DBusiness Daily Update: DIA to Present ‘After Cubism: Modern Art in Paris, 1918

Jul 15, 2023

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.

DIA to Present ‘After Cubism: Modern Art in Paris, 1918-1948’

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) will present a wide-ranging exhibition that explores the changing landscape of modern art in Paris in the years after World War I called “After Cubism: Modern Art in Paris, 1918-1948.”

On view Aug. 18-Jan. 7, 2024, the exhibition features 120 paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs, all from the DIA’s permanent collection. The show’s title comes directly from the artistic manifesto “Après le cubism” (“After Cubism”), published in 1918 and written by Amédée Ozenfant and Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (later known as Le Corbusier).

The DIA’s exhibition explores the artistic community from the end of World War I through the rebuilding after World War II, tracing the expansion and development of new styles by artists who traveled to Paris from around the globe.

During these years, a new sense of possibility followed the devastation caused by World War I. The French capital was the center of the art world, drawing in artists from North and South America and throughout Europe. These artists gathered and exchanged avant-garde ideas in the city’s cafes, studios, and galleries, and often inspired each other. Most of the works featured in the DIA’s “After Cubism” exhibition were created in Paris or nearby, or during travels to the French Riviera.

“It’s just over a century since the manifesto, ‘After Cubism,’ was published,” says Salvador Salort-Pons, director of the DIA. “Our new exhibition not only celebrates Paris as a central figure, but more so the artists who explored fresh avenues, resulting in works that continue to inspire today.”

For more information about “After Cubism,” visit here.

Cabo Wabo Tequila, NASCAR Unveil Responsible Drinking Campaign at MIS

Cado Wabo Tequila used its sponsorship of Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn to unveil a new responsible drinking initiative.

The program marks the start of a multi-year effort urging consumers to embody the spirit of Cabo Wabo Tequila by taking the pledge to drink responsibly.

“Cabo Wabo Tequila is proud to bring its bold energy to NASCAR by encouraging fans to enjoy their weekend at the track responsibly,” says Andrea Sengara, head of marketing for Campari America. “We’re inviting attendees to join us for a refreshing mocktail, take a pit stop at our Hydration Station, and make a plan with their friends for getting home — whether that’s using rideshare services or electing a designated driver.”

Attendees of the Cabo Wabo 250 can take the brand’s pledge to drink responsibly and create a game plan with friends for getting to and from the racetrack safely. Throughout the weekend fans can drop by the Hydration Station within the Cabo Wabo Garage in the Fan Plaza to enjoy a Bold & Ice Cold — the brand’s signature race day mocktail — or grab a bottle of complimentary water. The brand encourages those 21 and older to hydrate with plenty of water throughout the day, and knows the backseat is always a better choice after a long day at the track.

Cabo Wabo Tequila’s responsible drinking initiative will continue into the 2024 NASCAR season with even bolder efforts, incentives at track and a new national rideshare partnership to get everyone home safely after the race.

Better Made Snack Foods in Detroit Marking 93rd Anniversary

Better Made Snack Foods in Detroit launched its 93rd anniversary celebration this week leading to National Potato Day Aug. 19.

The company will celebrate with giveaways via Facebook and Instagram weekly throughout August, with each winner receiving a deluxe gift box filled with Better Made Snacks.

Founded in 1930 as Cross and Peters Co., Better Made is still family owned, still in Detroit, and still proudly supporting the community, including University of Michigan CS Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Southfield.

“I consider it a true privilege to have worked for such an outstanding company as Better Made for some time now,” says Dave Jones, president of Better Made Snack Foods. “We have an incredible team working with us and for us, and a customer base that is second to none. It truly is the employees and customers that make this all possible. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Marelli Wins Altair Enlighten Award with Lightweight Urethane for Auto Interiors

Global technology company Altair in Troy and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor have named Southfield-based Marelli North America a 2023 Enlighten Award winner in the Future of Lightweighting category for its lightweight urethane for interior products.

The award ceremony took place Aug. 1 as part of the CAR Management Briefing Seminars (MBS), an event focused on the future of the global automotive industry.

Marelli has developed a new lightweight polyurethane foam that can be applied to all foam-in-place (FIP) applications, particularly the main dashboard panel. It reduces weight by 40 percent with new tooling (8 percent with current tooling), decreases foam thickness by 50 percent — to support styling aesthetics — and reduces raw material costs by 20 percent, compared to the current foam in use.

The new foam also reduces the environmental impact of automotive production through its reduced material usage per part, lower density, and 80 percent reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs.)

“We are honored to receive the 2023 Altair Enlighten Award for our polyurethane foam technology,” says Tsukasa Fujii, president of Marelli’s Interior Experience division. “This innovation provides substantial weight savings and reduces volatile organic compounds as compared to previous materials. This accomplishment is proof that our advanced engineering efforts can go a long way in helping automakers achieve tough lightweighting and sustainability targets.”

Report: Opportunities for Defense Manufacturers in the Expanding Indian Defense Industry

Stratview Research in Detroit has released its most recent report on global defense manufacturers titled “The Indian Defense Industry – An Opportunity Reservoir for Overseas Vendors.”

The aim of the report is to present a comprehensive, multifaceted analysis of the Indian defense industry, with present and near-future opportunity forecasts.

Factors, both internal and external, like the increasing inclination of the Government of India toward indigenization of defense capabilities, along with the distortion of global ties with the biggest supplier of arms to India, have been presented in the analysis.

With an envisaged GDP of more than $5 trillion in 2028 and an increasing military expenditure amid rising global tensions, the Indian economy can be the next el-dorado for the global defense industry with direct opportunities exceeding $10 billion in 2028, and several other sizeable indirect opportunities.

The report not only discusses the size of the opportunity but also lays down a clear roadmap to navigate through the terrain. Since defense deals almost always involve government bodies, the procedure to participate in such deals can be very complex, and getting in touch with the right authority, or finding a proper guide is also a significant challenge for the participating vendors.

To view the report, visit here.

Kelley-Shook Book ‘Change Questions’ Released, Goes to Top of Amazon Sales List

Modus Cooperandi Press hosted a book release event at Aretha’s Jazz Café in Detroit Aug. 1 for “Change Questions” by D. Lynn Kelley and John Shook, a lean management expert. The book hit No. 1 on Amazon the next day in the categories of Lean Management, Agile Project Management, and Business Structural Adjustment.

The pace of organizational change has been increasing and most change activities fail to deliver anticipated results. Those that do often fail to sustain. The “Change Questions” book addresses these critical issues by “providing a proven process with a strong record of sustainment that can be used by anyone responsible for implementing organizational change,” says the publisher.

The book includes a case study with examples and stories of transformation at Fortune 200 company Union Pacific Railroad over eight years. Using the Change Questions formula at Union Pacific resulted in a dramatic increase in operational performance and a 96 percent sustainment rate over hundreds of change initiatives.

“The Change Questions represent a new way of thinking and acting characterized by an investigative process that creates a situational and customized approach to change,” say the authors. “Whether the reader is a professional, a student, or someone asked to lead a significant organizational change for the first time, this framework is easily used to implement change that sustains successfully. The book includes meeting timelines, deliverables, and sample agendas. A digital workbook that is a self-guided tool for implementing change can be accessed by purchasing the book.”

Kelley currently is a senior advisor to Brown Brothers Harriman Capital Partners and is actively involved in sourcing, investment evaluation, and providing post-investment value-added oversight to their portfolio companies.

She was the senior vice president of supply chain and continuous improvement at Union Pacific Railroad from 2010-18. Earlier, she worked at Textron, where she was vice president of operational excellence and was a member of the Executive Leadership Team. She had international responsibilities across all business units, including Cessna Aircraft and Bell Helicopter.

Shook learned about lean management while working for Toyota for 11 years in Japan and the U.S., helping it transfer production, engineering, and management systems from Japan to NUMMI and other operations worldwide. While at Toyota’s headquarters, he became the company’s first American manager in Japan. In the U.S., Shook joined Toyota’s North American engineering, research, and development center in Ann Arbor as general manager of administration and planning.

His last position with Toyota was as senior American manager with the Toyota Supplier Support Center in Lexington, Ky., assisting North American companies in adopting the Toyota Production System.

Shook also co-authored “Learning to See,” which introduced the world to value-stream mapping. He also co-authored “Kaizen Express,” a bi-lingual manual of the essential concepts and tools of the Toyota Production System. With “Managing to Learn,” Shook revealed the deeper workings of the A3 management process at the heart of Toyota’s management and leadership.

To purchase the book, visit here.

Oakland University Awards RFP Contract for Test Proctoring Platform

Oakland University in Rochester Hills has selected the California-based YuJa Verity Test Proctoring Platform to provide secure test proctoring for institutional and third-party tests and support a variety of proctoring needs.

OU was looking for a test proctoring solution that provides deep LMS integration, live proctoring capabilities, lockdown features, and screen recording. YuJa Verity delivers each of these and plans to integrate into Moodle, the institution’s learning management system, to provide both on-demand and live test proctoring, identity verification, detailed results, and reporting. In addition, YuJa Verity will support a number of other institutional applications, including proctoring for international students, supporting the institution’s onsite testing center, administering placement exams, providing live and extended time proctoring, and instituting a lockdown browser.

The institution has been using YuJa’s Enterprise Video Platform, Zoom Connector, and Video Conferencing solutions for several years.

ACG Detroit to Host Pup-up Happy Hour at Pop’s for Italian Aug. 23

ACG Detroit is hosting an exclusive summer networking event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Pop’s for Italian (280 W Nine Mile Road.) in Ferndale on Aug. 23. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with fellow metro Detroit professionals while savoring sips and snacks at Pop’s indoor/outdoor space. Ticket prices are as follows—members: $40, non-members: $65.

For more information and to register, visit here.

Consumers Energy Foundation Prosperity Awards to Provide $500K to Michigan Nonprofits

The Consumers Energy Foundation in Jackson is calling on nonprofit organizations across the state to submit letters of intent for the 2023 Prosperity Awards.

The grants will provide as much as $250,000 to two or more Michigan nonprofits or municipalities to support economic development and improve community welfare. A total of $500,000 will be awarded through this grant program.

The Prosperity Awards are the third of three $500,000 signature grant rounds in 2023, totaling $1.5 million; Planet Award winners were announced in April, and People Award winners were announced in July. Letters of intent must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 to be considered for the next phase of the application process.

The Foundation is accepting letters of intent in support of its Neighborhood Revitalization and Arts and Culture priorities:

Last year, the Consumers Energy Foundation’s Prosperity Awards helped Oxford and Muskegon Heights start major downtown and community transformations.

For more information, visit here.

Meijer Donates $1M to Expand Namesake Sports Complex in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids-based Meijer has donated $1 million to the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) toward the Meijer Sports Complex’s A Winning Streak for West Michigan expansion campaign, bringing the fundraising total to $5.8 million, or 53 percent of its $11 million goal.

Based on funding to date, some elements of the project could begin in late 2023.

“Meijer invests in the communities we serve — and as a family company, supporting youth and amateur sports is so important to us because of the joy it brings families,” says Rick Keyes, president and CEO of Meijer. “That is why we have partnered with the WMSC for more than a decade on everything from the State Games to the naming of this community staple. We’re honored to help the Meijer Sports Complex continue providing a safe place for young people of all abilities to play, now and into the future.”

The WMSC launched the $11 million A Winning Streak for West Michigan capital campaign in October 2022 to improve and expand its flagship Meijer Sports Complex that it opened in 2014 with eight baseball and softball fields, a championship baseball field, and Nate Hurwitz Miracle League Field. Costing $7.5 million and funded through private donations, the complex has cumulatively attracted 148 travel events, 7,500 teams and 243,750 visitors, for a total economic impact for Kent County of $52 million in direct visitor spending.

The expanded complex will use acreage south of the complex and is estimated to accommodate 200 more teams annually and generate an additional $1 million in annual visitor spending. The renovation and expansion includes:

In related news: For the third consecutive year, Meijer announced 15 percent savings on back-to-school school and home office supplies for teachers. Additionally, the retailer is extending the limited-time coupon savings to include additional categories like children’s clothing through Sept. 4.

On average, teachers’ spending on their classrooms continues to increase drastically each year. According to new surveys conducted by Adopt A Classroom, teachers spent an average of $860 on school supplies out of pocket during the 2022-2023 school year, up 14 percent from an average of $750 in 2021.

“Our goal is to provide the best value to help everyone start the school year off right,” says Karen Langeland, vice president of merchandising at Meijer. “Teachers are spending significant amounts of their own money to prepare their classrooms, and parents are also spending more this time of year to get kids ready for the new school year. As a one-stop shop, we’re happy to bring an extra level of convenience for both teachers and parents to be able to pick up everything they need during their weekly grocery trip.”

Through Sept. 4, Meijer is offering an expanded version of its year-long coupon that applies the 15 percent discount to extra categories essential to supporting teachers’ family budgets. These extra categories include kids’ apparel and cleaning supplies.

Meijer will continue to offer a 15 percent coupon on school supplies and home office products for teachers through the end of the school year.

Teachers can get the discount, in the form of a paper coupon, by presenting a current school ID at their local Meijer Customer Service desk. The coupon can only be used for purchases made in-store and some restrictions apply. Teachers can take advantage of the coupon repeatedly by obtaining a new one any time they return to Meijer.

County National Bank Expanding Service Area to Kalamazoo County

County National Bank (CNB), based in Hillsdale, says it’s planning to open a loan production office in Kalamazoo County in the near future.

CNB identified the Kalamazoo market because it says research shows the area has great opportunity for the bank to forge valuable partnerships with new clients. CNB has added two team members that have a deep understanding of the market and a passion for excellence, Travis Grimwood and Trent Pierre, as the spearheads for this expansion.

Grimwood has been appointed to the position of regional vice president – Kalamazoo market executive. Trent Pierre joins CNB as vice president and commercial loan officer.

“I’m thrilled to announce that County National Bank is expanding into Kalamazoo County,” says Joe Williams, president and CEO of CNB. “We have the extreme good fortune to grow our client base and add high-quality bankers in the region with the addition of Travis Grimwood and Trent Pierre.

“At CNB, we have seen success in our expansion efforts because of two truths that we will not deviate from: we must have both the right community and the right people for our community-focused banking model to be successful. In Kalamazoo County and with Travis and Trent, we have the ideal combination for successful growth of both the community and County National Bank.”

$1.2M Investment Helps First-generation Davenport University Students

With the help of more than $1.2 million in gifts, Grand Rapids-based Davenport University’s investment in the success of first-generation students is seeing significant results. New first-generation programs and intervention efforts have improved the retention of participating students to 78 percent.

“First-generation students are the first in their families to attend college or obtain a degree and often face greater challenges than their peers,” says Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “Davenport has committed to helping these students, who represent almost 40 percent of our student population, achieve their dreams of an education by working to remove many of the barriers they often experience.”

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, first-generation students are two times as likely to stop out of college as students whose parents have a bachelor’s degree.

Through the First-Generation Student Success Initiative, Davenport University provides support services to first-generation students, offers continuous training to staff and faculty so they understand and address students’ unique needs. The university also offers additional scholarship support and establishes a communication system for first-generation students and parents so they understand the initiative’s services and opportunities.

“Davenport is uniquely gifted, with more than 60 percent of our faculty and staff being first-generation themselves, to help meet the vast needs of our first-gen students,” says Jodi Hicks, director of the program and student transitions and academic readiness. “Ultimately, this initiative will ensure that more first-generation students graduate.”

Ice Cube to Headline Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge in Pontiac

MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge announced that musician and actor Ice Cube will headline the day-long horsepower festival Aug. 12 in downtown Pontiac.

Now in a new location at the corner of Woodward Avenue and West Pike Street, Roadkill Nights guests will be treated to a day of family-friendly, adrenaline-filled fun, with a grand finale performance from Ice Cube, who will take to the mainstage to close out the day.

The event begins at 10 a.m. on Aug. 12. It will include the marquee street-legal drag-racing competition Direct Connection Grudge Race, along with a classic and modern muscle car cruise in, Dodge Hellcat Thrill Rides, an all-new Dodge Hornet drive, Dodge Demon drag race simulators, Dodge vehicle displays including the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept, Dodge product displays, Direct Connection performance parts, RC car demonstrations, a vendor midway, beer gardens, entertainment, food trucks, celebrity appearances, and more.

Ice Cube’s performance will cap off the evening at 7:30 p.m. on the mainstage.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here. Livestream viewing for all drag racing events is available starting at 11 a.m. on Dodge.com, DodgeGarage.com, Dodge’s YouTube Channel, MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, and across MotorTrend’s video streaming service.

American Red Cross Partners with The District Detroit for Sixth Annual Blood Drive

The American Red Cross, in partnership with The District Detroit, is inviting donors to give blood at its sixth annual blood drive from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 10 on the Via Concourse at Little Caesars Arena to help prevent a blood shortage. Complimentary parking is available in the UWM Garage at 128 W. Fisher Service Dr., which is close to the arena’s Meijer entrance to the blood drive.

Giving blood helps ensure trauma patients, those receiving cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders get the lifesaving blood they need. Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive, and type B negative blood donors.

To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code LCA313.

Blood donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

All presenting donors will receive two tickets to a Detroit Tigers home game (from select games) and two tickets to a Detroit Red Wings pre-season game. Donors also can Spin the Wheel to win an additional giveaway, which include autographed memorabilia, gift cards, and more.