DBusiness Daily Update: St. Louis-based ARCO National Construction Opens Office in Southfield, and More

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.

St. Louis-based ARCO National Construction Opens Office in Southfield

ARCO National Construction, a full-service design-build general contractor based in the St. Louis suburb of Richmond Heights, Mo., has opened an office in Southfield — ARCO National Construction | Detroit — at 26677 W. 12 Mile Road.

ARCO brings more than 30 years of experience providing clients with complete project delivery throughout the United States. The firm says its professional, qualified team of engineers, project managers, superintendents, and architects is capable of designing and building “the most demanding construction projects anywhere in the country.” It offers what it calls “the best, most cost-effective, single-source, turnkey solutions.”

With 42 offices in major markets coast to coast, ARCO offers the strength and presence of a national general contractor with the focus, attention, and regional expertise of a local builder, according to the company.

Its design-build approach combines quality of design and construction, management of expense, and adherence to schedule into a single point of responsibility.

For more information, visit here .

Strider Coffee Stop, Q Bakehouse & Market Collaborate in West Ann Arbor

Strider Coffee Stop, a venture that began as a one-man catering and pop-up company, is partnering with Q Bakehouse & Market, an Asian woman-owned bakery and market just west of downtown Ann Arbor.

This collaboration signifies a fusion of coffee excellence from Strider Coffee Stop and the culinary creativity of Q Bakehouse & Market.

Strider Coffee Stop, founded by the talented Caleb Ingalsbe, a cybersecurity architect who worked for the U.S. Department of Defense, has evolved from a side project to a thriving business.

“I never thought I’d be renting cafe space, staffing my own coffee bar, or serving Ann Arbor with regular hours, but here we are,” says Ingalsbe. “It has been stressful, rewarding, and completely fallen into my lap in the best way.”

Strider Coffee Stop is a “multi-roaster,” utilizing coffee from various roasters and rotating offerings periodically. This approach is designed to ensure the best coffee sourcing practices, focusing on quality, care, and support for farmers at origin.

Rachel Liu Martindale, a materials science engineer by degree, is behind Q Bakehouse & Market.

“This partnership is about creating a space where the love for coffee meets the creativity of culinary arts,” says Martindale. “Together with Strider Coffee Stop, we aim to offer our community a unique and delightful experience.”

Ann Arbor’s C3 Industries Opens Dispensary in New Jersey

C3 Industries, an Ann Arbor-based cannabis company, has opened its first retail location in New Jersey and its 24th dispensary nationwide.

“The opening of our High Profile Lakehurst dispensary marks our entrance into the New Jersey cannabis market and the fifth state where High Profile is delivering high-quality, accessible cannabis offerings,” says Ankur Rungta, co-founder and CEO of C3 Industries. “We are elated to begin serving the people of Lakehurst as well as communities across Ocean County and Central Jersey. We look forward to bringing more consumers across the country High Profile’s exceptional customer service, unique retail experiences and high-quality cannabis products at an accessible price point.”

For more information, visit here .

Meridian, Centene Foundation Announce $1.1M Grant to Wayne Mobile Health Unit

Meridian in Michigan, a managed care organization and a subsidiary of Centene Corp. is partnering with the Wayne State University’s Mobile Health Unit (WMHU), based in Detroit, to improve maternal and infant health and broadly support the WMHU’s community outreach efforts to deliver preventative health services directly in neighborhoods, at homes, and in workplaces.

The $1.1 million in funding from Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corp., and Meridian will allow WMHU to deploy mobile vans to low-, moderate-, and high-risk pregnant women living in metro Detroit who have not engaged in routine prevention services and work to connect them to DMC’s OB/GYN specialists for follow-up care.

The hope is the initiative will reduce maternal health mortality rates, which are disproportionately higher among Black and Hispanic women. Women can participate regardless of whether they are Meridian members.

“Meridian is pleased to collaborate with the Wayne Mobile Health Unit and our other partners to provide targeted services in an efficient way to urban and rural communities across Michigan,” says Dr. Kay Judge, chief medical officer at Meridian. “By focusing on proactive outreach to communities that have long suffered health inequities, this partnership will directly address disparities and provide a tangible solution that can be applied not only to maternal health but also a wide range of health conditions and respective outcomes.”

In addition to connecting WMHU patients with DMC follow-up care, the program will provide routine social determinant of health (SDoH) screenings with wraparound community health worker services to guide women through the process and ensure continuity of care. In its first year, the pilot aims to increase attendance at pre- and postnatal appointments by 10-20 percent to reduce maternal mortality rates.

Walsh College Partners with Troy Chamber to Launch Talent Retention Effort

Walsh College in Troy and the Troy Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to launch the Preferred Education Partnership (PEP), aimed at not only supporting businesses during tough economic times but also at nurturing and retaining talent within Michigan.

PEP is designed to be an initiative to train and grow local talent, reinforcing Michigan’s position as a hub for skilled professionals. Empowering businesses to offer access to educational benefits through this program, Walsh College and Troy Chamber of Commerce say they are investing in the future of Michigan’s workforce, and their families.

“At Walsh College, we know the power education has in transforming lives and communities,” says Suzy Siegle, president of Walsh. “The PEP program furthers our commitment to Michigan’s businesses and their employees, offering them a ladder to climb higher in their professional journeys while deepening talent growth in Michigan.”

PEP’s role in fostering Michigan’s talent pool includes:

Education Incentives for Local Talent: Offering discounts on both undergraduate and graduate courses, professional development and continuing education at Walsh College, the PEP program is an affordable pathway for Michigan-based employees to enhance their skills and qualifications.

Family-Inclusive Benefits: Extending educational discounts to the immediate family members of employees further roots the benefits within the community, encouraging long-term residency and career growth within the state.

Resource for Small Businesses: Particularly beneficial for small businesses, PEP provides a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent, contributing to a robust local economy.

Community and Career Growth: Facilities rental discounts and access to career fairs further integrate businesses and their employees into the thriving educational and professional landscape of Michigan.

“Michigan thrives when its businesses and talent flourish,” says Tara Tomcsik-Husak, president of Troy Chamber of Commerce. “The PEP initiative is a testament to our dedication to the state’s economic vitality. By equipping our workforce with advanced skills and knowledge, we are not just supporting individual careers but are also fortifying Michigan’s position in the national and global economy.”

Michigan Small Business Development Center Growth Team Offers AI Webinar

Small business owners and the general public are invited to a one-hour, no-cost Michigan SBDC webinar at noon Feb. 20, to discuss “Artificial Intelligence for Small Businesses.” The webinar will help small businesses discern AI fact from fiction and cover the potential of AI and its practical applications.

The panel discussion will include:

• Michigan SBDC Growth Team Manager Jim McLain
• Michigan SBDC Business Growth Consultant Dale Anderson
• Michigan SBDC Business Consultant Sarah Forrest
• SPACE Inc. Director of Marketing & Sustainability Renars Bundzis

Registrants are encouraged to submit questions in advance and during the webinar for a live Q&A session with the panel.

More information and registration for the webinar are available here .

Italian Consulate in Detroit Hosts Black-Italian Rapper Amir Issaa

The Consulate of Italy Consulate in Detroit organized a series of events Feb. 12, with Roman rapper Amir Issaa.

Through his words and his beats, he promoted the values of diversity and the fight against all forms of discrimination. It was a “light-hearted and innovative opportunity to approach serious topics, managing to involve a large segment of the Italian and non-Italian audience.”

This event was organized to celebrate Black History Month at Wayne State University in Detroit, where the consulate’s past initiatives (such as the Black Italian Film Festival) have been successful.

The day’s program began in the morning with a workshop in which the singers showed how rap is a form of poetry, and involved those present in creating their own verses. In addition to the students of the Italian program at Wayne State University, those from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan connected remotely as well.

Members of the Italian cultural organization Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan also were invited and present. Led by a hip- hop track, first Consul Baistrocchi (with a fun rap about consular services), then students, and other participants created rhymes they invented during the workshop.

The day continued in the afternoon with the presentation of the book “I live for this,” written by Issaa at the University of Michigan, which was followed by an exchange with the students on experiences and inspirations.

The grand finale was the rapper’s free concert at Wayne State University. The artist performed his main songs.

The Redford Theatre, Detroit Art Deco Society to Run Director’s Cut of ‘Blade Runner’

The Redford Theatre and the Detroit Area Art Deco Society are hosting a showing of Ridley Scott’s director’s cut of the 1982 “Blade Runner” film on March 1 at 8 p.m.

Patrons will be able to see the movie in the historic art deco Redford Theatre. There also will be a raffle featuring “Blade Runner” memorabilia from Detroit Record Club, “Blade Runner” illustrated prints for purchase, and preshow beats in the lobby supplied by an electronic DJ from Detroit Record Club.

Tickets are $14.50 each and can be purchased at this here .

Salvation Army Gearing Up for 37 ^th Bed & Bread Club Radiothon

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is continuing its fight against hunger and homelessness with its 37th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon, hosted by 760 WJR, starting at 4 p.m. Feb. 22 and finishing at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23.

The Salvation Army’s $1.825 million fundraising goal will help the nonprofit continue serving nearly 1.7 million meals and providing nearly 52,000 nights of shelter annually through its Bed & Bread program.

“For the past 36 years, the Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has served as a cornerstone for the Bed & Bread program,” says Maj. Toni Dorrell, metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. “The funds raised during Radiothon allow The Salvation Army to provide nourishing meals to the hungry and safe shelter to the homeless.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to WJR and our generous supporters; together, we are doing God’s work and paving the way for positive change for the communities and individuals in need.”

The Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has been broadcasting live on 760 WJR since 2011. In its 36-year history, the fundraiser has raised more than $43.1 million.

Listeners can donate $120 to feed five people for nearly a month. Those who donate $240 will provide meals to 10 people for nearly a month and receive a limited-edition Bed & Bread Club Radiothon rain poncho as a thank you. Those contributing $255 or more can donate an extra rain poncho to a Bed & Bread client.

The Radiothon lineup will feature:

• Rene Vitale and Mike Parsons 5-6 a.m.
• Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds 6-9 a.m.
• Kevin Dietz, Tom Jordan, and Marie Osborne 9-11 a.m.
• Paul W. Smith, Chris Renwick, and Marie Osborne 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The Mitch Albom Show 2-4 p.m.
• Guy Gordon, Dan Aronson, Dick Purtan, and the Purtan family 4-7 p.m.

Local and national celebrities, along with civic and business leaders, also will join the conversation throughout the Radiothon, encouraging listeners to make a difference for the hungry and homeless in metro Detroit.

Individuals can donate The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread program by:

• Visiting org
• Texting BREAD to 24365
• Calling 833-SAL-HOPE (833-725-4673)

For more information about The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Club Radiothon, including event volunteer opportunities, visit SAmetrodetroit.org/radiothon .

Bocce With the Brothers to Benefit Capuchin Ministries Set for March 22

The 12th Annual Bocce with the Brothers is returning for a night of giving back to the Capuchin friars and their programs, including the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, on March 22 at Villa Penna in Sterling Heights beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Hosted and sponsored by Shelving.com , all proceeds from the event directly support the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Solanus Casey Center, and Capuchin Retreat, each serving the spiritual and material needs of metro Detroiters.

Shelving Inc. President Michael Schodowski chairs the event and more than 400 guests attended last year. Tickets and details can be found at boccewiththebrothers.org .

“Our team at Shelving.com is committed to supporting our community, and it is such an honor to host this evening benefiting the Capuchin Ministries and its remarkable work for those in need,” says Schodowski. “Bocce with the Brothers is a very special night raising funds for an extraordinary organization that has served hundreds of thousands in our city for over 140 years.”

Tickets are available for $75 per person and must be purchased in advance.

The night includes a buffet dinner, beer, and wine. On the Rise Bakery Café, a program of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, will provide desserts. Guests can enjoy unlimited bocce, entertainment from performers like the Gary Greenfelder Orchestra, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Choir, and DJ Frank Krause from Uptown Sound. A cigar tent will be onsite. Capuchin friars will be in attendance to play bocce ball and visit with guests.

The live and silent auction features curated experiences in sports and travel, unique gifts and so much more.

Sponsorship and program advertising opportunities for Bocce with the Brothers are available and 100 percent of proceeds go directly toward supporting Capuchin Ministries. Visit boccewiththebrothers.org for tickets and ways to support the Capuchins.

The post DBusiness Daily Update: St. Louis-based ARCO National Construction Opens Office in Southfield, and More appeared first on DBusiness Magazine .