Residents Getting COVID-19 Vaccine can Request Flu Shot

Residents Getting COVID-19 Vaccine can Request Flu Shot

by | Oct 7, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Residents Getting COVID-19 Vaccine At Health Division’s Indoor Clinics May Also Request Flu Shot

County Surpasses 800,000 Residents 12 and Older Who Have Received COVID-19 Vaccine

Pontiac, Michigan – Public health nurses administering COVID-19 vaccines at Oakland County Health Division’s indoor clinics will also administer the flu shot at the same time to eligible residents who request it. Getting both COVID-19 and flu immunizations reduces the risk of severe illness and death during the pandemic.

Upcoming indoor community clinics will include the Karl Richter Community Center in Holly, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 876 in Madison Heights, Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, and Southfield Pavilion in Southfield.

Appointments are strongly encouraged. Click on OaklandCountyVaccine.com for addresses, times, and to schedule an appointment. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for more information. Individuals who schedule their COVID-19 vaccine appointment at an indoor clinic will be asked to indicate whether they would like to receive the flu vaccine. Residents may also request it at the time they show up to get their COVID-19 vaccine at an Oakland County indoor clinic.

Oakland County Health Division continues to be focused on limiting the transmission of COVID-19 by immunizing residents who remain unvaccinated.

About 287,000 eligible Oakland County residents remain unvaccinated, at least 46,000 of whom are ages 12-19 years old. New cases of COVID-19 continue to grow, especially among unvaccinated residents. Of the more than 4,700 new confirmed and probable cases in Oakland County from September 20-October 3, residents 18 years old or younger accounted for 26.7 percent of the new cases, up from 26 percent last week.

Meanwhile, more than 800,000 Oakland County residents 12 years old and older have received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of October 5, 2021:

Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389

  • Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 804,377
  • Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 747,416
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 73.7 percent

Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737

  • Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 769,639
  • Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 716,031
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 74.7 percent

Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676

  • Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 191,695
  • Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 181,690
  • Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 88.1 percent

Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,630,785

  • Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,493,708
  • Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: 91.6%

Total third and booster doses administered in Region 2 North (Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair counties): 57,840

$6.35 Million Investment to Reduce Court Backlog

$6.35 Million Investment to Reduce Court Backlog

by | Oct 7, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 7, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Announces $6.35 Million Investment to Reduce Court Backlog, Celebrates Opening of Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Facility

Investment would tackle court backlog of firearm-related cases, part of larger $75 million MI Safe Communities framework to protect public safety and reduce crime

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Today, at the opening of the Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Facility, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed a $6.35 million investment to get illegal guns off the streets and enhance public safety. The proposal is part of the larger $75 million MI Safe Communities framework the governor laid out in July, which would utilize federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to reduce crime and keep people safe by tackling the court backlog, expanding resources available to law enforcement, and uplifting communities by making investments in jobs, justice, and education.

 

“We have to work together to reduce crime and get illegal guns off the street because every Michigander, no matter where they live or who they are, deserves to live safely,” said Governor Whitmer. “As a former prosecutor, keeping families safe is a top priority. Both the MI Safe Communities framework and the new Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Facility will put Michiganders first by helping law enforcement officers do their jobs more effectively and tackle the court backlog to get illegal guns off our streets. I will work with anyone to bring down crime and help Michiganders feel safe in their community. Together, we can build a safer, more just Michigan where every family can thrive, where every kid can get a great education, and where every person has a path to a good-paying, high-skill job.”

 

“Local courts have been dramatically impacted by the pandemic and will continue to struggle to clear their backlog without some assistance from the state,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Delayed court dates means delayed justice, and that is unacceptable. I’ve long advocated for targeted investments to strengthen public safety and fully support more money to address the backlog and threat of illegal guns in our communities.”

 

“Courts pivoted quickly to remote proceedings to keep our justice system running, and trial courts statewide have held nearly four million hours of remote hearings since April of 2020,” said Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack. “To protect the rights of defendants, however, many criminal proceedings must be in person, creating a substantial backlog in many courts. Additional visiting judges will help tackle that backlog, resolve cases more quickly, and help keep our communities safe.”

 

“Senseless criminal gun violence has no place in our Michigan communities,” said DJ Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecutor. “This investment in public safety will give prosecutors the ability to continue to work towards ensuring that our neighborhoods will have safe days and quiet nights.”

 

“Forensic laboratory services are critical to seeking justice in many criminal cases. The new, modern lab facility opening in Grand Rapids will provide police, prosecutors and the defense with the information necessary to process criminal cases more efficiently,” said Doug Lloyd, President of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. “PAAM also appreciates the efforts of the Governor and the legislature to provide critical funding to address the growing backlog of criminal cases brought about by the pandemic.”

 

MSP Grand Rapids Facility

The new Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Facility brings together three MSP facilities—the Grand Rapids Post, the Grand Rapids Forensic Science Laboratory, and the Sixth District Headquarters—under one roof to increase collaboration and drive down costs. The new facility is the result of close collaboration between the MSP and the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB).

 

“A building is a building, and it doesn’t make the department or the service we provide, it’s our members who make those important contributions,” said Colonel Gasper. “But I must say that it’s really something special when the building matches the high caliber of professionalism our members display.”

 

MI Safe Communities

The $6.35 million investment Governor Whitmer laid out today to tackle the court backlog and get illegal guns off the street was the result of hundreds of conversations the governor and her team had with law enforcement officers, community leaders, faith leaders, and families over several months. Based on those conversations, the governor announced the three-pillar, $75 million MI Safe Communities framework in July.

 

MI Safe Communities would:

  1. Invest more money into Michigan’s police departments to strengthen training policies and programs and foster collaboration between the Michigan State Police and local departments on specialty services.
  2. Increase the number of visiting judges with funding for prosecution and defense to tackle the backlog of criminal cases that has piled up during the pandemic, to protect the rights of defendants to appear in person, and help the justice system operate more efficiently while maintaining public safety.
  3. Make comprehensive investments to expand opportunity through Michigan’s education, jobs, and justice system including Collaborative Community Violence Intervention Programs, counseling, peer support, mediation, and social services to hospital patients recovering from violent injuries and prevent further violence and injuries.

 

Governor Whitmer will make additional announcements on the two other pillars of the MI Safe Communities in the coming weeks.

 

Funding Law Enforcement

Since taking office, the governor has signed budget bills delivering $1.4 billion to local governments to help them fund local police, fire departments, and emergency medical services. She has also delivered $40 million in COVID hazard pay for local officers and first-responders and over $10 million premium pay for MSP troopers. These dollars help ensure police are better equipped to fight crime today and have the resources to fight crime tomorrow.

 

Budget

Last week, the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2022 budget bill that delivers more resources to state police to help them hire more troopers and expand and improve training. The latest budget also invests in 911 system upgrades and delivers on the kitchen-table fundamental issues that make our communities stronger: putting 167,000 Michiganders on a tuition-free path to higher-education or skills training, expanding low or no-cost childcare to 105,000 kids, repairing or replacing 100 bridges while creating 2,500 jobs, and more.

 

Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer and legislature worked together to put Michigan students first and passed the largest significant education investment in state history, closing the funding gap between schools in Michigan and including a historic amount of resources for schools to hire more nurses, counselors, and social workers. Early investments in mental and social health help reduce crime in the long run.

 
GM’s Latest Investment Next-Generation Battery Facility

GM’s Latest Investment Next-Generation Battery Facility

by | Oct 6, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 5, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer on GM’s Latest Investment to Develop Next-Generation Battery Facility in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today released the following statement following the announcement by General Motors of an all-new Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center. The new facility will significantly expand the company’s battery technology operations and accelerate development and commercialization of longer range, more affordable electric vehicle batteries from GM’s Global Technical Center campus in Warren.

“Michigan continues to prove it is not only home to a proud automotive manufacturing heritage but is also ground zero for the future of mobility and electrification. We are thrilled to welcome this new investment by General Motors as we continue to work together toward a carbon-neutral future, while at the same time underscoring our state’s leadership in creating the roads, talent and cars of the future.

“Today’s announcement continues to build on Michigan’s strong momentum throughout the automotive industry, having added 15,000 auto jobs and secured billions of dollars in additional investment to transform existing plants for electric vehicle production and to build new assembly plants. We look forward to growing our automotive, mobility and electrification leadership even further as we cement our role as the automotive and mobility capital of the world for generations to come.”

Today’s announcement by General Motors builds on a host of additional investments made by the company since January 2020, including:

  • A $2.2 billion investment at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plan to produce battery electric trucks and other electric vehicles, creating more than 2,200 manufacturing jobs at the facility.
  • Adding more than 1,200 jobs at its Lansing Grand River Assembly facility to support the launch of the Cadillac CT4 and CT5.
  • A more than $100 million investment in the Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant to produce the next-generation GMC Acadia.
  • A $32 million investment at the Flint Assembly plan for future production of heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups.
  • A $17 million investment in the Romulus, Michigan propulsion plant to enhance automation and increase capacity of GM’s 10-speed truck transmission, which is used in full-size pickups and other key products, including the all-new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Cadillac Escalade.
  • A $3.5 million investment at Orion Assembly. An additional $750,000 will be invested at GM’s site in Brownstown Charter Township, Michigan. Both investments are related to additional production of the Cruise AV test vehicle at Orion Assembly.

This news further builds on the Governor’s announcements last month around innovative mobility initiatives and programs. This includes the Michigan Revolution for Electrification of Vehicles Academy/Academies to proactively prepare the talent needed for automotive mobility and electrification current, emerging, future jobs and career pathways. The Governor also announced the Lake Michigan EV Circuit to create an electric vehicle route with reliable charging options along Lake Michigan, as well as an initiative to develop the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road in the U.S. right here in Michigan.
Whitmer Announces 10 Million Vaccine Doses Administered  

Whitmer Announces 10 Million Vaccine Doses Administered  

by | Oct 6, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 6, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces 10 Million Vaccine Doses Administered 

Over 5.5 million Michiganders have received at least one dose of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced more than 10 million primary series doses of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Michiganders. The state has also administered more than 207,000 third doses to those who are immunocompromised and booster doses to eligible individuals. To date, 68.3% of Michiganders age 16 years or older have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe, effective vaccines – bringing the state close to its goal of 70% vaccination rate.

 

“As of today, Michigan has surpassed 10 million doses of hope in the form of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thank you to the more than 5.5 million Michiganders who have gotten vaccinated to keep themselves, their families and communities safe. Whether it’s completing your first or second dose, or getting your booster or additional dose of the vaccine, I urge all eligible Michiganders to make a plan to get theirs today. The vaccine remains the best way to help us get back to normal and continue our strong economic progress.”

 

From January to July 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations and 96% of deaths.

 

“The safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is already protecting millions of Michiganders from this deadly virus,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “With the Delta variant circulating and cases of COVID-19 continuing to spread across the state, we urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those who are eligible for a third dose due to being immunocompromised or a booster dose according to CDC guidance are urged to make an appointment with their health care provider or visit their local pharmacy to maintain and increase that level of protection.”

 

Total vaccines doses, including primary series and additional or booster doses:

  • 5,967,776 doses of Pfizer
  • 3,900,419 doses of Moderna
  • 352,317 doses of Johnson & Johnson

 

Michiganders ages 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

 

In addition, CDC recommends the following groups should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series:

  • People 65 years and older and residents aged 18 and older in long-term care settings.

 

CDC recommends the following groups may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series based on their individual benefits and risks:

 

Additionally, Michiganders with moderately to severely compromised immune systems should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This additional dose is intended to improve the response of people who are immunocompromised to their initial vaccine series.

 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
226 New Jobs in Key Industries Around Michigan 

226 New Jobs in Key Industries Around Michigan 

by | Oct 6, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                

October 6, 2021

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces 226 New Jobs in Key Industries Around Michigan

  • Three business expansions in advanced manufacturing, automotive R&D will generate $41.3 million in private investment in Battle Creek and Southeast Michigan
  • Projects will further add to the growing momentum of economic growth across Michigan

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce three business expansions that will create 226 high-wage jobs around the state have been approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund, signaling continued economic growth in Michigan and generating $41.3 million in private investment.

 

“Today’s expansions will help us stay laser-focused on creating good-paying jobs, growing our economy, and continuing to lead in the advanced manufacturing and mobility space,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we can usher in a new era of prosperity for our state and continue to make strong economic progress going forward.”

 

Business expansions creating 226 new jobs Battle Creek, Livonia, Pontiac, underscoring Michigan’s leadership in automotive R&D, advanced manufacturing

 

Cives Corporation – 91 jobs in Battle Creek

Cives Corporation is a subsidiary of Viking-Cives, a full-line truck equipment company and one of the largest snow and ice control equipment manufacturers in North America.

 

Viking-Cives plans to construct a new facility in the city of Battle Creek where it will house a manufacturing shop, warehouse and installation bay to support the company’s growth in the Midwest. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $25 million and create 91 jobs with the support of a $755,300 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Indiana and Ontario.

 

The project will bring new well-paying manufacturing jobs to the community with positions including mechanical engineers, material handlers, machine operators, layout fitters, welders, painters, office positions, and more. The company believes strongly in promoting from within and offers its employees benefits, numerous training programs, and ESOP ownership opportunities in the company.

 

The city of Battle Creek has offered a 50-percent tax abatement in support of the project. For career information with Viking-Cives, visit https://www.vikingcives.com/Application.aspx

 

“As a snowplow manufacturer, Viking-Cives will be a great compliment to Battle Creek’s existing manufacturing base. This is an innovative company with a great track record. And as an employee-owned company, they will offer excellent opportunities for our local workforce,” said Battle Creek Unlimited President and CEO Joe Sobieralski. “We are proud that they have selected Battle Creek as the site of the newest production facility.”

 

International Extrusions, Inc. – 63 jobs in Livonia

International Extrusions, Inc., headquartered in Garden City, is a leading aluminum extrusion manufacturer in the United States, operating in Southeast Michigan since 1937.

 

International Extrusions has acquired new equipment and plans to double the capacity of its extrusion facility in the city of Livonia, where it began operations at its new facility less than two years ago.  International Extrusions will add a new aluminum extrusion press and fabrication machinery that will be a part of a state-of-the-art fully integrated manufacturing and packaging operation. This line will add capacity for an additional 25 million pounds of extrusions annually.

 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $12.5 million and create up to 63 jobs, resulting in a $189,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Maryland and the Carolinas.

 

This project has an aggressive timeline. International Extrusions is working with its Michigan-based contractors to have the 50,000-square-foot Livonia addition built by early January. The company plans on being in full operation by early April of 2022.

 

To see a video of the extrusion line in action, visit https://youtu.be/c1CJit4S4a0. The aluminum extruded on this press will help fill the first in the United States cube technology powder coat facility by S.A.T., which is currently being installed at the company’s Garden City facility and going live next month.

 

International Extrusions supports personal professional growth of its employees including 50-percent tuition reimbursement for trades, computer and college education. The company promotes from within for all levels of positions and provides health benefits to its employees. The project will help continue to grow Michigan’s manufacturing sector and will provide job opportunities at various skill levels and education, helping to reduce barriers to job access within disadvantaged and limited-skilled populations. Individuals interested in a career with International Extrusions should visit https://www.extrusion.net/contact.

 

The city of Livonia is considering a property tax abatement in support of the project, and the Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a State Education Tax abatement to be used in conjunction with the local abatement.

 

“The City of Livonia was selected as the site for International Extrusions newest operational expansion. The $12.5 million expansion will add a second state of the art press machine for fully integrated manufacturing and packaging of aluminum fabrications within our City,” said Livonia Planning and Economic Development Coordinator Jacob Uhazie. “We are excited to see their continued investment in our community and workforce.”

 

LHP Engineering Solutions, LLC – 100 jobs in Pontiac

LHP Engineering Solutions, LLC provides engineering and technology solutions for the automotive, aerospace, medical and other related industries. The company has recently restructured with the goal of growing technology solutions around autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, connected vehicles and related technologies. The company currently has 53 employees at its office in Pontiac.

 

To accommodate its new growth, LHP plans to repurpose its existing engineering center in Pontiac into an electric vehicle, autonomous and advanced driver assistance system test lab that will include the development of advanced engineering training, autonomous vehicle training, and EV controls engineering training. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $3.8 million and create 100 high-wage jobs with the support of a $500,000 Jobs Ready Michigan performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in California and Indiana.

 

The project will continue to grow Michigan’s mobility and electric vehicle sectors and will further underscore the state’s leadership position in mobility and automotive R&D. Bringing the project to the state of Michigan grows and solidifies the company’s presence in Pontiac and supports the potential for future growth and investment. The company plans to provide training to upskill newly graduated engineering students from universities in the area and also provides wraparound services for its employees including childcare assistance, transportation services, mentoring, and partnership with universities.

 

“On behalf of Mayor Deirdre Waterman and the city of Pontiac, we are excited to extend congratulations to LHP Engineering Solutions, Inc. on their expansion and welcome them to Pontiac,” said Pontiac Economic and Community Development Director Linnette Phillips. “We are pleased that their expansion includes 100 new jobs and $3.8 million in capital investment. Also, we especially acknowledge the MEDC for more than $1 million in incentives to further support this initiative.”

 

Individuals interested in careers with LHP should visit https://www.lhpes.com/careers.

 

“Today’s projects send a clear message that Michigan is a place where businesses, communities, and people can take risks, succeed, and grow,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “These projects reflect our commitment to taking a holistic, people-first approach to economic development while securing Michigan’s leadership in the industries that will drive our economy into the future.”

 

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.