Two Oakland County Manufacturers to Make Gear in COVID-19 Crisis

Two Oakland County Manufacturers to Make Gear in COVID-19 Crisis

by | Apr 21, 2020 | News

Two Oakland County Manufacturers Receive Grants To Make Gear For Health Care And First Responders In COVID-19 Crisis

Pontiac, Michigan – An Oxford-based manufacturer of ice hockey equipment and a Pontiac company specializing in knitwear were awarded “Saving Business, Saving Lives” grants to make desperately needed personal protective equipment used in the fight against the coronavirus.

The grants, awarded to Vaughn Custom Sports and Detroit Sewn, were announced today by Oakland County Executive David Coulter. They are the first two companies to receive grants from a $700,000 fund proposed by Coulter and approved by the county Board of Commissioners to incentivize Oakland County manufacturers who can shift production to personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns and face shields.

“I applaud and congratulate Vaughn Custom Sports and Detroit Sewn for stepping up to produce the protective equipment which is vital for the health and safety of our health professionals, first responders, other hospital staff and the patients they serve,” Coulter said. “These grants will allow Vaughn and Detroit Sewn to increase production of gowns and masks and bring back employees who had been laid off because of the pandemic.”

Vaughn, owned by Michael and Arlene Vaughn, manufactures protective equipment such as catch gloves, blockers, leg pads, pants, chest protectors and sticks used by professional and amateur goalies throughout the world. They were awarded $50,000 to produce several thousand high quality protective gowns and caps a week. The grant allows Vaughn to bring back employees and dramatically increase production.

Detroit Sewn, owned by Karen Buscemi, was awarded $25,000. It began operations in downtown Pontiac in 2015. The company specializes in knitwear such as T-shirts, bags and other clothing items and is shifting production to making cotton fabric medical face masks for health care systems and first responders across the metro area. The grant will allow Detroit Sewn to invest in equipment and hire employees resulting in a significant increase in production.

Round one applicants were interviewed by a panel on Thursday and Friday. Sixty companies applied in the initial round. Those companies that did not receive grants today are still being considered for funding.

“These panelists are accomplished leaders in their respective fields,” Coulter said. “The work this panel does is so important to these businesses and ultimately the health care systems and first responders. I appreciate their willingness to share their expertise and give so freely of their time.”

Panel members were:

  • Manager Alain Piette, MI-SBTDC Technology Team
  • Dr. Carmine Jabri, co-founder of E.M.M.A. International Consulting Group, Inc.
  • Jaideep Rajput, Director, Commercialization of Beaumont Health
  • Michael W. Long, Ph.D., executive director of Oakland University Mobilization Zone
  • Julie Killian, CPA, Clayton & McKervey
  • Dan Radomski, director, Lawrence Technological University Centrepolis Accelerator

County Commissioners County Commissioner Janet Jackson, D-Southfield; William Miller, D-Farmington
and Michael Spisz, R-Oxford, participated in an advisory role.

A business applying for a grant must demonstrate the ability to execute the project during the
Covid-19 pandemic. Eligible use of funds includes:

  • Procuring necessary equipment to manufacture supplies
  • Logistics, shipping, technology upgrades
  • Other costs related to operationalizing new product lines.

Companies interested in applying for funding have until April 23 to complete the process at:
https://www.oakgov.com/covid/businessrelief/Pages/Saving-Businesses-Saving-Lives-Grant.aspx

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MDHHS Implementing Strategies in Long-term Care Facilities

MDHHS Implementing Strategies in Long-term Care Facilities

by | Apr 21, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS Implementing Strategies in Long-term Care Facilities to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 and Protect Residents and Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. To implement and support the goals of Executive Order 2020-50, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is rolling out a comprehensive strategy to combat the impact of COVID-19 in long-term care settings and ensure residents and employees are protected. This includes an Emergency Order issued by MDHHS Director Robert Gordon regarding transfers and reporting requirements.

The strategy includes the following actions:

  1. Mandates enhanced reporting requirements for all long-term care settings.
  2. Activates a COVID-19 Infection Prevention Resource and Assessment Team (COVID iPRAT).
  3. Establishes MDHHS-designated COVID-19 Regional Hubs.

Beginning April 21, MDHHS will mandate all long-term-care facilities (nursing homes, homes for the aged, adult foster care facilities and assisted living facilities) submit daily reports to MDHHS. Using the EMResource platform, facilities will be required to submit up-to-date information regarding current capacity/bed availability, personal protective equipment inventory and the current number of COVID-19 cases and deaths within their facility.

“We know older Michiganders and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Enhanced and timely reporting of cases in long term care facilities, as well as proactive training and technical assistance will help protect these vulnerable individuals.”

MDHHS has established a COVID iPRAT team comprised of staff members from across the Public Health Administration Division of Communicable Diseases. The COVID iPRAT was designed to help prevent COVID-19 infections and contain the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. The team will work closely with the Medical Services Administration, Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and local health department partners.

Through the iPRAT, local health departments and long-term care facilities in their jurisdiction will have access to training on the latest MDHHS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidance. Additionally, facilities will receive focused review of infection control policies and procedures, standardized trainings and protocols, remote contact tracing assistance and remote facilitation of an Infection Prevention and Control Assessment using CDC’s Tele-ICAR tool.

“The spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on residents and employees at Michigan’s longterm care facilities,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “A strong cross department, state and local partnership will help combat the spread of this virus and protect residents and staff of these facilities.”

MDHHS has also established a regional hub strategy to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19 within congregate care settings. COVID-19 Regional Hubs are dedicated to treating COVID-19-affected individuals from congregate care settings who do not require hospital-level care. COVID-19 Regional Hubs will be designated by MDHHS and announced as they are established. Facilities across the state are being considered for this model based on willingness to serve as a hub facility, capacity to contribute to local need for services, proximity to acute care facilities experiencing high COVID-19-related demand, ability to effectively quarantine COVID-19-affected residents and performance history of the facility. COVID-19 Regional Hubs will be required to complete enhanced reporting to the department on a daily basis.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

To Mark Earth Day, EGLE is hosting a livestream event Wednesday

by | Apr 20, 2020 | Uncategorized

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2020
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135

To mark Earth Day, students can learn about
environment, climate online and outdoors

EGLE livestream Wednesday will call students to action, recognize
our poster and service award winners

With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) says now is an opportune time to teach children about the environment, Great Lakes, climate and energy using online resources.

Earth Day was founded 50 years ago and has grown into a worldwide movement that is a call to action in support of the environment and sustainability policies.

To mark the anniversary, EGLE is hosting a livestream event from 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday with EGLE Director Liesl Clark and EGLE Office of Climate and Energy Adviser Brandy Brown, who will both talk about ways Michigan students can take steps to help protect the Earth. They also will recognize EGLE’s student poster and school service award winners. Join the livestream here.

“Michigan has been a leader in environmental protection since the first Earth Day 50 years ago and today our goal is to be a leader in climate action, as well,” said Liesl Clark, EGLE director. “Climate change affects our environment and lakes, public health and quality of life, and even infrastructure. Its impacts can be felt in your backyard and across the state, which is an important lesson for future generations to learn.”

Since 2004, EGLE, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) have hosted the annual Earth Day Celebration in Lansing. This year, our celebration will be virtual and there are many resources to support learning about the environment, climate and energy:

  • EGLE’s Environmental Education webpage has environmental education resources, student online activities and teacher resources for all grades, including professional development, scholarships and funding opportunities.
  • Get lost in EGLE’s EnviroMinute videos on YouTube. Topics include composting, geology, e. Coli, recycling, invasive species, sustainability and much more all told in a quick, fun and informative way for all age groups.
  • If you want a deeper dive into environmental issues, check out EGLE’s Shoreline Stewards videos, presentations, lectures and tutorials as well as our Brownfield Flips series.
  • Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order allows for outdoor activity so long as proper social distancing from those outside of a household is followed. Explore the backyard, take a nature hike or visit a nearby park to experience nature up close.
  • The Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum offers lessons on air and water quality, ecosystems, climate change and energy resources.
  • Learn about recycling best practices from Paper MacKay, Nyla P. Lastic and the rest of the Recycling Raccoon Squad.
  • The DNR offers Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home at Michigan.gov/NatureAt Home. There, you’ll find nature lessons, virtual field trips, ways to explore and engage with nature and lessons for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers lesson plans, teacher guides and environmental resources for educators in areas such as climate change, energy, air, water and waste.
  • Energy Kids by the U.S. Energy Information Administration has explainers about energy, ways to save energy, guides for teachers as well as energy-themed games and activities.

Be sure to see the original illustrations that have been chosen for top honors in EGLE’s Earth Day 2020 Poster Contest winners. First place awards went to:

  • Kindergarten: Onour Davis, Sharp Park Academy, Jackson.
  • First Grade: Juliana Gjokaj, Monfort Elementary, Shelby Township.
  • Second Grade: Eli Oquist, Jenison International Academy, Jenison.
  • Third Grade: Yajur Kandagatla, Vera Ralya Elementary, Haslett.
  • Fourth Grade: Lucia Hall, Sharp Park Elementary, Jackson.
  • Fifth Grade: Ashrah Kelly, Waterloo Elementary, Monroe.

Also, see what Kearsley Community High and Armstrong Middle school in Flint, and Alpena High School did to win the Environmental Service Award Competition.

DNR’s Five Days of Earth Day Videos

by | Apr 20, 2020 | Uncategorized

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News Digest – Week of April 20, 2020

field of wildflowers and grasses

Watch for the emerging signs of spring during Earth Week and all season long!
Some of the items in this week’s news digest reflect the impact of COVID-19 and how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is adapting to meet customers’ needs. Public health and safety are our biggest priorities, and we will continue to share news and information about the safest, and sometimes new, ways to connect with our state’s amazing natural and cultural resources in this uncertain time.

Follow our DNR COVID-19 response page for FAQs and updates on facilities and closures/cancellations, and stay up to date on the latest public health guidelines and news at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories from the DNR:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email are available in this folder.

DNR’s Five Days of Earth Day videos celebrate, inspire

Signs of Spring videoOn April 22, 1970, Americans showed their support for a cleaner, more sustainable environment with massive rallies across the country. An estimated 20 million people – from 10,000 elementary and high schools, 2,000 colleges and more than 1,000 communities – participated in that historic Earth Day.

To mark the occasion, the DNR’s education team has come up with a series of short videos that highlight many aspects of what it means to enjoy, share and take care of the world around us. These Five Days of Earth Day videos cover a range of fun, engaging topics and share insights, suggestions and humor from the environmental educators, park interpreters and naturalists who regularly work to help people of all ages connect with Michigan’s outdoors and history.

Today’s video is “Signs of Spring” – a quick look at some of the sights and sounds that let you know a new season is here. A new video drops every morning at 9 a.m. at @MiNatureDNR (and will be part of a YouTube.com/MichiganDNR play list), so be sure to stay tuned for the Five Days of Earth Day!

Questions? Contact Natalie Elkins at 517-290-0687.

Spring brings baby wildlife and a reminder to let them be

Fawn curled up in the grass in the woods, bright sunBaby bunnies are nestled in their nests, fawns will soon find their way through the forest, and songbird and waterfowl nests are popping up all over. In fact, last week we shared tips on what to do if you find a duck or goose nesting in your yard.

Remember that it’s not unusual to come across baby wildlife in springtime. Many wild mothers leave babies unattended and hidden to protect them from predators, but almost always are nearby and return periodically to care for their young when they feel it’s safe. Even most young birds found on the ground are under the watchful eyes of parents.

“The best thing you can do to help young wildlife is to simply leave them alone,” said Hannah Schauer, DNR wildlife communications coordinator. “Many wildlife, such as deer and rabbits, will leave young unattended as a survival strategy. Even though it may appear that a rabbit’s nest or a fawn is abandoned, they rarely are.”
Baby rabbits in a nestYour best decision is to leave a young animal in the wild where the mother can care for it and teach it how to survive.

On the rare occasion you come across an animal that is injured or truly abandoned, keep in mind that, in Michigan, it’s illegal to keep the animal unless you’re a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Under the current “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, some wildlife rehabilitators may have had to suspend services; call ahead to see whether they are able to assist at this time.

Additional information on what to do if you find a baby animal is available at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

Questions? Contact Hannah Schauer, 517-388-9678.

Learn virtually about the ‘dark sky’ all week long

telescope in shadow against a star-filled skyMichigan is home to eight dark sky preserves and parks. With International Dark Sky Week running now through April 26, the DNR typically would be planning to stay open late at our six dark sky preserves in Michigan state parks. However, this year has presented the opportunity to celebrate virtually and in our own backyards!

The International Dark-Sky Association will livestream world-renowned experts – authors, creators, scientists and educators whose works have been vital to the movement to protect the night from light pollution – and has compiled how-to educational videos at IDSW.DarkSky.org. You can also visit Michigan.gov/DarkSky to learn more about viewing opportunities that will be available once public health and safety restrictions have ended.

If you’re looking for more nature and history education fun and ideas for learners of all ages, check out the DNR’s Michigan.gov/NatureAtHome webpage.

THINGS TO DO

Wondering which birds are making their way to and through Michigan? Visit Audubon Great Lakes for info and tips.

BUY & APPLY

Book your favorite campground or harbor spots for later in the season, up to six months in advance.

GET INVOLVED

When you’re outside around your house, be our Eyes in the Field and share observations about the wildlife you see.

DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Census 2020 - Be Counted
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Treasury Issues Guidance About New Tax Deadlines

Treasury Issues Guidance About New Tax Deadlines

by | Apr 20, 2020 | Uncategorized

Treasury Issues Guidance About New Tax Deadlines for Individuals, Businesses

Contact: Ron Leix 517-335-2167

The Michigan Department of Treasury today issued additional taxpayer guidance about new state income tax return filing and payment deadlines, income tax extensions and estimated tax payments.

 

“We are continuously evaluating how we can assist residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Changing some of the state’s filing and payment deadlines can help individuals and businesses figure out their next steps. Individuals who are owed a tax refund should not wait to file their income tax returns.”

 

Under Executive Order 2020-26 signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, all April 2020 state income tax filing deadlines in Michigan have been pushed back to July 2020 as a part of continued efforts to help Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Individual income tax returns and payments due on April 15 are now due before midnight on July 15, 2020. Businesses that file corporate income tax annual returns by April 30 have until July 31 to file and pay.

 

All penalties and interest will be waived until the new deadlines in July 2020.

 

Businesses that pay corporate income taxes are typically larger businesses known as C Corporations. S Corporations and Limited Liability Corporations typically pay taxes through the state’s individual income tax.

 

Individual and Corporate Income Tax Extensions

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2020. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by July 15, 2020, to avoid additional interest and penalties.

 

A calendar-year corporate taxpayer requesting an eight-month extension to file a state corporate income tax return must submit that request and pay the appropriate amount of tax by July 31, 2020. The extended annual return remains due on December 31, 2020.

 

Estimated Tax Payments

With the April 15 estimated tax payment deadline previously extended until July 15, the state Treasury Department has also followed the Internal Revenue Service and is moving the second quarter June 15 estimated tax deadline to July 15. For most individual and business taxpayers, this means that both the first and second quarter estimated tax payments are now due July 15.

 

When submitting tax payments, businesses should include their Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN). Individuals should write the last four digits of their Social Security number on the memo line of the check or electronic payment to ensure the payment can be matched to the account.

 

Payment vouchers should be included with tax payments when available.

 

Taxpayers who are owed a refund are encouraged to file their state income tax returns so they can receive their refunds. More information about e-filing is available at www.michigan.gov/mifastfile.

 

To learn more about Michigan’s taxes, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.

 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.