Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition returns to Oakland University with new honors, expanded challenges
The internationally recognized Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) will return to Oakland University this spring, marking the 33rd annual competition and bringing hundreds of student engineers and cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology to campus. Co-hosted by the Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science, the four-day competition attracts collegiate teams from across North America and the world who design, build and program autonomous ground vehicles capable of navigating
Yeo & Yeo’s David Youngstrom Inducted into Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame
Saginaw, MI — Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors is pleased to announce that David Youngstrom, CPA, President & CEO, has been named a 2026 Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan Business Hall of Fame Laureate, one of the organization’s highest honors. A Junior Achievement (JA) Laureate is recognized for exceptional business leadership, meaningful community impact, and a demonstrated commitment to mentoring and inspiring youth. Laureates embody JA’s core values of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and
Oakland University leads nationwide project to train researchers in critical AI domains
Led by the National Science Foundation (NSF), in partnership with 13 federal agencies and 28 private-sector contributors, the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) was created to provide researchers with high-performance computing, data and AI tools. Beginning in 2024, the two-year NAIRR Pilot program has fostered broad access to cutting-edge AI research. In collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Oakland University is leading a NAIRR Pilot expansion project to increase awareness and promote
News Release: 5/4/2026
Small Businesses Invited to Apply for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program in DetroitDetroit, MI —May 4th, 2026 — Small business owners across the region are invited to apply for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, a nationally recognized initiative designed to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses at NO COST. The program is currently recruiting for its Fall 2026 cohort, which will begin in September 2026. The general application deadline of June 2nd has been updated to
OU psychology major Alaina Humphreys honored for campus mental health advocacy
Oakland University student Alaina Humphreys recently received the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award, which recognizes students who are advocates for mental health and have positive impacts on their college campuses. Alaina Humphreys (Photo by Jennifer Patselas) Two awards are presented each year – one to a University of Michigan student and one to a student from another college or university. The award honors the memory of George Orley, a University of Michigan student who lost his
How to Build a Business Plan That Keeps Working After Launch
A business plan does two things: it opens doors with lenders and investors, and it keeps you oriented long after the money lands. For entrepreneurs in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia metro — where automotive supply chains, healthcare expansion, and advanced manufacturing define the competitive landscape — a well-built plan isn't just a requirement. It's the tool that separates businesses that scale from ones that stall. Why the Planning Itself Pays Off The data on this is clearer than most people realize. A
FEV Consulting recognized by Forbes and Statista as one of “America’s Best Management Consulting Firms” 2026
Aachen, Germany / Auburn Hills (MI), USA, March 2026 – FEV Consulting, a global leader in management consulting and strategic advisory services, has been named to Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Management Consulting Firms” 2026, compiled in collaboration with Statista. Previously honored in 2022 and 2023 on Forbes’ global ranking, FEV Consulting now receives this honor specifically for its outstanding impact in the U.S. market. The recognition highlights the company’s continued commitment to delivering
What Visual Storytelling Actually Does to Revenue — and Where Auburn Hills Businesses Start
Visual storytelling — using images, color, and motion to carry your brand's message — is one of the most direct growth levers available to small businesses. Consistent branding across platforms can boost revenue by 23%, making your visual identity a measurable business asset, not just a design preference. For Auburn Hills businesses competing in a dense Detroit metro market, that means every logo, photo, and color choice is either compounding brand equity or quietly eroding it. The Auburn Hills Chamber's
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The Hidden Cost of a Rushed Hire — and What Auburn Hills Business Owners Can Do About It
Building your team is one of the highest-leverage decisions you'll make as a new business owner. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates a bad hire costs up to 30% of the employee's first-year earnings, and SHRM puts the average cost-per-hire at $4,129 — making a rushed staffing decision one of the most expensive early mistakes a small business can make. In Metro Detroit, where automotive suppliers, healthcare practices, and tech firms compete for the same candidates, a deliberate hiring process gives you
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The Role of Financial Literacy in Building a Strong Small Business
Small business owners make financial decisions every day—setting prices, managing expenses, hiring staff, and planning for growth. Financial literacy, which is the ability to understand and interpret financial information, helps owners make those decisions with confidence rather than guesswork. When business owners understand their numbers, they gain control over the direction of their company. Strong financial knowledge doesn’t require becoming an accountant. It simply means understanding the core
How Auburn Hills Business Owners Can Hire the Right External Sales and Marketing Professionals
Finding the right external partner is one of the most overlooked levers for growth. Many Auburn Hills business owners know they need better sales momentum or clearer marketing execution—but aren’t sure where to start or who to trust. This article offers a grounded, practical path. Learn below:How external specialists reduce growth bottlenecksWhat to evaluate before signing a contractWays to improve collaboration and measure performanceHow to manage shared documentation with contractorsEarly Signals That
Cash Flow Mastery for Small Business Owners: Stability Today, Growth Tomorrow
For small business owners, cash flow is not just a financial term — it’s your operating lifeline. Whether you’re opening a second location, hiring your first employee, or navigating seasonal slowdowns, managing money in motion determines whether your business thrives or struggles. This article outlines practical strategies to help you protect, strengthen, and grow your financial foundation. Guarding Against Surprise Expenses Unexpected costs are among the fastest ways to drain your resources. One
How Small Businesses Can Rebuild Personal Touch in a Digital Age
In a world steered by convenience, where swipes replace signatures and screen time overshadows face time, small businesses face a new kind of challenge. While technology has allowed them to reach farther, respond faster, and run leaner, it has also created distance—between shopkeepers and customers, between brands and loyalty. The texture of human interaction has worn thin in the age of two-day shipping and chatbot customer service. But despite the digital drift, there's still a hunger for something real,
Inbound 281 Launches Studio 281: A New Video Production Studio
Helping Businesses Tell Their Stories Through Video. Inbound 281, a next-generation digital marketing agency, is proud to announce the official launch of Studio 281, a fully-equipped video production studio designed to help businesses create high-quality video and audio content without the usual cost, hassle, or technical barriers. To celebrate the launch, Inbound 281 is hosting an Open House event on June 10th, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at their Troy headquarters. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting
Revamp Your Business: Transform Sole Proprietorship to LLC
In the realm of entrepreneurship, taking bold and strategic steps can be the key to elevating your business from mere survival to thriving success. Picture this: transforming your sole proprietorship into a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This isn’t just an administrative change; it’s a powerful metamorphosis that could redefine your business’s trajectory, offering a shield for your personal assets and opening up a world of financial advantages and enhanced credibility. Dive into this guide and discover
HIROTEC AMERICA Announces Executive Leadership Changes
Auburn Hills, MI., April 22nd, 2024 – HIROTEC AMERICA, a member of the HIROTEC Group, a global tier one automotive supplier, announced the appointment of two new board members. Phil Zanolli has been appointed to the position of Chief Operations Officer and Sharon Beetham has been appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Phil joined HIROTEC AMERICA as a Project Manager in 2000 with over a decade of technical experience. His well-rounded background and strong leadership capabilities saw him
