DBusiness Daily Update: Eight Metro Detroit Bowling Centers to Host USBC Junior Gold Championships, and More

Eight Metro Detroit Bowling Centers to Host USBC Junior Gold Championships

More than 3,500 bowlers in three age-based divisions for boys and girls – U12, U15, and U18 – will compete at eight bowling centers across the Detroit area for a part of a $5,000 scholarship fund during the USBC Junior Gold Championships July 12-20.

“The USBC Junior Gold Championships is the most prestigious competitive youth bowling event in the United States and the Detroit Sports Commission is proud to welcome more than 3,500 age-group bowlers from across the country to the bowling capital of the world,” says Dave Beachnau, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission.

U12 and U15 boys will compete at 5 Star Lanes and Serling Lanes in Sterling Heights. U12 and U18 girls will be bowling at Merri-Bowl Lanes in Livonia and Oak Lanes in Westland. U15 girls and U18 boys will be playing at Super Bowl in Canton Township, Skore Lanes in Taylor, Century Bowl in Waterford Township, and Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park.

In addition to the competition, the Junior Gold Championships will feature The Junior Gold Trade Show on Saturday, July 13 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi. All Junior Gold athletes participating in the tournament will register to compete at the annual USBC trade show. Attendees will be able to experience the largest youth bowling trade show, seek autographs from professional bowlers, and take part in the largest collegiate bowling recruiting opportunity in the world.

The Junior Gold Championships also will include the Opening Ceremony. Athletes can look forward to the athlete state walk, awards, entertainment, and much more on Sunday, July 14 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

Following the Opening Ceremony, the Junior Gold Championships’ Party in the Park will take place sponsored by USBC partners’ Brunswick, Hammer, I Am Bowling, Kegel, Motiv, and Storm Products. The celebratory event will feature a DJ and a variety of fun activities for all including outdoor games and equipment including footballs, soccer balls and frisbees, as well as recreational activities including cornhole, a video-game truck, a dunk tank, and much more. USBC staff members and pro athletes from the sponsoring partners will be on hand to mix and mingle at this event.

For more information, visit here.

Detroit Pistons Sign Cade Cunningham to Contract Extension

The Detroit Pistons have signed guard Cade Cunningham to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham averaged a team-high 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists last season. He joined Dave Bing (1971-73 and 1974-75) and Isiah Thomas (1982-83) as the only players in franchise history to average 22.0 points and 7.0 assists in a single season and was one of only five players (Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Damian Lillard) to record such averages a year ago.

Cunningham, 6-6, 220, has averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 138 career NBA games (all starts). He joined LeBron James as the only No. 1 pick in NBA history to average at least 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals through their first three NBA seasons. Cunningham, who has increased his scoring and assist averages in each of his three NBA seasons, recorded 18 games with 30-plus points last season, the fourth most by a Piston in the last 30 years.

Cunningham finished third in the 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year voting and was named MVP of the Clorox Rising Stars game at the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, OH. Additionally, he was voted to the 2022 NBA All-Rookie First Team and was named to the 2023 USA Select Team, which helped to prepare Team USA for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

West Michigan’s economy stalls after four-month growth

West Michigan’s four-month streak of positive economic growth came to an end in June, according to data and surveys conducted by a Grand Valley State University researcher.

Brian Long, director of supply management research at Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business, said his monthly survey of local businesses and purchasing managers reflected sharp declines in two key indices.

“New orders, our index of business improvement, dropped to its lowest level in six months,” Long says. “Of course, this means over the longer term, production is going to drop. One month’s drop does not constitute a trend, but we’re going to have to watch next month’s numbers very closely.”

The purchases index, which reflects activity in purchasing offices, saw a similar drop. Long attributed the declines to firms building up their inventories during the period of chronic issues with their supply chains a few months ago. Those companies stopped stocking their inventories in May and increased their liquidation of inventory in June, Long says.

One industry facing a lot of uncertainty for 2025 is the automotive industry, according to Long. The backlog of electric vehicles (EVs) in dealer lots could ripple through local manufacturers.

“West Michigan’s largest cyclical industry is automotive, and we don’t assemble cars in west Michigan, but we have numerous firms that produce components and complete assemblies like seats and dashboards, MacPherson struts, and those kinds of things,” Long says. “Especially for the firms that are supplying EVs, the news of the dealer lots starting to fill with an overflow of EVs is certainly not good news.”

One of the survey’s metrics, the employment index, did see an uptick for June, prompting Long to issue a caveat.

“Employment and unemployment are classic laggard statistics, meaning that they follow the economy, not lead the economy, but for most of our west Michigan counties, the unemployment rate is still going down,” Long says. “Our survey respondents say that they still have open positions, but that they are easier to fill than they were a year ago.”

Here’s a look at the key index results from June’s survey of west Michigan businesses:

• New orders index (business improvement): -21 vs. +5 in May
• Production index (output): -2 vs. +2 in in May
• Employment index: +10 vs. +7 in May
• Lead times index: -18 vs. -19 in May 

Youth Inventors Compete at The Henry Ford during RTX Invention Convention

The Henry Ford in Dearborn hosted more than 435 youth inventors from across the country at the ninth annual RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals June 5-7. In addition to competing, participants had the opportunity to pitch their inventions to the casting team from ABC’s “Shark Tank” and meet Invention Convention student alumni who recently secured patents for their inventions.

The multi-day experience culminated on June 7 with an awards ceremony hosted by The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation correspondent Albert Lawrence. More than 77 awards, including cash prizes, trophies, medals, and patent applications were recognized.

For a full list of the winners, visit here.

BlindSpace was invented by Arnav Chaphalkar, an eighth grade student from Illinois, who won four awards: Most Innovative Award presented by RTX, Patent Application Award presented by WilmerHale, Eighth Grade – First Place Award, and Health and Medical Award presented by Danaher Foundation. BlindSpace is a revolutionary AI-powered device designed to empower blind and visually impaired individuals.

With the simple press of a button on a walking stick, BlindSpace captures a photo of the surrounding environment and delivers a verbal description through an earpiece, providing just the right amount of information — no need to fumble with complex apps or touchscreens. This seamless hardware-software integration sets BlindSpace apart, allowing users to navigate unknown environments.

Other themes emerged in the problems the inventors identified and sought to solve, including environment and sustainability, health and medical, and safety. One essential strength of the program is building lifelong confidence in invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Select finalists from U.S. Nationals will be invited to compete virtually against Nationals finalists from Mexico in the Invention Convention Americas 2024 presented by RTX, with an awards ceremony taking place on Aug. 22.

Organizations interested in bringing the year-long program to their region can get more information here.

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan Construction Progresses in Marshall 

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall remains on track to begin production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in 2026 for Ford Motor Co.’s future electric vehicles.

Ford received a revised incentive offer from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Michigan Strategic Fund for BlueOval Battery Park to match the reduced scope of the project announced last November.

The agency also revised its incentive offer for another job-creation and investment initiative spanning several Ford facilities in Michigan. The company announced this project in June 2022 and later revised its plans with a new third crew at Michigan Assembly Plant, including some employees from the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center.

When complete, the two projects will have created or retained upwards of 5,000 Ford jobs in Michigan. Several thousand of those jobs have already been added or retained since 2022, bringing Ford’s total to more than 44,000 employees in the state.

BlueOval Battery Michigan expects to benefit from the advanced manufacturing production tax credit under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.

Ford anticipates that BlueOval Battery Park Michigan will create more than 1,700 jobs. The plant’s leadership team is forming now, headed by Scott Davis, CEO of BlueOval Battery Michigan, a wholly owned Ford subsidiary. Davis is a 17-year resident of Marshall.

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan plans an annual LFP battery production capacity of approximately 20 gigawatt hours, with production starting in 2026. The batteries built at the facility will power Ford’s future electric vehicles.

Construction of BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is approximately 20 percent complete. The main facility will be nearly 1.8 million square feet, comprising a cell plant and a pack plant. Additional support buildings will take the total operation to approximately 2 million square feet.

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan will span 500 acres, with another 230 acres originally set aside for Ford now available to the Marshall Area Economic Development Authority for future commercial activity.

Ford ensured that another 245 acres of the site along the Kalamazoo River would be placed in a conservation easement to be protected against industrial development and preserved for generations. Ford Philanthropy donated $100,000 to Calhoun County to develop a plan for the community to best utilize this land along the river.

Ford’s aspiration is to protect the environment and local community, including the Kalamazoo River. To help minimize and avoid stormwater runoff, the Marshall Area Economic Development Authority is installing a stormwater management system to serve the entire campus.

Chemical storage structures will have safety features that go beyond what is needed, such as emergency secondary and back-up containment systems.

The plant will use air abatement equipment, which is advanced technology designed to reduce air emissions, protect air quality, remove potential odors, and comply with high standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Michigan.

Michigan Strategic Fund Approves Housing Projects in Detroit and Pontiac 

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has approved projects that will add critical housing to the cities of Detroit and Pontiac.

The Broadway Lofts Redevelopment Project in the city of Detroit will receive $8.2 million to convert and add onto three vacant buildings to create a single, multistory, mixed-use building in the city’s historic Paradise Valley district.

Once completed, the project will include 80 new residential units – with 20 percent of the units reserved at 60 percent of Area Median Income – and approximately 6,462 square feet of commercial space, building density and walkability in the area. As Detroit’s historic epicenter of African American businesses, the Paradise Valley district will benefit from increased affordable housing, building density, and walkability with the completed Broadway Lofts project.

The MSF board also supported, to the tune of $2.6 million, the rehabilitation of a blighted and long-vacant building in the city of Pontiac to help meet the growing demand for available housing in the area. The Casa Del Rey building at 111 Oneida near the city’s downtown will be updated into a 50-unit housing development, increasing density and acting as a catalyst for additional revitalization in the community.

Distinctively Detroit Tours Hosting Hip-Hop History Tour Aug. 11

Distinctively Detroit Tours will be hosting the inaugural Hip-Hop History Tour on Aug. 11, led by a celebrity Detroit recording artist that offers an immersive experience into the history of Detroit’s hip-hop scene.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks that have shaped Detroit’s hip-hop scene, including viewing J. Dilla’s House, Rhythm Kitchen, and Stanley’s. Also on the tour will be The Hip-Hop Shop where Hip-Hop battles with Proof took place, Future Funk Records, Historic Def Sound Studio, which was Detroit’s First Hip-Hop Recording Studio; and the legendary Shelter. Guests also will have access to a behind-the-scenes tour of a Detroit recording studio and the chance to meet industry professionals who have made contributions to the hip-hop industry.

“We’re thrilled to launch the first ever Hip-Hop History Tour of Detroit,” says Kris Hoff, president of Distinctively Detroit Tours. “I grew up listening to hip-hop music. I am thrilled that so many people that are legendary in Detroit’s hip-hop community jumped at this opportunity to work together on this.”

Ron Watts, Hip-hop alumni from Rhythm Kitchen and the Hip-Hop Shop, is one of the celebrity Detroit recording artists leading the tour.

“From legendary recording studios to iconic battle sites, this tour will provide an insider’s look into the evolution of hip-hop in Detroit,” Watts says. “We are thrilled to offer this unique experience to hip-hop fans and music enthusiasts who want to learn more about Detroit’s rich musical history.”

For more information and to book a spot on the Hip-Hop History Tour of Detroit, visit DistinctivelyDetroit.com or call 313-723-2273. Advanced reservations are required.

Armada’s Blake’s Hard Cider Partners with Costco, New Gypsy Spirits

Blakes Beverage Co. in Armada has begun new partnerships with Costco and Petosky-based Gypsy Spirits.

As a result of the collaboration with Costco, Blake’s Hard Cider is now on store shelves at all Costco locations throughout Michigan. American Apple, a semi-sweet Imperial cider, is available in an 18-pack for $19.99. It is also available in six-packs across BHC’s 32-state footprint.

The Gypsy Spirits partnership has resulted in Lavender Haze Gin, a limited-edition spirit promises to be versatile and perfect for summer. With only 1,320 in production, the bottle, with its artfully crafted label, islikely to be a collector’s item. It is available exclusively onsite at Blake’s Tasting Room and Blake’s Backyard while supplies last. A 750 ml bottle retails for $24.95.

Gardner White to Host Free Meet & Greet with JJ from ‘CoComelon’ July 13-14

Gardner White is hosting free meet and greet events with JJ from “CoComelon,” one of the most watched preschool entertainment programs in the world.

The community is invited to join JJ for a family-fun adventure at Gardner White’s Novi (10 a.m.-noon) and Shelby Township (3-6 p.m.) stores on Saturday, July 13 and at Gardner White’s Saginaw store (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) on Sunday, July 14.

The “CoComelon” meet and greets will include face painting, bubble show, arts and crafts, music, and dancing. Light snacks will be provided.

Gardner White will offer an additional 30 percent off the sale price during the event. A percentage of sales from the weekend events will benefit Covenant Kids. Covenant Kids is a fund managed by Covenant HealthCare Foundation. Monies in this fund are dedicated to enhancing the care for all Covenant kids, which includes any Covenant patient under the age of 18 and their families.

Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Returning to Westland Aug. 2-3

The city of Westland announced the return of the Blues, Brews & Barbecue, said to be the biggest summer bash in western Wayne County, on Aug. 2-3, at Thomas H. Brown Central Park (36601 Ford Road).

This festival celebrates slick blues music, good ole’ authentic BBQ and ice-cold domestic draft brews. With family friendly sights and sounds and free of charge, metro Detroiters are encouraged to attend and make a weekend of it.

“This is the city of Westland’s most anticipated event of the year, drawings thousands of visitors from across the state,” says Mayor Kevin Coleman. “This year’s event is bigger and better than ever and I invite everyone to join us for spectacular weekend that promises an unforgettable experience for the entire family.”

Blues, Brews & Barbecue features a lineup of 30 live performances and some of the region’s finest barbecue vendors and food trucks, all in one location. Beer enthusiasts should appreciate the extensive selection of domestic and craft brews available in the event’s beer tent.

Friday’s event concludes with a Drone Light Show, while Saturday’s finale is a fireworks display.

For more information and a full list or performers, visit here.