Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company

Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 29, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.org

 

Governor Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company TechSmith’s New International Headquarters in East Lansing  

 

  • Governor breaks ground for new facility that will create and retain up to 325 high-tech jobs in the Lansing region, generate nearly $15M in capital investment 
  • Global software developer chooses Michigan for expansion, further establishes Lansing region as hub for high-tech jobs

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today broke ground on TechSmith’s headquarters in East Lansing, a leading software development company that will create up to 50 jobs and retain up to 275 jobs. She was joined by Michigan State University President Dr. Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., MD  and TechSmith CEO Wendy Hamilton.

 

“TechSmith’s investment in East Lansing proves once again that Michigan is a world leader in innovation and further cements the Lansing region as a tech and professional services hub in the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “This new headquarters facility will create up to 50 new good-paying, high-tech jobs for Michigan workers and underscores the strength of Michigan’s tech talent. As we jumpstart Michigan’s economy, today’s groundbreaking is helping to build the path for economic growth and recovery right here in mid-Michigan.”

 

TechSmith is a high-tech software development company focusing on capturing screen content for better communication. Its software is used as aides for training, tutorials, scholastic lessons and everyday communication. The company is consolidating five existing facilities into one new headquarters building to be built near the former Spartan Village in East Lansing. The greenspace will need infrastructure investment to connect utilities, water drainage, fiber optics and road improvements. The Michigan State University Foundation has agreed to cover most of the infrastructure improvements with an estimated investment of about $2 million.

 

“We’re pleased to welcome TechSmith to a location closer to our campus,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “They have been a great collaborator with the university for over a decade and this move will facilitate opportunities to further build upon our relationship.”

 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $15 million with the support of a $250,000 Jobs Ready Michigan performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, awarded in December. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Florida, Texas and Maryland.

 

“In a growing tech company, it’s all about attracting and enabling the right talent,” said Wendy Hamilton, TechSmith CEO. “We look forward to providing a world-class tech facility to our amazing team that reinforces our culture, creativity, and collaboration. We are also committed to supporting Michigan State University and the Lansing region as community stakeholders and would like to thank so many partners that have helped get us to this partnership off the ground-  including MSU, the MSU Foundation, the City of East Lansing, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and other partners. ”

 

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) assisted TechSmith in identifying and evaluating locations throughout the region. Additionally, LEAP has been vital to partnering and packaging TechSmith’s project with key governmental agencies and local business partners.

 

“This project will create and retain good, high paying jobs in a booming industry and at an internationally known local company – precisely the high-value targeted jobs people want and the type of jobs we need in the region,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP.

 

Since its founding, TechSmith has focused on embracing an employee-centric mindset and prides itself on offering compensation packages that exceed industry standards, along with providing professional pathways for every employee. To find and attract talent, TechSmith also has an extensive internship program that brings interns to the Lansing area each summer from many different universities and colleges, as well as providing year-round internships to local students from MSU and Lansing Community College.

 

The company expects the new building to be a recruiting tool that will include modern design, open work areas and employee comforts mimicking accommodations found at software companies based in Silicon Valley.

 

The project builds on economic prosperity efforts led by MEDC by supporting a business in the target industries of tech and professional and corporate services and fostering high-wage job growth.

 

“The Lansing area continues to establish itself as a growing tech and professional services hub in the state and this investment by TechSmith further underscores the competitive advantages our state is has to offer growing tech businesses – from the strength of our business climate to our talented workforce. Michigan is grateful for the TechSmith team’s continued vote of confidence in Michiganders,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of MEDC. “We’re proud to work with LEAP, the MSU Foundation and other local partners as we send the message that Michigan’s economy is recovering, and we are going to keep this momentum going.”

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

 

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AG Warns Residents About Price-Gouging

AG Warns Residents About Price-Gouging

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 29, 2021

AG Nessel Warns Residents About Price-Gouging, Contractor Scams and Water-Damaged Vehicles

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to beware of scam artists and price-gougers who will try to take advantage of desperate home and vehicle owners in the next several days and weeks.  Of particular concern are reports of price-gouging by towing companies that have towed cars out of flooded roadways and impounded them – as well as fly-by-night contractors offering to help homeowners clean up after the weekend storms.

“I am concerned that bad actors may use the weekend’s flooding to overcharge or scam people who need assistance,” Nessel said. “Our Consumer Protection team is committed to investigating complaints and I encourage people to contact our office if you believe an entity is engaging in price gouging or other fraudulent behavior. We stand ready to hold accountable anyone who attempts to take advantage of this devastating situation.”

Nessel re-issued three consumer alerts related to natural disasters after the Department learned of complaints about possible price-gouging by towing companies recovering vehicles that were abandoned during flooding in Southeast Michigan. There are hundreds of abandoned vehicles through Southeast Michigan following recent rains that caused significant flooding and damage.

Drivers have the right to challenge whether your vehicle was properly towed and the reasonableness of towing and storage fees, but you must do so in a timely manner and in an appropriate district court.

The process requires you to file a petition in the district court with jurisdiction over the location from which your car was towed. You must file your petition within 20 days from the date on the notice that your vehicle was towed as abandoned. And you will be responsible for applicable court filing fees. The petition and instructions for how to fill it out are included with the mailed notice, or available on the Secretary of State’s webpage (Petition Regarding Impoundment of Motor Vehicle (DC90) form). If you request a hearing, you can also get your vehicle back while you are awaiting the hearing outcome, but you will have to either:

  1. post a towing and storage bond, (which will include the accrued towing and storage fees) with the court; or
  2. pay the abandoned vehicle fees and the accrued towing and storage fees to the custodian of your vehicle.

If the court finds the vehicle was improperly towed, you will be reimbursed for the towing and storage fees, and the abandoned vehicle fee will be returned.

Nessel is also reminding people to research contractors if home repairs are needed before paying for a project and alerting drivers to beware of water-damaged vehicles being sold on the used car market.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form

Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.
Whitmer and Gilchrist Ask SBA to Release Crucial Funds

Whitmer and Gilchrist Ask SBA to Release Crucial Funds

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Ask Small Business Administration to Release Crucial Funds For Michigan Small Businesses

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist sent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) expressing concern on recent court rulings preventing the SBA from providing critical grants from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to support women, veteran, and minority-owned Michigan restaurants and advocate for additional resources to help these small businesses immediately.

 

“Small businesses have been incredibly resilient throughout the pandemic, and it is critical that they can rely upon the aid promised to them to stay above water and support their hard-working employees,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we emerge from the pandemic, Lt. Governor Gilchrist and I are laser-focused on supporting small businesses and creating good-paying jobs and bigger paychecks for Michigan workers. My top priority is ensuring every community in Michigan is a part of our economic jumpstart so that we can build back even stronger than before.”

 

“Restaurants owned by women, veterans and people of color were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “These small businesses are cornerstones of their communities, supporting thousands of jobs and families across the state. We must do all we can to support these small businesses as we rebuild our economy, and it is crucial that the SBA provides resources to help these restaurants recover faster and stronger.”

 

“This past year has been very tough on all of us, especially small business owners who have been working day and night to build back from the pandemic,” said Matt Buskard, owner of Bobcat Bonnie’s restaurant with five location in Michigan. “That’s why we were excited when the U.S. Small Business Administration approved our application for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to help us hire and catch up on bills, and it’s devastating to have it taken away on such short notice. We hope the relief that was promised to our small business will come through.”

 

Due to court rulings in Texas and Tennessee, the SBA halted relief to support women, veteran, and minority-owned restaurants across the nation.

 

To view the letter, click the link below:
building resilience into roads and bridges

building resilience into roads and bridges

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Transportation

So this is what they mean by building resilience into roads and bridges

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/8778332-so-this-is-what-they-mean-by-building-resilience-into-roads-and-bridges

After a deluge that caused flooding across Metro Detroit and overwhelmed power sources for pumps that help remove water from freeways, there are a lot of questions about how to address these challenges in the future.

Rob Morosi, senior media relations representative for the Michigan Department of Transportation in the Detroit area, joins the podcast to talk about long-term innovative solutions.

TMT Detroit Flooding

As of Saturday afternoon, officials in Dearborn said that city had been drenched with more than 7.5 inches of rain. This is reminiscent of heavy rains that created similar crises only seven years ago, in what was supposed to be a rare event. Scientists say we can expect more of these extreme weather events because of climate change.

Morosi talks about the efforts to build a tunnel that will move water to a storage location before ultimately flowing into a county drain. The main tunnel, featuring a 100-foot-deep start, is being built in the northeast quadrant of the I-75/I-696 interchange.

Morosi also explains why a tunnel was not workable on the pending I-94 modernization project through Detroit but says there are other innovative drainage options in the works.

As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer observed during a tour of the flooding Monday, all of this points to the need for more investment in transportation infrastructure at the state level and to heed the Biden Administration’s call for building for resiliency.

Experts have long pointed to the benefits of building for resiliency, including reduced damage to access roads, lower levels of injury and loss of life (safety), and the avoided loss of incomes and livelihoods.

Podcast photo shows I-94 flooding near Rotunda Drive in Dearborn.

I-75 Drainage Tunnel

The “Tunnel” is a major part of the drainage system improvements that are being constructed for I-75 Segment 3. This storage and drainage tunnel system is 4-­miles long, 14.5-foot diameter and 100 feet underground generally along I-75’s northbound service drive between 8 Mile and 12 Mile Roads.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.
Fraud Prevention 101

Fraud Prevention 101

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Regional News

Image
 
Hi there,

During last week’s tele townhall, I was joined by experts on preventing financial scams and other forms of elder abuse. If you missed it, you can still listen on our Facebook page, or check out the resources for preventing scams and providing support for both older Michiganders and caretakers below.

These kinds of scams are a growing problem: last year alone, fraudsters managed to scam Americans out of billions of dollars. And unfortunately, Michigan has been particularly hard hit and was ranked 14th in the nation overall for these kinds of crimes. Scams can happen over the phone, through email, text, anywhere online, or even in-person at your door, so I wanted to share some best practices for protecting yourself:

How do I prevent fraudsters from calling me?

Our experts shared that “prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The first step you can take is to NOT answer the phone for unknown numbers. This can help reduce the number of calls you receive. If the voicemail left for you seems like something legitimate, verify that the number calling you is really connected to that organization. For example, if your bank calls you, check to see if they are calling from the number listed on the back of your debit or credit card. If not, it could be fraud. You can also register for the national “do not call” list at www.donotcall.gov. This may help cut down on unwanted calls.

If you do get a call, you can help our state crackdown on robo-calls by submitting a robo-call complaint using this link.

What are some red flags to look for?

If someone calls saying they are from Medicare, the IRS or any government agency it is safe to assume they’re lying and hang up. If you’re concerned that the request is real, tell them to put whatever information they have in writing.

Go with your gut – if something seems even the slightest bit off, take the time to verify who you are communicating with. You can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388 if you have any questions about a request – they can help tell you if it is legitimate or not.

To learn about scams currently happening in Michigan, check out the AG’s list here, so you can know what to look for.

What are romance scams and how can I prevent them?

Romance scams are when people, often online, take on a false identity and get close to you for access to money or personal financial information. It’s important to be aware and on the lookout for this type of thing if you are talking to people on the internet. You should never give your financial information to anyone who asks for it online.

What are charity scams and how can I prevent them?

Sometimes fraudsters will pretend to call from a charity asking for donations. If you are donating to charity, do your due diligence, and make sure you are giving to the organization you intend to. You can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388 if you have any questions about a request – they can help tell you if it is legitimate or not.

What should I do if I realize I’ve been scammed?

If you realize that large, unauthorized charges have been made on your credit or debit card, call your bank immediately. If the scammer got a hold of your social security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps you should take, including how to monitor your credit. You can freeze your credit report with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You should also file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office with this link.

If you haven’t been scammed, but believe you have been contacted by a scammer, you should still report it to the Attorney General’s office here.

What is the government doing to crack down on fraud?

Last week, Congress was able to take action and pass the Elder Abuse Protection Act, which will make the Elder Justice Initiative a permanent office within the Department of Justice. The Elder Justice Initiative was created just last year to help local law enforcement and governments better address issues of elder abuse – including financial scams, and this bill will also require the Attorney General create a national elder fraud telephone hotline. As we heard from the experts who joined us last night, reporting fraud is the first step in stopping it, and this hotline will be an important tool for law enforcement.

We’re also working on a number of other bills to help prevent scam and educate folks on how to protect themselves.

I’m a caregiver of an older American: what should I do to keep my loved one protected?

It’s estimated that one in ten individuals over the age of sixty are victims of some form of elder abuse. You can help prevent this by making sure your loved one has a community, and look out for signs of abuse. Click here to learn about what to look for.

Thanks for reading, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388 if you have any questions or concerns.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin

P.S. – There are a variety of community groups for older Michiganders. Check them out with the links below.

Livingston County 
Oakland County
Ingham County