by orionontv | Sep 30, 2025 | Regional News
Oakland County Manufacturing Day Introduces High School Students to Rewarding Career Opportunities Amid Skilled Worker Shortage
Post Date:09/30/2025 12:14 PM
- Since 2015, more than 11,000 students have participated in Oakland County Manufacturing Day, with nearly 150 employers hosting tours.
- Participants receive a close-up look at the jobs of engineers, technicians, skilled trade employees and support staff and step into design labs, testing centers, production pods and other manufacturing environments.
- There will be 2.4 million unfilled manufacturing positions in the United States by 2028, according to a recent report by the Skilled Careers Coalition.
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Manufacturing Day will host more than 1,000 students from 20 high schools and the Oakland Schools Technical Center campuses set to visit 34 advanced manufacturing facilities on Friday, Oct. 3.
Introducing local students to careers in advanced manufacturing is critical, given that the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity reports skilled trade positions will account for 47,000 annual job openings in Michigan through 2028. Nationwide, there will be 2.4 million unfilled manufacturing positions in the United States by 2028, according to a recent report by the Skilled Careers Coalition.
“Manufacturers from around the world are locating new and expanded operations in Oakland County and across Southeast Michigan,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “The need for skilled workers is stronger than ever. Events like Manufacturing Day are a perfect way for young people to pique their interests and begin the journey to a fulfilling career.”
Since 2015, more than 11,000 students have participated in Oakland County Manufacturing Day. The event has highlighted nearly 150 employers, which have hosted tours that give students a firsthand look at modern manufacturing operations and potential career paths. Participants receive a close-up look at the jobs of engineers, technicians, skilled trade employees and support staff during a three-hour visit to a facility. Students step into design labs, testing centers, production pods and other manufacturing environments.
“Manufacturing Day reflects the vital connection between education and industry,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. “By engaging with more than 30 employer partners, Oakland County students gain a deeper understanding of the advanced skills, technologies, and career pathways shaping the future of manufacturing. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.”
The 2025 roster of tour hosts includes 3-Dimensional Services Group; ABB; AirBoss Flexible Products; AkzoNobel; American Axle and Manufacturing; Ascent Aerospace; Atlas Copco; Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems; Barron Industries; Brose North America; Cosma Body Assembly Michigan; Durr Systems Inc; FANUC America Corporation; FATA Automation, Inc.; HIROTEC America; Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering Inc; Humanetics; JR Automation; MacLean-Fogg; Mayville Engineering Company; Moeller Aerospace; NLB Corp.; Oakland Community College; Oerlikon; Pratt Miller; PROFIL; Signarama, Troy- Metro Detroit; Star Cutter Company; Three M Tool and Machine; Triple Inc.; TSM Corporation; Webasto Convertibles USA Inc.; Williams International and Witzenmann.
“Oakland County does a great job organizing Manufacturing Day for students, and we love being part of it,” said Erin Stanforth, a Senior HR Generalist at MacLean-Fogg. “Hosting students gives us the chance to show what manufacturing is all about and the many career paths available after high school. We look forward to continuing this partnership and seeing the benefits it brings to students and the future workforce.”
Oakland County Michigan Works!, the Oakland County Department of Economic Development, Oakland Schools and Oakland Community College have partnered to organize this year’s event. Financial sponsors include Ascent Aerospace, Humanetics, PROFIL, Triple Inc., Williams International and Witzenmann.
For more information, visit OakGov.com/MfgDay or MfgDay.com (national website). Follow the event on social media: #MFGDay25, #MfgOak.
by orionontv | Sep 29, 2025 | Local News
Press Release
For Immediate Release – September 29, 2025
Janet Bloom, Assistant Director
Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority
118 N. Broadway, Lake Orion, MI 48362
Cell (248) 320-7599 | Office (248) 693-9742
bloom@downtownlakeorion.org
downtownlakeorion.org
Facebook: LakeOrionDDA; Instagram: DowntownLakeOrion; X: LakeOrionDDA
Downtown Lake Orion’s Spooky Season Brings Fun for All Ages!
October in Downtown Lake Orion finds it awash in the traditional beauty of Fall – colorful mums, tall
cornstalks, rotund pumpkins, fall floral displays, and sturdy strawbales. Merchants have decorated their
storefronts with images leaning on thoughts of cooler weather, falling leaves, and brisk mornings. It doesn’t
take long to find areas in town that make a perfect backdrop for photos, such as the Flint St. Alley or head over
to Children’s Park gazebo for a seat on a park bench decked out with cozy pillows and blankets, flanked by fall
décor and topped with a lit chandelier – a perfect capture of Fall in a small downtown.
Fashioning the downtown with all the season splendors prepares downtown Lake Orion for shoppers and
visitors ready for fun, family-friendly October events.
The first weekend in October welcomes the Here Lies Lake Orion Cemetery Tour. It’s an immersive journey
held during the light of day in Evergreen Cemetery area. This special event, hosted by the Orion Historical
Society in partnership with the Lake Orion DDA, offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories of four
notable families buried there. Discover their fascinating histories and learn about their significant contributions
to the Lake Orion area. Tours are $12 per ticket and tour times are 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. It is a walking
tour held rain or shine. Dates are October 4 and 5. Buy tickets at www.orionhistoricalsociety.com. Presented by
Orion Historical Society and Lake Orion DDA.
Halloween Extravaganza, a signature downtown Lake Orion Fall event, will be held on Wednesday, October
15, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Dress up in your favorite costume, grab your candy bag and come downtown to trick or
treat with downtown businesses. Children’s Park area will be brimming with cider & donuts from the Lake Orion
DDA, games, treats, and spooky music. Follow the “Trick or Treat Trail Map” through downtown, finding treats
at businesses along your route. The parade starts at Village Hall (Church and Anderson Streets) and makes it
Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority
downtownlakeorion.org
way down Anderson St. to Children’s Park. Gather your ghouls and superheros to stage at 5:30 p.m. and
parade begins at 6 p.m.
Grab your brooms and cauldrons for the annual night on the town with Witches Night on October 24, from 5
p.m. to 10 p.m. in the downtowns of Lake Orion and Oxford. The Downtown Express Trolley will be making
its rounds between the two communities all evening. Merchants have conjured up spine-tingling deals and
spooky activities. Restaurants are joining in with witchy-themed food and beverages to complete the night.
Costumes are highly encouraged, and warlocks are welcomed, too. Photo booth, musical entertainment,
psychics, and prizes will add to the fun and festivities.
For further information, contact the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) at 248-693-9742 or
see more details at www.downtownlakeorion.org. More information is also on Facebook: LakeOrionDDA,
Instagram: DowntownLakeOrion, or X: LakeOrionDDA.
by orionontv | Sep 29, 2025 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Victims of the Shooting in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately to honor and remember the victims of the shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township in Genesee County. Flags should be lowered through Friday, October 3, 2025.
“My heart is breaking for this community,” said Governor Whitmer. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. To honor those we have lost, I am ordering flags to be lowered across Michigan. Our state is in mourning alongside the victims, their families, and the entire community in Grand Blanc Township.”
“I am devastated by the shooting this morning that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Such a horrific act of violence—towards anyone, anywhere—is unjustified. I’m grateful to the local police officers, fire, and EMS for their quick response. Let’s keep holding each other close.”
The State of Michigan remembers the victims and stands in solidarity with the community of Grand Blanc Township by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
by orionontv | Sep 25, 2025 | Regional News
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II Receives Shirley Chisholm Award, Reflecting Commitment to Working Class Michiganders
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist received the Shirley Chisholm Award from the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW). As Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist follows in the footsteps of Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazing activist who dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights, civil rights, and more.
“Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing leader who fought tirelessly for justice and stood tall for working Americans,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “She was the first Black woman to be elected to Congress and the first to run for a major party’s nomination for President. Her courage, conviction, and compassion are a legacy for us all to remember. As Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor, I’m proud to follow in her footsteps and work every day to help more people stay and succeed in Michigan. Let us keep striving every day to build a better future for all.”
Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New Yok in 1928. In 1968, she was elected as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. During her time representing New York’s 12th district, she served as a founding member of both the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Women’s Political Caucus. In 1972, she decided to run for president, becoming the first African American to run for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States. Throughout her career, Chisholm fought for justice and working-class American families, pioneering nutrition programs for low-income moms and kids. She leaves a lasting legacy for her no-nonsense approach to governance and signature slogan, “unbought and unbossed.”
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist espouses many of these values as the first Black lieutenant governor of Michigan. Trained as a software engineer, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist was inspired by Shirley Chisholm and the legacy she left behind. He eventually quit his job at Microsoft and trained to be a community organizer, so he could follow in her footsteps. Eventually, he ran alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer and was elected to the second highest office in the state of Michigan. Since taking office, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist has championed criminal justice reform, affordable housing, internet connectivity, and more. The Shirley Chisholm Award is a reflection of his commitment to serving working Michiganders, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to work, live, and invest in our state.
National Congress of Black Women
NCBW was founded in 1984 by Shirley Chisholm and Dr. Dolores Tucker. The organization is dedicated to the educational, political, economic and cultural development of African American women and their families. Created to ensure Black women have a powerful voice in leadership and policy, NCBW continues its mission of preparing women for leadership roles at every level of government, business, and community service.
The Metro Detroit Congress of Black Women
The Metro Detroit Congress of Black Women proudly carries forward Congresswoman Chisholm’s mission. In her spirit, they remain dedicated to using our voices with clarity and conviction—working on behalf of families, communities, and country. The Metro Detroit Congress of Black Women are Unbought and Unbossed and are not backing down.
Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration’s Commitment to Michiganders
Since taking office, Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist have been committed to fighting for Michiganders across the state, ensuring anyone can “make it in Michigan.” Together, we have:
- Rolled back the retirement tax to save half a million households an average of $1000 a year
- Fixed, replaced, or repaired more than 24,500 lane miles of road and over 1,900 bridges, creating a smoother, safer, and cheaper drive for Michiganders up and down the state.
- Launched Operation Safe Neighborhoods, taking more than 850 illegal guns off of the streets and counting.
by orionontv | Sep 25, 2025 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 24, 2025
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Attorney General Nessel Urges Local Governments to Sign Up for $720 Million National Settlement from Eight Opioid Drug Makers Before October 8
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging eligible municipalities to participate in nationwide opioid settlements with eight drug makers before the October 8 deadline. By participating, eligible local governments will receive direct payments from the settlement, part of a nationwide $720 million agreement resolving litigation against the manufacturers for their role in the opioid crisis. Michigan governments stand to receive up to $24.5 million.
“These national settlements have already made a significant difference in the fight against the opioid epidemic,” Nessel said. “I hope that every eligible community signs on so we can maximize the resources available to save lives and support recovery across Michigan.”
Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Nessel has focused intently on combatting the opioid epidemic and holding accountable those responsible for creating and fueling the crisis, resulting in more than $1.8 billion to Michigan governments through settlements with McKinsey & Co, Distributors (Cardinal Health, McKesson, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen), Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. The money is distributed to the state and local units of government for opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation.
Analysis of provisional data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) indicates a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024 – about 1,000 fewer deaths. This continued progress reflects the impact of sustained, strategic investment in prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts – many of which are made possible through additional funding received as a result of Michigan’s participation in the national opioid settlements.
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