DETROIT—Comerica Michigan Economic Activity Index increased in May to a level of 106.7, 24.4 percent higher than the all-time low of 85.8 reached in June 2020, at the bottom of the coronavirus recession. The index averaged 100 points for all of 2020, 9 points below the index average for 2019. The index is comprised of
FLINT—Officials at the Louisville, Ky.-based healthcare business accelerator XLerateHealth announced the selection of six startup companies to participate in the 2021 cohort of startups at its Flint office. This year’s program will be fully virtual following last year’s success in light of COVID adaptations. XLH Flint is funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the
TROY—Officials at electric vehicle maker Electric Last Mile Solutions Inc. announced that the company has signed a binding, long-term supply agreement with Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry Co. Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer of electric cargo vans and light duty specialty vehicles. Under the agreement, ELMS will have long-term access to EV component systems and parts from
SOUTHFIELD—After several years of effort, officials at the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX) said the organization has been granted tax-exempt status, establishing itself as a long-term, standalone entity and furthering its commitment to improve Michigan internet connectivity. Since its founding in 2014, the DET-iX has grown to become the largest fee-free exchange in the world and
SOUTHFIELD—The members of the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation want to increase the number of women occupying senior leadership roles inclusive of the so-called C-suite—chief executive officers, chief information officers, and more. So, the organization’s most recent program—an immersive Leadership Clinic now open for applications—turns the region’s chief information officers as coaches and mentors for
TROY–Officials at the Troy data analytics and consumer intelligence provider J.D. Power announced the company had acquired Edison, N.J.-based Superior Integrated Solutions Inc., a developer of finance and insurance software used by automotive dealerships. Terms were not disclosed. “We are focused on maximizing the value of our extensive data and analytics assets by connecting the
ANN ARBOR–DaySmart Software, the business management software developer, announced the acquisition of Seattle, Wash.-based Dash Platform, a developer of sports facility and recreation management software. This acquisition expands DaySmart’s reach into new industries, such as sports facilities, parks and recreation departments. Dash Platform is software-as-a-service that supports all facets of sports and recreation business operations.
FARMINGTON HILLS–Officials of Farmington Hills-based Hercules Electric Vehicles announced it has signed a strategic agreement with Turin, Italy-based Pininfarina SpA for the design of its upcoming Alpha battery electric pickup truck, and other products currently under development. Under terms of the agreement, Pininfarina will design the Hercules Alpha pickup and other products to be announced
BELLEVUE, Wash.—Officials at the wireless carrier T-Mobile announced areas in and around the city of Bangor and the village of Decatur, both located in southwest Michigan’s Van Buren County, have access to 5G service. The Michigan towns were among 81 cities and towns across the country that received 5G service. T-Mobile said the new service
TROY—The Automation Alley Industry 4.0 Accelerator has made a $110,000 investment in Detroit-based Andonix, creators of the Safely Pass app to give organizations digital tools to monitor workplace safety and health—including daily staff screenings required for manufacturing employers during the pandemic. “Andonix is poised for growth in a variety of manufacturing environments, and this should
