontiac, Flint, Southﬁeld, and others. Since 2018, Women Rock Science has raised over $1.3 million towards STEAM education!

Guests can expect to enjoy a fun cocktail hour, hands-on tabletop activities, engaging networking opportunities, access to all of the museum’s exhibits, and delicious hors d’oeuvres and STEAM-themed cocktails, all while celebrating inspiring women in #STEAM and this year’s #WRS honorees!

After a sold-out event in 2023, with more than 340 guests, the Institute is mixing things up this year to accommodate ticket demand for an additional 100 guestsmaking this the biggest Women Rock Science event yet!

RESTAURANTS in metro Detroit TOP BUSINESS 2024

ANN ARBOR

BLUE LLAMA JAZZ CLUB

New Orleans jazz meets downtown Ann Arbor with live music every night and world-inspired cuisine. A favorite spot for locals, visitors, and fans attending a sporting event. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, 48104, 734-372-3200, D Wed.-Sat. / 40 / 100 / / NA

THE CHOP HOUSE

An elegant steakhouse destination featuring grain-fed beef like filet mignon and New York strip — usually a great spot before or after a U-M football game. 322 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, 888-456-3463, D Daily / 46 / 81 / / The Chef’s Table. Seats 10-12 people at the front of the restaurant, with a view of Ann Arbor’s Main Street.

GANDY DANCER

Located in the elegantly restored 1886 Michigan Central Depot railroad station made from stone, the Gandy Dancer specializes in seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor, 734-769-0592, B Sun., L Mon.-Sat., D Daily / 35 / 270/ / / Window tables with a scenic view of the train tracks or a central booth by a sculpture.

PAESANO RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

A cozy atmosphere featuring rustic Italian dishes with an emphasis on regional preparations. The menu also boasts variety, offering dishes such as duck ravioli and barbequed ribs flavored with orange molasses and vinegar. 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, 734-971-0484, L & D Daily / 26 / 250/ / NA

ZINGERMAN’S ROADHOUSE

A down-to-earth establishment, Zingerman’s serves fresh regional American foods. Entrées include Uncle Joe Burroughs’ Southern fried whole catfish platter, rainbow trout, and Alaskan halibut. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, 734663-3663, B, L & D Daily / 293 / 65 / / / NA

AUBURN HILLS

LELLI’S OF AUBURN HILLS

This Italian restaurant is known for its filet mignon with zip sauce, a 32-oz. porterhouse, and tableside Caesar salad. Originally located in Detroit. 885 Opdyke Rd., Auburn Hills, 248373-4440, L & D Daily / 50 / 350 / / / Located in a high-profile part of the restaurant, the tables by the bar are highly requested.

BIRMINGHAM

220 MERRILL

220 Merrill is a modern and chic upscale restaurant specializing in American cuisine. 220 E Merrill St., Birmingham, 248646-2220, L & D Daily, BR Sat.-Sun. / 40 / 250 / / NA

BIRMINGHAM PUB

Enjoy a sophisticated twist to the classic gastropub experience with an inviting ambience that’s casual and comfortable, with luxe touches and urban chic details. 555 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-885-8108, B & L Sun., L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sun. / 30 / 300 / / The Sunset Room can seat up to 60 guests and has standing room for 70. It overlooks South Old Woodward Avenue and features a full bar and open-air views.

CASA PERNOI

Casa Pernoi, located in Birmingham’s Triangle District, is best known for its famous bread basket, which is baked in-house. The food is all scratch-made in this Trattoria-style casual Italian restaurant, featuring homemade pastas, wild-caught seafood, local vegetables in season, and locally raised meats. 310 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 248-940-0000, L Wed.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat. No valet, but the restaurant has its own dedicated parking lot that costs $5 to use. / 50 / 400 / / The most popular area for guests to sit is the covered patio in the bar/port rooms. The restaurant offers private dining in the Maple/Ocean rooms from 6 to 50 people.

FLEMING’S PRIME

STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR

This steakhouse, accompanying a menu complete with aged prime beef and fresh seafood, offers a renowned wine list with more than 100 selections. 323 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-723-0134, D Daily / 50 / 400 / / / The Captain’s Table seats eight people in large, comfortable chairs.

FOREST

Located in Birmingham’s Triangle District, diners can watch as the culinary team prepares charcuterie and traditional bistro dishes behind glass windows. The chef emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. 753 Forest Ave., Birmingham, 248-258-9400, L Sat., D Tue.-Sat. / 45 / 65 / / / The restaurant’s corner booth seats up to 14 people and provides ample privacy.

HAZEL’S SEASONAL SEAFOOD

This seafood restaurant offers diverse options all year long, with rotating regional offerings from some of the best-known seafood destinations in the country. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham, 248-671-1714, L & D Tue.-Sun. / 25 / 125 /

HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE

The popular downtown venue offers both traditional and specialty steaks, including dry-aged reserve prime offerings, as well as shrimp and lobster tail. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-594-4369, D Mon.-Sat. / 70 / 60 / / / The plush red Gotti booth is a customer favorite, but for more privacy the Board Room seats 8-10. Other popular areas of the restaurant include six rooms for private dining, and stained glass-ornamented Room 11, which includes a flat-screen TV and a fireplace.

MADAM

The new downtown establishment, located inside the Daxton Hotel, serves American cuisine and beverages. Entrées include scallops, flat iron steak, and steelhead trout. 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-283-4200, B, L & D Daily / 42 / 90 / / / With an open floor plan and the large expansive space, every table is as advantageous as the next.

PHOENICIA

A unique and refined menu for Middle Eastern cuisine, inspired by Old World Beirut. Owner Sameer Eid selects the finest cuts of meat every morning and uses them in specialty dishes such

as the baba ghanoush and hashwi with lamb confit. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-644-3122, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily / 25 / The dining area can comfortably accommodate parties of up to 10 people. / / Booths 1, 2, and 21 are popular for meetings. The two most private booths can seat up to six people and are located beside the wine cellar.

RUGBY GRILLE

Tucked inside Birmingham’s Townsend Hotel, the Rugby Grille offers steaks, seafood, and racks of lamb. Or sit outside on the expansive sidewalk patio, which offers a great view of who’s coming in and out of the main entrance doors. 100 Townsend St., Birmingham, 248642-5999, B, L & D Daily / 52 / NA / / / Tables 71 and 74 have unparalleled vantage points of the restaurant.

TOWNHOUSE

Located in downtown Birmingham, this American bistro serves up everything from lobster rolls to footlong cheesesteaks, and has an extensive alcohol selection. 180 Pierce St., Birmingham, 248-792-5241, L & D Daily / 34 NA / / NA

ZANA

Zana offers a modern American menu with a European flair. Its ambience celebrates the fusion of art, aesthetics, and food. 210 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-800-6568, D Tue.-Sun. / 42 / 130 / / The back booth is perfect for a private business lunch.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

ANDIAMO BLOOMFIELD

The Italian eatery offers a range of traditional dishes such as ravioli and lasagna, along with premium cuts of beef. 6676 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, 248-865-9300, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily / 41 / 150 / / / Table 40 is at the center of the restaurant near a fireplace. With a low wall to one side and a high wall to the other, this secluded table offers ample privacy for a group of eight.

EDDIE MERLOT’S

This is the first and only Eddie Merlot’s in Michigan and, in keeping with the restaurant’s mantra, it provides top-of-the-line steaks and seafood. 37000 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 248-712-4095, D Daily / 56 / 600 / / / Table 441, located in the center

of the restaurant, seats up to eight people and offers views of the entire restaurant and the wine wall. Table 119 is also highly requested for a more private setting.

JOE MUER SEAFOOD

Joe Muer Seafood in Bloomfield Hills is the second Muer seafood restaurant in the region. The menu is the same, and the décor is distinctive with a central bar, black-and-white marble floors, live acts, and an extensive wine collection. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 248-792-9609, D Daily / 49 / 200 / / / The Bloomfield Hills location seats up to 250 people, with several prime locations.

ROADSIDE B&G

This bar and grill is retro-themed and specializes in everything from burgers, ribs, and fish and chips to steaks and seafood. 1727 S. Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Township, 248-858-7270, D Daily / 24 / 40 / Tables on the patio are the most requested.

CANTON TOWNSHIP

ANTONIO’S CUCINA ITALIANA

Family recipes feature authentic Italian cuisine like linguine primavera, ravioli, and cannelloni, that truly reflects the Old Country. The location is one of four Antonio’s restaurants in metro Detroit, along with Roman Village in Dearborn. 2220 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton, 734-9819800, L & D Daily / 19 / 140 / / The VIP Room. This plush and private room, equipped with a 20-foot-long captain’s table and captain’s chairs, has a widescreen TV.

CLARKSTON

VIA BOLOGNA

Designed to remind customers of the romantic atmosphere of European dining, this Italian restaurant specializes in pastas, veal, chicken, and fish entrées. 7071 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston, 248-620-8500, D Wed.-Sat. / 28 / 50 before 3 p.m. / / Table 14 is tucked away by a window.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP

THE BREWERY RESTAURANT

A casual American restaurant featuring upscale, world-class cuisine including steak, chops, fresh seafood, and daily specials. 39950 Hayes, Clinton Township, 586-286-3020, D Tue.-Sat. / 34 / 30 / / A corner table by the patio that seats up to eight people and offers plenty of privacy.

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE

From the chic atmosphere to world-class service, signature Northern Italian cuisine, and fine wines and cocktails, this Italian restaurant is a go-to for any occasion. 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township, 586-263-7310, L & D Daily / 28/ maybe /

DEARBORN

ROMAN VILLAGE CUCINA ITALIANA

This family-owned restaurant sticks to its traditional Italian roots and uses family recipes. For

example, their polenta consists of cornmeal topped with Italian sausage and meat sauce. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn, 313-842-2100, L & D Daily / 19 / 110 / / A round table in the center of the room.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS

ANTONIO’S CUCINA ITALIANA

This location, just as the Rugiero family’s other locations, produces its own pasta daily. Apart from ravioli Florentine or mannicotti, pair their fresh gnocchi with the house special pancetta and mushroom sauce. 26356 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights, 313-278-6000, L & D Daily / 19 / 110 / The secluded south room, with its few tables, is reminiscent of old school Italian restaurants and is located away from the main room’s hustle and bustle. It’s private and quaint.

DETROIT

ALPINO

Situated at 1426 Bagley St. in Detroit, Alpino is rooted in an Alpine tradition where cattle adorned with oversized cowbells and flower crowns are led down the mountains by local farmers in early fall. The menu includes mountain cheeses, fondue, La Valaisanne tomato soup, gurkensalat, pasta, meat, fish including walleye, and wienerschnitzel, steak, spatzle, and more. Desserts include buttermilk panna cotta, rosette, bonet, rhubarb tarte, and carrot and strawberry torte. 1426 Bagley St., Detroit, 313-524-0888, D Daily 5-9:30; B Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. / 43 / 80 / / / There’s seating for an additional 50 guests on a 1,500-square-foot patio.

ANDIAMO RIVERFRONT

Located on the Detroit River in the Renaissance Center, this scenic eatery offers authentic Italian dishes including ravioli and lasagna, and has numerous wine selections. 400 GM Renaissance Center, Detroit, 313-567-6700, L Sat., D Daily / 44 / 200 / / / The Galleria. Accommodating up to 90 guests, the elegant room offers plenty of privacy for meetings both small and large.

THE APPARATUS ROOM

Housed in the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters that is now the 100-room Foundation Hotel, the Apparatus Room features regional riffs on traditional American dishes. Entrées include braised farm chicken, lamb shank, and seafood bourride. 250 W. Larned, Detroit, 313-800-5600, B Mon.-Sat., L & D Daily / 39 / 320 / / / The Chef’s Table, a 10-seat space that offers a multi-course tasting menu, and also serves as a home for visiting chefs and pop-ups.

BASAN

Tucked neatly into the ground floor of the historic Eddystone and a mere stone’s throw from Little Caesar’s Arena, Basan is a marriage of distinctive food and inimitable beverages with a lifestyle of hospitality. 2703 Park Ave., Detroit, 313-481-2703, D Daily / 24 / 24 / /

BESA

An exceptional modern dining experience in a 1917 building featuring cuisine inspired by the Adriatic Sea. 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit, D Mon.-Sat. / 44 / 108 / / / The Chef’s Table, a 15-seat space on the lower level that features its own lounge.

CAUCUS CLUB

The Caucus Club, which originally opened in 1952 and then closed in 2012, is enjoying new life and new ownership in the Penobscot Building. House favorites include tenderloin steak bites, roast prime beef, and pan-seared halibut. 150 W. Congress, Detroit, 313-9654970, D Daily/ 66 / 93 / / / Table 53, a corner booth that’s right in the middle of the restaurant, is the most sought-after spot, but Table 31, a “Vegas-style booth,” is the favorite of owner George Sboukis.

CUISINE RESTAURANT

Set in New Center, this quaint French-American restaurant is located inside a residential manor and offers seared sea scallops, beef tenderloin, and roasted Alaskan halibut. 670 Lothrop St., Detroit, 313-872-5110, D Tue.-Sat. / 50 / 200 / By request / / Tables 15 and 16 are on the old porch overlooking Lothrop Street.

D.PRIME

Inside MGM Grand Detroit, D.PRIME features a modern twist on flame-grilled steaks, signature cocktails, and a fresh atmosphere. 1777 3rd St., 313-465-1645, D Wed.-Sun. / 70 / N/A / / / NA

GIOVANNI’S RISTORANTE

A recipient of a DiRoNA award for being among the best restaurants in North America, Giovanni’s is a cozy Italian eatery offering ravioli, lasagna, and gnocchi. Guests have included Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. 330 S. Oakwood, Detroit, 313-841-0122, D Tue.-Sat./ 26 / 127 / / The Sewing Machine Table, in a corner that overlooks the entire restaurant, seats up to four people.

HIGHLANDS DETROIT

Atop the Renaissance Center downtown, Highlands Detroit offers a riff on a traditional steakhouse with starters like squash and coconut soup, second courses including Spanish octopus, and classic steakhouse third courses such as an 8 oz. New York strip, a Wagyu skirt steak, sea scallops, and more. 400 Renaissance Center, Floor 71, Detroit, 313-877-9090, D Mon.-Sat. / 85 / 300 /

HIROKI-SAN

Deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and technique, the menu is overseen by highly regarded Japanese Executive Chef Hiroki Fujiyama Hiroki-San’s ultra-marbly Wagyu steaks are cut from cattle raised in Japan’s Miyazaki, Kagawa, and Hokkaido prefectures. Fresh seafood flies in twice weekly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit,, 313-597-8344, D Tue.-Sat. / 85 / 150 / 16-seat private dining room

JOE MUER SEAFOOD

With sweeping views of the Detroit River and a newly-redesigned interior, the menu offers seafood dishes, sushi, and classics such as Dover sole, whitefish, and surf and turf. There’s also a piano bar and a small patio. 400 Renaissance Center, 313-567-6837, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily / 49 / 175 / / / A table in the main dining room, next to floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the river, the RiverWalk, and Windsor.

LE SUPREME

Located in the iconic Book Tower, Le Supreme is a Parisian-inspired brasserie offering French fare and seating at the restaurant’s bar, alfresco, or in its elegant dining room. The menu includes appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, lobster cocktail, and oysters, steak tartare, and wild mushroom tart. Main courses include gnocchi a

la Parisienne, omelette Francaise, trout Amandine, Mediterranean sea bass filet, and filet mignon. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 313597-7734, BR Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., D Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m; Fri.-Sat. 4-11 p.m.; Sun. 4-9 p.m. / 45 / 210 / / / A private dining room with a fireplace holds 24, plus patio seating.

THE LONDON CHOP HOUSE

Renovated and paying homage to the original restaurant, The London Chop House is like dining in private luxury. Also harkening back to the original restaurant, the new establishment serves old favorites like a porterhouse steak. 155 West Congress, Detroit, 313-962-0277, D Mon.-Sat. / 55 / 40 / / / Booths 1 and 2. In the restaurant’s early days, and even today, these booths host celebrities and luminaries.

MAD NICE

This Italian restaurant in midtown Detroit offers a modern menu surrounded by coastal chic décor and Mid-century Modern design with smooth, sophisticated service. 4129 Second Ave., Detroit, 313-558-8000, L Wed.-Sun., D Daily / 51 / 28 / /

OAK & REEL

Oak & Reel is run by Michelin-starred chef Jared Gadbaw and sources the freshest seafood,

kissed by flames fueled by an oak-burning hearth. It features house-made pasta, oysters, octopus, halibut, Dover sole, steak, and more. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 313-270-9600, D Thurs.-Sun. 5-10 p.m. / 36 / 140

PARC AT CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Parc combines contemporary Detroit cuisine with French and Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant atmosphere featuring modern design. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 313-922-7272, L & D Daily, BR Sat.-Sun. / 40 / 175 /

PRIME + PROPER

Aiming to be Detroit’s premier steakhouse, Prime + Proper dry-ages all meats in-house and offers 100 percent USDA prime beef and lamb, as well as seafood. In the lower level is a truly private bar called Cash Only. 1145 Griswold, Detroit, 248-294-0700, L Sat.-Sun., D Daily / 40 / 230 / / / Table 1 is one of the restaurant’s most private and sought-after tables, while Table 2 offers the chance to see and be seen.

PRISM

Winner of the Best Steakhouse award from Hour Detroit magazine and located in Greektown’s Hollywood casino, Prism delivers a sensory overload from appetizers through

desserts, thanks to their award-winning dishes, renowned musical accompaniment, and stylish décor overlooking the Detroit skyline. 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit, 313-309-2499, D Wed.-Sun. / 44 / / / Indoor and outdoor seating

SAN MORELLO

Located in the Shinola Hotel, San Morello is a hip, trendy Italian restaurant. Specialties include wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta with seasonal ingredients. 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 313-209-4700, B, L & D Daily / 38 / 40 / / / The two power tables for a business lunch are large enough to accommodate a group of four, but also work well for two. One is somewhat tucked away in the dining room, and the other is free-standing.

SELDEN STANDARD

This seasonally driven restaurant allows guests to enjoy flavors born on local farms and captured at the peak of the season, for ultimate taste and quality. The eatery offers meals such as seasonal flatbread, grilled trout, and charred octopus, as well as local brews and craft cocktails. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 313-438-5055, D Wed.-Sun. / 27 / 88 / The chef’s counter seating area is highly requested and very interactive.

THE STATLER FRENCH AMERICAN BISTRO

Nestled in the center of Detroit’s entertainment district, this French bistro and market offers classic French-influenced cuisine with a slightly modern twist, crafted by Certified Master Chef Daniel Scannell, one of only 72 certified master chefs in the U.S. 313 Park Ave., Detroit, 313-4637111, L Sun.-Fri., D Daily; Market: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. / 45 / 150 / / / NA

SYMPOSIA

Located in the Atheneum Suites Hotel on Brush Street, Symposia offers Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Greece, Italy, and Spain. 1000 Brush St., Detroit, 313-962-9366, D Wed.-Sun. / 48 / maybe / / / The high-top table in the front of the restaurant is the perfect spot, as it has an elevated view of the dining room and enough space for up to eight people. For a more private meeting, a corner booth allows you to discuss all the important details of your deal in a more secluded space.

TABLE NO. 2 RESTAURANT

Greektown’s Table No. 2 offers a three-course meal with ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets served alongside live entertainment. 1045 Brush St., Detroit, 313-340-9550, D Mon.-Sun. (no Tue.) / 37 / maybe / /

/ There are two different options for the best table. The first is a private alcove with a curtain drape for a romantic dinner for two. The other is the girls’ night out table, which can seat 12-15.

THE WHITNEY

Detroit’s most iconic mansion, this historic eatery retains all of its charm and refinement while appealing to contemporary tastes with offerings such as bourbon beef Wellington, bourbon-glazed salmon, and crispy panroasted duck. 4421 Woodward Ave., 313-8325700, D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. / 81 / 400 / / / Table 28 is in the center of the bay window area and overlooks Woodward Avenue. The table seats two and looks out over a colorful, expansive garden.

WRIGHT & CO.

This restaurant offers contemporary American food, small-plates style, along with craft cocktails. The menu typically features nine plates and three desserts, which change with the seasons. 1500 Woodward Ave., Second Floor, Detroit, 313-962-7711, L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sun./ 30 / 16 / / Table 40. The round table underneath the chandelier is by the front window and overlooks Woodward Avenue. It comfortably seats a minimum of five people and a maximum of eight.

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FARMINGTON HILLS

ANTONIO’S CUCINA ITALIANA

Signature dishes include gnocchi Rita, chicken Antonio, various veal dishes, and pizzas — all in an Italian countryside setting. 37646 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-994-4000, L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sun. / 20 / 45 / NA

CAFÉ CORTINA

This Farmington Hills restaurant may be the best-kept secret in metro Detroit. A garden provides fresh ingredients like arugula, basil, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes for the Northern Italian cuisine. 30715 W. 10 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-474-3033, D Tue.-Sun. / 45 / 185 / / / When weather permits, the ideal table is one by a fireplace on the patio, with a scenic view.

HONG HUA

With more than 80 years of combined experience, the chefs at Hong Hua offer guests authentic Chinese cuisine like Peking duck in an upscale setting. Other selections include stir-fried choice rib-eye, king of the sea, and Phoenix nest. 27925 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-489-2280, L Fri.-Sun., D Tue.Sun. / 28 / 200 / Private meeting rooms are available.

STEVEN LELLI’S ON THE GREEN

Located at Copper Creek Golf Course, Lelli’s

Inn continues the tradition started in 1939, serving filet mignon with zip sauce, bone-in filet mignon, and veal marsala. 27925 Golf Pointe Blvd., Farmington Hills, 248-994-1111, D Tue.-Sun. / 35 / 200 / / / Tables in the Red Room or the Champagne Room are very private.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS

THE BRONZE DOOR

This restaurant offers a modern reimagining of several classic dishes including shrimp scampi, stroganoff, fried chicken, and burgers alongside a lineup of classic steak, pork, and lamb chops. 123 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms, 313-886-8101, L Tue.-Sat., D Daily / 28 / 180 / / / N/A

DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFÉ

In an intimate pub atmosphere, this restaurant provides live music along with entrées such as Vietnamese short ribs, confit chicken fettuccine, and braised pork chops. 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms, 313-882-5299, L & D Tue.-Fri., D Sat. / 30 / 80 / /

For entertainment, Table 4 offers an up-close view of the live music, but for a quieter and secluded setting, the Board Room is a private room with a 64-inch screen and speakers that allow guests to see and hear the band, yet still conduct a private meeting.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS

DA EDOARDO

Family-owned by the Barbieri family for more than 25 years, Da Edoardo offers rich Italian cuisine like fettuccine Alfredo, tuna au poivre, and veal saltimbocca. 19767 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, 313-881-8540, D Tue.-Sun. / 32 / 75/ Fireside booths, with elegant mahogany and leather features, offer an impressive and intimate setting.

LEXINGTON

EMILIO’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Located at Lakeview Hills Country Club, Emilio’s Steakhouse offers first-in-class dining and service. 6560 East Peck Rd., Lexington, 810-3597333, D Wed.-Sat. / 50/ 120 / / The best table is the corner booth that overlooks the third and fourth holes and the picturesque lake on the South Golf Course. It seats two, or can easily be extended to the nearby tables to accommodate 15.

LIVONIA

ANTONIO’S PICCOLO RISTORANTE

This upscale casual, family-owned restaurant is decorated with oil paintings and mosaics on its walls and serves its fan-favorite linguine with white clam sauce, as well as a fresh, steamed mussels appetizer, and spaghetti carbonara. A full carry-out menu is available. Everything,

including the gelato, is made in-house in this authentic Italian restaurant. 31735 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, 734-513-8000, L & D Tue.-Fri. D Sat.Sun. / 18 / 15 / / NA

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

An ideal setting for entertaining clients, this restaurant offers award-winning steak and seafood, including New York strip, bone-in rib-eye, and double breast of chicken. Desserts can easily be shared. 17400 Haggerty Rd., Livonia, 734542-9463, D Daily. / 46 / 60 / / /

A table in the main dining room, next to the reserve wine room with more than 100 bottles.

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET

Fish so fresh, the menu is printed twice daily. Mitchell’s provides a wide array of fish, and their crab cakes are a guest favorite. 17600 Haggerty Rd., 734-464-3663, L & D Daily/ 37 / 40 / / / NA

NORTHVILLE

GAUCHO STEAK HOUSE

This authentic Brazilian steakhouse offers a vibrant atmosphere and 17 types of unlimited meats including filet mignon, rib-eye, and lombo com parmesao. 39550 W. Seven Mile, Northville, 248-380-7770, L Fri., D Daily / 55 / 40 / / Table 7 is located in the second dining room and, conveniently, near the salad bar. This table offers privacy, and one of the restaurant’s waterfalls accentuates

HIROKI-SAN Detroit

the surroundings. There’s also a private dining room that seats up to 30 people.

HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE

The venue offers both traditional and specialty steaks, including dry-aged reserve prime offerings, as well as shrimp and lobster tail. 17107 Haggerty Rd., Northville Township, 248679-0007, D Tue.-Sat. 69 / 60 / / / NA

NOVI

BRENTWOOD GRILLE

Chefs Steve Allen and Chuck “Rocky” Rachwitz offer local American, favorites including filet mignon, shrimp Provencal, and lake perch sauté. The restaurant pays homage to its former occupant, Steve & Rocky’s, by keeping a number of signature menu items. 43150 Grand River Ave., Novi, 248-374-0688, L & D Mon.-Fri., D Sat. / 27 / 250 / /

The perimeter tables offer the most privacy.

NO. SIX PRIME

Serving prime steaks and seafood in an elegant setting, this Novi establishment located inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel is known for its live Maine lobster and generous cuts of beef. 27000 S. Karevich Dr., Novi, 248-3085100, D Mon.-Sat. / 50 / 625 / /

Any of the oversized luxury booths.

TOASTED OAK GRILL & MARKET

Located in the Baronette Renaissance Hotel next to Twelve Oaks Mall, the upbeat restaurant offers an array of steak and seafood prepared in-house, including grilled pizza, Lake Huron trout, local grass-fed rib-eye, and Creekstone Farms tenderloin. 27790 Novi Rd., Novi, 248-277-6000, B, L & D Tue.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun. / 33 / 50 / / A private dining room is available that can extend near the fireplace. With its doors shut, the room holds approximately 26 people.

PLYMOUTH

LA BISTECCA ITALIAN GRILLE

The Grille offers pollo alla picatta and an array of steak and seafood such as a 16-oz. New York strip and salmon al griglia. All steak is certified Piedmontese beef. 39405 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth, 734-254-0400, D Tue.-Sat. / 37 / 100 / / / Table 11 is tucked away in the corner of the dining room off the beaten path, giving you a full view of the room. Table 22 is more private, in an area where diners don’t see many others.

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP

CANTORO TRATTORIA

This restaurant offers a selection of homemade gelatos, cannoli, breads baked fresh daily, and a cheese room. Hundreds of wines complement appetizers, salads, fish, meats, seafoods, pastas, and pizzas. 15550 N. Haggerty Rd., Plymouth Township, 734-667-1199, L Tue.-Sun., D Tue.-Sat. / 40 / 280 / / Table 19 is the most popular. The restaurant can’t guarantee reservations for it, but takes requests.

ROCHESTER

PARK 600 BAR + KITCHEN

AT THE ROYAL PARK HOTEL

Park 600 bar + kitchen is a well-appointed restaurant that has memorable flavors and locally sourced foods. The expansive menu features Indian Brook rainbow trout, Asianstyled pork shank, and pasta carbonara. 600 E. University, Rochester, 248-453-8732, B Daily, L Wed.-Fri., D Wed.-Sat. / 42 / 118 / / / Booths near the fireplace or half-booths along the back wall are recommended.

ROCHESTER CHOP HOUSE

The Kruse and Muer restaurant offers great, affordable steaks, chops, Australian lamb chops, and seafood such as Maine lobster tails and stuffed shrimp. 306 Main St., Rochester, 248-651-2266, L & D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun / 34 / 60 / / / Table 210 is highly requested and is located in the center of the restaurant. The table is half-moon-shaped and near the piano, providing a nice view of the restaurant.

SILVER SPOON RISTORANTE

A new location that embraces the culture and feel of dining in Italy. There are plenty of homemade dishes to satisfy any palate. 534 Main St., Rochester, 248-652-4500, D Mon.-Sat. / 20/ 15 / / / Will accommodate upon request.

ROCHESTER HILLS

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET

Fish so fresh, the menu is printed twice daily. Mitchell’s provides a wide array of fish, and their crab cakes are a guest favorite. 370 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, 248-340-5900, L Tue.-Sun., D Daily/ 37 / 32 / / / Tables 91, 92, 93, and 94 are horseshoe-shaped booths that are semiprivate, and located in the back of the restaurant. Each one seats up to six people.

ROMULUS

REFLECTIONS

Located inside The Westin at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Reflections offers a contemporary setting with a modern American menu that provides a wide array of options including pasta, salads, and soups. 2501 Worldgateway Place, Detroit, 734-229-6782, B, L & D Daily / 35 / 10 / / / Table 29 is next to the tranquility pond in the atrium, and provides an intimate and relaxed setting. A great way to relax before or after a flight.

ROSEVILLE

MR. PAUL’S CHOPHOUSE

This family-operated restaurant offers exceptional steak, seafood, and pasta in a club-like setting. Beef and fish are delivered to the restaurant twice daily, in order to keep meals fresh. 29850 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville, 586777-7770, L & D Mon.-Fri., D Sat. / 45 / 182 / / / The larger booth in the back corner of the restaurant.

TAYLOR

PETE’S PLACE

Fresh food and great service has been the motto for the past 30 years. A new addition has taken the motto a step further to include 40 draft beers, 26 of which are Michigan craft beers. The menu includes an array of salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more. 12245 Telegraph Rd., Taylor, 734-374-0088, B, L & D Daily / 11 / 40 / / A large high-top table seats up to 10 people and is highly requested by larger parties.

TROY

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

Located at Somerset Collection North, the Capital Grille offers prime steaks and seafood, accompanied by an extensive wine list. 2800 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-649-5300, L & D Daily / 59 / 60 / / / Table 64 is the most secluded table, and 61 is great for romantic occasions such as anniversaries and engagements.

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD

Eddie V’s offers fresh seafood, a wide selection of steaks, jazz played by local musicians, and more than 300 wines. 2100 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-649-7319, D Daily / 48 / 48 / / / The V Lounge offers live jazz every night in a comfortable, secluded area.

MON JIN LAU

Enjoy cuisine infused with Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese influences, a lengthy sushi list, and a lively atmosphere. Menu selections include cashew chicken, Mongolian rack of lamb, and spicy Korean pork chop. 1515 E. Maple Rd., Troy, 248-689-2332, D Daily / 23 / 60 / / / The patio is spacious, and can be rented for private events.

MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE

Enjoy an intimate setting among lush wood tones and unique caricatures — it’s as close to an Old World steak and seafood club as you can get, and famous for its large portions. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-404-9845, D Daily / 56 / 138 / / / Booth 70 is often requested, and is set against a brick wall. Table 51 is highly requested for parties of eight. The round table encourages interaction between guests.

OCEAN PRIME

This contemporary version of a rich American supper club is an award-winning steakhouse that offers prime beef and seafood on its madefrom-scratch menu. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 248-458-0500, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily / 45 / 95 / / / Table 10 is highly requested for parties of eight. An all-glass room that seats up to eight people is a popular setting.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

With more than 40 years of rich history, Ruth’s Chris boasts an extensive offering of steak and seafood, and an award-winning wine list. Steak selections include filet, New

York strip, and porterhouse. Well located near I-75. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248269-8424, D Daily / 51 / 125 / / / Table 50, a special round table that accommodates 10.

STONEY RIVER

STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL

An upscale steakhouse specializing in handcut steaks, fresh seafood selections, signature salads, and house specialties. Lunch and dinner specialties include steak and biscuits, wild mushroom meatloaf, and burgers, sandwiches, and bistro chicken. 155 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-925-4730, L & D Daily / 36 / 40 / / / NA

UTICA

FILIPPA’S WINE BARREL

A tradition in dining excellence for more than 40 years, Filippa’s offers quality steaks and seafood, but the hand-rubbed, sweet-sauced ribs are a favorite. 45125 Mound Rd., Utica, 586-254-1311, L & D Tue.-Sun. / 27 / 400 / / Tables 5 and 91. Table 5 is in a corner by a window and faces the main dining room area. Table 91 faces the bar and is near a bulk counter. With the terrace to the right, this is a great option for guests looking for a serene setting.

WARREN

ANDIAMO WARREN

The flagship location of a bustling Italian franchise. Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse features cuts of premium beef and seafood, and tableside Caesar salad, cordials, and a dessert cart. It has all the ambience of an upscale steakhouse. 7096 E. 14 Mile, Warren, 586-268-3200, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily. / 34 / 650 / / / Tables in the main or west part of the restaurant allow diners privacy.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

BAR VERONA

With a thoughtfully chosen menu and locally sourced ingredients, Bar Verona strives to deliver cuisine that is fresh and uncomplicated, yet unique and refined. 59145 Van Dyke Ave., Washington Township, 586-473-0700, D Daily / 36 / 135 /

WEST BLOOMFIELD

PRIME29 STEAKHOUSE

A contemporary steakhouse featuring prime cuts of seafood and beef aged for 29 days. The 24-oz. bone-in rib-eye is a restaurant specialty. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 248737-7463, L & D Tue.-Sun. / 47 / 152 / / A table inside a glass-partitioned room adjacent to the main dining area.

Compiled by DBusiness

All restaurants are reviewed anonymously, and all expenses are paid by DBusiness. The listings have no relationship to advertising in the magazine.

PATENTS AND INVENTIONS

Patent Act

Kenneth Cook, an accomplished inventor and professor at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, was awarded the Order of Merlin for his superior wizarding.

BY NORM SINCLAIR

Over the years, hundreds of students at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield revered their late professor, Kenneth Cook. It turns out they owe the special bond they shared to his modest childhood in the village of Ubly, near Bad Axe.

In 1960, Cook’s small-town experiences steered him toward LTU’s forerunner, Lawrence Institute of Technology, where he studied and then stayed on teaching for more than 60 years.

“Since I grew up in a small town, the size of the campus and the closeness of the community is what made LTU the best choice for me over other schools in the area,” Cook would later say.

It was also that small-town childhood that kindled his interest in magic — a skill he began perfecting as a child, and one that made him a legendary educator with students. He used magic tricks in his classes to keep students engaged, and he rewarded them at the end of each semester by performing a full two-hour magic show.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1964, Cook never left the 107-acre Southfield campus. He taught classes at night even as he pursued a successful engineering and business career that spanned the United States, Europe, and China.

Upon retirement from the business world, Cook became a full-time instructor at LTU. He was hired as chair of the Department of Engineering Technology in 2006, a position he held until he stepped down in the summer of 2023.

Cook maintained a full work schedule, teaching five courses in the fall term last year, and taught classes four weeks before his death in March of this year. He died one month shy of his 83rd birthday.

In addition to his prodigious legacy at LTU, Cook made significant innovative contributions to Wayne State University and William Beaumont Hospital, now Corewell Health.

His stints at both institutions resulted in the first of more than 25 patents he would file with the United States Trademark and Patent Office for various medical devices, machine tool controls, and energy management technologies.

While doing graduate studies at Wayne State University, he worked in the medical school, where he

FIRE-BOUND

The late Kenneth Cook, an inventor, a magician, and a professor at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, described one of his textbooks as a “hot seller.”

developed a microwave linear particle accelerator, a device that propels charged particles such as electrons to velocities near the speed of light. The instrument is used for cancer treatment and research.

He also created and manufactured light gates, a digital switch-type sensor used in timing experiments; an air velocity meter to measure speed or flow of air or wind; and severity index analyzers for measuring a helmet’s ability to reduce impact forces to the head.

Those innovations led to his development of a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) computer to measure the effectiveness of helmets worn in sports. Cook and his son, Ken, founded a business, KME Co., utilizing his instruments to test reconditioned football helmets to ensure their safety for use by players.

Cook moved on to William Beaumont Hospital’s medical physics and engineering department, where his work produced more patents on the equipment and instruments he developed.

Among the innovations for which he filed a patent was equipment used in calibrating defibrillators. Another patent he holds was for a hospital bed monitor that sets off an alarm if a patient gets out of bed.

He also designed a robotic blood reader that could count radioisotope-tagged samples, allowing technicians to perform that task without exposure to radiation. Some of those inventions, or others developed from his original creations, are still in use in hospitals nationwide.

Cook had success in the commercial market, as well. In 1976, he joined Machine Tool Co. as general manager for research and development. Machine Tool was later bought out by GTE — a development that opened the world to Cook, his wife, Elaine, and his family.

“National and international travel was a great part of my job, (and) along with vacations Elaine and I

took, it gave me an opportunity to do magic in many countries,” Cook said.

Counting business travel and family vacations, Cook said he performed magic in 60 countries and 49 U.S. states.

“Magic again became a great ice breaker for customers, technical presentations, and engineering meetings,” Cook wrote in a two-page summary, Ken Cook’s Personal History with Magic. “Do a little magic for peers or customers and they do not forget you, your company, or its products.”

In 1998, he was named vice president and chief engineer of Vultron/Trans Industries, a company that designed, manufactured, and displayed electronic signage all over the world.

At Vultron, Cook was at the forefront of LED lighting. One of his pixel innovations was Digidot technology, which became a staple on highway signs. It’s still used by transportation companies across the country.

His passion for inventions and interactions with students made it a natural decision for LTU administrators to bring him in to chair the university’s engineering technology department.

Cook brought with him invaluable real-world experience. He was by then a certified clinical engineer and a registered professional engineer, specializing in engineering design, engineering management, and technical marketing.

“I just love creating, and that’s what I try to share with my students,” Cook told an LTU publication.

Cook was the youngest of six children, born in humble circumstances in Ubly on April 18, 1941. Neither of his parents, Cash and Frances Cook, went past the sixth grade in school.

“My dad was an entrepreneur in the truest sense. He owned all kinds of companies, so I think I got some of my willingness to always try new things from

him,” Cook told a LTU publication. “I had a physics teacher in high school that turned me on to engineering.”

That physics teacher also suggested he check out Lawrence Tech, a school he admitted he had never heard of.

His parents may not have been educated, but they were entrepreneurs who were involved in a variety of businesses. At various times they owned a ballroom, a bar, a fish market, a real estate company, and an 80-acre farm. Cash Cook was also an auctioneer.

Cash Cook introduced his son to the world of make-believe when he took him to a magic show at a local circus in Bad Axe. The elder Cook encouraged his son’s interest, and took him to magic conventions where he met some of the most notable magicians of the day. In 1955, father and son attended a Harry Blackstone show in Detroit.

“I still have the signed program and remember talking to Harry,” Cook said in his magic history summary. “My Dad loved it, and he filled my basement magic room with props, trick, doves, and illusions.”

With the help of his father and two assistants, Cook developed a stage show routine that landed him jobs while he was in high school. Before he was 18, he was performing shows at county fairs across Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Among his proudest achievements were his memberships in the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He also was awarded the Brotherhood’s top honor, the Order of Merlin, bestowed for superior wizarding.

Cook’s reputation for combining magic with the engineering curriculum made his classes a popular attraction at LTU. His senior project students were treated to

magic shows where he performed tricks like making a rope seemingly cut into pieces become whole, and making cards fly out of his hands into the pockets of students attending his classes.

A colorful sign on his engineering laboratory door read: Ken’s Place — Where the Magic Happens. His prowess in magic was a perfect complement to the university’s marketing slogan — Be Curious. Make Magic. “Teaching and magic at the university go together like Einstein and Relativity,” he wrote.

During his tenure as department chair, Cook teamed up with other faculty members to strengthen LTU’s engineering technology program, upgrading it from an associate to a bachelor’s degree, and paving the way for accreditation. He also developed the curriculum and obtained accreditation for audio engineering as an undergraduate degree program.

With the help of Cook and others, LTU was able to punch much higher than its weight. Today, it’s one of 13 private, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States.

Overall, LTU offers more than 100 programs in its colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, Health Sciences, and the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

Its alumni salaries rank in the top 11 percent of university graduates, according to PayScale, the compensation and data company; U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of the best colleges in the Midwest.

Nabil Grace, senior vice president of research and development, has spent 36 years at LTU. He describes Cook as a genius, a brilliant educator, an inventor, and an engineer. When Grace first met Cook and was exposed to his signage inventions at Vultron, he was so impressed he successfully lobbied the dean of the engineering college to hire Cook as chair of the Engineering Technology Department.

“From that point on, I kept working with him, watching him, listening to how dedicated the man was, and (noting) the hours he spent on students’ needs,” Grace says. “You would see him in the morning and see him in the late evening, teaching specific classes — circuits, computers, or machines — everything smart about engineering. In addition to this, I noticed how generously he offered his service to be an entertainer. If there was a function at the university, he would come in and show a couple tricks as a magician.”

Grace adds Cook was a genius who was way ahead of his time.

“Even though we were getting older, every day he would surprise me with new ideas for which he was filing patents,” he says. “He was truly a gentleman. For all the years I worked with him, I never heard anyone complain about Ken Cook. Never. He had a good relationship with everyone. I was the dean for 14 years and never had a complaint from students, from faculty members, or a colleague about Professor Ken Cook.”

Cook’s talent for invention was the driver behind the accomplishments of senior students, especially when they worked on their capstone projects prior to graduation. Cook described those projects as “most dear to my soul.”

“Students in senior projects conceive of a product, do patent and market research for it, engineer and manufacture it, complete a business plan, and demonstrate the finished product,” he said. “Therefore, they do not need a formal final exam.”

Those projects resulted in students designing more than 500 commercial products, Cook said.

To memorialize his work, in April the university announced the formation of a chapter of the National Academy of Inventors in his honor. The nonprofit organization of 4,600 members is based in Tampa, Fla., and is affiliated with 260 U.S. and international universities, government agencies, and nonprofit research institutes worldwide.

Fellows must be named as an inventor with at least one U.S. patent, and are selected by the NAI Fellows Committee.

Members admitted to LTU’s chapter will be the university’s most prolific inventors, including faculty, alumni, students, and friends.

The chapter is sponsored by the intellectual property law firm of Ward Law, with offices in Southfield and Tiffin, Ohio.

Tarek M. Sobh, president of LTU, says the formation of the chapter honors Cook’s memory, helps recognize LTU’s inventors and innovators, and encourages LTU faculty to pursue U.S. patents for the innovations they create through the university’s growing research effort.

“Ken Cook was a prolific inventor, and we have many other true innovators among our distinguished faculty, students, and alumni community,” Sobh says. “We believe an NAI chapter at LTU is a natural extension of our increasing level of research sophistication.”

FACE OFF

Cook, who launched KME Co. with his son, Ken, developed a system for measuring facial fractures using a dual laser velocity gate sensor. Overall, Cook was awarded more than 25 patents in his lifetime.

Running On Empty

The American consumer is broke. Michigan’s middle-market companies must power the economy forward.

BY CHRISTOPHER T.R. LETTS

We’re deep into yet another heated U.S. presidential election season, and the classic campaign slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid,” is more relevant than ever.

But here’s the thing: When politicians talk about the economy, they’re really talking about the American consumer. After all, domestic spending drives a staggering 70 percent of our GDP.

So let’s be more concise: “It’s the American consumer, idiot.”

e past four years have seen historic job numbers and wage gains. Recently released GDP numbers from the second quarter handily beat expectations, leading many economists to declare that we’re in a “Goldilocks” economy.

Yet Main Street tells a more nuanced story. With interest rates at 20-year highs and in ation’s lingering e ects, kitchen table economics have never been more complex for everyday Americans.

In reality, our economy is on a tightrope, and Michigan’s middle market — companies with annual revenue between $10 million and $1 billion — isn’t just a safety net; it’s the driving force behind our region’s prosperity. In this intense election cycle, candidates must embrace this truth: e American consumer is running on empty, and it’s the middle market that holds the key to powering our economy forward.

Since February 2020, U.S. prices have surged by 20.8 percent, and 6 percent of the items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are actually cheaper today. Wage growth has slowed to its lowest rate since early 2020. More Americans are working multiple jobs, not in pursuit of the American Dream, but just to make ends meet.

Credit card debt has reached a record $1.1 trillion, up 12 percent in just the past year. Interest rates on these cards have nearly doubled since 2013, hitting an average of 24.7 percent. More than one in 10 Americans are more than 90 days behind on their credit card payments — the highest delinquency rate since the Federal Reserve started tracking such data in 2012.

Put simply, Americans are broke. Look no further than McDonald’s, which just reported its rst samestore sales drop since 2020. Luxury brands Burberry and Gucci recently saw sales plummet by 20 percent, while Starbucks saw sales declines and Walmart’s latest earnings revealed a noticeable shift

away from discretionary spending.

Wall Street is taking notice and tightening belts. Deere & Co. cut 6 percent of its salaried workforce in July. Closer to home, Stellantis is trimming U.S. jobs through buyouts and layo s, while Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool is reducing its workforce by 2 percent due to weak appliance sales. Even tech giants like Amazon, IBM, Google, and Tesla — once deemed invulnerable — have announced layo s.

While unemployment hovers at a seemingly healthy 4.1 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that of the 206,000 new jobs added in June, a staggering 75 percent were concentrated in just two sectors: government and health care. Excluding the pandemic plunge, forward hiring has weakened to its slowest pace in a decade.

Amid this challenging economic backdrop, America’s middle-market companies continue to grow. ese mid-sized powerhouses represent 1 percent of U.S. businesses, yet they contribute more than one-third of our GDP and employ 48 million Americans.

In Michigan, the middle market’s impact is profound. ese companies employ nearly 30 percent of southeast Michigan’s workforce, forming the cornerstone of our local economy. Since the Great Recession, they’ve driven over half of the nation’s job growth.

While corporate giants stumble, Michigan’s middle market stands rm. e Golub Capital Middle Market Report recently revealed an impressive 11 percent earnings growth and 5 percent revenue growth in early 2024. e RSM Middle Market Business Index paints an equally encouraging picture: 57 percent of these rms are boosting worker compensation, and 44 percent are expanding their workforce.

Yet, these vital job creators are not bulletproof. The latest findings from the National Center for the Middle Market reveal mid-sized companies are grappling with increasing costs, persistent skilled labor shortages, regulatory requirements, and a rapidly tightening credit market following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

Policymakers and candidates need to recognize the outsized impact of these entrepreneurs and

focus on reinforcing and revitalizing both the middle market and the American consumer. Policymakers should prioritize three key areas:

FEDERAL RESERVE RATE LOOSENING:

In light of current economic conditions, the Fed must lower interest rates and ease capital constraints on banks. Lower borrowing costs and easier access to credit will spur investment, expansion, and job creation.

ENHANCED SKILLED WORKER TRAINING:

Michigan must double down on workforce development programs tailored to middle-market needs, including expanded apprenticeship programs and innovative partnerships with community colleges.

GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT:

Private-sector job growth must be a priority for lawmakers. Strategic tax incentives and reduced regulatory burdens will help drive this forward.

Michigan’s journey from 14 percent unemployment in 2009 to a multi-decade low of 3.6 percent last year showcased the extraordinary hiring power of our middle market. In a consumer-constrained economy, we can’t a ord to let this progress slip away. As campaign buses roll through our state, here’s a smarter campaign slogan for our politicians to consider: “Power the Middle, Move the Nation.” In Michigan, that just might be a winning ticket to the White House.

CHRISTOPHER T.R. LETTS is past president and chairman of ACG Detroit, recipient of ACG’s Global Meritorious Service Award, and recognized by Middle Market Growth Magazine for his contributions to the middle market community. He serves on the Finance Advisory Board at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business and was a 2019 honoree in DBusiness magazine’s 30 in Their Thirties.

Oakland Thrive Gives Businesses the Tools They Need to Flourish

Strongcommunities need strong

economies. That was the idea behind the creation of Oakland Thrive, a nonprofit organization that works to bolster Oakland County’s economic development.

“It all began during the pandemic, when so many small businesses in Oakland County were struggling to survive,” says CEO Vicki Selva. “After an extended shutdown, it was critical to get these businesses the resources they needed so that they could come back to life.”

In order to make this happen, Oakland County leadership was looking for a way to identify small and micro businesses in order to help them navigate this strange new world. Using federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the county sought to create a transformational and sustainable economic assistance program.

Thus, Oakland Thrive was born.

Since March 2023, Oakland Thrive has partnered with Oakland County and various statewide and regional organizations to help businesses succeed by providing one-on-one consulting and free workshops in areas such as social media marketing, cyber security, and profit and cash flow. Oakland Thrive also coordinates many networking opportunities.

“Through my partnership with Oakland Thrive, I have witnessed a community of advocates and business owners uplifting each other to create sustainable change and growth,” says Destiny Williams, outreach coordinator for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

While small businesses were Oakland Thrive’s original focus, the organization has expanded to help businesses of all sizes and in all industries.

Oakland Thrive believes that strong economies mean strong communities. The organization focuses on bridging economic disparities, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring equitable opportunities. Oakland Thrive isn’t just about business success, however; it’s about creating and maintaining strong, vibrant communities. The organization’s goal is a thriving, inclusive economy where every business, big or small, has the tools and support to flourish. To that

end, Oakland Thrive now offers project management, defense and aerospace development, business intelligence, navigation of government processes, and more.

“When we support businesses by giving them the support they need to achieve success, we not only propel the economy forward — we propel local communities forward,” says Laura Dodd, Oakland Thrive’s chief operating officer. “We are involved in a number of exciting projects, such as Project DIAMOnD, which just received $15 million in funding from the county.”

Launched in 2020, Project DIAMOnD aims to accelerate digital transformation by providing 300 3D printers to small and medium-sized manufacturers at no cost. It has evolved into the world’s largest 3D printing network, marking a significant milestone in advancing manufacturing capabilities.

“We really are a transformative force in Oakland County,” Selva says. “Everyone on

this team has invaluable expertise and is dedicated to the work of nurturing local businesses of all sizes. And we intend to continue that work into the future.”

When opportunity knocks in Oakland County, Oakland Thrive makes sure that businesses are equipped to answer.

Email info@oaklandthrive.org, call 248-602-0040, or visit oaklandthrive.org for more information. ■

Oakland Thrive

35 W. Huron St., Suite 201 Pontiac, MI 48342

248-602-0040

oaklandthrive.org

FORE A CAUSE

PATRICK GLORIA

The 21st annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic was played on July 29 at the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms. Two flights of players competed in a traditional scramble format to benefit 55,000 Detroit area youth served by Detroit PAL, The Children’s Center, The Children’s Foundation, and Variety, the Children’s Charity of Detroit. Sponsors included WJR 760 AM, Ford Motor Co., DTE Foundation, Dow, and General Motors Co. The event raised $407,000, bringing the overall total of net funds raised to $9.2 million.

1. Chui Karega, Tracey Ellis, Desiree and Marvin Jennings, Angela Polk

2. Katora Cole, Shawn Carsington, Saunteel Jenkins

3. Mary Murphy, Rosali Vicari, Connie Hadas, Kathy Brennan

4. Ken Kal, Don Shell, Karly Hurley, Andy Hetzel

5. Tom Celani, Kimberly and Paul W. Smith

HOLY NIGHT

CHRISTINE M.J. HATHAWAY

Sacred Heart Seminary held its 27th annual Archbishop’s Gala on June 6 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. It is the seminary’s largest fundraiser of the year. Guests included patrons, seminarians, deacons, priests, and bishops. The event included a plated dinner, drinks, remarks from Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron in support of the mission of the seminary, a $25,000 cash raffle donated by the Weingartz family, and a $220,000 donation from the Michigan Knights of Columbus Endowed Scholarship Fund.

11. Rev. Ambrose Ugoh, Rev. Michael Nkachukwu, The Most Rev. Allen Vigneron, Sr. Clare Emeruim, Rev. Peter Opara

12. Gary and Kimberly Vigneron, Anthony Simon

13. David and Dr. Eve Van Egmund

14. David Tay, Rev. Mario Amori, Anthony Fanelli

15. Rev. Joseph Krupp

POWERED BY WOMEN

PATRICK GLORIA

DBusiness hosted its Powered by Women: DBusiness Breakfast Series on Aug. 1 at the Gem Theatre in downtown Detroit. The event, presented by Rozafa Transport Inc., celebrated the eight women featured on the cover of the magazine’s July-August 2024 issue: Rose B. Bellanca, Jodi Kaufman Davis, Tina Freese Decker, Kim Montague, Mary Petrovich, Rachel Stewart, Linzie Venegas, and Marissa West. The event included networking, coffee, and a buffet breakfast followed by a panel discussion with the honorees. Sponsors included the Detroit Pistons, Kitch, Delta Dental, ACG Detroit, Corewell Health, Greystone Financial Group, Quix Chocolate, Century Furniture, EO, and Bernhardt Furniture.

6. Ashleigh Hollowell, Dino Rotondo, Cathy Shaffner

7. Laurie Sall, Frank Venegas, Linzie Venegas, Jon Rimanelli, Yesenia Venegas

8. Susan Brady, David Ogloza

9. Theresa Gray, Ava Dywer

10. Tracey Cholish, Kris Kerns, Jen Miller

Old National Bank Feels at Home in Metro Detroit

Aftermore than a decade in the West and Central Michigan markets, Old National expanded into metro Detroit last year in what was a much-anticipated move for the 190-year-old bank.

“When we make a decision to come to a new market, to invest in amazing talent, we don’t do it lightly,” says Jim Ryan, Old National chairman and CEO. “We have been in business since 1834, so we very much think about the long term. We are a bank that thrives on building deep relationships with our clients. We can’t be more thrilled to have Detroit investing in us, and for us to invest in the Detroit community.”

Old National surpassed the $50 billion mark in total assets this year, and Ryan points to the potential of future investments in the state of Michigan to build an even larger presence.

“We love the state of Michigan, and the long-term vision is to really have a much bigger presence statewide,” Ryan says.

Metro Detroit Expansion

The metro Detroit team came together in January 2023 under the leadership of Rick Hampson, who was named metro Detroit market president. Hampson works out of a new office located in Troy that primarily serves commercial lending clients, but he noted they hope to expand to include wealth management and consumer banking.

“At Old National Bank, we are committed to supporting our colleagues, clients, and communities,” Hampson says. “Our vision is to be the ‘go-to’ bank for metro Detroit middle market companies and consumers. We want to be the bank of choice that helps our clients fulfill their dreams, that passionately supports our communities, and invests in the growth and development of our team members.”

Hampson oversees Old National’s metro Detroit team of Dan Zinser, SVP corporate banking; Andrea Boucher, SVP commercial real estate; Adam Zale, commercial real estate underwriter; Sarah Knapp, specialty lending banker; Neran Shaya, specialty lending banker; and Kevin Contat, franchise lending team leader. The Troy office is also home to

colleagues in treasury management and private banking.

Serving the Detroit Community

Old National has always focused on strengthening and supporting the communities it serves, and metro Detroit is no exception.

Last year, Old National gave $11.8 million in grants and sponsorships benefiting more than 2,000 organizations across its eight-state footprint through its giving arm, the Old National Bank Foundation. Of this grant funding, 94% supported Community Reinvestment Act–eligible initiatives, and 84% of grants served underrepresented populations.

The metro Detroit office of Old National supports the community through local board engagement, financial support, and volunteering, which is a core value of the organization. This volunteering extends to

the top community partners in metro Detroit, including Big Brother Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan, Gleaners, The Empowerment Plan, and Life Remodeled.

“Community support is part of Old National’s DNA, and our bankers over their careers have developed those key long-term client relationships and community connectivity that is the critical component to our success,” Hampson says. “At Old National, we strive daily to strengthen and support the communities in which we live and work, and we’re proud to now call Detroit our home.” ■ Old National Bank 248-961-0712

oldnational.com

FORD FIREWORKS

PATRICK GLORIA

The Parade Co. hosted more than 2,000 business and civic leaders and their families at its annual Ford Fireworks Rooftop Party on June 24th on the roof of Center Garage just west of the Renaissance Center along Detroit’s riverfront. Guests enjoyed live music with Your Generation in Concert, catering by Andiamo, games, giveaways, entertainment, and more. The Rooftop Party presented by Ford is The Parade Co.’s annual fundraiser benefitting the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation.

1. Christina Lovio George, Jimilah Jackson, Natalie Delaurentis, Steve Blow

2. Debby and Kurt Brauer, Karen and John Cafeo

3. George Carnrike, Kellen Carnrike, Tammy Carnrike

4. Rachel Stewart, Clarice Michaels, Emily Madigan, Tony Michaels, Marcy Fikany

5. Ford Fireworks

CONNECT AND DESIGN

PATRICK GLORIA

The Michigan Chapter of The French-American Chamber of Commerce and the EuropeanAmerican Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 edition of Meadow Brook: Connect and Design on July 25 at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills. Guests could partake in 32 wines presented by Woodberry Wine sommeliers and view 12 iconic cars on display. The event honored the career of legendary automotive executive Bob Lutz. In addition, VIPs took part in an exclusive automotive design forum that featured Ralph Gilles of Stellantis, Mike Simcoe of General Motors Co., and Joel Piaskowski of Ford Motor Co.

11. Bob Lutz, Terri Lutz

12. Safi Hamid, Greta Miseikyte, Mariam Ouazar

13. Kathy Myers, Barbra Bloch

14. Kyle Redies, Angela Doncic, Mike Rowe

15. Richard Vaughan, Annette LaBaron, Yann LeBaron

SUNSET AT THE ZOO

PATRICK GLORIA

The Detroit Zoological Society hosted its annual Sunset at the Zoo, presented by KeyBank, on June 21. The exclusive 21-and-older fundraising gala — themed Where Life Connects — offered a strolling dinner featuring dozens of restaurants and food trucks in metro Detroit, beverage samplings, special access to the Detroit Zoo’s habitats until twilight, a silent auction, live entertainment, and live speed painting. Funds raised from the event directly support the daily work of the zoo, including providing up-close opportunities to connect with animals, creating programs that foster empathy and understanding, and collaborating with partners across the globe to safeguard wildlife and their habitats.

6. Byron Osbern, Ladon Gardener, Shalena Gardener, Mario Morrow Sr.

7. Jeffrey Williams, Hilary Haber, Michael and Denise Tobin

8. Demetrius Anderson, Kateena Rickman

9. Lena Epstein, Neil Cooper

10. Ryan and Rachel Doyle

Heritage Vision Plans: Family Legacy, Nationwide Reach

Detroit roots keep the company grounded. Staying true to them is how it grows.

In1975, George P. Barnes Jr. opened Heritage Optical Center right here in Detroit. Since that time, his children, Tracey and Lenny Barnes, have grown alongside their father’s company, witnessing firsthand all of the positive impacts that quality vision care can have. Today, they each bring a lifetime of business experience to their leadership of Heritage Vision Plans; they have been at the helm as Heritage has expanded to offer not just eyewear but also vision benefits and administration.

These days, Tracey and Lenny Barnes lead a thriving insurance provider with a network that spans all 50 states. More than ever, Heritage Vision Plans isn’t just a business to them. It’s a family legacy — and it’s how they give back to the community that is their home.

Vision care is essential health care.

Your eyesight influences almost everything you do. That’s why the Barnes family believes that great vision care is a must. Heritage works hard to make vision care affordable and accessible to everyone, from the children in Wayne County’s public schools to members in rural places across the country.

Heritage has a responsibility to the community.

The family company’s neighbors in Detroit are the foundation of Heritage’s success. In return, the Barnes family owes it to them to be good citizens. Tracey and Lenny Barnes are committed to investing in the health and well-being of Detroit and of Michigan through business partnerships, philanthropy, and taking great care of their employees, who are, after all, their neighbors, too.

The team at Heritage will never lose the personal touch.

Heritage is not as big as the insurance giants — and Tracey and Lenny Barnes like it that

way. When patients call Heritage, a person answers the phone. The company’s size makes it nimble, so the team can solve problems quickly. And Heritage’s network of care providers is its own, made up of handpicked professionals the team has chosen to partner with — not a list that’s been leased from a bigger company.

Heritage is the company’s greatest asset.

With Heritage Optical Center, George Barnes made history in Michigan as an African American optician. The business has stood the test of time because he has understood the unique needs of his Detroit community, and he is committed to serving it. Heritage has carried that commitment forward to today and extended it to communities across the nation. It’s what sets the family company apart.

Join the Heritage family.

When dealing with faceless insurance conglomerates, it’s easy to feel like nothing more than a number. Heritage has been a part of the Detroit community for almost

half a century — why not partner with a neighbor instead?

The Heritage team provides boutique vision benefits that put your needs first. The company offers both individual plans and benefits administration for businesses of every size. Reach out today to make Heritage Vision Plans your carrier of choice for eye health, quality eyewear, and a user-friendly network.

Learn more at heritagevisionplans.com/ choose-heritage. ■

Photo by Cedric Poole, Vanguard Media Group

METRO DETROIT’S TOP INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRMS

(FIRMS ARE RANKED BY NUMBER OF METRO DETROIT IP ATTORNEYS.)

1.DINSMORE AND SHOHL

755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 1900 Troy

248-647-6000 dinsmore.com

Total IP attorneys: 94

Total attorneys nationwide: 795

2. TAFT

27777 Franklin Rd., Ste. 2500 Southfield

248-351-3000 taftlaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 90

Total attorneys nationwide: 881

3. BROOKS KUSHMAN

150 W. Second St., Ste. 400N Royal Oak

248-358-4400

brookskushman.com

Total IP attorneys: 58

Total attorneys nationwide: 58

4. HONIGMAN

2290 First National Building 660 Woodward Ave. Detroit

313-465-7000 honigman.com

Total IP attorneys: 54

Total attorneys nationwide: 343

5. HARNESS IP 5445 Corporate Dr., Ste. 200 Troy

248-641-1600 harnessip.com

Total IP attorneys: 45

Total IP attorneys nationwide: 91

6. DICKINSON WRIGHT

500 Woodward Ave., Ste. 4000 Detroit

313-223-3500 dickinson-wright.com

Total IP attorneys: 44 Total attorneys nationwide: 515

7. HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS

450 W. Fourth St. Royal Oak

248-645-1483

howardandhoward.com

Total IP attorneys: 38

Total attorneys nationwide: 141

8. MILLER CANFIELD

150 W. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 2500 Detroit

313-963-6420 millercanfield.com

Total IP attorneys: 31 Total attorneys nationwide: 205

9. CANTOR COLBURN

201 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 1101 Troy 248-524-2300

cantorcolburn.com

Total IP attorneys: 28

Total attorneys nationwide: 86

10. FISHMAN STEWART

800 Tower Dr., Ste. 610 Troy

248-594-0600

fishstewip.com

Total IP attorneys: 22

Total attorneys nationwide: 22

11. QUINN IP LAW 21500 Haggerty Rd., Ste. 300 Northville

248-380-9300 quinniplaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 20

Total attorneys nationwide: 25

12. CARLSON, GASKEY AND OLDS 400 W. Maple Rd., Ste. 350 Birmingham 248-988-8360 cgolaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 20

Total attorneys nationwide: 20

13. BODMAN

1901 St. Antoine St. 6th Floor at Ford Field Detroit

313-259-7777

bodmanlaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 20

Total attorneys nationwide: 175

15. DYKEMA

400 Renaissance Center Detroit

313-568-6800

dykema.com

Total IP attorneys: 20

Total attorneys nationwide: 377

16. DARROW MUSTAFA 41860 Six Mile Rd. Northville 248-864-5959 darrowmustafa.com

Total IP attorneys: 17

Total attorneys nationwide: 17

17. REISING ETHINGTON

755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 1850 Troy

248-689-3500 reising.com

Total IP attorneys: 17

Total attorneys nationwide: 17

Registered patent agent: 1

18. BUTZEL

150 W. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 100 Detroit 313-225-7000 butzel.com

Total IP attorneys: 16

Total attorneys nationwide: 153

19. BEJIN BIENEMAN

2000 Town Center, Ste. 800 Southfield

313-528-4882

b2iplaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 12

Total attorneys nationwide: 12

20. THE DOBRUSIN LAW FIRM

29 W. Lawrence St., Ste. 210 Pontiac

248-292-2920 patentco.com

Total IP attorneys: 12

Total attorneys nationwide: 12

Source: DBusiness research

BROOKS KUSHMAN, ROYAL OAK

COURTESY

2024-2025 Largest Conventions/Events in Metro Detroit

Largest Meeting Venues in Metro Detroit

Coach-Ready

After the dawn of industrial design in the Roaring ’20s, the Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild addressed the need for well-trained talent.

BY RONALD AHRENS

As a 19-year-old, Chuck Jordan received encouragement from his mother to enter a design contest sponsored by the Fisher Body Division of General Motors. Jordan spent 700 hours on his 1/12-scale dream car, which featured a convex windshield and a pillarless hardtop design.

For his efforts in the 1946 Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild competition, he won the First Senior prize and received a $4,000 scholarship to be applied to his studies at MIT. Jordan went on to work for GM, rising to become Cadillac’s director of design when he was 30 years old; he ultimately became vice president of design.

It was supposed to work that way. The Craftsman’s Guild competition started in 1930, three years after GM created its design department, then known as the Art and Colour Section. Harley Earl, the director, brimmed with ideas, but he found a dearth of trained designers to execute them. The solution, it seemed, was to engage young minds, hearts, and hands.

GM had acquired a 60 percent interest in Fisher Body in 1919, and it became the automaker’s main coachbuilder (a full merger was completed in 1926). Under its aegis, the Craftsman’s Guild competition benefited from extensive promotion through magazine ads.

Boys aged 12 to 19 enrolled in the Guild for free by mailing in a business reply card or signing up at any GM dealership. (The card also solicited consumer data on names, styles, ages, and colors of cars in the family fleet.)

“The Fisher Body Corporation sponsored this inspiring movement,” an ad stated. “(It) believed that

PAPER TRAIL

To help prepare and draw young talent, in 1930 the Fisher Body Division of General Motors began sponsoring annual design contests across the country. Contestants ordered kits by mail and assembled a 1/18-scale paper replica of the Napoleonic carriage that became the “Body by Fisher” logo in 1922. The winners received a scholarship for college.

this exercise of creative talent, this quickening of the hand of youth, are essential steps toward the development of high ideals — that only by training the coming generation can fine craftsmanship be perpetuated and superior coachcraft be assured.”

Contestants ordered and assembled a 1/18-scale paper replica of the Napoleonic carriage that became the “Body by Fisher” logo in 1922. Awards amounted to $75,000, and the recipients included grand prize winners who received $5,000 each for university tuition in the United States or Canada. Two winners from each state or the Canadian Guild district got $100 each and came to Detroit for an all-expenses-paid convention. Other cash awards were distributed across the country.

The model kit of four printed sheets required a toolkit comprising scissors, a sharp pocket knife, and glue. Paper strips and medium-weight cardboard would stiffen wheels, body braces, and spring leaves. Thin brads served as axles, and hairpin wire made up the door handles and footman’s handrail.

Edward Matusek, of Royal Oak, entered the 1932 contest. Although he didn’t win, he received a certificate “in token of his energy in carrying this task to completion and in recognition of his efforts to develop his abilities and to perfect himself in the knowledge and practice of sincere craftsmanship.” His model survives today in the collection of the Detroit Historical Society. Matusek later founded his own model-car company, called General Models, and helped to launch the plastic model-making craze.

The Henry Ford in Dearborn has the Napoleonic coach made by Charles Gadd, of Spokane, Wash., who went on to MIT and spent 39 years on GM’s research staff.

From 1937 until 1968, when the competition ended in the U.S., the contestants’ dream cars emerged as the focus. Napoleonic coaches were phased out in 1947. Copycat competitions were established in the 1960s through GM operations in the United Kingdom, West Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. The German program lasted until 1979.

Historian A. Wayne Ferens writes that, in the late 1950s, Fisher Body “employed over 200 Guild graduates working in their engineering department; at GM Styling, 35 percent of the stylists were Guild graduates.”

By then, transportation design programs were being established at the college level; digital design tools have more recently become pre-eminent. Paper models may now seem quaint, but there’s no denying their effectiveness.