Leaders Urge Shoppers To Support ‘Shop Small Saturday’ On Nov. 28

Leaders Urge Shoppers To Support ‘Shop Small Saturday’ On Nov. 28

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Uncategorized

Oakland County Leaders Urge Shoppers To Support ‘Shop Small Saturday’ On Nov. 28 To Help Small Businesses Survive Pandemic While Maintaining COVID-19 Safety Protocols

​Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive David Coulter, retailers and civic leaders across Oakland County are appealing to shoppers that they can safely support small businesses in their communities this holiday season by participating in “Shop Small Saturday” on November 28 and continuing to shop locally the rest of the year.

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express (Amex), it is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Since it started in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $120 billion across all 10 Small Business Saturdays combined. That total includes an estimated 110 million people who participated in Small Business Saturday last year, generating record-setting sales with an estimated $19.6 billion in reported spending, based on Amex research.

“It’s exciting to see Oakland County merchants joining the nationwide Shop Small movement to celebrate small businesses on Saturday and every day,” Coulter said. “Customers who patronize our downtown shopping districts are helping them to thrive and stay vibrant – Oakland County’s mantra is shop local, eat local and spend local.”

The appeal by Oakland County leaders comes as public health officials advise in-store shoppers to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a face covering, washing hands regularly and maintaining a safe social distance.

Customers may also want to consider pursuing outdoor deliveries via curbside pickup, ordering online, shopping in-store before and after peak hours, and calling stores beforehand to ask if a clerk will video chat with you. More information about covid-related safety measures in Oakland County is at: www.oakgov.com/covid.

According to the Amex-commissioned Small Business Economic Impact Study, 62% of U.S. small businesses with fewer than 100 employees need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business.

“Even as we all work together to end the spread of COVID-19, consumers can still play a key role in helping Oakland County’s small businesses succeed and emerge from COVID,” said Main Street Oakland County Principal Planner John Bry.

Bry serves as the main contact between Oakland County and the 22 communities that comprise Main Street Oakland County, which is the only full-service, county-level Main Street program in the United States and the oldest Main Street program in Michigan.

“By shopping safely in the store or online, or getting takeout dining in your community, you’re demonstrating support for the small businesses in your neighborhood and in the community, you are proud to call home,” said Bry.

Retailers in Oakland County are successfully reassessing their business models during COVID-19, such as improving their online presence and shopping platforms, according to the 35th Oakland County Economic Outlook Summary released in September.

Holiday shopping is always a huge economic driver for retail, with many stores saying it can account for one-third of their annual revenue, the report noted.

While many stores were hurt by the lack of back-to-school shopping, their second-busiest season, retailers throughout the region are starting the holiday season early, such as by adding inventory earlier, analysts said.

Michigan consumers have been spending more than those in any other state in the nation since the pandemic, the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) reports. Statewide, consumer spending recovered to its pre-pandemic levels by the end of May, MRA data shows.

For more information on downtown holiday activities in Oakland County, visit:

Auburn Hills:
https://www.facebook.com/DowntownAuburnHills
Berkley:
https://downtownberkley.com/merrimonth-in-downtown-berkley
https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBerkley
Birmingham:
https://www.facebook.com/BirminghamShoppingDistrict
https://www.allinbirmingham.com/
Clarkston:
No report at this time
Clawson:
https://www.facebook.com/downtownclawson
https://www.downtownclawson.com/
Farmington:
https://www.downtownfarmington.org/downtown_events/index.php
https://www.facebook.com/DowntownFarmington
Ferndale:
https://downtownferndale.com/
www.unboxtheholidays.com
Franklin:
https://www.facebook.com/mainstreetfranklinmi
Highland:
https://www.facebook.com/HighlandDDA
https://www.highlanddda.com/
Holly:
https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetHolly
https://www.mainstreetholly.com/
Lake Orion:
https://www.facebook.com/LakeOrionDDA
https://downtownlakeorion.org/events/
Lathrup Village:
http://www.lathrupvillage.org/departments/dda_events.php
Madison Heights:
https://www.facebook.com/ddamadisonheights/
Ortonville:
https://www.facebook.com/ortonvillemi
https://ortonvilledda.org/
Oxford:
https://www.facebook.com/DowntownOxford/
https://www.thevillageofoxford.org/downtown_life/events/index.php
Pontiac:
http://mainstreetpontiac.org/#/events/
https://www.facebook.com/DowntownPontiac
Rochester:
https://www.facebook.com/downtown.rochester
https://www.downtownrochestermi.com/
Royal Oak:
https://www.romi.gov/101/Downtown
South Lyon:
https://www.facebook.com/downtownsouthlyon
Wixom:
https://www.facebook.com/downtownwixom
https://www.wixomgov.org/business/downtown-development-authority/sip-n-stroll-ladies-night-out

For media inquiries only, please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

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MI Retailers Association Urging Consumers to Shop as Normal

MI Retailers Association Urging Consumers to Shop as Normal

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Regional News

MDARD, MI Retailers Association and Meijer Urging Consumers to Shop as Normal

Overbuying and stockpiling may cause supply chain ripple effects

MEDIA CONTACTS: Jennifer Holton, MDARD, 517-284-5724, Meegan Holland, MI Retailers Association, 517-721-9009

LANSING, MICH. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell, Michigan Retailers Association CEO William Hallan and Meijer CEO Todd Weer, Senior Vice President of Stores today responded to news that consumers may be buying larger quantities than necessary at the stores.

“Michigan has an ample supply of food products and other items. But, when shoppers panic buy products like toilet paper, paper towel and other items, it creates a ripple effect within the supply chain,” said McDowell. “Buying what your household will use for the week keeps the supply chain moving, ensures everyone has access to what they need and allows the stores to replenish shelves for your next shopping trip.”

According to McDowell, COVID-19 has changed everything about how people come together, especially with the holidays right around the corner.

“The impact of this pandemic has not been easy, and it is not over as we see rampant community spread,” he added. “One thing we can all do to help each other during this time is buying only what you need. This ensures your friends and neighbors have access to food and other necessary products during this pandemic.”

Signaling evidence of consumers starting to panic shop at levels first seen during the early months of the pandemic, Michigan Retailers Association President and CEO William Hallan urges Michiganders to limit purchases to a week’s worth of supply.

“Retailers across the state continue to work hard to restore and maintain product levels in stores to meet the demand in communities,” said Hallan. “Consumers need to know that stores, particularly grocery stores, will remain open. Consumers should plan for essentials in weekly increments to ensure that supply levels remain steady over the next few weeks. As retailers continue to do their part to keep retail environments safe to shop, we are asking consumers to do their part by limiting quantities to ensure there is enough for everyone.”

If consumers are leery about shopping in person, Hallan encourages consumers to consider using services like curbside pick-up and home delivery.

Meijer, which has 120 Supercenters and grocery stores throughout the State of Michigan, continues to focus on keeping ample supply for its customers.

“Our goal is to have everything our customers need, and our supply chain and store teams are working very hard to keep our shelves stocked during these busy times,” said Todd Weer, Senior Vice President of stores for Meijer. “As long as shoppers buy the number of items they normally would, then everyone should be able to check off the items on their grocery list when they visit the store.”

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

NOCC NEWS: THANKSGIVING 2020

NOCC NEWS: THANKSGIVING 2020

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Regional News

 

NOCC NEWS | THANKSGIVING 2020
Just a few of the things we are thankful for in Lake Orion…
THANKSGIVING 2020
5 Basic Tips to Protect Your Mental Health
1. SLEEPLosing sleep interferes with our mood. This is intuitive, but it is also backed by research. For instance, one study concludes, “Sleep loss amplifies the negative emotive effects of disruptive events while reducing the positive effect of goal-enhancing events.”

In other words, if we do not sleep enough, we are more likely to feel negative when things go wrong, and we are less likely to feel good when they go well.

2. KEEP ACTIVE

As with sleep, any article that aims to boost mental health has to include exercise. As the temperature drops, forcing ourselves outside can become increasingly challenging. Scientists have shown that physical activity can boost mood both in the short and long term.

Importantly, we do not need to run a 4-minute mile to gain mental benefits from exercise. A study from 2000 found that short, 10–15-minute walks boosted mood and increased calmness.

3. ADDRESSING LONELINESS

For many people, loneliness has already been a significant feature of 2020. Reflecting on friends and family during Thanksgiving is likely to intensify those feelings of isolation.

To combat this, make an effort to make contact. Whether it is a simple phone call or a video chat, schedule some conversations in. Remember, you are not the only one feeling lonely. Check in with others — emails, texts, and social media can be useful in times like this. Rather than doomscrolling, send a “How are you?” to someone you miss. They likely miss you, too.

Stay occupied. Empty time can move slowly. Find a new podcast, listen to new or old songs, pick up that guitar, start drawing again, learn a new skill, or anything else. An occupied and engaged mind is less likely to dwell on the loneliness.

4. EAT AND DRINK WELL

Thanksgiving is associated in no small part with overindulgence. I don’t think it would be fair or reasonable to expect people, in 2020 of all years, to reduce their turkey intake.

While we are discussing consumption, it is worth mentioning alcohol. In the long term, alcohol increases the risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Although, at the time, alcohol might lift mood and reduce anxiety, it will not help in the long run.

5. ALIGN EXPECTATIONS

Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to the pandemic. Some people might still be shielding, while others might have succumbed to “pandemic fatigue” and be returning to normal prematurely.

These differences in position have the potential to cause disappointment and additional stress. It is important to have clear and frank discussions with family members about what they can expect this year. To protect your own mental health, make your own decision and do not allow yourself to be railroaded into doing something that you consider to be too risky.

Read the full article HERE.
Now, more than ever, mental health awareness is so important!

The North Oakland Community Coalition (NOCC) is gathering information on the mental health services that our community really needs! You can help by taking a quick, anonymous survey to give us a better understanding of what resources will make a positive impact.

Would you please help us by taking this quick survey?

You must complete the survey by December 4th to be entered in a drawing for a $200 Visa gift card! In fact, the more people that take the survey, the more $200 gift cards we will be able to give away, so please SHARE it! Click on the link or image above to get started. This survey takes about 10 minutes and is most user-friendly from a PC or laptop, but can also be completed on your mobile device.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

 

DNR recommends $5.4 million in Land and Water Conservation grants

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Recreation

– DNR News –
Nov. 24, 2020
Contact: Christie Bayus, BayusC@Michigan.gov

DNR recommends $5.4 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to support park projects

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has recommended 14 community and state parks, trails and sports facilities across the state to share $5,441,600 in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is pivotal in supporting projects that improve the quality of outdoor recreation for communities across Michigan,” said Dan Lord, DNR grants manager. “This fund is an excellent example of successful collaboration among federal, state and local government partners who are focused on bringing real-world health and social benefits to residents and visitors.”

Projects recommended for funding are in Bay, Berrien, Eaton, Houghton, Ingham, Macomb, Oakland, Oceana, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. That funding will support campground developments, park renovations and improvements, accessible playground development, accessibility improvements and more.

Program background

The DNR uses Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars to help develop public outdoor recreation facilities and to provide matching grants for local governments to do the same. The program supports Native American tribes, villages, cities, townships and counties, and divisions within the DNR in their efforts to give people better, broader access to quality public outdoor recreation opportunities.

The LWCF is supported by revenues from federal gas and oil development from the Gulf of Mexico. Following congressional appropriation, the monies are apportioned to the states by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior each fiscal year. The project recommendations will be sent to the National Park Service for federal approval.

The Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law this past August, established permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Michigan is now poised to see an increase in funding for the LWCF grant program, which it administers on behalf of the National Park Service. In anticipation of next year’s funding increase, the DNR is raising the maximum application request from $300,000 to $500,000 for the 2021 application cycle.

Application information

Eligible applicants include any unit of government including Native American tribes, school districts or any combination of units with the legal authority to provide recreation. Applicants can seek funding for a variety of projects, including development of and improvements to playgrounds, trails and walkways, skate parks, boat launches, picnic areas, sports fields and campgrounds, in addition to improved access for users of all abilities beyond Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Application materials and information for LWCF grants are available at Michigan.gov/LWCFGrants. Applications for the 2021 funding cycle are due April 1.

For more information about this and other DNR-administered grants, contact DNR Grants Management at 517-284-7268.
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Michigan’s older adults can connect virtually with family and friends

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 24, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov 

Michigan’s older adults can connect virtually with family and friends
this holiday season 

MDHHS partners with GetSetUp to help residents cope with COVID-19 separation

LANSING, Mich. – Older adults experiencing social isolation this Thanksgiving due to the COVID-19 pandemic have a new opportunity to celebrate the holiday virtually.

Through its partnership with the national education technology company GetSetUp, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Aging & Adult Services Agency is offering a series of Thanksgiving-themed social hours this week. The special classes will help older adults connect with family and friends this holiday season. This includes a special Thanksgiving social hour on Thursday. Nov. 26 at 3 p.m.

“Older adults are at greater risk for complications related to coronavirus and have had to follow public health guidelines closely, including social distancing. We believe this platform will help reduce social isolation by empowering older adults when it comes to using technology while providing a safe place to learn, grow and make friends,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director at of the Aging and Adult Services Agency. “This Thanksgiving week, we hope older Michiganders will join some of these social hours as a safe way to engage with others and celebrate the holiday.

In October, the Aging & Adult Services Agency announced its partnership with GetSetUp, a mission-driven company dedicated to creating economic and learning opportunities for older adults. The partnership creates a new free resource for Michiganders age 60 and over as the state continues to face the pandemic. Nearly 5,000 Michiganders have taken advantage of the free classes on the GetSetUp platform, funded in part from a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

Thanksgiving theme social hours and courses include:

  • The Power of Gratitude: Tuesday, Nov. 24, 3 p.m.
  • Social Hour – Thanksgiving Then and Now: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 11:30 a.m.
  • Social Hour – Thanksgiving Fun: Thursday, Nov. 26, 3 p.m.
  • Social Hour – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe Swap: Friday, Nov. 27, noon.

These Thanksgiving social hours will allow people to connect with other older adults. The sessions also can help participants learn how to use technology to better connect with family and friends.

Registration is required. Classes and social hours are offered online and via telephone. To register, visit the www.getsetup.io/michigan or call 1-888-559-1614.

In addition to social hours, older Michiganders can access more than 150 free online group classes designed for and led by older adults. Popular classes include how to use a smartphone or tablet, how to use services like video conferencing, Gmail, Facebook, YouTube, as well as virtual social hours.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.