Business Leader Training Available From Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center

Oakland County business owners interested in improving their leadership skills are encouraged to enroll in Oakland County “Business of Leadership” classes.

The Business of Leadership classes begin in August and are designed to address the special demands faced during the growth stage of a successful business. Effective leadership improves employee morale, customer satisfaction, product/service quality and profitability. As small businesses grow, more advanced leadership skills are required to manage progress and rapid change.

Classes are offered in two cohort models. The first is aimed at manager-level participants who supervise at least two people. This class meets once a week for six weeks, starting Aug. 9.

The second is for C-suite level employees, primarily CEOs and business owners. It starts Oct. 18 and runs for five weeks. A broad range of topics will be covered, including situational leadership, leading with personality style, leading with emotional intelligence, effective communication skills for managers, problem solving and making effective decisions.

The Business of Leadership courses are taught by One Stop Shop Business Center business counselors and Oakland County human resources professionals. Both the manager level and C-suite level cohort courses are limited to 20 people per class. The enrollment fee is $500, with a $100 discount available for early registrants if paid two weeks or more in advance. Classes are expected to fill quickly. Register at AdvantageOakland.EventBrite.com.

Superheroes Invited to Walk for Miracles at Detroit Zoo

Superheroes of all ages are invited to Beaumont Children’s “Walk for Miracles” at the Detroit Zoo, Saturday, June 15.

On-site registration opens at 7:30 a.m. The walk starts at 8:15 a.m. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network programming at Beaumont Children’s.

Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero or fantasy character. Children will meet Super Beau, the Beaumont Children’s mascot bear, and other popular fairytale and comic book heroes. Each child will receive a superhero cape. Walkers will also have the opportunity to meet former Detroit Red Wing defenseman Jason Woolley.

Breakfast and refreshments are included with each walk registration.

Walkers must register for the event and make a minimum donation: $20 per adult and $5 per child, ages 3 to 14. Children 2 and under are free. Walk registration also includes same-day family admission to the Detroit Zoo. Additional fundraising is encouraged. Visit www.beaumont.org/walk-for-miracles to register in advance.

City Takes Next Step Toward Downtown Parking Vision

The City has approved a non-binding development agreement, which includes an initial phase to replace the aging, North Old Woodward parking structure with a state-of-the-art facility as well as a secondary phase that envisions developing nearby sites. Residents are encouraged to learn more about this proposed project by going to the dedicated web page on the city website, www.bhamgov.org/noldwoodwardparking.

This page features further information including an FAQ as well as background information about the project.

Mental Health Fair May 29 at Beaumont, Royal Oak

Beaumont Health and Easterseals Michigan are hosting a free mental health fair Wednesday, May 29, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The fair will take place in the South Tower lobby at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road. Free parking is available in the South Tower parking structure.

Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo May 17-18

The Detroit Zoological Society and Michigan Humane Society, in collaboration with more than 40 local animal welfare organizations, will co-host the spring 2019 Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo on Friday, May 17, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be available for immediate adoption to loving homes at one of the nation’s largest off-site companion animal adoption events.

fab’rik Clothing Boutique to Open in Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham will soon welcome fab’rik at 123 West Maple. The national boutique specializes in high-quality women’s clothing and accessories. Known for “high style with heart,” the store offers high fashion at affordable prices.

With more than 40 locations nationwide, fab’rik is known as a leading fashion franchise. Carrie Sofikitis and Melissa Mistrot, sisters and co-owners, feel Birmingham is an ideal location for the new store. “I live in Birmingham and can’t think of a better location for the boutique,” said Sofikitis. “It has the perfect downtown atmosphere and the perfect clientele for fab’rik.”

The Birmingham Shopping District identified fab’rik as a strong retailer for downtown Birmingham using a comprehensive market research analysis provided by a third-party consultant, Buxton Company. “Buxton Company’s analysis enabled us to understand the consumer profile of our retail trade area and assist with bringing key retailers such as fab’rik to downtown Birmingham,” said Ingrid Tighe, Birmingham Shopping District executive director. “We began reaching out to fab’rik early last year and we’re excited to welcome them to downtown Birmingham.”

MOM Race Saturday May 4

Has your life been touched by mental illness or suicide? Are you looking to connect with others to help erase the stigma, or just participate in a local 5K for a good cause? Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 4, in Royal Oak for the 14th Annual MOM Race for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention.

The 5K run/walk starts at 10 a.m. from Starr Jaycee Park and travels through the Vinsetta neighborhoods between 12 Mile and Main St.

Proceeds from the 2019 MOM Race will benefit brain research at The University of Michigan Depression Center, suicide prevention programming by KnowResolve, and crisis intervention services provided by Common Ground.

For more information, please visit MOMrace.org or contact Julie Farhat at (248) 376-4MOM or director@momrace.org.

On-Street Valet Parking Service Adds to Parking Options in Downtown Birmingham

Convenient and affordable on-street valet parking service is now available for your next visit to downtown Birmingham.

The city-sponsored program, first introduced during the successful reconstruction of Old Woodward Ave., has two locations on the opposite ends of downtown. One location is at S. Old Woodward and Merrill, while the other is at Hamilton and Ferndale (adjacent to Woodward Ave).

For $5 per vehicle for the first two hours, you can leave your car at one of the on-street valet locations while shopping or dining in downtown Birmingham. If you need to stay longer than two hours to enjoy the amenities of downtown, the cost is $5 per hour. The on-street valet parking stands are available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information on the on-street valet parking program as well as other parking options in the city, please go to www.bhamgov.org/parking.

Birmingham Welcomes willow and fernn

willow and fernn, is a lifestyle boutique located at 528 North Old Woodward. The store, across from Booth Park, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. every Thursday.

Within the walls of willow and fernn, shoppers will find women’s clothing, jewelry, home decor, gifts and a bath salt bar with salts from around the world. Owner and clinical aromatherapist Vicki Blazier also features an aromatherapy bar for shoppers to enjoy.

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