DBusiness Daily Update: New Makerspace to Open in Auburn Hills Saturday, 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.

New Makerspace to Open in Auburn Hills Saturday

Open Workshops, a new makerspace in Auburn Hills, is hosting a grand opening from 2-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Open Workshops is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed for a variety of mechanical, electrical, and programming projects. It aims to bring science, technology, engineering, and the arts to everyone by establishing a shared space where members can gather, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects.

The space boasts multiple 3-D printers (FDM and resin), a CNC laser router, drill press, scroll saw, band saw, belt and disk sander, soldering irons, a variety of hand and power tools, and more.

All are welcome to attend the grand opening and check out the space at no charge. Memberships are available at $25 per month to use the space, and training is required to use select tools.

“We think it’s important for people to have the ability to express themselves through making, learn how to use in-demand tools like these, and build a community with other makers,” says Lance Menard, president of Open Workshops. “Our goal with Open Workshops is to make that as accessible as possible, since space and tools like these are out of reach for many people in metro Detroit.”

Open Workshops is the most affordable makerspace open to anyone in the Metro Detroit area, regardless of residency or employer. Anyone interested in joining can visit open-workshops.com.

Divergent Capital Doubles Assets Under Management with $17M Stony Creek Apartments

Divergent Capital Partners, a real estate investment company in Southfield, has doubled its number of units under management with the recent $17 million acquisition of the Stony Creek Apartments in Washington Township.

“This acquisition of 202 units plus two commercial fronts allows Divergent Capital to continue to build upon our promise to investors when it comes to enhancing the underlying intrinsic property value by maximizing operational efficiencies and through focused rebranding and renovation,” says Saif Siddiqui, managing principal and director of acquisitions at Divergent.

“We are particularly pleased to have acquired this highly sought after property in Washington Township, and we believe Divergent’s hands-on approach will be incredibly beneficial to unlocking its true value.”

Divergent Capital says it will soon be unveiling plans for a proposed $6 million renovation.

“We will have a comprehensive renovation plan with a particular emphasis on the community and property enhancements, including adding some additional amenities,” says Nathan Guinane, managing principal and director of strategic partnerships and investor relations at the company. “We have an expected timeframe of 12-18 months to complete these renovations and plans.”

California Bank Adopts Online Banking Platform of Detroit’s Bankjoy

First Federal Savings & Loan of San Rafael in California has adopted the online banking platform of Detroit fintech company Bankjoy to deliver an intuitive and feature-rich online and mobile banking experience for account holders.

Through the partnership, First Federal’s account holders will be able to manage their finances from their preferred device using Bankjoy’s end-to-end digital banking platform, which includes a suite of mobile and online banking features, integrated loan applications, and other advanced functionalities, such as online account opening.

The bank plans to implement Bankjoy’s newly enhanced Online Account Opening solution, which will enable a fully automated, secure, and streamlined onboarding experience for new customers while helping First Federal grow deposits. First Federal also will use Bankjoy’s integration with Plaid, which allows the bank’s customers to connect multiple accounts from other financial institutions and third-party apps within online and mobile banking.

Additionally, Bankjoy’s platform will integrate directly with First Federal’s core banking system, Fiserv Cleartouch. Bankjoy’s product suite is integrated within the bank’s core system and designed with the end-user in mind, resulting in a consistent, secure, and intuitive user experience for both desktop and mobile banking.

With more than 120 integrations with third-party vendors and other core platforms, Bankjoy ensures a frictionless digital banking experience across channels, resulting in a more satisfied and loyal customer base for banks.

Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel Delivers State of the City Address

Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel delivered the State of the City address in late July, which provided a comprehensive report on the city’s fiscal outlook, programs, and strategies for improving the quality of life and delivery of services to residents.

Among the highlights, the mayor detailed information on numerous developments that have occurred in the 10 months since the last State of the City Address including:

Greimel acknowledged the Grants and Philanthropy Department for its efforts in securing funding initiatives and projects, including nearly $400,000 from an Out of School Time Programming grant for youth sports, over $1 million to replace street lights with brighter, more energy efficient bulbs, millions of dollars from the state of Michigan to extend the Clinton River Trail between Opdyke and Martin Luther King Boulevard, and $16 million from the federal government to reconstruct Pike street and make it more pedestrian friendly.

A video of the address can be viewed here.

Holy Redeemer Parish in Detroit to Host Raffle and Fair Fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 6

Holy Redeemer Parish at 1721 Junction St. in southwest Detroit will host its Annual Kermes and Grand Raffle and Fair fundraiser on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Among the raffle items are a set of Princess House Cookware, Princess House Blender, Princess House Stand Maker, Golden Chain with a Religious Pendent, JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Milwaukee Drill and Impact Set, and an Electric Hoverboard Scooter. The ticket cost is $15.

For more information, call 313-842-3450 or email [email protected].

JARC to Host Carnival for Those with Developmental Disabilities at Adat Shalom Synagogue Aug. 20

Nearly 400 people are expected to attend a free carnival specifically geared to accommodate people with and/or sensory sensitivities and their caregivers from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, in the parking lot of Adat Shalom Synagogue (29901 Middlebelt Road) in Farmington Hills.

Hosted by JARC, a Bloomfield Hills-based nonprofit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, the event will include carnival rides and games, music, snacks, and entertainment alongside sensory-friendly, quiet spaces to accommodate anyone with sensory needs.

Food will be available for purchase. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers are invited to attend the event for free and tickets for family members can be purchased for $20 per individual or $50 per family. The carnival is not open to the greater public.

Proceeds will benefit JARC’s important programs and services which fulfill JARC’s mission of enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities. To reserve tickets, visit here.

Host University Conference to Provide Marketing Strategies for Financial Advisors

White Glove, an advisor marketing company specializing in turnkey client acquisition and engagement services in Birmingham, is presenting its annual Host University conference Aug. 27-29 at Motor City Casino in Detroit.

The event will feature more than 20 industry leaders providing need-to-know strategies on how to attract, connect, and engage with potential clients.

“Host University is the cornerstone of our education offerings as it provides an opportunity for financial advisors to acquire insights and strategies needed for long-term success and growth,” says Mike Thurman, co-founder of White Glove. “The event will help participants learn how to leverage seminar and webinar marketing to adeptly convert potential clients into valuable high-net-worth partnerships.”

With a diverse lineup of industry experts and practicing advisors, the conference will feature comprehensive sessions covering various topics such as estate planning, the future of financial services, crafting effective calls to action, optimizing follow-up strategies, hacks for converting prospects to clients, and tactics to deepen client relationships, among others.

For more information, visit here.

Detroit NFL Alumni Chapter Presents Scholarships to 11 Michigan Student-athletes

The NFL Alumni Association Detroit Chapter raised more than $100,000 at its annual Charity Golf Classic in June and presented 11 Michigan student-athletes with $2,500 college scholarships.

“Even with the turmoil of Michigan’s weather this year, this event was not only fun, but was critical to help student-athletes reach their athletic and academic potential,” says Pete Chryplewicz, president of the NFL Alumni Association Detroit Chapter and chair of the Golf Classic. “Its impact on our community is profound, and we were proud to bring it back again this year.”

The NFL Alumni Association Detroit Chapter also honored Mike Martin, a University of Michigan graduate, as the Alumni of the Year. Drafted 82nd overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, Martin, a Detroit native, currently resides in Detroit with his family.