Comerica Business Resource Groups Impact the Community

Comerica Bank has 19 business resource groups that create strategies supporting business outreach and community impact, while partnering with relevant associations and nonprofits, and operate across the bank’s primary markets to pursue strategies that meet the banking needs and increase financial inclusion of the diverse communities it serves. Comerica’s 19 BRG teams have contributed to more than $1.3 billion in BRG-related closed business since 2020.

Comerica Supports United of Southeastern Michigan’s 7th Annual Women of Influence Summit

Comerica’s African American Business Resource Group and colleagues host an educational and networking event in partnership with the Dr. Ossian Sweet Foundation for Comerica customers and community partners at the Horatio Williams Foundation in Detroit.

Comerica’s Michigan African American BRG Celebrates Black History Month

February marked Black History Month, a tradition that got its start in the Jim Crow era and was officially recognized in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. It aims to honor the contributions that African Americans have made and to recognize their sacrifices.

In celebration of Black History Month, Comerica’s Michigan African American Business Resource Group (BRG) hosted an educational and networking event in partnership with the Dr. Ossian Sweet Foundation for Comerica customers and community partners at the Horatio Williams Foundation in Detroit.

Designed to educate attendees on the life and legacy of Dr. Ossian Sweet via the documentary “The Chronicles of Dr. Ossian H. Sweet,” the event offered an opportunity to meet new people, have conversations, and build strong connections within the Michigan African American community.

“This was an exciting day,” said LaShawn Jimenez Comerica Bank vice president, trust wealth advisory and chair of the Michigan African American BRG. “Daniel Baxter did a phenomenal job educating us on Dr. Ossian Sweet, it also allowed Comerica the opportunity to celebrate clients, community partners and black business owners.

In the 1920s, Dr. Sweet moved into a De- troit home with his wife and daughter. Shortly after their arrival, a mob of angry white people descended on the family’s home. In anticipation of such an uprising from the community, Sweet had several people at the home who were armed with firearms. Shots were fired in self-defense but Sweet, his wife and all the other Black adults were charged with murder.

At the first trial, the jury could not agree on verdicts for several defendants. The judge declared a mistrial, the court accepted the defense motion to sever the defendants and the prosecutor decided to first try Henry Sweet, Ossian’s youngest brother. After the all-white jury acquitted Henry Sweet, the prosecutor declined to prosecute the rest of the defendants and dismissed the charges against them.

Comerica’s Business Resource Groups (BRGs), 19 in all, are externally focused designed to create strategies supporting Comerica’s business outreach and community impact, while partnering with relevant associations and nonprofits, and operate across the bank’s primary markets to pursue strategies that meet the banking needs and increase financial inclusion of the diverse communities it serves. Comerica’s BRG teams have contributed to more than $1.3 billion in BRG-related closed business since 2020.

Comerica Sponsors ALPFA Michigan Quarterly Reconnect

Comerica recently sponsored the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) Michigan’s first Quarterly Reconnect event of the year at the Whitney Hotel in Detroit.

Members of Comerica’s Michigan Hispanic Business Resource Group (BRG) along with other colleagues attended the event to connect with other Detroit area Latino professionals and network with ALPFA Michigan board members and other corporate sponsors in a unique and friendly social setting.

Led by the Michigan Hispanic BRG, Comerica’s overall support of ALPFA Michigan includes sponsoring the Quarterly Reconnect events and 2022 Student Conference, as well as partnering to deliver financial education sessions for students, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

The Association of Latino Professionals For America

Comerica’s colleagues connect with other Detroit area Latino professionals.

(ALPFA) Michigan’s provides professional development workshops and career resources to its members to empower and develop leaders for the nation, with a goal to help expand the opportunities and presence of successful Latino business leaders and professionals in Michigan and to promote their presence and influence throughout the state.

Hatch Detroit

From page A-3 business they want to see join their community.”

TOP 10 REVEAL

April 4; 5-8 p.m.; TechTown Detroit

Over 150 applications were submitted to the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, and on April 4 the Top 10 business concepts will be revealed.

Attendees of the Top 10 Reveal will get to know the 10 semifinalists via a fireside chat from 5-5:45 p.m. followed by an open house from 6-8 p.m. where they can mix and mingle with the entrepreneurs. The event will feature a cash bar with complimentary small bites provided by Hatch alumni businesses. Tickets are free at HatchDetroit.com with a suggested donation to support Hatch Detroit and TechTown.

Public voting to narrow down the semifinalists from 10 to four will begin April 5 at noon and run through April 12 at noon. Community members can vote for their favorite businesses once per day by visiting HatchDetroit.com. Ad-

ALPFA provides members scholarships, career fairs, networking events and mentorship opportunities.

Nationally, ALPFA connects over 95,000 Latino professionals and students across the country and offers access opportunities for networking, leadership development, and 50,000+ paid summer internships with top Fortune 1000 companies.

Comerica colleagues LaToya Rowell, National Community Affairs Manager, (far right) and LaShawn Jimenez, Michigan African American BRG Chair, (far right) pictured with Dr. Ossian Sweet Foundation Daniel Baxter and wife, Karen (middle).

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. In celebration of Women’s History Month Comerica’s Women’s Business Resource (BRG) proudly sponsored the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 7th Annual Women of Influence Summit.

Comerica Bank’s Linda Nosegbe, Wendy Holmes, and Shaelise King at the United Way Women of Influence of Influence Summit.

The Summit features women who share personal stories and professional experiences while highlighting those who have inspired them along the way. Funds raised from the event support the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s focus education and equity.

The Women of Influence Summit also included “The Market,” an onsite marketplace featuring local women-owned businesses who shared their products and services with over 600 attendees.

Comerica’s Women’s BRG is supports women and woman-owned businesses in the diverse communities Comerica serves.

The United Way of Southeastern Michigan raised funds for programs focused on education and equity while providing an opportunity for over 600 attendees to network and connect with local women-owned businesses.

Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, and Comerica Bank Recognize Women’s History Month Game Changers

As a part of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers ongoing series, in partnership with Comerica Bank, this March, four new Game Changers will be recognized for their efforts in the community. In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, four Detroit-area women are being acknowledged.

Lori Patterson is the Executive Director of Figure Skating in Detroit, an organization that combines the power of education with the grace and discipline of figure skating. Under Lori’s leadership, Figure Skating in Detroit has been featured in the National U.S. Figure Skating Championships and in National Geographic’s docuseries IMPACT.

Jill Harris, Executive Director of Women of Tomorrow, has dedicated her life to improving education in the Metro Detroit area. As the Executive Director of the Women of Tomorrow, a Mentoring and Scholarship program in Detroit, she aims to inspire young women to live up to their full potential. Prior to working in education, Jill dedicated her time to helping local charities. ditional opportunities to vote in person will be announced at a later date.

Charlene Turner-Johnson, the Volunteer President and CEO of B.A.S.S. (Building Assets to Strengthen Society) Inc., a local non-profit that focuses on affordable housing, youth development, and community engagement. For over 40 years, Turner-Johnson has been founding and leading non-profit organizations in the Detroit area that help guide and nurture children.

Cindy Abbott is the CEO of Warrior Sports, an organization that values collaboration among cross functional areas, strong customer relationships, and creating the best product in the marketplace for athletes of all levels. Abbott began her career with Warrior Sports in finance leadership and was promoted in 2019.

COMERICA HATCH DETROIT

CONTEST HATCH OFF

April 26; 6-9 p.m.; Wayne State Industry Innovation Center

The final four contestants will have a chance to make one last pitch, “Shark Tank-style,” in front of a panel of judges and attendees at the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Hatch Off. A winner will be crowned and receive the $100,000 grand prize, courtesy of Comerica Bank. The event will feature a cash bar with complimentary small bites provided by Hatch alumni businesses. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at HatchDetroit.com.

Public voting for the Top 4 will begin April 24 at noon and run through the completion of the pitch competition at the Hatch Off. Community members can vote for the business they want to see win it all once per day at HatchDetroit.com. New this year, the Hatch Off will be live streamed at HatchDetroit.com and the Hatch Detroit Facebook page, so that those unable to attend in person can still participate in crowning the winner.

Outstanding art exhibits on full display to kick off Evening of the Fine Arts in 2022. Photo

Credit: Ilitch Holdings, Inc.