News

Southfield City Centre Welcomes Clarience Technologies Global Headquarters
Southfield City Centre Welcomes Clarience Technologies Global Headquarters southfieldcc_3ik8d2

This fall, a bright new light will shine in the Southfield City Centre’s business community when Clarience Technologies welcomes employees to its new global headquarters on Civic Center Drive at Northwestern Highway. The parent company of Truck-Lite Co., LLC, DAVCO Technology, Road Ready, RIGID Industries and Lumitec, Clarience Technologies serves 68 countries with lighting products, visibility systems, telematics and other solutions, primarily for the transportation industry.

The new two-story, 50,000 square-foot building has room for about 150 employees and boasts several innovative design features to maximize the efficiency and purpose of the five subsidiary companies under the Clarience Technologies umbrella. “A lot of thought has been put into the layout,” says Beth English, vice president of marketing for Truck-Lite, a Clarience Technologies company.

In addition to a fitness center, cafe and lounges, the building features collaborative areas and open workspaces as well as a traditional office environment for employees. A customer care center in the lobby welcomes visitors with corporate-specific videos projected on glass walls and an artifact wall to display products. High tech monitors and state-of-the-art communications systems are spread throughout the building for easy and efficient connections with Clarience Technologies offices and subsidiary companies around the globe.

“A truck bay large enough to hold a full semi-tractor trailer is a great site for demonstrations and training, with an observation deck, all fully enclosed in the building,” says English.

But perhaps what is most innovative is the Road Ready Command Center, a central hub for fleet management. “Road Ready is one of the fastest-growing telematics businesses. The Road Ready Command Center will be a huge area that will display all of the fleets we have on the Road Ready system and will be managed from the headquarters building,” English explains. “There is a wall with a 30-foot screen to display the active fleets and is powered by an extensive IT support component.”

The Southfield City Centre: a deliberate choice

While many prospective sites in southeast Michigan were considered, the Southfield City Centre emerged as the winner due to its proximity to a strong talent pool to fill managerial, sales, engineering and technical positions for the growing electronics company, as well as the convenient location, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly trail network, robust community-building business events and other attractive features typically enjoyed by a millennial workforce, according to English.

“One of the key draws for us to Southfield was the community and what it has to offer, as well as the adjacency to universities, which will provide a high-quality workforce. The Southfield City Centre parcel is a large space, and we want to be a good corporate citizen and part of what is going on locally,” English says.

The steel and concrete structure was built largely by local teams of suppliers and contractors, says English. In its design, the nearly 5-acre corner location has attractive brickwork, landscaping, lighting and seating, creating a beautiful space where employees and visitors will want to spend time, right on the Southfield City Centre Trail network.

A pedestrian plaza will be added by Clarience to link the headquarters to the City Centre Trail.  The Southfield City Centre will also contribute funding to this development, as well as to the installation of benches, trash receptacles, landscaping and lighting, according to Terry Croad, director of planning for the City of Southfield. The plaza was approved by the Southfield Public Arts Commission because it meets the standards of its art requirement and will contribute to the rich public arts aesthetic in the district.

“We’re excited to be located in this development hub that is accessible and close to many universities including Lawrence Tech,” says communications manager Andrew Liuzzo. “We look forward to establishing ourselves in the Southfield City Centre and adding value to what it already offers.”

Learn more about Clarience Technologies at www.clariencetechnologies.com.

Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant
Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant southfieldcc_3ik8d2

Oakland County is dedicating $28 to $30 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Fund to help small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This competitive grant program is focused on these hard-hit sectors:

  • Retail
  • Food and Lodging
  • Personal Services
  • Business Services
  • Entertainment and Recreation
  • Construction and Maintenance Services

You are eligible to apply for this grant if your business falls within any of these sectors and due to the COVID – 19 pandemic you have experienced any of the following between March 2020 through June 2020:

  • A loss of gross receipts or sales
  • Operated at a reduced level of production, sales, employment or service
  • Have temporarily closed all operations and are now in the process of reopening

This is a competitive grant program and applications will be reviewed and determinations on awards will be made periodically throughout, and following, the 6-week application period ending on Monday September 14, 2020.

 

Learn More About the Program

Get a Taste of Southfield at Restaurant Week 2020 – Chance to Win Big!
Get a Taste of Southfield at Restaurant Week 2020 – Chance to Win Big! southfieldcc_3ik8d2

Help celebrate Southfield’s rich variety of eateries and grab some super savings during Restaurant Week 2020. The event is sponsored by the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce and takes place Monday, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 30.

“During this time of COVID-19, we created a way to extend the much-loved annual Taste of Southfield event,” says Jasmine Patton, director of communication and events with the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “Offering a no-contact alternative that still celebrates restaurants in Southfield was a challenge, but we are excited to present a Restaurant Week event that will be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

On Monday, Aug. 24, between noon and 4 p.m., participants can drive by the Chamber office in the Southfield City Centre and receive a bag of special offers, promotions and giveaways, while supplies last.

“One of our favorite additions to the Community Day bag will be personal stories from the participating restaurants, the Southfield Chamber and the City of Southfield. It will also have some exclusive Restaurant Week offers from restaurants,” says Patton.

Individuals can also purchase a special Restaurant Week button for $5, which they show at participating restaurants to receive a mystery surprise. Those who purchase a button will also be entered to win a great prize. “The grand prize is a private chef experience at the Great Lakes Culinary Center,” says Patton. “This is a unique experience that is sure to please every foodie who enjoys learning tips and tricks from an expert.”

Other prizes include an Amazon Alexa, membership to the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce, a Family Fun Pack for Nerf Wars, restaurant gift cards and more.

A key Restaurant Week event will be a chef competition that will take place at the Great Lakes Culinary Center in Southfield. “This will be an ultimate burger competition and judges will be sampling and selecting the best burger in the show,” Patton explains. Judges are Southfield Mayor Ken Siver; Mariana Hernandez, corporate and foundation relations officer at Lawrence Tech University; and Ray Moulden of the Moulden Allstate Agency. The event will be pre-recorded by Southfield’s Cable 15 and can be viewed during the Restaurant Week event.

On Wellness Wednesday, August 26, local health expert Shalynne Barr will host a virtual wellness program, and on Family Fun Friday, August 28, the Southfield Public Library will host a a family read along and kids’ cooking show by Shari. Both events take place at noon.

Get your tastebuds ready, and keep an eye on further details on the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce website. Purchase your Restaurant Week button through the Chamber website.

Eat to the Beat August is a Virtual Event
Eat to the Beat August is a Virtual Event southfieldcc_3ik8d2

You can enjoy the fun of Southfield City Centre events, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

In the interest of safety, Eat To The Beat in the Southfield City Centre has gone virtual for the summer of 2020. Take a break on Thursday, August 13, grab some lunch and watch Eat To The Beat on the Southfield City Centre’s Facebook page or on the Cable 15 live page on the City of Southfield website.

August’s virtual event will feature Little Moses Jones and Cancel Monday.

Little Moses Jones will get you on your feet and dancing with memorable tunes from yesterday and today. The band is high-energy new rock infused with funk and features front-man Moses Jones on the keyboards, drums and saxophone. Cancel Monday is a crowd-pleasing band that entertains with dance-centric favorites and singalongs.

Eat To The Beat, the Southfield City Centre’s signature summer food truck and live music monthly event looks a little different this summer, in response to COVID-19. This creative effort is presented as a safer alternative to the traditional Southfield City Centre gathering.

Grab your lunch and a cool beverage and enjoy Eat To The Beat VIRTUAL on one of these platforms:

The Southfield City Centre Facebook page (on demand, any time) or the Cable 15 live page on the City of Southfield website (broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 13.)

American Red Cross Blood Drive
American Red Cross Blood Drive southfieldcc_3ik8d2

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on Wednesday July 22, from 11am to 5pm at St. John Armenian Church. For an appointment, please log onto RedCrossBlood.org (Sponsor Code: SPAC) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the  day of your appointment.

More information is located on the flyer below:

 

Get Inspired and Connected Through “Working Women Wednesday”
Get Inspired and Connected Through “Working Women Wednesday” southfieldcc_3ik8d2

The Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Women in Business virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, July 22, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The event will feature Regina Hall, a certified John Maxwell speaker, Tisha Hammond, small business “cheerleader” and founder of Ascent Small Business Promotion LLC, and Alyssa Space, founder and CEO of ForHerCosmetics.

This event is designed to meet the needs of women who are seeking selective conversations, says Jasmine Patton, director of communication and events with the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Women in particular face unique barriers as a result of working from home,” says Patton. “Many are working full time, homeschooling, and balancing all the needs of their home and family. We are starting this conversation and inviting outside organizations who are already doing great work to come and join our collective conversation.”

With so many options for organization membership and resources, the Southfield Area Chamber seeks to be a hub to support working women.

Join the Women in Business call through Zoom by registering at the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce website. There is no cost to participate, and a lot of support to gain.

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Southfield CommUNITY Cup Challenge Continues Virtually in 2020
Southfield CommUNITY Cup Challenge Continues Virtually in 2020 southfieldcc_3ik8d2

The Southfield CommUNITY Cup Challenge, an annual summer event that brings businesses in the Southfield City Centre together for some friendly competition and to raise funds and awareness for a good cause, is happening this summer. This year marks the fourth year for the Southfield Community Cup Challenge, but the first year the event has gone online.

“Despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we know that the Southfield CommUNITY Cup Challenge is a much-loved event, and something that really marks the summer for companies that participate, so we worked to make it happen,” says Shelly Freeman, business and economic development director for The City of Southfield. “Now more than ever, we depend upon events that will unite us and encourage us to have fun together.”

Organizations in the Southfield City Centre are encouraged to connect, reconnect, meet new business neighbors and find some fun this summer to build #SouthfieldStrong spirit. In all, 18 organizations are taking part in the virtual one-day event.

Typically, the CommUNITY Cup Challenge brings together businesses, city departments and educational institutions in the Southfield City Centre to compete in a variety of fun challenges, like trivia nights, bingo and scavenger hunt races. This year, the events are compacted down into a one-day competition with two virtual events held on Thursday, July 23.

From 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., players will face off online for “guess the destination” and bingo. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. players will compete in an online trivia and scavenger hunt in teams of five. Due to limited programming, play will be for fun only and a new cup winner will be announced in 2021.

Most importantly, collections and donations for the Stronger Warrior Foundation – this year’s selected charity — are open to all and will be ongoing until August 31. Stronger Warrior is a local nonprofit organization that supports the needs of active men and women in the military as well as veterans. The foundation’s flagship initiative, Mission Resupply, assembles, stocks and ships custom-designed crates to military men and women who are deployed overseas.

“The Stronger Warrior Foundation feels so grateful to be the charity supporting the Southfield Community Cup this year,” says Katelyn Abell, co-executive director of the foundation. “I think there’s a lot of great companies involved and willing to help donate toward our Mission Resupply program.  The biggest thing we would like to do is raise awareness about our organization and how we can help support our military personnel especially during these uncertain times.”

Through partnerships with organizations and individuals, the Stronger Warrior Foundation collects donations, selects platoons and sends crates to each member of the platoon. The organization was founded by sister-brother team Katelyn and Bryan Abell. Katelyn Abell led her team at Southfield City Centre-based IHS Markit to victory in the 2019 CommUNITY Cup Challenge and received the Cup trophy at the Southfield City Council meeting on September 23.

Learn more about the Southfield CommUNITY Cup on the event’s Facebook page. Donate at the GoFundMe page for the event.

Stronger Warrior Foundation has Roots and Support in the Southfield City Centre
Stronger Warrior Foundation has Roots and Support in the Southfield City Centre southfieldcc_3ik8d2

Katelyn Abell has a passion for nonprofit organizations. Always looking to make a positive difference in the world, she has long supported causes that she believes in, and imagined founding her own charitable organization one day. In 2018, Abell, who works at Southfield City Centre’s IHS Markit, dragged her brother Bryan Abell to an event for local nonprofit Fleece & Thank You, which provides colorful fleece blankets to children undergoing hospital treatments.

She said he loved the feeling of giving back and recognized the power of helping others.

“My brother was really encouraged to establish his own nonprofit,” says Abell, adding that he had been participating in athletic challenges to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. “He wanted to do something to help military men and women and he asked me to be a co-founder for a 501(c)(3).” In January 2019, Abell and her brother officially founded the Stronger Warrior Foundation.

The foundation’s flagship initiative is called Mission Resupply. “The program is centered around sending care packages to deployed men and women overseas. They could go to Italy or Afghanistan or Iraq,” Abell says. Each member of the designated platoon will receive a hand-built wood crate filled with wish list items.

Prior to the pandemic, the Stronger Warrior Foundation partnered with companies to get raw supplies to build the crates, and with schools and scouting organizations to decorate and fill the crates with toiletries, hygiene products, photos and other items. As a special item, the Stronger Warrior Foundation adds in a dry fit shirt with its foundation logo. Each crate costs about $40 to create, and individuals can sponsor crates or participate in fundraisers to help fund crates for a platoon.

“The shirts are really nice, and they are the same color as their uniform, so we know they will get good use out of it. It’s one of the small tricks my brother knows from being part of the Army,” Abell says.

A second program of the Stronger Warrior Foundation provides support to disabled veterans right in their own homes. Called the Adaptive Warrior program, this effort focuses on financial support for adaptive living additions to homes or vehicles. “We might put in a wheelchair lift, for example,” Abell says.

In addition, the Stronger Warrior Foundation supports a Health & Wellness program, which provides community members with all the tools needed to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Through exercise and nutritional instruction, the Health & Wellness program serves to support individuals and help them meet their fitness goals.

Even the Stronger Warrior Foundation’s website has supportive resources through its Warrior Journal. This section of the website has inspirational stories and tips for living a healthier life, emotionally, mentally and physically.

Most recently, In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Stronger Warrior Foundation held a targeted campaign to donate more than 500 face shields to frontline medical workers in local hospitals.

Like many nonprofit organizations, the Stronger Warrior Foundation is able to fulfill its mission through the support of partners and donors. In 2020, the single largest donor to the Stronger Warrior Foundation has been Iknowvate, an IT outsourcing service provider located at One Towne Square in the Southfield City Centre.

“Our organization is so thankful to have local companies like Iknowvate give corporate sponsorships to the organization. Their generous donation has helped us send warrior crates overseas to deployed men and women,” Abell says, adding that a portion of Iknowvate’s  donation helped the Adaptive Warrior Program.

“When a member of the Southfield City Centre business community can fulfill a dream of helping others and then partner with a nearby business for financial support to help make that happen, that’s a testament to the value of leveraging community resources and relationships to build a better world,” says Shelly Freeman, business & economic development director for The City of Southfield. “We’re continually amazed by the great things that come out of the Southfield City Centre business community. We are just looking to see what’s next.”

Learn more about the Stronger Warrior Foundation at strongerwarriorfoundation.org.

Small Business Restart Recovery Grant Applications Open
Small Business Restart Recovery Grant Applications Open southfieldcc_3ik8d2

The Michigan Small Business Restart Program application will be live starting Wednesday, July 15 at michiganbusiness.org/restart and run through Wednesday, August 5. Funds can be used as working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses.

To qualify for grant support, businesses must meet the following criteria, based on statutory requirements for the program:

  • Is a business or nonprofit that can demonstrate it is affected by the COVID-19 emergency
  • Needs working capital to support eligible expenses
  • Demonstrates an income loss as result of the COVID-19 emergency
  • Has not received a grant through the Michigan Strategic Fund’s Michigan Small Business Relief Program. Businesses who have received support through other COVID-19 relief programs, including the Michigan Small Business Relief Program loans, are eligible to apply for Restart grants.

Additionally, at least 30 percent of the funds awarded under the program must be provided to women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses. The MEDC anticipates that more than 5,000 businesses across the state will benefit from this program.

Read more at MichiganBusiness.org

Join Eat to the Beat’s July Program Virtually
Join Eat to the Beat’s July Program Virtually southfieldcc_3ik8d2

Following our first-ever Eat To The Beat VIRTUAL program in June, the Southfield City Centre is pleased to announce the July event, which will debut on Thursday, July 9, 2020.

This month’s virtual event will feature Larry Lee & The Back In The Day Band, and Skye Island (with Mike Talley).

Larry Lee & The Back In The Day Band is a collection of professional musicians from The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners and many more. The band plays an upbeat mix of original music and cover versions spanning the genres of soul, blues, hip-hop, disco, rock, pop, R&B and funk. Their website calls the Larry Lee & The Back In The Day Band “Detroit’s hottest Party Band.”

Skye Island (with Mike Talley) plays music with a “relaxed, positive and energetic vibe” that is influenced by George Benson, Sting, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and many more.

Eat To The Beat, the Southfield City Centre’s signature summer food truck and live music monthly event looks a little different this summer, in response to COVID-19. This creative effort was pulled together as a safer alternative to the traditional Southfield City Centre gathering.

Grab your lunch and a cool beverage and enjoy Eat To The Beat VIRTUAL on one of these platforms:

The Southfield City Centre Facebook page (on demand, any time) or the Cable 15 live page on the City of Southfield website (broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9 with a special rebroadcast on Thursday, July 16 at 11:30 a.m.

Planning is in the works for a summer drive-through food truck event, so watch for additional information to follow.

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