DBusiness Daily Update: Final Steps in Gordie Howe International … – DBusiness

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.
Final Steps in Gordie Howe International Bridge Tower Construction Underway
Those watching construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge will see major changes at the U.S. bridge tower over the next four weeks, according to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
The last concrete pour for the sloped architectural heads at the top of the pylon head is now complete and the U.S. tower has reached its full height of 722 feet. Crews now will begin removing the jump form system that includes artwork by local Detroit based artist Roberto Villalobos. These last steps are anticipated to begin at the Canadian bridge tower in September.
The towers have been under construction since 2019. Underground foundational work and the tower footings were completed in December 2020 and included six shafts per tower leg drilled into the bedrock to a depth of 118 feet.
Lower pylon construction was completed in March 2022. During this work, the muraled jump forms encased the tower legs providing workers an enclosed environment while each leg rose to nearly 460 feet. Following construction of the upper cross beam that merged the tower legs into a single structure, work on the pylon head of the tower has been progressing.
The bridge towers are integral to the cable-stayed design of the bridge. They house the anchor boxes that attach the stay cables from the towers to the bridge and road decks. Along with the stay cables, the towers provide the support system for the entire weight of the bridge and the load it will eventually carry.
No opening date for the bridge was provided, though in earlier reports it was to be completed by the end of 2024.
Adell Media to Debut 910AM Conservative Talk Radio Station Sept. 5
Adell Media in Clinton Township announced it will debut 910 AM – Detroit’s News Talk Superstation (WFDF-AM), on Sept. 5.
The station will offer a 24/7 lineup of news and conservative talk and will begin broadcasting at 9 a.m. Sept. 5 with “The Glenn Beck Program.” It also will include “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” “The Sean Hannity Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” “The Bill O’Reilly Show,” and others. The station will feature local news, weather, and traffic from Total Traffic & Weather Network, and breaking news coverage from ABC Radio.
“For the first time in years, metro Detroit has an alternative to WJR, with a genuinely conservative point of view,” says Kevin Adell, CEO of Adell Media. “We’re excited to launch this new talk station with the biggest names in the format. As the 2024 Presidential election race heats up, 910 AM will be well positioned to provide all the important news and updates our community needs to stay informed on the latest hot topics and issues.”
Full Programming Lineup:
5-6 a.m. — Fox News Rundown
6-9 a.m. — Justin Barclay
9-12 p.m. — “The Glenn Beck Program”
12-3 p.m. — “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show”
3-6 p.m. — “The Sean Hannity Show”
6-9 p.m. — “The Jesse Kelly Show “
9-10 p.m. — “The Bill O’Reilly Show”
10 p.m.-1 a.m. — “Our American Stories”
1-5 a.m. — “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano”
For more information, visit here.
House of Dank Introduces Cannabis Experience at Arts, Beats & Eats
Madison Heights-based cannabis provider House of Dank returns as the presenting sponsor of the Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Royal Oak — today through Sept. 4 — for the third consecutive year, this time adding House of Dank’s High in the Sky: Dankland and Dankway — dual event spaces that promise an immersive collision of cannabis culture and the arts.
High in the Sky presented by House of Dank highlights innovations, products, and culture in the cannabis industry, with areas to purchase and enjoy products from Michigan’s top brands like Breeze, MKX, STIIIZY, HYMAN, and more. House of Dank aims to showcase the best of what the industry has to offer by creating an inviting environment for those interested in exploring cannabis in a public, safe space. The goal is to create an unforgettable experience that welcomes both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers.
What sets this year’s festival apart is that, for the very first time, 21+ festival-goers will have the unique opportunity to legally partake in on-site consumption of some of the top cannabis products in Michigan. The entrance is located only on 7th street between Washington and Center streets. This sales and consumption area is where festival goers can interact with their favorite brands, shop for their preferred products, and gain education. It’s not just a shopping destination; it’s an immersive journey into the world of cannabis culture, according to House of Dank.
Fully sanctioned by Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) and the city of Royal Oak, Dankway is strategically positioned away from traditional festival attractions and boasts visually enclosed spaces equipped with cutting-edge ventilation systems, ensuring an environment that’s both comfortable and responsible.
Springfield Urgent Care to Open Clinic in Clinton Township
White Lake, Michigan, June 9, 2023 –- White Lake-based Springfield Urgent Care’s new clinic in Clinton Township (43900 Garfield Road) will begin serving patients this month.
The seventh Springfield Urgent Care clinic and the second in Macomb County will be in the Northeast Pavilion building just south of Hall Road (M-59) assuming the suite formerly occupied by Northeast Macomb Urgent Care. The clinic will help patients address injury, illness, and other medical concerns seven days a week.
“For patients seeking quality immediate care, Springfield Urgent Care is the answer,” says James Harrill, CEO of Springfield Urgent Care. “Our licensed medical providers and support team treat medical concerns with compassionate care and professionalism. We look forward to serving the people of Clinton Township, Macomb County and those who visit and need care.”
Henry Ford Health Hospitals Earn Full Reaccreditation for Breast Cancer Care
All five of Henry Ford Health’s acute care hospitals have earned a full three-year reaccreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a quality program administered by the American College of Surgeons.
With Henry Ford Hospital Detroit, Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital earning full reaccreditation, Henry Ford has the highest number of Commission on Cancer and NAPBC-accredited hospitals of any health system in Michigan.
“The NAPBC accreditation is reflective of our unwavering commitment to providing the highest-quality evaluation and treatment for patients with breast disease,” says Dr. Jessica Bensenhaver, director of the Breast Cancer Program at Henry Ford Cancer. “Our team’s dedication to providing compassionate and individualized care is an essential part of helping our patients achieve better health outcomes. By continuing to advance breast cancer research, we are pushing the boundaries of medicine and helping to create a brighter future for patients everywhere.”
Wetzel’s Pretzels Expands into Metro Detroit with Mobile Bakery
Wetzel’s Pretzels recently expanded its Michigan footprint with a new food truck rolling through metro Detroit with local operator Alicia Powell at the wheel.
“The launch of the first metro Detroit Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck marks an exciting chapter in my life, blending my passion for food with dedication to fostering strong and vibrant neighborhoods,” says Powell. “I’ve always believed that a strong commitment to the community is essential for any successful venture. My experience in multifamily housing development has given me valuable insights into the needs and preferences of diverse communities.”
For additional information about the Wetzel’s franchise opportunity, visit here.
Local Show ‘The Green Way Outdoors’ to Premiere on History Channel Saturday
“The Green Way Outdoors” television show is launching on the History Channel beginning Sept. 2 with back-to-back episodes at 9 a.m.
Over 10 episodes, the show will feature adventures from around the country — from following Bison in Oklahoma to Invasive Asian carp in South Dakota to trout fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and more.
“It is an honor to bring true outdoor content to the mainstream with our show,” says Kyle Green, executive producer and CEO of “The Green Way Outdoors.” “We have worked eight long years for this moment, and we think this season is going to astonish our fan base and newcomers alike.”
The program is focused on the conservation of animals and their habitats and has partnered with five conservation partners:
“For me, the best part about our show is traveling the world with my best friends on extreme adventures,” says Green. “Our goal is to capture our unfiltered experiences in a true reality show that audiences can follow, seeing what we see and feeling what we feel in the moment.”
For more information, visit here.
Pie Collective by Achatz Announces Bloomfield Hills Grand Opening
Pie Collective by Achatz will celebrate the opening of its Bloomfield Hills store (1983 S. Telegraph Road) with an event from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sept. 9.
During the grand opening event, guests will be invited to sample fall flavors, soups, and more. Two lucky winners will be awarded a $250 gift card.
On Friday, Sept. 15th, Achatz will celebrate school employees (with valid school ID) with one free dessert per person, including a slice of pie or cake. The offer is good at all eight locations.
Carhartt Honors its History by Portraying Legacies in New Brand Campaign
 “History in the Making,” the new brand campaign for Carhartt in Dearborn that celebrates 135 years of hard work, while inspiring the next generation to make their own history.
The campaign encourages hardworking people to write their own history and leave a meaningful legacy.
The 30-second spot, which follows traditional and next frontier occupations including turbine operators, deck hands, construction workers, ranchers, and urban farmers, pays homage to the legacies built in Carhartt gear over the years, while underscoring the company’s pursuit of helping people forge their legacy as the world evolves.
Using juxtaposed historic-sounding audio and modern video to incorporate the old with the new, the multi-channel campaign intertwines the heritage, history, and enduring value of Carhartt with the hardworking people who make history every day.
“Every day is a new opportunity to make history and leave a positive, lasting impact for those around us, our communities and the world,” says Susan Hennike, chief brand officer at Carhartt. “Every time you put on Carhartt gear, you don’t just wear history, you make it. Our mission is to serve hardworking people and give them the gear and confidence needed to leave a legacy that transcends generations.
“Every fade, tear, and scuff sheds light on these legacies built. As we enter our next chapter, we are excited to serve and protect people as they leave lasting legacies for another century and beyond.”
In addition to running on Carhartt’s website and social media channels, video creative in 15-, 30-, and 60-second spots from the new “History In The Making” campaign will run across digital platforms and air on connected and streaming TV channels.
Consumers Energy Reduces Methane Emissions from State’s Natural Gas System by 20%
Consumers Energy in Jackson says it has reduced methane emissions from its 30,000-mile natural gas system by 20 percent since 2012, an important step in its plan to neutralize the impact of the greenhouse gas — which is more potent than carbon dioxide — from its operations by the end of the decade.
“Consumers Energy is committed to protecting the planet as we heat nearly 2 million Michigan homes and businesses safely and affordably this autumn and winter,” says Christopher Fultz, vice president of natural gas operations at Consumers Energy. “We are taking actions every day to strengthen our system across our state and to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030.”
Consumers Energy received approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission today for a settlement agreement allowing a $95 million rate adjustment, which will enable the work to continue reducing leaks and making its natural gas system more safe, reliable, affordable, and clean. The improvements are part of the company’s Natural Gas Delivery Plan, a 10-year, $12 billion blueprint to modernize the system of pipelines and storage that delivers natural gas to homes and businesses.
Consumers Energy’s efforts to reduce methane emissions in the last decade are equivalent to removing 18,000 vehicles from the road for a year.
Consumers Energy also has replaced more than 600 miles of pipeline that dates back as far as the 1940s. More than one-third of that is made of cast iron, which is more susceptible to leaks than modern technology.
Caster Concepts Introduces TWERGO Xtreme Casters for Aerospace and AGV Applications
Caster Concepts in Albion has introduced TWERGO Xtreme casters for aerospace and AGV applications that reduce push/pull forces by up to 50 percent, according to the company.
These improvements enable a range of benefits for manufacturers, including significantly expanded operating range for AGVs and reduced push force for manual cart operations at higher loads.
“Manufacturers in these sectors are always looking for ways to move heavier loads faster and more efficiently,” says Doug Backinger, vice president of sales at Caster Concepts. “Optimizing productivity while maintaining the highest possible safety standards is a constant challenge. Our new TWERGO Xtreme casters help manufacturers boost load factors without sacrificing safety — saving hours each week.”
TWERGO Xtreme casters are the next generation of Caster Concepts’ patented TWERGO caster blueprint. Its barbell design, coupled with a tapered tread, is the key to curbing caster wheel friction. This makes a difference in minimizing push/pull forces, whether the application involves manual transportation of assembly components or AGV operations.
Additionally, when combined with the company’s HaloDrive AGV solutions, manufacturers can potentially eliminate overhead cranes and benefit from increased cart maneuverability.
Superior Announces Action in German Production Facility to Enhance Competitiveness
 Superior Industries International Inc. in Southfield announced that its subsidiary, Superior Industries Production Germany GmbH has entered into Protective Shield Proceedings, a court-administered reorganization.
These proceedings are strictly limited to SPG and its German-based manufacturing facility, operating at the production site in Werdohl, Germany. The company’s operations in the U.S., Mexico, and Poland are not impacted, and its other German operations and aftermarket business are not part of these proceedings.
“We have made substantial progress in aligning our business to a rapidly evolving operating environment while elevating our footprint to a competitively advantaged position,” says Majdi Abulaban, president and CEO of Superior. “Today, the vast majority of Superior’s capacity is high-performing and is strategically placed in two low-cost locations, Mexico, and Poland, creating an attractive local for local solution for our customers as they seek shorter supply chains to mitigate production risks.
“The action we are taking represents a continuation of our plan and the transformation of the remaining 6 percent of our footprint. Our competitive differentiators, including our ability to capture customer demand for larger, premium wheels, will continue to support our business well into the future.”
California Company Acquires Three Michigan Properties for $5.2M
Four Corners Property Trust, a California real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership and acquisition of high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties, has acquired three newly built properties for $5.2 million.
The portfolio spans three brands: Aspen Dental, Starbucks, and WellNow Urgent Care. The properties are newly constructed and located in a strong retail corridor in an unspecified area of Michigan and are all corporate-operated under long-term net leases.
The transaction was priced at a 6.9 percent cap rate on rent as of the closing date, exclusive of transaction costs.
SME Announces New Initiative to Address in Manufacturing Industry’s Workforce Shortage
SME in Southfield is embarking on a new initiative involving a partnership with community and technical colleges to address the urgency of revitalizing manufacturing’s industrial base, growing the industry’s talent pipeline, and enhancing the skills and productivity of manufacturing workers.
The Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) launches this fall and combines the industry and workforce expertise of SME with the educational programs and innovations of a select group of U.S. community and technical colleges. The initiative builds awareness of careers in manufacturing, optimizes workforce systems, and accelerates the education and skill development needed to place individuals in jobs making family-sustaining wages.
Through the Workforce Pipeline Challenge, SME will work with schools to conduct a labor analysis of the local, regional, and state landscape; develop and expand sector strategies to attract new populations – particularly those under-served and under-represented in the workforce; and implement new programs, curriculum, and applicable certifications to develop skilled individuals that are ready to hire for the vast array of growing, unfilled positions in manufacturing.
“SME, along with many other industry organizations, understands that manufacturing is a critical engine of America’s economic strength and national security, playing a role in almost every sector of our economy,” says Jeannine Kunz, chief workforce development officer at SME. “It is our responsibility to support the development of a diverse and qualified talent pool by stepping up our efforts and investments to strengthen the manufacturing supply chain with technically skilled individuals. Only then can we ensure our industrial base remains resilient now and into the future.”
The Workforce Pipeline Challenge is a three-year pilot program with a goal to attract 1,000 individuals at each of the initial 25 participating community and technical colleges annually, resulting in 75,000 or more qualified workers in pursuit of manufacturing careers.
The estimated economic impact of growing the industry’s workforce in this way is $6 billion. Best practices identified throughout the program will be shared nationally to help other programs implement innovative solutions to grow local economies, reduce barriers to employment, and fill vacant manufacturing jobs.
Schoolcraft Community Colleges in Livonia is one of the institutions selected to participate in the challenge.
For more information on the Workforce Pipeline Challenge, or to learn more about opportunities to engage and support the program, visit here.
IRONMAN Triathlete Raises Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Research
Shannon Crone, president of Sky Foundation Inc., has qualified for the IRONMAN World Championship on Oct. 14 in Kona, Hawaii and will compete in the grueling event while raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research in memory of her husband, Mike, who died from the disease in 2019.
Crone, who started training for and competing in IRONMAN events in 2014, calls Mike her “greatest cheerleader and supporter” and credits him for introducing her to the championship event in Kona.
To earn her spot at the World Championship, Crone finished eighth in her age group at a qualifying event in Madison, Wisc., in September 2022. The 140.6-mile IRONMAN events consist of a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and finishes with a 26.2-mile marathon.
“Since losing Mike in 2019, I have found purpose in creating awareness of pancreatic cancer and Sky Foundation, a nonprofit that supports people impacted by the disease,” Crone says. “As I push my body to the limit, I hope to inspire others to find their purpose and never give up on that purpose, no matter how difficult the road may seem.”
For more information, visit Crone’s website.
Editor: R.J. King
Associate Editor: Tim Keenan

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