Rochester Regional Optimist Club Celebrates Student Voices in 2026 Essay Contest
The Rochester Regional Optimist Club proudly announces the completion of its 2nd Annual Student Essay Contest, celebrating the power of youth service and community engagement. This year’s essay topic, “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me,” invited seventh and eighth grade students to reflect on the importance of giving back and the role service plays in shaping their connection to their community. The contest, one of the signature programs of Optimist International,
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
The Gerald Nears Opening in Rochester Hills’ Brooklands District
Premier Mixed-Use Development Brings Luxury Living and New Commercial Opportunities to the Community Construction has officially been completed on The Gerald, a highly anticipated residential and commercial mixed-use development in the Brooklands District of Rochester Hills. While the property has not yet officially opened, the development team is excited to begin welcoming future tenants and residents in the near future. Driven by a vision to create a thoughtfully designed and functional space, The
The Law Office of Kelly T. Braun, PLLC Celebrates 8 Years of Personalized Estate Planning
The Law Office of Kelly T. Braun, PLLC, celebrates 8 years of serving the community with personalized estate planning. Kelly is a dedicated estate planning attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience and a strong commitment to serving individuals and families with care and clarity. After stepping away from an estate planning law firm nearly eight years ago, Kelly recognized an opportunity to build a practice that truly reflected her values—one centered on guidance, compassion, and meaningful
Ally Secures Country Music Superstar Keith Urban to Headline Ally Community Concert
Tournament officials announced that country music superstar and singer-songwriter Keith Urban will headline the ninth annual Ally Community Concert. The four-time Grammy Award winner with 15 Academy of Country Music Awards and 13 CMA Awards, including twice named Entertainer of the Year, will take the stage on Saturday, August 29, 2026, on the driving range at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club following the second round of competition at The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren. “We're turning Warwick Hills
Calm Currents Travel Looking for Your Input
Help Build the Trips You've Always Wanted to Take - Michelle Schneider, owner of Calm Currents Travel, is a luxury travel advisor specializing in helping busy professional women use travel as a form of wellness. Calm Currents Travel will handle every detail - research, hotel vetting, full itinerary - by the time you board the plane, the only thing you will need to do is show up and be present. Currently, Calm Currents Travel is curating three trips for 2026 and 2027 and is looking for real input from
Rise Mind-Body Fitness Opens in Rochester Hills, Bringing a New Standard of Personalized Health
Rise Mind-Body Fitness, a new personal training and wellness studio founded by husband-and-wife team Michael and Rosa DeBat, officially opened its doors in June 2025 with a mission to help people move better, feel better, and live stronger at every stage of life. With over 30 years of combined experience in the fitness and wellness industry, the DeBats created Rise Mind-Body Fitness after identifying a major gap in the traditional gym model. Too often, people are pushed through generic workouts that fail
Modes of Fashion™ Elevates Personal Style Through Strategic Wardrobe Styling and Image Consulting
Founded by Tiara Diaz, Modes of Fashion™ is a wardrobe styling and image consulting business dedicated to helping individuals simplify their style, enhance their confidence, and align their appearance with their personal and professional goals. Modes of Fashion™ offers a range of personalized services designed to meet clients where they are, including wardrobe editing and outfit curation, personal styling for professionals and entrepreneurs, special event and photoshoot styling, closet organization, and
Turn Your Gen Z Interns into Workplace Stars from Day One
Turn Your Gen Z Interns into Workplace Stars from Day One Simple onboarding tool builds confidence, communication, and real-world people skills fastMilford, MI — Businesses across the country are hiring Gen Z interns. These young workers bring energy and new ideas, but many employers say interns often lack basic communication skills, teamwork, and professionalism. Smart companies are turning onboarding into a competitive advantage with the right training from day one.Want to make interns shine in the
Most Nonprofits Lose Support Because of One Hidden Problem: PR
Milford, MI — Many nonprofits are working hard, but still struggling to grow support. The problem is often not the mission. The problem is that too few people know what the organization does. This usually comes down to public relations, also called PR, according to Milford fundraising expert and consultant, Kirt Manecke. PR is how a nonprofit shares its story with the public, the media, and the community. But many groups do not do PR at all. Others do it only once in a while or only during events or
LIFESTYLE 4 GREATER ROCHESTER ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT AD RATE DECREASE
THIS JUST IN! The 2026 LIFESTYLE 4 Greater Rochester has changed its ad rate structure caused by a significant decrease in ad rates. It was premised on a provider letting KPG know a price decrease was about to happen. KPG took the decrease and flowed it through their ad rate structure resulting in a 50% decrease in ad rates. To put this in perspective, KPG’s quarter-page ad rate for 2025 was $700/year. For the 2026 Annual Issue it’s $350/year, giving everyone member a chance to be in the book. LIFESTYLE
Michigan Credit Union CEO, Jackie Buchanan, inducted into National Hall of Leaders
Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union, has been inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders, a national honor recognizing leaders who have made significant contributions to the credit union movement and to the members and communities they serve. Buchanan was one of 18 credit union leaders from across the country recognized during a ceremony in Washington D.C., in March, as part of the credit union industry’s national advocacy event. The honor highlights Buchanan’s
RSC Summer Soccer Camp Registration Open
Keep your kids busy while developing soccer skills this summer! RSC summer camps provide a fun environment for players to learn new soccer skills, play games, make friends, and be kids! Summer camps are open to a variety of ages and abilities! See website for dates, times, and locations.
StretchLab Rochester Hills Announces Exclusive Chamber Member Offer to Support Local Business Wellness
StretchLab Rochester Hills is proud to announce a special wellness offer exclusively for members of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce: a complimentary stretch and mobility assessment plus 15% off any future purchase for guests who visit through the Chamber. This initiative reflects StretchLab’s commitment to supporting the health and productivity of the Rochester Hills business community. The stretch and mobility assessment provides a simple, informative look at how the body is moving
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Rochester Hills Celebrates Grand Opening
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Rochester Hills, officially opened on January 30, 2026. Known nationally for its high‑quality grooming services and curated selection of pet treats, toys, and specialty products, Woof Gang continues its expansion in Michigan with its fourth location in the state. The inspiration behind bringing Woof Gang to Rochester Hills began years ago, when the local owner discovered the brand while traveling and
Oakland University 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
Modes of Fashion™ Founder Tiara Diaz Leads Student Style Session at ACE High School
Modes of Fashion™ Founder Tiara Diaz Leads Student Style Session at ACE High School Rochester Hills, MI — 4.22.26 — Tiara Diaz, founder of Modes of Fashion, recently led a Student Style Session at ACE High School, providing students with practical guidance on professional attire, wardrobe strategy, and the role of personal presentation in career readiness. The session, delivered to members of the school’s Career Readiness Club, focused on helping students understand how clothing communicates confidence,
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County to Host Home Celebration Ceremony
Pontiac officials, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Amazon, Board members, Volunteers, and Supporters to welcome a first-time homeowner into her new Habitat home. Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County is excited to celebrate the culmination of months of hard work with a Home Celebration Ceremony to honor the newest Habitat Homeowner, on Tuesday, April 21st. Over the course of the past year, hundreds of volunteers, construction professionals, and future homeowners came together to build Habitat
Griffith Chiropractor Expands Community Wellness With New Practice Ownership and Holistic Approach
A new chapter in community wellness has begun as Dr. Steve, a long‑time runner and chiropractic professional, announces the acquisition of a long‑established chiropractic practice in Rochester. The transition, completed in September 2025, follows the retirement of the previous owner and brings renewed energy, expanded education, and a specialized focus on running‑related injuries. Dr. Steve emphasizes the chiropractic adjustment as the cornerstone of care, offering patients a hands‑on, personalized
House Manager Needed - Private Rochester Residence
An established professional in Rochester Hills is seeking a dedicated House Manager for a beautiful 6,000 square foot private residence. The ideal candidate will have experience in maintenance or handyman work as well as experience caring for someone else (cook, clean). Please see the Job Description below. Please email Derek Hilbert of Kingfisher Recruiting at derek@kingfisherrecruiting.com with your resume or for further questions.
Shelby Orthodontics Celebrates Its Opening, Bringing Advanced, Patient-Centered Orthodontic Care to the Community
Shelby Orthodontics is proud to announce its official opening, offering comprehensive orthodontic services supported by advanced technology, a personalized treatment philosophy, and a deep commitment to community-centered care. Founded by Dr. Kathy Elias, an orthodontic specialist who has practiced exclusively since 2012, Shelby Orthodontics reflects more than a decade of diverse clinical experience. Dr. Kathy has served in academic roles, including as an Associate Professor at UTHealth’s Department of
Harmony in the Hills Presents Lights Chorus
The Harmony in the Hills Concert Series invites audiences to a dynamic evening featuring City Lights Chorus, an all-male a cappella group, who take harmony to a new level by performing songs across numerous genres including barbershop, vocal jazz, classical choral and spirituals. The concert takes place on Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m. in the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Sanctuary, located at 620 Romeo Street, Rochester, MI. Suggested donation $20. Chartered in the 1990s, the Motor City Metro Chorus,
Why Rochester Businesses Have a Trust Problem They Don't Know About
The gap between how businesses think they're trusted and how customers actually feel is bigger than most owners expect. A stark trust perception gap revealed by PwC's 2024 Trust in US Business Survey puts it plainly: 90% of executives believe their companies are highly trusted, while only 30% of consumers agree. In a referral-driven market like Rochester, Michigan — where chamber members generate business through word-of-mouth and the RRC fields roughly 500 referral calls a month — that gap closes deals
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Evexia Wellness Spa Expands with New Rochester/Oakland Township Location, Elevating the Standard of Modern Wellness
Evexia Wellness Spa Expands with New Rochester/Oakland Township Location, Elevating the Standard of Modern WellnessRochester/Oakland Township, MI Evexia Wellness Spa is proud to expand with a second location in Rochester/Oakland Township, building on the success of its flagship Clarkston spa established in 2019. The expansion marks an exciting milestone for the brand as it continues its mission to redefine the wellness experience through intentional care, advanced services, and a deeply personalized
Oakland University appoints Trung Nguyen as Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement
Trung Nguyen Oakland University has appointed Trung Nguyen as its new Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement, effective Monday, July 13, 2026. Nguyen joins Oakland with more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, most recently serving as Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success at the University at Buffalo, the flagship campus of the State University of New York system. During his four years there, he led initiatives focused on student engagement,
Invitation to Capturing Our Community in 2026 Time Capsule
Community Invited to Contribute to 2051 Time Capsule Project Residents are invited to take part in a unique opportunity to preserve today’s memories for future generations through a community time capsule initiative, set to be opened in the year 2051. Submissions are now being accepted for inclusion in the time capsule. Community members are encouraged to contribute meaningful items such as photographs (8.5" x 11" or smaller), letters, personal stories, news articles, poems, artwork, or other historical
The E Speaker Series Announces 2026 Season Featuring Mitch Albom, David Pogue, and Scott Hamilton
The E Speaker Series Announces 2026 Season Featuring Mitch Albom, David Pogue, and Scott Hamilton. All programs will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Adams Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of Rochester Adams High School (3200 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills). Tickets for individual programs are $40. The 2026 lineup includes:Mitch Albom — Monday, August 3, 2026 Bestselling author, journalist, and philanthropist Mitch Albom will open the season with his new book Twice. Albom’s books, including
Is Your Rochester Business Brand Due for a Refresh?
Research shows it takes 5 to 7 impressions for consumers to remember a brand — and businesses that stay consistent report revenue gains of 20% or more. For Rochester members competing for attention across Main Street and local search results, your brand is either actively working for you or quietly working against you. A brand refresh — a strategic update to your visual identity, messaging, or positioning without abandoning your core identity — can re-engage your audience, sharpen your competitive
Turning Information into Influence: The Role of a Media Kit in Public Relations
A media kit is a curated package of information that introduces a business to journalists, partners, and collaborators. It explains who the company is, what it offers, and why it matters—without requiring back-and-forth emails or scattered links. For growing brands, a well-built media kit becomes a quiet engine behind public relations, visibility, and sustained media engagement.Key Takeaways at a Glance A media kit centralizes brand facts, visuals, and story angles in one accessible location. It
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 3 Day Camp Training Program
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program that brings together our youth, ages 14-18, to further develop character, leadership skills, learn about Rotary and create service projects in our communities centered on the 7 Areas of Focus. RYLA will be on May 15-17, 2026 at Camp Copneconic in Fenton, MI
Nail Salon Franchise Looking For New Oakland County Owner
Quantum Franchise Group of Rochester Hills has been retained to find new Oakland County owners with a national, upscale nail salon franchise.This is a clean, stylish, and innovative nail salon concept focused on delivering high-quality, non-toxic nail services in a welcoming and hygienic environment. With a strong commitment to exceptional customer service and a flexible franchise model, the franchise offers an opportunity for both owner/operators and semi-absentee owners to succeed in the booming $29
How Small Businesses Can Thrive Amid Shifting Marketing Currents
In the age of digital saturation, the deck often feels stacked against small businesses. National chains have ad budgets that could bankroll a midsize town, while algorithms seem to tilt toward those who pay to play. But the landscape isn’t just shifting—it’s fracturing. That rupture offers something that hasn’t been this accessible in years: the chance for smaller players to take ground by responding quickly, thinking creatively, and speaking in voices people actually want to hear. The edge comes not
From Insight to Impact: The Digital Makeover Your Business Needs
In today's fast-paced world, innovation is crucial for small and mid-sized business owners looking to stay competitive and grow their enterprises. Integrating digital technology can significantly boost your business's efficiency and reach. This article explores various digital improvements to consider and how these changes can benefit your business.Strengthening Cybersecurity with PDFs to Safeguard Your Business In the fight against cyber threats, safeguarding your business and website is crucial.
Master Marketing: High-Impact Marketing Tactics for Senior Entrepreneurs
As a seniorpreneur, you possess a wealth of experience, but the challenges of modern marketing require specialized strategies that many people — no matter their age — don’t possess. In this guide, you'll discover methods to leverage your unique insights into cost-efficient marketing opportunities. Implementing these approaches will streamline your marketing efforts and optimize overall success.Use AI to Create High-Quality Marketing Images Seniorpreneurs can greatly benefit from using a tool that helps
Rochester-Avon Historical Society President Joins Michigan Historic Preservation Network Board
Tiffany Dziurman, president of the Rochester-Avon Historical Society, has been elected to the board of directors of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN). The announcement came during the MHPN’s annual meeting and conference held on May 9 in Kalamazoo, MI. Founded in 1981, MHPN is the largest membership organization in the state committed to recognizing and supporting Michigan’s cultural and architectural legacy. Their efforts span historic buildings, landmarks, and the stories that bring the
