As COVID-19 cases rise, State emphasizes worker protections in offices, remote work policies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces Appointments to the Black Leadership Advisory Council

LANSING, Mich. — Today Governor Gretchen made appointments to the Black Leadership Advisory Council, which brings together a diverse group of Black Michiganders to serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to prevent and eradicate discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

“Listening to a diverse group of leaders and creating partnerships in our communities has been a priority for my administration since day one. Since I was sworn in as governor, I have worked to ensure a diverse group of voices at the table, creating the most diverse cabinet this state has ever seen. And today, I am proud to appoint dedicated individuals from across the state to the Black Leadership Advisory Council,” said Governor Whitmer. “In order to confront systemic racism head on, we need members like those on this council to inform our work in state government. This group of leaders includes experts in economics, public policy, health, technology, the environment, and more. I know that those on the Council will continue to be a force for change in Michigan, and I am excited to work closely with them to create a more equitable and just state for all.”

“With the creation of the Black Leadership Advisory Council, we are affirming a truth that Michigan has benefited from for generations: the leadership shown by Black Michiganders in all areas of life and work is critical to the vitality and prosperity of our state,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “The Council affords the state’s largest racial minority group an empowered presence at the tables of policy- and decision-making. These leaders’ diverse perspectives will be essential as we work to fight to against systemic inequalities experienced by far too many Michiganders. I am eager to work alongside them to create a Michigan that enables all Michiganders to pursue their fullest dreams and potential.”

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is among a set of diverse ethnic commissions within the state of Michigan. Although African Americans are the largest racial minority in the state, this Council is the first of its kind in Michigan to elevate Black leaders.

Michigan has emerged as a nationwide leader in reducing health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 15% of Michiganders are African American, but in April, African Americans accounted for over 40% of COVID-19 cases and deaths. The Michigan Task Force on Racial Disparities, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, studied this issue and recommended actions to immediately address it and the historical and systemic inequities that underlie them. And now, thanks to their hard work, the state has seen significant progress: with Black residents accounting for 9.1% of cases and 5.7% of deaths as of early November.

The Governor has appointed the following 16 individuals to represent Black leadership in various fields:

James E. Atterberry, Sr., of Benton Harbor, is the founder and pastor at the Brotherhood of All Nations COGIC Church and a former Berrien County Commissioner. He holds a Certificate of Achievement in Ministry from Moody Bible College. Pastor Atterberry is appointed to represent Black leadership in the faith-based community for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.

Donna L. Bell, Ph.D., of Southfield, is the global director of technology and features strategy and planning at Ford Motor Company. She holds Master of Science degrees in Engineering Management and Electronics and Computer Control Systems, as well as a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Wayne State University. Dr. Bell is appointed to represent Black leadership in technology for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.

Christopher Burtley, of Flint, is an associate attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Mr. Burtley is appointed to represent Black leadership in law, and a member between the ages of 18–35, for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021.

Jerry L. Clayton, Sr., of Ypsilanti, is the Sheriff of Washtenaw County. He also serves as a training consultant for the National Institute of Corrections and CEO of The Cardinal Group II, a policing and corrections training company. Sheriff Clayton is appointed to represent Black leadership in community safety and preparedness for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021.

Kelli A. Ellsworth Etchison, of East Lansing, is the chief marketing & diversity officer for LAFCU. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University. Ms. Ellsworth Etchison is appointed to represent Black leadership in economics for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023.

Justin N. Onwenu, of Detroit, is an environmental justice organizer for Sierra Club. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Health and Policy from Rice University. Mr. Onwenu is appointed to represent Black leadership in the environmental sector, and a member between the ages of 18–35, for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021.

Kelsey Perdue, of Grand Rapids, is the project director of Kids Count in Michigan for the Michigan League of Public Policy and the director of storytelling and communications for the Urban Core Collective. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Howard University. Ms. Perdue is appointed to represent Black leadership in public policy, and a member between the ages of 18–35, for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.

Kathy Purnell, Ph.D., of Kalamazoo, is a staff attorney with Justice for Our Neighbors-Michigan, a non-profit providing immigration legal services. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard University, a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the DePaul University College of Law. Dr. Purnell is appointed to represent Black leadership in law, and a member who is an immigrant or individual with expertise in immigration policy, for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021.

Rochelle Riley, of Detroit, is the director of arts and culture for the City of Detroit and a former award-winning columnist for the Detroit Free Press. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Riley is appointed to represent Black leadership in media and communications, and arts and culture, for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. The Governor has designated Ms. Riley to serve as Co-Chair of the Council.

Theresa Roach, of Flint, is the program director of active communities for the Crim Fitness Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Communications & Digital Media Design from Saginaw Valley State University. Ms. Roach is appointed to represent Black leadership in health and wellness for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021.

Joel Rutherford, of Warren, is the chair of the Official Democratic Black Caucus of Macomb County. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as an air traffic control specialist. Mr. Rutherford is appointed to represent Black leadership in government for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.

Michele Samuels, of Farmington Hills, is the vice president, general auditor, and compliance officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and an Executive MBA from Michigan State University. Ms. Samuels is appointed to represent Black leadership in health and wellness for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023.

Seydi Sarr, of Detroit, is the founder of the African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs (ABISA). She also works as a program associate for the Detroit Public School Community District. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in Social Justice from Marygrove College. Mrs. Sarr is appointed to represent Black leadership in education, and a member who is an immigrant or individual with expertise in immigration policy, for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.

Michelle Sourie Robinson, of West Bloomfield, is the president and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas. Ms. Sourie Robinson is appointed to represent Black leadership in economics for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023.

Carl M. Williams, of Saginaw, is the vice president of the NAACP Saginaw Chapter. He previously served as a state representative for the 95th House District, mayor pro tem, and a member of the Saginaw City Council. Mr. Williams retired from Delphi Automotive Systems where he was a production supervisor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Williams is appointed to represent Black leadership in public policy for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023.

Robert Womack, of Grand Rapids, is a county commissioner in Kent County where he serves on the Finance and Physical Resources Committee. He is also the general manager and program director for WYGR 94.9 FM and Community Empowerment Radio, Inc. Commissioner Womack is appointed to represent Black leadership in public policy for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. The Governor has designation Commissioner Womack to serve as Co-Chair of the Council.

Additionally, Rep. Brenda Carter, of Pontiac, will serve on the council as an honorary representative of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

To assist the council in the performance of its duties, advisory committees will be formed specializing in select fields, including education, community safety, health, and business.

Terrence D. Martin, of Detroit, is the president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) and a former elementary teacher for Detroit Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from St. Francis University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marygrove College. Mr. Martin will serve as the Chair of the Education Committee.

Teferi Brent, of Detroit, is co-chair of Dignity 4 Detroit, a coalition of community leaders created to address violence in Detroit. Mr. Brent is the founder, leader, and member of several criminal justice reform organizations and has been organizing against urban violence for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies. Mr. Brent will serve as Chair of the Community Safety Committee.

Alexis Dye, of Muskegon, is the communications and development manager for Hackley Community Care. She currently serves as chair of the Muskegon Health Disparities Coalition and as a board member with Community enCompass. Ms. Dye will serve as Chair of the Health Committee.

Karen Carter, of Midland, is the chief human resources officer and chief inclusion officer for Dow Chemical Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Howard University and a Master of Business Administration in International Business from DePaul University. Ms. Carter will serve as Chair of the Business Leaders Committee.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and will act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in this state. The Council will also work to identify state laws, or gaps in state law, that create or perpetuate inequities, collaborate to promote legislation and regulation that ensures equitable treatment of all Michiganders, serve as a resource for community groups, and promote the cultural arts in the Black community.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2020

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.org

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces nearly $100 million allocated to businesses across Michigan through Michigan Small Business Restart Program  

• Grants support businesses working to recover from impacts of COVID-19 pandemic
• At least 97,264 jobs retained for Michigan workers as a result of the program
• Grants were chosen and administered by 15 economic development organizations

LANSING, Mich. – Critical relief totaling nearly $100 million for more than 14,000 small businesses across the state has been awarded to date through the Michigan Small Business Restart Grant program, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today.

“Families across the state depend on small businesses for their livelihood, and these grants, combined with additional COVID-19 business relief efforts offered by the MEDC, have helped to create a strong foundation for Michigan’s long-term economic recovery,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “By putting federal funding to work for Michigan’s small businesses and additional COVID-19 relief efforts, we have made a real impact on our families and our communities. Of course, our work is not done. We still need the president and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to work across the aisle on a bipartisan recovery package that will provide support for our families, frontline workers, and small businesses. I will continue working with all of our partners, both at the federal and the state level, to get this done for our small business owners.”

Today’s announcement brings the total amount awarded through the program to $95.6 million, up from $69 million announced at the end of September. A total of 5 percent of overall funding for the program was able to go toward administrative costs of the EDOs administering the grants.

Approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund in July, the Michigan Small Business Restart Program allocated $100 million of federal CARES Act funding to provide support to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits that are reopening and have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The funding was distributed across 15 local or nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) covering all 83 counties in the state for grants up to $20,000 to support certain small businesses and nonprofits that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the businesses that received grants, 4,617 reported as minority-owned, 6,314 reported as woman-owned, and 743 reported as veteran-owned, with some businesses selecting multiple categories. At least 30 percent of the funds awarded under the program were required to be provided to women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses, and all EDOs have met, or exceeded, this requirement in the awards being made.

“The Michigan Small Business Restart Program has provided significant support to small businesses and nonprofits helping to get them through this critical time and on the path to economic recovery,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton. “We are thankful for the efforts of our economic development partners, who worked to deliver these vital financial resources within their regions and create a path toward economic recovery for small businesses throughout Michigan.”

The grants under the Michigan Small Business Restart Program may be used as working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses.

Ellison Brewery and Spirits in East Lansing was awarded a $20,000 grant through the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and the funds have helped the veteran-owned small business weather the COVID-19 pandemic, according to owner and president of operations Aaron Hanson.

“Being a veteran-owned company, Ellison Brewing was happy to be selected for the Restart grant program which has allowed us to continue to create a sanitized and socially distanced environment for customers to enjoy locally-made products safely,” Hanson said.

Mastercraft Homes in Sterling Heights was awarded a $2,500 grant through Macomb County and the funds have helped the veteran-owned small business do installations and pay bills, according to owner Dennis Bolo.

“This grant helped us tremendously in a small way. We continue to work because we have to but this helped carry us through in paying the ordinary bills. We are grateful for the amount received,” Bolo said.

To see the full list of businesses that were awarded Restart grants, visit here.

Howe Art Supplies, an art studio offering hard-to-find art supplies, workshops, and classes in Swartz Creek, was awarded a $10,000 grant through the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce, and owner Sharlene L. Howe said the funds could not have come at a better time.

“The Michigan Small Business Restart Grant has been a godsend for small businesses like mine. The grant funding has allowed me to put personal protections in place that will allow me to keep my doors open, and my customers safe, during the current health crisis,” Howe said. “The funding has also allowed me to hire two employees to assist with cleaning and day-to-day operations. I am very grateful.”

The Michigan Small Business Restart Program is modeled after the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, approved on March 19 by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis through $10 million in grants and nearly $10 million in loans across all 83 counties in the state.

In total, the MEDC has launched 19 COVID-19 relief and recovery programs that have supported more than 18,500 businesses in the state and helped to retain nearly 147,000 jobs across all 83 counties. To learn more about MEDC’s COVID-19 response programs and the impact they are having on economic recovery efforts, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19response. Other resources for economic reopening efforts as well as businesses across Michigan struggling with economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/covid19.

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.