Bank of Birmingham Raises $20,000 for Community House During Dream Cruise

The local bank held a "Cruisin' View" fundraiser during the Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug. 18.

You didn't have to be a car lover to benefit from the 2012 Woodward Dream Cruise. The Bank of Birmingham recently announced that it helped raise more than $20,000 for The Community House during its second annual "Cruisin' View" fundraiser, held during the Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug. 18. During the fundraiser, more than 150 cruise fans paid to enjoy the day-long car show from inside the Bank of Birmingham's main branch lobby. Attendees donated a total of $20,112 to watch from the air-conditioned space, all of which went to The Community House. Part of that donation included a $5,000 donation from Bank of Birmingham. "The Woodward Dream Cruise is an exciting one-day event showcasing beautiful cars and by hosting this fundraiser, the Bank …

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On the Storefront

Business Briefs: Dunkin Donuts Receives Early Approval for Woodward Store

Also happening in town: First Preferred Mortgage Company sets up office in Birmingham's Rail District.

Here's a snapshot of what's going on in the Birmingham business community this week: Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins took the next step toward moving to Birmingham last week, receiving approval of their preliminary site plans for the empty space at 33779 and 33757 Woodward Ave. The new doughnut shop and Baskin Robbins ice cream parlor would be moving into the former location of Bordine's on Woodward, which closed last winter. The current site is comprised of a greenhouse structure, a parking lot in the rear and a brick building on the corner of Humphrey and Woodward. The project is currently led by Duane Barbat, CEO of Coffee Enterprises, one of the largest Dunkin Donuts franchisees in Michigan. Barbat said he's working with Ron & Roman …

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On the Storefront

Business Briefs: Bank of Birmingham Earns 5-Star Rating

Also happening in Birmingham: Churchill's cigar bar and bistro opens while Sherwin-Williams signs a 10-year lease for a space on South Old Woodward.

Here's a snapshot of what's going on in the Birmingham business community this week: Bank of Birmingham has been recognized as a 5-Star Superior bank by BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation's leading bank rating and research firm. To earn this rating, banks must excel in areas of capital quality, asset quality and profitability. "As big banks grow increasingly complex and inflexible, it's encouraging to know that there are still community banks, like Bank of Birmingham, that have mastered the three R's of banking," said Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. "Bank of Birmingham is responsive to customers' needs, responsible in its underwriting and investments and respected by the nation's premier bank rating and research firm as well as …

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