Whitmer and Gilchrist Host Small Business Summit

Whitmer and Gilchrist Host Small Business Summit

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 23, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Host Small Business Summit to Drive Long-Term Economic Growth in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II joined administration officials from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in hosting small business owners, advocates, support organizations and lenders from across the state today during a virtual Small Business Summit meant to inform a comprehensive strategy for small business investment in Michigan.

 

With $3.5 billion in additional state revenues expected following last month’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference and incoming federal funding that includes nearly $6.5 billion in flexible funding through the American Rescue Plan and $176 million in federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds, Michigan is in a strong position to make the investments that can transform the landscape for small businesses and help both residents and businesses recover from the pandemic.

 

“As we continue Michigan’s economic jumpstart, we have an incredible opportunity to investment in people, infrastructure, and in the future of small businesses all across our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “The productive conversations and innovative solutions brought forward throughout today’s summit will be vital as we determine how to put the billions in federal dollars we have to support small businesses in Michigan in the years ahead.”

With more than 600 stakeholders registered from across the state, the summit included updates and trends from key economic experts, including Gene Sperling, a Senior Advisor to President Biden and the White House American Rescue Plan coordinator, and facilitated creative conversations around how to develop meaningful programs to ensure small businesses are successful and that local entrepreneurs are supported as the economy recovers.

 

The summit featured opening remarks from Governor Whitmer, a fireside chat with Lt. Governor Gilchrist hosted by incoming MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., a conversation with Mr. Sperling and U.S. Senator Gary Peters around U.S. federal policy issues and breakouts focused on specific needs of micro- and second stage businesses, unique regional strengths and opportunities and access to capital and how to make that access better.

 

A recent survey conducted by New Economy Initiative found 93 percent of businesses in southeast Michigan have less than 10 employees and 77 percent stated capital was their most significant need. The impact of small businesses on the economy is felt throughout the state with 63 percent of Lansing and Grand Rapids businesses having less than 10 employees and 71 percent and 70 percent in Traverse City and Marquette having less than 10 employees, respectively.

 

“As we work to build our economy back better than before, we must make sure those businesses that may have been left behind before are coming along with us now, every step of the way, with the resources and support they need to be successful in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “It’s not enough to have a strong economy, we must do everything in our power to make sure that Michigan’s economy is inclusive, and every Michigander should feel its benefits.”

 

Today’s statewide summit was a strong start to these critical conversations, with plans already in place to continue holding similar conversations in communities across Michigan, including Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids and Traverse City.

 

“Today’s discussions were a showcase on how bringing state and local leaders, economic development officials, business owners, lenders and community organizations together can help us find solutions to the challenges facing Michigan’s main street businesses,” said Susan Corbin, acting director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “We look forward to continuing the conversation to help develop a comprehensive investment strategy that makes available funding go as far as possible to support the largest pool of small businesses.”
annual Mackinac Bridge Walk is back for 2021

annual Mackinac Bridge Walk is back for 2021

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

 
Mackinac Bridge Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021

 

CONTACT: Kim Nowack, Mackinac Bridge Authority, 906-643-7600

 

Updated video reviews Mackinac Bridge Walk options for 2021

 

June 24, 2021 — The annual Mackinac Bridge Walk is back for 2021, and the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) has updated a video explaining the options people have for participating in this beloved event.

               Based on the success of the 2018 and 2019 events, the MBA will again start the 2021 Annual Bridge Walk from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which eliminates the need for busing and offers additional options for participants. The bridge walk was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

               A video, posted on the MBA website at www.MackinacBridge.org/Walk, explains the bridge walk schedule and the choices people will have whether they start from the north or south end of the bridge.

               “Before the walk was cancelled last year, we had two successful years of starting the event from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which makes us confident in continuing those options in 2021,” said MBA Executive Secretary Kim Nowack. “Overall, the event went so smoothly, and we heard so many supportive comments about the new arrangements.”

               Walkers essentially have three main options, outlined in the video:

–   Starting from either end of the bridge and walking toward the center, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city they started from, where their transportation is located. The turnaround points will move toward the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if they start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m.

–   Walking the entire length of the bridge starting from either end. Those who choose this option must reach the midpoint before 10 a.m. or they will be turned back. Anyone who walks the entire bridge must arrange their own transportation back to the side they started once the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon.

–   Crossing the bridge, starting from either end, and then turning around and walking back to the side they started from. In this option, walkers will need to cross the midpoint on their return trip by 10 a.m. or they will be turned back and need to find their own transportation back across the bridge after it reopens at noon.

               As in 2018 and 2019, because walkers can start from either end of the bridge when they arrive, there will be no buses transporting participants across the bridge.

               The bridge will again be closed to public traffic during the 2021 walk, from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day, Sept. 6, based on recommendations from the Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Emergency vehicles will still be permitted to cross the bridge, but no public vehicles until the walk concludes and participants are off the bridge.

               The bridge walk has been an annual event since 1958, with the exception of 2020. The 2021 walk will be the 63rd event. Between 25,000 and 30,000 people have participated in recent years.

 

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Protect workers. Protect drivers. Safe work zones for all.

 www.Michigan.gov/WorkZoneSafety
dashboard provides data on trends in drug overdoses

dashboard provides data on trends in drug overdoses

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

New dashboard provides data on recent trends in drug overdoses,
utilization of prevention and harm reduction services

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched an interactive data dashboard to highlight current trends in drug overdoses among Michigan residents, and to monitor the use of overdose prevention and substance use disorder treatment services.

The new dashboard provides the most current data available on fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Michigan through a variety of data visualizations, including graphs, charts and maps. The dashboard was funded through a Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action grant.

Provisional data through November 2020 identified 2,417 overdose fatalities across Michigan. Statewide, both fatal and nonfatal overdoses disproportionately affect Black residents in Michigan. Based on the most recent 12 months of data, fatal overdose rates were 68 percent higher among Black residents compared to white residents and nonfatal overdose rates were 57 percent higher (Fatal data are December 2019 through November 2020; nonfatal data is June 2020 through May 2021).

As a result, services are being targeted in majority-minority communities and community outreach is being conducted to understand how to increase effectiveness of opioid response. The Michigan Opioids Task Force has also prioritized equity as a pillar in the statewide opioids strategy.

“The availability of timely data is critical to preventing overdoses and understanding how programs aimed at reducing risks and harms associated with drug use are working,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “This dashboard will help support the work of both MDHHS and our community partners by providing a clearer picture of where to focus efforts. Bringing all of this information together in a centralized location shows how Michigan is moving the needle on reducing overdoses and can help identify counties that need continued support.”

In addition to data on overdoses, the dashboard includes information about progress on MDHHS-supported overdose prevention initiatives, such as access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Most data indicators are available at both the statewide and county levels to demonstrate how the overdose epidemic varies across counties in impact and prevention resource utilization. Specific indicators include:

  • Monthly comparisons in overdose deaths, and quarterly rates by race and ethnicity for the last three years.
  • Preliminary overdose deaths by month and demographics, including sex, age, race and ethnicity.
  • Emergency department visits for overdose by month and demographics.
  • Emergency medical service responses for probable opioid overdoses by month.
  • Number of free naloxone kits ordered from the MDHHS online portal.
  • Number of pharmacies participating in the MDHHS Naloxone Standing Order Policy, which allows pharmacies to dispense naloxone to anyone without a prior prescription.
  • Rate and number of opioid units dispensed.
  • Number of individuals utilizing publicly funded substance use disorder treatment by primary substance; time between request for treatment and intake by demographic.
  • Number of Buprenorphine providers per 100,000 residents – Buprenorphine is used to treat opioid use disorder.
  • Number of syringe service programs and client encounters.

To view the dashboard or for more information about overdoses and resources for prevention and treatment, visit Michigan.gov/Opioids.

Pace Industries relocating from Arkansas to Michigan

by | Jun 23, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 23, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.org

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announces leading die casting manufacturer Pace Industries relocating headquarters from Arkansas to Michigan, creating more than 60 high-wage jobs in Novi

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that Pace Industries, a leading provider of die casting solutions, is relocating its headquarters from Arkansas to Novi, signaling continued economic recovery in Michigan.

 

The project is expected to initially create more than 60 new jobs in Novi and generate a total private investment of $1.9 million with the support of a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the project after considering Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, or remaining in Fayetteville.

 

“The decision by Pace Industries, a leading national die casting manufacturer, to relocate its headquarters to Michigan underscores the strength of our business climate and creates more good-paying, high-skill jobs for our talented workforce,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is great news for workers, their families, and our economy as we continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work. With the help of companies like Pace, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever before.”

 

Pace Industries, LLC provides die casting, manufacturing, and engineering solutions to global customers in the automotive, lighting, appliance and powersport industries. Pace has a current workforce of 360 employees in Detroit and Muskegon.

 

Pace has relocated its corporate headquarters from Arkansas to the city of Novi, where it has leased office space that houses corporate executives, managerial, technical sales and clerical staff. The location in Novi is near a major travel hub and puts the company in proximity to the engineering talent as well as many of its automotive and non-automotive customers in the Midwest.

 

This project will not only bring high-paying positions to the state but will also bring opportunities for entry-level employees to grow within the manufacturing management environment. Pace provides training on a variety of skillsets to new employees, enabling them to become future leaders in the organization. Pace also provides mentoring and internship programs to attract and develop up and coming young talent of the future for the company.

 

“Pace Industries recently moved its global headquarters to the Metro Detroit area for better access to our customer and supply bases, and the engaged, experienced talent that Michigan has to offer,” said Donald Hampton Jr., CEO of Pace Industries. “The MEDC, Detroit Regional Partnership, city and county all provided support with the initial move and continue to work as valued partners as we expand our team.”

 

Pace Industries is the latest company to choose to locate headquarters in the state of Michigan. This expansion in Michigan will continue to strengthen the state’s automotive manufacturing sector with the company expected to grow rapidly as it captures more market share.

 

“We are pleased to welcome Pace Industries headquarters to Michigan as they create 64 new advanced manufacturing jobs and tap into a robust, highly skilled talent pool that stretches across all corners of the state,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of the MEDC. “Today’s grand opening is yet another reminder that the ingenuity and innovation of our incredible business community here in Michigan remains unmatched. We appreciate the efforts of local partners in Novi to support this project and will work with Pace Industries as it continues to grow and add jobs for Michigan residents.”

 

The city of Novi is offering to assist the project by providing videography, marketing assistance and recruitment support. For information on careers with Pace Industries, visit https://paceind.com/careers/.

 

“The Detroit Region is one of the best places in North America to locate a headquarters because we have one of the world’s most sophisticated supply chains and the highly skilled talent that manufacturers need to innovate and stay globally competitive,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “The fact that our region has so many key decision-makers in automotive and mobility also gives us a major advantage.”

 

“Novi is a dynamic community on many fronts, from a magnet to businesses around the globe to being a sought-after, welcoming, diverse neighborhood that more than 65,000 residents call home,” said Novi Mayor Bob Gatt. “Now, the opportunity to host Pace Industries, once again, places Novi on the map as a leader in the business world and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Novi family.”

 

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Photo courtesy of Pace Industries

 

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.

 
New legislation introduced to combat the opioid epidemic

New legislation introduced to combat the opioid epidemic

by | Jun 23, 2021 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

New legislation introduced to combat the opioid epidemic
Bills will expand availability of medications in emergency departments
and naloxone standing order to community organizations

LANSING, Mich. – A bi-partisan package of bills to combat the opioid epidemic in Michigan was announced today by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist; Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), Rep. Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township), Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township), the Michigan Health and Hospital Association and the Michigan Opioid Partnership (MOP).

The legislation will expand availability of treatment for opioid use disorder in emergency departments and access to naloxone, the life-saving drug that can reverse overdoses, to community-based organizations.

“This epidemic touches every area of our state and we are losing nearly five Michiganders every single day to opioid overdoses,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “This legislation will help bring us closer to ending this epidemic by expanding access to treatment and to life-saving medications which can increase their chances of a successful recovery and prevent additional tragedies among our families.”

In 2018 and 2019, Michigan saw a moderate decline in the number of opioid-related overdoses. In 2019, total drug overdose deaths – which includes opioids and unspecified substances – decreased by 9.4 percent to 2,354 deaths  and opioid-related deaths fell by 13.2 percent to 1,768 deaths.

In 2020, the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic, such as increased social isolation and decreased access to treatment services, exacerbated the already deadly drug overdose epidemic. Provisional 2020 data shows an increase in total drug overdose deaths in Michigan. Preliminary data for January-June 2020 show 1,340 overdose deaths – up from 1,155 in those same months in 2019, an increase of 16%. Similarly, opioid-related overdose deaths increased from 874 in the first half of 2019 to 1,045 in the same period in 2020, an increase of 20%.

Two bills will expand availability of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in emergency departments and improve referral to treatment. Through this legislation, hospitals that treat over 50 overdoses a year will receiving funding to build capacity to offer MOUDs. The bills build on a foundation of existing work with the MOP to expand treatment in emergency departments since 2019. Currently, 19 hospitals across nine health systems are participating in this work.

“Michigan hospitals are committed to being part of the solution to the opioid epidemic that has impacted every community in Michigan,” said Brian Peters, Michigan Health & Hospital Association CEO. “These available resources for hospitals to provide MOUDs within their communities will help ensure patients receive the most appropriate care and treatment for their individual healthcare needs.”

“Thousands of Michigan families in nearly every community in our state have seen the devastating effects of opioid addiction and abuse. It’s a national and statewide fight that needs a comprehensive effort to win,” said Senator VanderWall. “This reform will ensure that our state and our health care providers are doing everything possible to save lives and also connect patients to effective treatment.”

“The opioid crisis has devastated communities and destroyed the lives of far too many all across our state,” said Representative Witwer. “These medications for opioid use disorder save lives. This past year has shown us what we can achieve if everyone comes together to fight a public health emergency. It’s time to use this same approach to combating the opioid crisis. Expanding access is one critical step to ending this epidemic.”

Additional legislation will expand Michigan’s naloxone standing order to allow community organizations to access the lifesaving overdose reversal drug naloxone. Currently, the standing order allows for naloxone to be dispensed from a pharmacist, similar to over-the-counter medications, and restricts community-based organizations from accessing naloxone. Since 2017, more than 20,000 doses of naloxone have been dispensed under the standing order.

“Having naloxone on hand can make the difference between someone living or dying from an overdose and getting it into the hands of people who are most likely to be able to save a life is important,” said Dr. Khaldun. “Naloxone saves thousands of lives each year by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose and this legislation will help prevent fatal overdoses by distributing naloxone more widely across our state.”

“The progress that we’ve seen fighting against the opioid epidemic has been impeded in part due to the immediate public health crisis in COVID-19. It’s important that we continue thinking of those suffering from substance use disorders (SUDs) and their loved ones as we come out of the pandemic,” said Senator Brinks. “I am proud to be part of this bipartisan group who are introducing legislation that continues Michigan’s fight against SUDs, as there is plenty of important work yet to do.”

“Families in Michigan continue to struggle with our opiate crisis,” said Representative Whiteford. “My hope is that these bills will move us closer to a state free from the suffering of addiction.”

For more information and resources, visit Michigan.gov/Opioids.