Large organizations often source products through one big supplier contract rather than several smaller ones, but an event being held this month will encourage buyers to give a chance to smaller, diverse-owned West Michigan businesses.
Months before the publicly subsidized Little Caesars Arena opened, Chris Ilitch gathered with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and members of the press to share some big changes for "District Detroit" the 50 blocks around the arena, where Ilitch-associated companies owned the vast majority of the land.
Four years ago, the District Detroit announced a new residential development initiative boasting 686 units across six developments. But four years later, the buildings come up short of what was planned.