Business and Community Investments Create and Retain 672 Jobs

Business and Community Investments Create and Retain 672 Jobs

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Business and Community Investments that Will Create and Retain 672 Jobs

 

  • Dana Thermal Products establishing new operations in Auburn Hills, creating 200 high-wage jobs
  • Neogen constructing new facility in downtown Lansing, investing $71.5 million
  • Community revitalization project in Detroit will bring new vibrancy and density to Brush Park neighborhood

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approval of a range of projects, including support for business expansion projects in Auburn Hills and Lansing, a community revitalization project in Detroit, continued site readiness efforts and other actions that will continue to strengthen Michigan’s economy. In total, the projects approved today during MSF’s board meeting are expected to generate more than $153 million in investment around the state and create or retain 672 jobs for Michiganders.

 

“Today’s Michigan Strategic Fund approvals will create and retain 672 good-paying jobs and invest $153 million across Auburn Hills, Lansing, and Detroit,” said Governor Whitmer. “These projects will build on our manufacturing heritage and advance our mobility and electrification leadership. Together, we will help us continue to drive growth in Michigan by funding economic development projects, investing in our communities, creating jobs for our residents, and advancing initiatives that build long-term opportunity throughout the state. I will work with anyone to keep getting things done and grow our economy.”

 

Dana Thermal Products establishing new operations in Auburn Hills, investing $54.2 million

 

Dana Thermal Products, LLC is a subsidiary of Dana Incorporated, a global leader in thermal management technologies for the mobility industry. The company’s parent employs more than 40,000 people in 31 countries.

 

Dana provides various thermal management technologies including battery cooling plates, cold plates and power electronics cooling to global automakers. The company anticipates that one of its largest opportunities for growth is within the electrification market and is investing to position itself as a leader in EV technologies as core customers and markets are making the shift.

 

Dana plans to lease a facility in the city of Auburn Hills to support a new battery cooling plate manufacturing operation. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $54.2 million and create 200 jobs, supported by a $2.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in the Southeast U.S. and Canada.

 

“The $44 million investment in electric vehicle battery production is outstanding news for the highly skilled workers who can fill those new jobs,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “It’s also a boost for the advanced manufacturing reputation for both Michigan and Oakland County.”

 

The project contributes to the MEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in automotive manufacturing and builds on the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. Dana chose Michigan for the project because of the manufacturing and engineering talent as well as the proximity to automotive customers.

 

“We are honored that Dana Thermal Products, LLC has chosen Auburn Hills for their next strategic investment. Their expertise and innovation will complement and enhance our existing world-class business community,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “This commitment by Dana Thermal Products, LLC strengthens Auburn Hills’ reputation as being a leader in the future of electrification and mobility. We appreciate their confidence and look forward to partnering with them to provide an environment where their business can grow and thrive.”

 

The city of Auburn Hills plans to offer staff time and assistance in support of the project. For information on careers with Dana, visit https://www.dana.com/careers/.

 

Today’s announcement continues the growth of Dana Incorporated in Michigan. In February, the MSF board approved a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program grant to support Dana’s new electric vehicle technology center in Novi, a project that is expected to generate a total capital investment of $9 million and create 150 high-wage jobs.

 

Food and animal safety solutions provider Neogen expanding in downtown Lansing, investing $71.5 million

 

Neogen Corporation, founded in Lansing in 1982, is consolidating existing operations and creating a state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facility in Lansing. Neogen develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety, employing nearly 1,800 people worldwide with more than 600 in Lansing.

 

The Neogen Expansion Brownfield Redevelopment Project will include the construction of a new three-story manufacturing and research building on a vacant a parcel of land in downtown Lansing and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $71.5 million and create 77 new jobs as well as retain 350 jobs. The project is supported by a $324,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Kentucky.

 

“Neogen is a proud member of the Lansing community, and we are pleased to call Lansing our corporate headquarters. From our earliest days as a technology developed at Michigan State University to the present, the Greater Lansing community has supported us, and we are proud to be a part of such a diverse and thriving community,” said Neogen President and CEO John Adent. “I want to thank Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, the City of Lansing, the Lansing City Council, and the Greater Lansing area for continuing to support Neogen, and we are excited to continue growing together. I also want to thank the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan Strategic Fund for all of their help and collaboration as we work through this project.”

 

The City of Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority today received MSF approval of $1,576,751 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of eligible brownfield activities at the site. Neogen Properties IX, LLC is the single purpose development entity created by Neogen to undertake the project.

 

Neogen is committed to its employees and their career advancement by utilizing a combination of job banding, career ladders and succession planning. The company also provides a tuition reimbursement program and has established a quality technician apprentice program. The project will transform an underutilized property in downtown Lansing, dramatically improving the property’s appearance and bringing new economic activity to downtown Lansing. In addition, the project will bring 77 good jobs to Lansing residents in the life sciences, research and development, and professional services sectors.

 

“For the last year and a half, there’s been a great partnership between City of Lansing, LEAP, and the MEDC to put together a multi-tier incentive package to keep NEOGEN growing in the City of Lansing and the state,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Additionally, we thank Sparrow Hospital for their critical partnership and most importantly thank NEOGEN for choosing Lansing and the state of Michigan for this continued effort to successfully diversify our local and state economy.”

 

The city of Lansing is supporting the project through approval of the local tax capture valued at $3,267,339, and also plans to provide staff or economic assistance in support of the project. The city of Lansing is certified with MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program. Individuals interested in careers with Neogen should visit https://www.neogen.com/careers/.

 

Coda Brush Park project

 

Community revitalization project in Detroit will add vibrancy, density to Brush Park neighborhood

 

The Coda Brush Park project includes the rehabilitation of an existing single-story building and construction of additions that will result in a five-story, mixed-use development in the Brush Park neighborhood of Detroit. When complete, the project will include a ground-level restaurant and bar, a second-story office and three stories of for-sale condos and integrated parking.

 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $27.9 million and create 45 full-time equivalent jobs, and will help meet demand for restaurant, housing, office and parking space in the neighborhood. In addition, it will bring long-vacant property back to productive use, add vibrancy and density, and generate additional economic activity in the area.

 

The City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority today received MSF approval of $1,218,829 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of eligible brownfield activities at the site. The city of Detroit is supporting the project through the approval of the local tax capture valued at $3.5 million. The city of Detroit is engaged with MEDC’s RRC program.

 

 “The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority supports this exciting, new mixed-use project for CODA Brush Park that will add jobs, housing and vibrancy to this historic community,” said Brian Vosburg, Director of Brownfield Redevelopment at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “We’re also pleased there will be elements of the original structure incorporated into the new development, reflective of the community’s rich history.”

 

“We’re grateful for the support of the DEGC, Detroit City Council, MEDC and the MSF Board and staff,” said CODA Detroit Developer Michael VanOverbeke. “Without their assistance, this project would not have been able to go forward. We all feel that this development will be a great addition to the Brush Park neighborhood.”

 

Additional funding approved for Michigan Build Ready Sites Program 

 

MSF today approved $5 million in funds from the Michigan Business Development Program to be transferred to the Michigan Build Ready Sites Program. The program is designed to assist with the development and/or enhancement of sites to make the state investment-ready and competitive for business attraction and expansion projects.

 

The program provides financial or technical support to fund activities that will increase Michigan’s inventory of development-ready industrial sites. Activities could include site development studies or site material development, site implementation or land assembly activities, and more.

 

The program supports MEDC’s strategic focus of continuing to hone Michigan’s competitive advantage and be prepared to attract companies in key focus industries to locate and grow in Michigan. As MEDC courts companies to grow or locate in Michigan, there is a need for the development and/or enhancement of industrial sites to make them build-ready and competitive for site selection projects.

 

“Michigan is aggressively pursuing site readiness in a range of locations and sizes, including strategic mega-sites considered to be 1,000+ acres, to grow an inventory of market responsive sites to position Michigan as the state of choice of site selectors,” said MEDC Executive Vice President, Chief Real Estate and Global Attraction OfficerTerri Fitzpatrick. “MEDC is experiencing a never-before-seen level of RFPs and inquiries for sites here in the state. This funding will advance sites to ready them for investment in Michigan.”

 

The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved the following:

 

  • Bedrock Transformational Brownfield Plan amendments – MSF approval of modifications to Bedrock’s original Transformational Brownfield Plan, approved in May 2018, to reflect updated details to project, new completion dates and changes to the TBP law. The amendments do not increase company’s incentive value or change their investment amount.

 

  • Design for Michigan Manufacturing Program at the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Tech University – Approval of $1.5 million to support the economic development program at LTU designed to develop and launch more products made in Michigan.

 

  • Funding allocation for the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Advanced Materials Hub – MSF approval of additional funding for the Michigan Technological University MTRAC Advanced Materials Innovation Hub. The hub focuses on commercializing technologies related to advanced applied material, systems, technologies or devices.

 

  • Funding tourism and business marketing efforts – MSF approval on the allocation of FY23 appropriated funding to MEDC’s tourism and business marketing initiatives to promote Michigan as a world-class business and travel destination. The MSF Board approved $15 million in appropriated American Rescue Plan Act federal funds to the existing contract with MMGY Global for travel marketing and advertising initiatives that promote Michigan as a premier four-season destination. The MSF Board also approved $5,782,000 to the existing contract with Lambert/9th Wonder for business marketing and advertising activities that attract, retain and grow businesses that deliver economic opportunity to Michigan.

 

“The projects approved today build on our statewide leadership in EV manufacturing, bring good jobs to Michigan residents, support vibrant communities, help increase growth opportunities for businesses ranging from start-ups to established companies, and better prepare our state to compete for business attraction opportunities,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr. “We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators, and local officials for their continued support for our programs, and we appreciate the hard work of the Michigan Strategic Fund board. Today’s MSF actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring our work is making an impact no matter where our friends and neighbors reside across Michigan.”

AG Calls on FTC to Increase Obligations on Telemarketers

AG Calls on FTC to Increase Obligations on Telemarketers

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 23, 2022

Media Contact:
AG Press

AG Nessel Calls on the FTC to Increase Obligations on Telemarketers

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of attorneys general calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to increase obligations on telemarketers by requiring them to keep additional records about their activities so that law enforcement can hold them accountable when they break the law.

“Requiring telemarketers to keep accurate records of their activities is the only way we can ensure that they are abiding by the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR).” Nessel said. “Consumers must be protected from abusive telemarketing practices, including illegal robocalls, and these records can be the evidence needed to hold bad actors accountable for breaking the law. This update will be a needed deterrent to those who choose to violate the TSR. I am happy to stand with my fellow attorneys general in supporting the proposed comprehensive update to this important rule.”

The TSR went into effect in 1995 to help prevent telemarketers from scamming, harassing, or threatening people. Over the past 25 years, the FTC has updated the Rule to address the rise in unwanted calls and scam calls, but the Rule has not been updated to account for the additional records that are now often necessary to help ensure telemarketers are playing by the rules. The old recordkeeping requirements are not enough to enable law enforcement to go after many bad actors.

The attorneys general are encouraging the FTC to adopt proposed changes to the Rule, including requiring telemarketers and sellers to maintain the following types of information:

  • a copy of each unique, prerecorded message;
  • call detail records of telemarketing campaigns;
  • records that prove a seller has an established business relationship with a consumer;
  • records that prove a consumer is a previous donor to a particular charitable organization;
  • records of the service providers that a telemarketer uses to deliver outbound calls;
  • records of a seller or charitable organization’s entity-specific Do-Not-Call registries; and
  • records of the FTC’s Do-Not-Call registry that was used to ensure compliance with the Telemarketing Sales Rule.

AG Nessel is joined in submitting the comments by the Attorneys General of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

 A copy of the comments letter is available here.

Collaboration with Electric Vehicle Charging Company Volta 

Collaboration with Electric Vehicle Charging Company Volta 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Lt. Governor Gilchrist Announces Expanded Collaboration with Electric Vehicle Charging Company Volta

Partnership between Michigan, Volta Charging, Kroger and DTE Energy will strengthen electric vehicle ecosystems across the state

 

DETROIT, Mich. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced that Volta Charging, an electric vehicle infrastructure company, will expand its presence in Michigan to help build out the state’s broader electric vehicle infrastructure, ultimately improving transit options for residents and strengthening the state’s EV ecosystems.

 

“We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with Volta, as our partnership plays a critical role in ensuring EVs and their charging infrastructure are more accessible and equitable for all,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist II. “Through this project, and Michigan’s broader efforts to implement a comprehensive EV ecosystems approach, we will lead the nation in developing the future of sustainable transportation.”

 

Volta will add at least eight additional chargers at the following Kroger locations to its network, thanks in part to a broader, nationwide collaboration between the company and Kroger to accelerate the delivery of affordable, equitable access to charging:

  • Southgate Kroger: 16705 Fort St, Southgate, Mich.
  • Roseville Kroger: 20891 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Roseville, Mich.
  • Westland Kroger: 200 Merriman Rd, Westland, Mich.
  • Lapeer Kroger: 540 S Main St, Lapeer, Mich.

 

“These new EV charging deployments are yet another proof point of the success that comes from public and private entities working together under a common goal – in this case, ensuring that Michigan’s communities have access to infrastructure that supports reliable, environmentally conscious transit solutions,” said Charlie Tyson, Technology Activation Manager at MEDC. “We are excited to see the positive impacts these new chargers will bring to our state’s communities and look forward to further innovative collaborations with Volta and its partners.”

 

Volta currently has more than 2,800 charging stations in its network across the United States, which are compatible with all electric vehicles in the country as well as some plug-in hybrid models. The company also offers a mobile app, which allows users to search for charging stations nearby, check station availability, report issues, provide suggestions for improvement and more.

 

“Volta’s innovative business is built to help Michiganders get the most out of the historic public investment in climate action and electric mobility,” said Kevin Samy, Head of Policy Communications at Volta Charging. “Our electric future belongs to all of us, and Volta is thrilled to expand our special partnership with the state of Michigan and DTE to install more affordable and readily available charging in underserved communities.”

 

This commitment from Volta builds on news from April 2022 that the company received a Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grant from the state of Michigan and make-ready rebates from DTE’s Charging Forward program to improve access to EV infrastructure in typically underserved areas of the state. Volta and DTE Energy partnered to design a program that targeted locations – including lower-income and environmental justice communities – that have not seen as much investment by EV charging network operators. The team leveraged Volta’s PredictEV® machine learning software to identify optimal locations to place the stations based on forecasted electric vehicle adoption, EVSE demand and expected utilization for the region. In total, Volta will install at least eight charging stations across the four Kroger locations, with a mix of Level 2 and DC Fast chargers.

 

“Ensuring that everyone has access to clean energy and the infrastructure associated with it is a priority of ours,” said Tony Tomczak, vice president of electric sales and marketing, DTE. “This partnership is one of the many ways we are working with our state agencies to drive transportation electrification for all.”

 

Volta Charging

 

Volta Charging 1

 

Volta Charging 2

 

Volta Charging 3

 

Today’s announcement also builds on other recent news of mobility-related investments in the state, including:

  • Ford Motor Company investing $2 billion, creating more than 3,200 jobs in plants across Michigan to support electric vehicle manufacturing growth and secure internal combustion engine operations in the state
  • General Motors investing $7 billion, creating 4,000 and retaining 1,000 jobs, to convert Orion Township assembly plant to build full-size electric vehicle pickups and build Ultium’s third U.S. battery cell plant in Lansing
  • Canadian electric vehicle charging network operator and smart charging solutions provider FLO investing $3 million and creating 133 jobs at its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills

 

To learn more about how Michigan is leading in transportation mobility and electrification, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/mobility.

 

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.

 

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.comempoweringmichigan.comtwitter.com/dte_energy and  facebook.com.

“Create Your Calm” campaign seeks to defuse emotions

“Create Your Calm” campaign seeks to defuse emotions

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18, 2022

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

“Create Your Calm” campaign seeks to defuse emotions,
enhance learning in K-12 classrooms
Slogan is used on child-friendly items made available by the Stay Well program

LANSING, Mich. — As students and teachers across the state head back into K-12 classrooms this month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Stay Well program is offering educational tools and resources to help create and maintain a calm learning environment.

Among the free tools available are child-friendly “Create Your Calm” posters, stickers and magnets. These items demonstrate simple breathing and emotional grounding exercises that anyone can do when feeling overwhelmed, anxious, tense or distracted. The items may be ordered by completing this form, which is available on the “Resources for Schools” page of the Stay Well website.

The grant-funded Stay Well program launched in early 2020 to help Michiganders cope with emotional distress caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis. The program is sharply focused on serving youth and their caregivers, including parents, teachers and school counselors.

“Numerous studies show the mental health of our young people declined during the pandemic,” said Jody Lewis, Stay Well program director. “That has made teaching all the more challenging, leading to burnout and emotional stress among educators. Create Your Calm is intended as a reminder to kids and adults alike that we can concentrate and learn better when our minds and bodies are relaxed. We hope schools – and youth-oriented organizations of all types – will take advantage of these free resources.”

Also available on the Resources for Schools page are recorded webinars with strategies for addressing behavioral and mental health issues among students:

To learn more, visit Michigan.gov/StayWell.

Michigan adds tribute to fallen wildland firefighter

Michigan adds tribute to fallen wildland firefighter

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DNR News

Aug. 17, 2022

Media contact: Kirby Shedlowski (U.S. Bureau of Land Management), 303-842-4458

Michigan adds tribute to fallen wildland firefighter

Wildland firefighter Collin Hagan will be honored at a memorial service for close friends and family Thursday, Aug. 18, at Michigan Technological University in Houghton.

Members of the public who wish to honor Hagan may view the livestreamed service on Facebook hosted by the National Interagency Fire Center.

Hagan, 27, was originally from Twin Lakes, southwest of Houghton in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He was a firefighter with the federal Craig Interagency Hotshot Crew, based in Colorado, and was working on the Big Swamp Wildfire near Oakridge, Oregon, on Aug. 10 when he was struck by a falling tree.

Dan Laux, fire section chief in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Resources Division, knew Hagan well.

“Watching Collin grow up to become a young man with such a passion for the outdoors, adventure and wildland fire was an honor and privilege,” Laux said. “His life was an inspiration to so many and he will be dearly missed.”

Hagan graduated from Jeffers High School (Painesdale, Michigan) in 2013, going on to earn an associate degree in forest technology from Gogebic Community College and a bachelor’s degree in forest management from Michigan Technological University.

Before joining the Craig hotshot crew – specialized firefighting teams that mobilize in the most rugged conditions – Hagan worked as a field forester and for other firefighting teams in Oregon and Montana.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, hockey and skateboarding. Family and friends remember his easygoing demeanor and sense of humor, and as a person who thought of others first.

Visitation is Thursday and Friday; a private funeral also is scheduled Friday.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.