All Women Skydiving Team Returns for Annual Air Show

All Women Skydiving Team Returns for Annual Air Show

All Women Skydiving Team Returns as Headliner for the 36th Annual Open House & Air Show at Oakland County International Airport

Post Date:07/28/2023 9:01 AM

Misty Blues SkydiversWaterford Twp., Mich., – The Misty Blues, an all-women skydiving team, is returning to Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) to headline its 36th annual Open House & Air Show on Sunday, Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Waterford. Event admission and parking are free.

The air show runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Joining the Misty Blues will be professional aviators soaring above the crowd, executing aerobatics:

  • Skip Stewart piloting “Promethus the Flying Machine”
  • Stephen Covington piloting “The Raptor” Highly Modified Pitts
  • Galen Killam piloting RV-8 “Hammerhead”
  • Mike Vaknin piloting Extra 300L High Energy Monoplane

On the ground, the Yankee Air Museum will present historical exhibits on the aircraft and vehicles from WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War, as well as the people who built and piloted them. The museum will offer hands-on activities including sitting in a real cockpit. Attendees can get a closer look at the McKinnon G21G Goose, which won the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2022 Gold Lindy Award and was restored by Bloomfield resident Bob Redner.

For $45 per rider, attendees can board an airplane or helicopter for a ride through the skies, too.

Oakland County Parks will provide inflatable playscapes and face painting while Oakland County Health will host a health and safety fair with free emergency preparedness kits, lock boxes and more. Other vendors include the 99’ers, Civil Air Patrol, DCT Aviation, District 11-A2 Lions Club, Eastern Michigan University, FAA FAAST Team, Face Flair, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, IFL, Joe’s Army Navy, Masons Child ID Program, Maven at Midfield, Michigan Helicopters, Oak Management, Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources Foster Care Program, Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, Operation Good Cheer, Premier Jet, Royal Air Aviation, Tuskegee Airmen, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Warbirds of Glory, Waterford Fire/EMS and Police Departments, Waterford Senior Center, and Western Michigan University College of Aviation.

Sponsoring the 36th Annual Open House & Air Show are Ajax Paving; Williams International; Vibe Credit Union; M1 Concourse; Crosswinds Aviation; Pentastar Aviation; LL Johns & Associates; Corporate Eagle; Mead & Hunt; Kris Haase, DPM; White Pine Helicopters; and Oxus America.

OCIA is located at 6500 Patterson Parkway in Waterford Twp. For information, visit oakgov.com/community/airports/open-house-air-show or facebook.com/OakGovAirport.

CNBC Ranks Michigan a Top 10 State for Business

CNBC Ranks Michigan a Top 10 State for Business

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

ICYMI: This Just In: CNBC Ranks Michigan a Top 10 State for Business

Governor Whitmer celebrates as Michigan climbs in national economic competitiveness ranking, building on strong job growth, advanced manufacturing leadership, low cost of doing business & living

 

LANSING, Mich. — Yesterday, CNBC released their rankings of America’s Top States for Business in 2023. Michigan cracked the top 10 for only the second time since the list was launched, powered by strong job growth, advanced manufacturing leadership, and a low cost of doing business and living.

 

“Michigan is on the move and more and more people are starting to notice,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud that our hardworking people, innovative businesses, resilient communities, and strong protections for fundamental rights have made Michigan a top ten state for business. This is validation of what we are seeing in our communities—new manufacturing plants, housing developments, community revitalization projects, and so much more. Businesses are relocating and expanding in Michigan as we continue leading the future of advanced manufacturing, standing up for people’s rights, and making bipartisan investments in the kitchen-table issues that ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator so we can climb even higher.”

 

“As Team Michigan, we are proud that our efforts to grow the state’s thriving economy have been recognized with a Top 10 ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business list,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “While encouraged, we know that our work continues. To position Michigan in the top spot, we remain resolutely committed to working alongside Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature, as well as our regional and industry partners, to build on our momentum over the last two years and ensure all Michiganders across our two peninsulas know that they can Make it in Michigan.”

 

Reasoning Behind Ranking Michigan as a Top 10 State for Business

CNBC lists several criteria they use to determine a state’s ranking. This includes “ten broad categories of competitiveness” and “86 metrics.” These are broad categories businesses use when making site selection decisions and states invest in to lower costs and improve quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

 

Michigan comes in at 10th overall, while ranking higher in two categories and making strides in others, including:

  • 6th for cost of doing business, up from 9th last year.
  • 7th for cost of living, up from 12th last year.
  • 12th for technology and innovation, up from 15th last year.
  • 15th for business friendliness, up from 20th last year.

 

  • The unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% in May, continuing to inch down towards the all-time recorded low of 3.2% in February 2000.
  • Since the mid-1970s, Michigan’s unemployment rate only fell below 4.0% during three periods: periodically from 1998-2000, from November 2019 to March 2020, and now, from April 2023-present.
  • The state recorded 4,440,000 payroll jobs, an increase of 15,000 over the month and 82,000 over the year.
  • Labor force participation rate climbed to 60.5 percent this month, the highest since July 2020.

 

A Bipartisan Budget to ‘Make it in Michigan’

A few weeks ago, the Michigan Legislature passed a balanced, bipartisan budget to lower costs, continue growing Michigan’s economy, and deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families. There were several investments in the budget powering ‘Make it in Michigan,’ a comprehensive strategy for economic development that focuses on 1) winning projects, 2) investing in people, and 3) revitalizing places. Here’s a breakdown on the investments secured in the budget to continue growing Michigan’s economy:

 

Projects

  • $500 million for the Make it in Michigan Fund to continue competing with other states and nations to bring home advanced manufacturing projects.
  • $350 million for the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund to win federal resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Sciences Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • Michigan is set to receive over $1.5 billion (4th highest in the nation) through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to expand high-speed internet access to over 200,000 Michiganders in unserved and underserved areas across the state.

 

People

  • Taking the first steps towards offering Pre-K for All with a $72.6 million of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) free preschool program for up to 5,600 kids. $230 million to expand GSRP to 5 days a week and open new classrooms.
  • $70 million to temporarily lower the age for Michigan Reconnect—tuition-free associate degrees or skills training—from 25 to 21, expanding eligibility to 350,000 people.
  • Funding the recently established Growing Michigan Together Council so they can focus on growing our population and economy while protecting our natural resources.

 

Places

  • $50 million in sustainable, recurring funding for the Housing and Community Development Fund to build thousands of housing units, house thousands of families, and support thousands of jobs. Builds on $150 million investment in the fund earlier this year.
  • $50 million in sustainable, recurring funding for Revitalization and Placemaking Grants, used to make communities more attractive places to live and work by building housing, parks, and beautifying other places. This builds on $100 million investment in the program earlier this year.
  • A 5% increase in revenue sharing to help counties, cities, villages, and townships improve quality of life for residents. Additional, dedicated funds for local public safety initiatives.

 

Honoring Student Artists in the 7th District

Honoring Student Artists in the 7th District

Image
Hi there,

Last week was one of our favorite events of the year: the reception and awards ceremony for the Congressional High School Art Competition. Every spring, we solicit entries from students who either live or attend high school in the district. They are able to submit paintings, drawings, photography, even digital art, and it’s judged by a panel of professional artists and art educators who decide the top five.

This year, we received entries from 63 students at 19 different high schools across the 7th District, and the judges really had their work cut out for them! All the artwork was on display at MSUFCU headquarters, where families, friends, teachers, and community members were able to stroll through and appreciate how talented these student artists are.

Image

After evaluating the record number of entries, this year’s judges selected “Homestyle,” by Okemos High School student Emma Li, as the winning piece. The oil painting depicts Emma’s grandfather cooking in his kitchen, as seen through the doorway of the home.

The judges and Congresswoman Slotkin were struck by the attention to detail and maturity of execution in this piece, remarking that it was reminiscent of classical works. Li, a sophomore at Okemos High School, will attend a national reception this summer in Washington, D.C. along with all of the 2023 winning artists from across the country, and her piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.

Image

Congresswoman Slotkin said she can’t wait to see Emma’s artwork on display, and offered her thanks and praise to all of the students who shared a piece of themselves through their artwork and this competition.

The judges also selected several honorable mention pieces. The second place piece, “The Lute,” by Hartland High School student Breanna Zaborowksi, will be showcased in the Congresswoman’s Washington, D.C. office, while the third place piece, “Friendship” by Brighton High School student Caitlyn McKenzie, will hang in her Lansing district office. The pieces selected as 4th and 5th place will hang in the visitors’ area of her district office. The 4th place piece is “Growth” by Janelle Ostrowski of Lansing Catholic High School, and the 5th place piece is “Time Out” by Seraphim Rose Prince from Everett High School in Lansing.

This year, the Congresswoman also awarded a special prize called the “Spirit of the 7th District,” and selected Lilliana Collins of Holt High School as the inaugural winner. Lilliana’s comic strip depicted the impact of the February 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, which her brother attends.

Image

Clockwise from top left: Breanna Zaborowski (2nd place, “The Lute”), Caitlyn McKenzie (artist not pictured, 3rd place “Friendship”), Janelle Ostrowski (4th place, “Growth”), Seraphim Rose Prince (5th place, “Time Out), Lilliana Collins (Spirit of the 7th District, “Spartan Strong”) 

The Congressional Art Competition has been in existence since 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young people living in their districts. To date, nearly 700,000 students have participated in the competition.

If you have an artist in your house, we hope they’ll consider entering next year! Look for information here and on our website in early spring 2024. And if technology is more your speed, there’s always the Congressional App Challenge, which will be launching soon.

– Office of Rep. Elissa Slotkin

Whitmer Celebrates Impact of Student Debt Forgiveness

Whitmer Celebrates Impact of Student Debt Forgiveness

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 24, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Celebrates Impact of Student Debt Forgiveness on 1.4 Million Michiganders

Around 700,000 people will have their debt halved or forgiven entirely, keeping more money in their pockets, helping them pay the bills and invest in their future

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the impact of the recent decision to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt on Michigan’s working families. Up to 50% of Michiganders with federal student debt could have their loans cut in half or forgiven entirely. The pause on payments for all borrowers has been extended through the end of the year.

 

“The decision to cancel $10,000 in student loan debt and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients will make a real difference for 1.4 million Michiganders that have student loans, putting money back in their pockets,” said Governor Whitmer. “Nearly 700,000 Michiganders will have their debt cut in half or eliminated entirely, lifting a huge burden off their backs. People can use these savings to buy a home, start a business, get married, or start a family. I will work with anyone to keep lowering the cost of higher education and offering more paths for Michiganders to earn a higher education tuition-free, without going into debt in the first place.”

 

Reducing Debt for Michiganders

Michiganders earning less than $125,000 and married couples earning less than $250,000 will have $10,000 in student loan debt forgiven. Pell Grant recipients will have $20,000 in student debt forgiven. This decision will benefit up to 1.4 million Michiganders that have federal student loans. Today 30% of Michiganders with federal student loans, approximately 420,000 people, owe less than $10,000 and this opportunity would forgive all of their debt. Around 50% of Michiganders with federal student debt, approximately 700,000 people, owe less than $20,000, and their debt would be cut in half or forgiven entirely. Nearly 700,000 more Michiganders will receive important loan relief.

 

Additionally, the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections for all borrowers has been extended through December 31, 2022.

 

In tandem with the debt forgiveness, a new rule from the U.S. Department of Education will ensure that borrowers on income-based repayment plans will pay no more than 5% of their discretionary monthly income on student loans, down from 10%. This will cut out of pocket costs by half, saving Michiganders hundreds of dollars a month.

 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Background

This decision is in addition to federal opportunities for Michiganders to reduce their student loan debt. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) offers loan forgiveness to those who work in public service after 10 years of employment and on-time payments. As of June 2022, 6,120 Michiganders have had $358 million in loans forgiven under the PSLF. Over 148,000 more Michiganders may be eligible due to the recent PSLF waiver. Borrowers can apply by visiting studentaid.gov/pslf/.

 

Governor Whitmer’s Bipartisan Investments in Tuition-Free Higher Education

Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has worked across the aisle to make college more affordable by expanding tuition-free higher education and skills training for Michiganders over 25, future educators, and talented young students pursuing a degree at public Michigan universities.

 

She established and funded the bipartisan Michigan Reconnect program, which has put over 100,000 people on the path to tuition-free higher education or skills training. With the recent, bipartisan budget Governor Whitmer signed, Michigan funded $10,000 scholarships for 2,500 future Michigan educators every year and offered school districts funds for Grow Your Own Programs, helping districts train staff for teaching positions, tuition-free. She also expanded scholarships for young Michiganders pursuing higher education at one of the state’s public universities.

 

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.”