Sherri Welch Crain's Detroit Business reporter covering nonprofits, services, retail and hospitality Sherri Welch covers nonprofits, charities and other business news for Crain’s Detroit Business, an affiliate of Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-1694 See All Staff Page Recent Stories 1st floor of Ford Piquette plant, birthplace of Model T, opening to public Following a year-long renovation project, the former front office area of the plant known as the birthplace of the Model T is now a wide open space suitable for temporary exhibits and event rentals even during the day, when the museum is open. Automotive Hall of Fame to celebrate African Americans The exhibit and educational program will explore how mobility, vehicle ownership and roadways have impacted Black communities in Detroit, throughout the country and around the world, and will focus on firsthand oral histories of Black leaders, both historic and contemporary. New Automotive Hall of Fame exhibit to recognize African American contributions to industry The exhibit and educational program will explore how mobility, vehicle ownership and roadways have impacted Black communities in Detroit, throughout the country and around the world GM makes $50 million commitment to Detroit for education, jobs, neighborhoods GM CEO Mary Barra said: "As the home of our headquarters for more than a century, Detroit has always been a priority for General Motors." American Axle co-founder, philanthropist Mort Harris dies at 101 Harris was a decorated U.S. Army pilot during World War II and helped build American Axle & Manufacturing after its mid-1990s spinoff from General Motors. FCA Foundation names Estereicher as permanent CEO Fiat Chrysler's U.S. arm has named Christine Estereicher to lead its corporate grantmaking arm, the FCA Foundation. FCA Foundation CEO steps down Lesley Slavitt, who since 2015 served as the CEO of the FCA Foundation, has left the organization. The foundation declined to comment on her departure. GM's head of global philanthropy, corporate giving steps down Jackie Parker, who was named director of global philanthropy and corporate giving for General Motors in fall 2015, is leaving the post, effective today. Bain closes on purchase of MSX International Boston-based Bain Capital Private Equity has closed on its purchase of MSX International for an undisclosed amount. Beach Boys to perform at Detroit auto show charity preview The Beach Boys will be in Detroit on Jan. 13 to headline the charity preview of the 2017 Detroit auto show. The band is a good fit for the event as cars has been a frequent theme of its songs in its 50-plus years, including "Little Deuce Coupe," "409" and "Fun, Fun, Fun." Ford, UAW commit $6 million toward $50 million Motown Museum project Ford Motor and UAW-Ford have made a joint, $6 million commitment to help fund the Motown Museum expansion in Detroit. With the grant, the automaker and the union become the lead donor in the campaign, which was announced in mid-October. Detroit's Cobo Center plans $9.5 million in parking improvements Cobo Center, the primary venue for the Detroit auto show in January, is planning $9.5 million worth of parking structure projects that will give it another 570 parking spaces. MSX International acquires Australian company, expands global reach MSX International has acquired Australia-based Sewells Group, creating what the companies say will be the largest global provider of business process and training services to automotive dealerships. Detroit auto show venue makes changes in management The management company that oversees the Detroit auto show's venue, Cobo Center, has promoted assistant general manager Claude Molinari to general manager. In the new role, Molinari will oversee all of Cobo's operations for the firm, SMG. GM to launch major renovation of Renaissance Center HQ this summer GM plans to launch a large-scale renovation this summer at its Detroit headquarters, the Renaissance Center. The 120,000-square-foot renovation calls for extending the section of the front complex housing the People Mover station to Jefferson Avenue. Load More
Sherri Welch Crain's Detroit Business reporter covering nonprofits, services, retail and hospitality Sherri Welch covers nonprofits, charities and other business news for Crain’s Detroit Business, an affiliate of Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-1694 See All Staff Page