Features

Development News Meijer

Sterling Heights launches holiday assistance program as food pantries face COVID-19 strain

Sterling Heights is looking to streamline holiday assistance programs in the city this year, to meet food pantry and family assistance needs in the face of COVID-19 limitations. 

Development News artspace

Michigan arts and cultural organizations receive nearly $10M in grants from state arts organization

“During these tough times, it is a strong affirmation that the field is still vibrant, and the value of our programs is not only recognized, but can contribute to ongoing efforts support vibrancy in our communities throughout the state,” says MCACA director Alison Watson.

Innovation News Women of color in STEM

Women of color in STEM award recognizes Sterling Heights innovator

The annual Women of Color STEM Conference was held virtually this year, but it didn't stop the recognition of movers and shakers in the field. Several Fiat Chrysler Automobile employees were awarded, including Sterling Heights assembly plant's Saretta Wallace.

Feature Story John Favazza at Jack's Italian Bakery Melvindale. Photo by David Lewinski.

Melvindale's eclectic small businesses make most of a small city with big heart

Melvindale's slogan, "The Little City With a BIG Heart." It's a small city with a lot going on.

24 hours in metro Detroit: Best and safest cider mills to visit this fall

There’s nothing like a great visit to a tried-and-true favorite cider mill to make the most out of fall in Michigan.

Feature Story Franklin Cider Mill. Courtesy photo.

24 hours in metro Detroit: Best and safest cider mills to visit this fall

There’s nothing like a great visit to a tried-and-true favorite cider mill to make the most out of fall in Michigan.

Feature Story Filming Arthur in downtown Farmington

Meet the artist behind Arthur the Raven, a stop-motion animation series in downtown Farmington

Meet Leila Mullison, the artist responsible for Arthur the Raven. Mullison’s stop-motion vignettes of Arthur are being featured in Downtown Farmington throughout the month of October as part of the city’s Grand Raven festival.

Development News LTU Campus. Photo via Creative Commons.

LTU receives grant from high-profile video game developer for new tech lab

The $50,000 grant will be used to build an Unreal laboratory with high performance computers. There will be dedicated virtual reality and augmented reality access to support core courses, recertification efforts, and summer camps.

Development News Photo courtesy Neumann-Smith Architects.

Dearborn approves new multi-modal transportation plan

“This multi-modal transportation plan will guide us as we make decisions now and into the future about the best ways for people to navigate through our city, take advantage of economic opportunities, and connect to the region,’’ says Mayor O’Reilly.

Innovation News Shipt, Macomb, Seniors, Grocery delivery, COVID-19

Macomb seniors to receive free grocery delivery membership as flu season looms

Senior citizens throughout Macomb County will soon have access to free grocery delivery membership, in an effort to keep residents safer during COVID-19 restrictions. 

Innovation News The city of Sterling Heights will forgo its usual Sterling Frights event this year to make way for six smaller Halloween-themed events that cater to COVID-19 restrictions.

Sterling Heights to host 6 Halloween events, working around COVID-19

It seems a global pandemic won't stop Halloween being celebrated in Sterling Heights. The city's Parks and Recreation team have developed six events to cater to residents for the spooky season, from scavenger hunts at the Nature Center to teen trivia nights and contact-less trick-or-treating drive-thru for senior citizens.

Feature Story Utica Community Schools

Leading a school through a pandemic: Q&A with superintendent Robert Monroe

What's it like leading a school through a global pandemic? We speak with new Utica Community Schools superintendent Robert Monroe about his experience in Macomb County. 

Development News Grand-raven-2

Downtown Farmington hosts Poe-themed Grand Raven festival all month long

The first-ever Grand Raven Festival is officially underway. The month-long event provides downtown a spookified atmosphere where one of America’s most famous poets might feel downright comfortable.

Development News Zoom-Ride

Michigan-based ride-hailing app launches in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties

Although Uber and Lyft are now ubiquitous, the app-based vehicle-for-hire services were once brand new companies, vying for the attention of would-be customers. Now a Dearborn-based startup is ready to start competing with the major players of the rideshare market.

Innovation News MFG Day

After going virtual, Macomb's Manufacturing Day may never be the same again

As engagement online increases due to COVID-19, virtual event organizers believe we are just seeing the "tip of the iceberg" for what the future of events may hold. 

Feature Story Lake Orion, 20 Front Street, COVID

No ‘take-out’ option: How are metro Detroit’s music venues surviving?

How does an industry pivot without a carry-out option? Metro Detroit music venue owners and musicians share how they have tapped into alternative revenues during COVID-19. 

Development News Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights ranks safest big city in Michigan

Sterling Heights was ranked, again, as the safest big city in Michigan for 2019, with decreases in both violent and property crime statistics, according to an annual FBI report.

Feature Story Toni Jones, Wife Comma

Detroit entrepreneur wants women to 'wife their life'

Toni Jones always believed her work was important, but a global pandemic has shown the Detroit entrepreneur just how vital her affirmation brand is to her clients. “Last year women were wearing it as another self-care accessory, but now it’s how women are surviving.”

Feature Story Dearborn-trees

Dearborn works to preserve and grow its tree canopy

"Our canopy needs work. We need to do more. But work is ongoing," says David Norwood, sustainability coordinator for Dearborn. "I’m a big proponent of the idea that we can’t have enough trees."

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.