by orionontv | Jan 11, 2023 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer to Embark on First Economic Investment Mission to Europe to Bring Jobs Back to Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced she will be leading a five-day investment mission to Norway and Switzerland next week, focusing on attracting job-creating business investments, particularly in Michigan’s next-generation of automotive manufacturing and clean energy independence ecosystem. This marks the first economic development visit to Europe under the governor’s administration; the first-ever governor-led mission to Norway in recent history; and the first Michigan governor trip to Switzerland since 2016.
“The world is increasingly interconnected and it’s important for leaders in other countries to hear that Michigan is a key player on the global stage, especially as we work to lead the future of mobility, bring supply chains home, and become energy independent with more clean, domestic supply,” Governor Whitmer said. “We are taking this opportunity to tell Michigan’s story around the world with leaders and decisionmakers in other countries. We’re building something in Michigan that everyone should want to be a part of, and I will go anywhere and compete with everyone to bring jobs and investment back home. Let’s show the world what we have to offer, build on our leadership in cars, chips, and clean energy, and prove that the best manufacturing in the world happens right here in Michigan.”
While in Norway, Governor Whitmer will meet with company and government leaders in Oslo to discuss investment opportunities and collaboration in global industries, including mobility and hydrogen. The governor will also make a stop in Zurich. Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr. and other MEDC officials will join Governor Whitmer in Norway.
“As the most abundant chemical element, hydrogen can play a significant role in accelerating Michigan’s clean-energy transition away from fossil fuels in the coming decades. There has been a federal focus on hydrogen and Michigan fully capitalizing on this transition has the potential to create good-paying jobs for our fellow friends and neighbors across both peninsulas,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “Throughout this trip, we’ll have the opportunity to meet with company leaders in the hydrogen space and have productive conversations on how we can strengthen our ties with them and attract more jobs to and create greater business opportunities in Michigan.”
In September 2022, Michigan announced it would be among seven Midwestern states teaming up to accelerate the development of hydrogen as a clean-energy alternative; the Midwestern Hydrogen Coalition partners Michigan with Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin to collaborate on clean hydrogen development.
The Midwest Hydrogen Coalition builds on Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which positions Michigan as a climate action leader and identifies what needs to happen for Michigan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 with a prioritization on actions from now until 2030.
Norway, located in Northern Europe, is bordered by Sweden, Finland and Russia. It is home to some 5.4 million people. Switzerland, located in Central Europe, is bordered by Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, and has a population of approximately 8.7 million. Business leaders and economists estimate large potential growth opportunities for Michigan in Norway and Switzerland:
- Between 2018 and 2021, Michigan companies exported a total of $895 million in goods and materials to Switzerland and Norway, with transportation equipment as the top Michigan export to both countries.
- Overall, eight foreign direct investment projects were created in Michigan by Swiss and Norwegian companies between 2018 and 2022, resulting in a total of 161 jobs. Those projects generated a total capital investment of $39.8 million.
Following those business meetings, Governor Whitmer has been invited to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, “Cooperation in a Fragmented World.” The governor was invited by the Forum leaders to speak on a panel, “The Return of Manufacturing,” joining executives from the mobility and semiconductor industries.
In a new report from CNBC, Michigan was named one of three states in the running alongside Georgia and Kentucky that are poised to “dominate” electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the United States by 2030. Michigan is leading the charge to position the U.S. as a global electric vehicle competitor through this increased manufacturing capacity. Last year, the state attracted thousands of jobs and $14 billion in electric vehicle and battery investments while developing programs to train and employ the next generation of talent in the electric vehicle and mobility sector.
“Michigan is competing with other states and other nations to land game changing manufacturing projects and thousands of jobs,” Governor Whitmer said. “Michiganders are tough, hardworking people. We will work with anyone and compete with everyone to make sure that Michigan is home to the future of mobility and electrification and fight to bring supply chains home. We are in contention to be a top state for the electric vehicle industry in the next decade, and we will not stop until we win.”
“The 21st Century is defined by the globalization of markets. For Michigan to be competitive in retaining and attracting businesses and jobs, we are going to have to work for it,” said Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “One of the key assets we have is a governor who is willing – and effective – in marketing Michigan on the national and international stage. As an entity focused on promoting economic development in Michigan, the Chamber sees tremendous value in the governor participating in the World Economic Forum.”
Transformational electric vehicle and battery investments in Michigan in 2022 include:
- In January 2022, General Motors announced a historic investment of $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.
- In March 2022, LG Energy Solution announced a $1.7 billion expansion creating 1,200 jobs in Holland manufacturing batteries.
- In June 2022, Ford Motor Company announced an investment of $2 billion, creating more than 3,200 jobs in plants across Michigan to support electric vehicle manufacturing growth and secure internal combustion engine portfolio in the state.
- In June 2022, Canadian electric vehicle charging network operator FLO announced an investment of $3 million for the company’s first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills.
- In October 2022, Michigan-based Our Next Energy announced a $1.6 billion investment to establish its first cell and electric vehicle battery pack gigafactory in Van Buren Township, creating up to 2,112 jobs.
- In October 2022, Gotion announced a $2.36 billion investment for a new manufacturing facility in Big Rapids, creating up to 2,350 jobs.
The economic development mission is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
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by orionontv | Jan 10, 2023 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Steven Bieda to the 37th District Court – Warren and Center Line and Ariana Heath to the Genesee County Probate Court.
“I am excited to appoint Mr. Bieda to the 37th District Court,” said Governor Whitmer. “He brings years of experience as an attorney, elected official, and public servant to the bench. He will uphold the rule of law and put the people he serves first.”
37th District Court – Warren and Center Line
Steven Bieda currently serves as the Chairperson of the Michigan Tax Tribunal. He has been with the Tax Tribunal since 2019 as an administrative court judge, where he has conducted hearings in both the Small Claims and Entire Tribunal divisions. In his role as Chairperson, he oversees a team of 25 employees, eight of whom are attorneys, and has also been instrumental in developing policies for the Tribunal.
Mr. Bieda has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1993 and has previously served as attorney in local and private practice. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives from 2003-2009 and served in the Michigan Senate from 2011-2019. Prior to his current role, he worked at the Michigan Department of Treasury as Director of Legislative Affairs.
Mr. Bieda earned his undergraduate degree in Public Policy and Master of Public Administration from Wayne State University, his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and a Master of Tax Law from Wayne State University School of Law. He has been admitted to the U.S. Tax Court and Federal Bar.
“I am honored to receive this appointment to the bench, and I look forward to returning to service in my hometown,” said Steve Bieda. “The pursuit of justice has always been a motivating factor in my varied public service career, whether in private practice, as an administrative court judge, or as a legislator. I look forward to continuing this service and joining my new colleagues in the 37th District Court.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Matthew Sabaugh effective April 13, 2022. Mr. Bieda’s term will commence on February 1, 2023 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025.
Genesee County Probate Court
Ariana Heath currently serves as a circuit court referee for the Genesee County Family Court. In this role, she presides over family law cases, juvenile delinquency hearings, and child protective proceedings.
Prior to joining the court in 2016, Ms. Heath was an assistant prosecutor for Lapeer County and Tuscola County and a domestic relations referee for Tuscola County. She previously served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas S. Eveland on the 56th District Court in Eaton County and as a legal intern for and KidsVoice in Pittsburgh, PA and Judge Geoffrey L. Neithercut of the 7th Circuit Court.
Heath earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida.
“As a fourth generation Genesee County resident, it is the honor of my life to serve my community as a probate judge,” said Ariana Heath. “I want to thank Governor Whitmer for this opportunity and look forward to serving the people of Genesee County.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Frances Kay Behm effective December 15, 2022. Ms. Heath’s term will commence on January 11, 2023 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025.
Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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by orionontv | Jan 10, 2023 | Scouting
Brandon Kathman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sr. District Executive & Operations Marketing Lead 1/10/2023
[email protected]
947-886-5736
Michigan Scouts See Membership Boom Post-COVID
Scouting’s local Michigan Crossroads Council saw an unprecedented increase in youth
membership in 2022, registering 9,648 new participants to end the year with over 27,000
members.
Though initially hindered in its operations by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Crossroads
Council, which spans the Lower Peninsula, was well positioned to bounce back, according to
Deputy CEO Gary Gilger.
“Families have spent more time together due to COVID, and so they are now seeking out
programs that can be done as a family,” Gilger said. “Further, Scouting provides youth with the
socialization lost during the pandemic, which is great for child development.”
Gilger said much of the growth has been observed in the Cub Scout program, which serves youth
in elementary school. The council ended 2022 with 1,739 more Cub Scouts than the year prior.
Gilger noted exceptional growth in Cub Scout units in Flint, Pontiac, Port Huron, Detroit and
Dearborn as a result of new outreach efforts to previously underserved communities.
“Building on this success in 2023, there will be a special emphasis on middle and high school-age youth to have growth in our older programs,” Gilger said.
Cubmaster Mikah Wisner of Pack 186 in Lake Orion watched his unit swell from a dozen youth members at the beginning of the year to over 50 participants on Dec. 31. According to Wisner, while it has been a challenge to manage such growth, he has enjoyed seeing so many families interested in participating.
“It’s such a refreshing experience to see the growth of youth and parents wanting to get back out
into nature and learn life skills,” Wisner said. “The parents are understanding how important Scouts can be.”
The Boy Scouts of America National Office announced 3% growth across its 253 local councils
on Jan. 6, or a third of the rate at which Scouting in Michigan is growing.
Picture 1: Interested families attend a Join Scouting Night at Oakside Academy in Waterford.
Picture 2: New Scout Nic Jeffreys poses with his first fish at D-A Scout Ranch in Metamora.
Picture 3: Scouts carry out a first aid drill at Camp Agawam in Lake Orion
Picture 4: Scouts with Waterford Pack 61 march in a holiday parade.
Picture 5: Waterford Pack 61 Scouts pose for a group photograph.
Picture 6: Scouts in Sterling Heights participate in the 2022 Scouting for Food Drive.
by orionontv | Jan 10, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 10, 2023
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
MDHHS urges Michigan residents to get screened
as part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
LANSING, Mich. – At the start of the New Year, many people make resolutions and begin routines to improve their health. As January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michiganders to make a resolution to be regularly screened for cancer. By staying current on cervical cancer screening, people could improve their health in 2023, and prevent cervical cancer in the future.
In Michigan, the rates of new cervical cancer cases and deaths due to cervical cancer have remained relatively low but steady since 2011. Approximately 75% of cervical cancer diagnoses and 60% of cervical cancer deaths statewide occur among women ages 30-64. Furthermore, Black non-Hispanic residents experience significantly higher rates of late-stage cervical cancers and cervical cancer deaths than white non-Hispanic residents.
“In its early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms,” said Dr. Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Routine cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to detect cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable, and the first step is talking with your health care provider.”
Screening for cervical cancer is recommended to begin at age 21 and as follows:
Women ages 21 to 29:
- Pap Smear every three years.
Women ages 30 to 65: (one of the following options)
- Pap Smear every three years OR
- A laboratory test for high-risk human papillomavirus infection (HPV) every five years OR
- A Pap Smear and HPV co-test every five
MDHHS has openings for program-eligible individuals to receive free cancer and health screenings through two of its programs.
- The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP), available statewide, provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services to low- income women. This may include follow-up care if a screening abnormality is Although the BC3NP does not pay for cancer treatment, women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may be eligible for a special Medicaid program that provides cancer treatment.
- The WISEWOMAN Program, available in select areas of the state, helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle Every participant receives a free health screening. A health professional will review the results of the health screening, and the participant will have the opportunity to work with a health coach. In addition, participants can choose to participate in a number of free support services, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, Weight Watchers, Take off Pounds Sensibly or Cooking Matters.
To learn more about Michigan’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program and the WISEWOMAN Program, call 844-446-8727 or visit Michigan.gov/cancer. For Spanish resources, call 800-379-1057. |
by orionontv | Jan 10, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 10, 2023
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MI HEART Safe School Program advocates for medical emergency preparation
LANSING, Mich. – In Michigan, the MI HEARTSafe School Program was developed to prepare school facilities to respond to cardiac emergencies. Fast-acting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) prior to emergency medical services (EMS) arrival is critical for best possible outcomes.
By recognizing the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest and responding quickly by calling 911 and using CPR and AED before EMS arrives, schools can support a safer environment for students, staff and their communities. A virtual workshop Tuesday, Jan. 24 will be held to teach schools about the program requirements, importance of cardiac emergency preparedness, and the available tools and resources to help them achieve the criteria.
Sudden cardiac death claims the lives of approximately 250 Michigan children and young adults under the age of 40 annually. The MI HEARTSafe School Program, supported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Department of Education (MDE), American Heart Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young (MAP-SCDY), has certified 713 schools in its nine-year history, and expanding the awareness of the program to rural areas and at-risk populations is needed to ensure all Michigan schools are ready in the event of a sudden cardiac emergency.
“Preparation is key to ensuring positive outcomes during cardiac emergencies,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Swift action paired with access to life-saving equipment and training saves lives. Having schools trained for cardiac emergencies can help decrease the number of tragedies and prepare school employees to respond in a timely manner and avert what could be a life-threatening situation. We encourage all schools to apply for a HEARTSafe certification.”
If schools want to learn more about how to prepare for these emergencies, MAP-SCDY will be hosting the Jan. 24 virtual workshop from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is required.
Requirements to become a MI HEARTSafe School include:
- A written medical emergency response plan and team that can respond to an emergency during school hours and after-school activities and sports.
- Current CPR/AED certification of at least 10% of staff and 50% of coaches, including 100% of head varsity coaches and physical education staff.
- Accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs with signs identifying locations.
- Annual cardiac emergency response drills.
- Pre-participation sports screening of all student athletes using the current physical and history form endorsed by MHSAA.
Resources to help meet the criteria are available on the MI HEARTSafe School website. Schools meeting these requirements are able to apply for the MI HEARTSafe School Award and the application cycle is open from January through May 15, 2023.
For more information about the MI HEARTSafe Schools program, visit Migrc.org/miheartsafe or email MDHHS-MI-HEARTSafe@michigan.gov.
For resources in obtaining an AED, click here. |
