Employers Encouraged To Apply For $27 Million In Training Grants

Employers Encouraged To Apply For $27 Million In Training Grants

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Local News

Oakland County Employers Encouraged To Apply For $27 Million In Training Grants As State’s Going PRO Talent Fund Reinstated

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County employers who need talent can apply for a share of $27 million allocated statewide for approved training programs in 2021 under Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund.

The fund, which was reinstated by the state, provides grants for employers to hire and train workers to earn industry-recognized credentials in advanced manufacturing, software development, construction trades and robotic operations. It also allows current workers to expand their skills and creates registered apprenticeships for new employees. Since 2013, county employers have received more than $7.5 million of Going PRO Talent Fund grants.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund has provided millions of dollars in training funds to hundreds of eligible businesses across Oakland County who need to find and train talented workers,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “We applaud Governor Whitmer and state legislators for restoring the program. This funding comes at a critical time for our residents and businesses, given the impact COVID-19 continues to have in our business community and in our lives.”

The application period for grants begins November 2 and ends November 30 at 5 p.m.

Oakland County Michigan Works! is hosting five free virtual information sessions on the Going PRO Talent Fund. The online meetings provide important details about the program, eligibility criteria and the application process. Advance registration is required at www.OakGov.com/GoingPro. The sessions are:

  • Monday, October 19, from 2:30-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 20, from 9-10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, October 22, from 9-10:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, October 27, from 9-10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, October 29, from 2:30-4 p.m.

Minth North America received a Going PRO Talent Fund grant in 2019. Human Resources Director Christen Powers said it was invested in the development and professional growth of 33 team members.

“Ongoing development of employees is an essential part of any retention and growth strategy,” Powers said. “It allows employees to follow a professional development plan that prepares them for the next stage of their careers, whether it’s as a successor to someone, becoming a cross-functionally trained employee or a technical expert.”

Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!, said staff at the county’s six service centers can confirm a company’s eligibility and assist it in completing an application. To qualify, the training must be short-term and lead to a credentialed, industry-recognized skill enhancement.

“Our team has been very successful in partnering with employers of all sizes to design training models customized to their changing needs,” Llewellyn said. “We strongly encourage an employer to contact their local Michigan Works! office soon to ensure the application is completed in time for review by the state.”

Oakland County Michigan Works! operates service centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford. Combined, they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing and job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information.

Service centers also assist more than 3,000 employers seeking assistance with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.

Service center staffs remain available by virtual appointment to work one-on-one with job seekers to build their resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule a virtual meeting, call 1-248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. Service centers are hosting several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at www.OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.

$3.6 million in grants to target invasive species

$3.6 million in grants to target invasive species

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Regional News

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Oct. 19, 2020

Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814 or Erin Campbell, 269-300-9698

$3.6 million in grants available to target invasive species in Michigan

Proposals accepted through Dec. 11

Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the 2020 funding cycle, with an anticipated $3.6 million available to applicants.

The program – a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development – is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2014 to help prevent, detect and control invasive species in Michigan.

“Our state’s natural resources, both land and water, are threatened by invasive species that harm our environment, economy and even human health,” said Gary McDowell, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program is a critical tool in addressing these threats – both on the local level with Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas and on a statewide scale by supporting advances in prevention and control.”

Program handbook, webinar

2020 MISGP Handbook CoverThe 2020 grant program handbook outlines priorities and application guidelines. Applicants also can take advantage of a two-part webinar Thursday, Nov.5:

  • Part 1 starts at 9 a.m. and will focus on general grant information, 2020 priorities and the application process.
  • Part 2 follows at 10 a.m. and will explain the Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area application process and funding for 2020.

Both the handbook and webinar registration information are available at Michigan.gov/MISGP. A recorded version of the webinar will be available at this website after Nov. 10.

2020 priorities

A patch of Japanese stiltgrassThis year the program is seeking projects to detect and control high-risk invasive species, including Japanese stiltgrass and hemlock woolly adelgid, and to initiate surveys in high-quality environments like Great Lakes islands.

Emphasis is placed on developing strategies to increase public adoption of decontamination practices that prevent the spread of invasive species. Projects improving preparedness for species that may arrive in Michigan and those which expand identification and management training opportunities are also sought.

Priority is given to supporting Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas across the state to implement strategic plans for outreach, detection and control of regional priority species.

Projects providing new tools or improve techniques for detecting and managing established species, including European frog-bit, starry stonewort and invasive knotweed species, are also are requested.

Program progress

Japanese knotweed branch with leavesThe Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program supports projects throughout the state that prevent, detect, manage and eradicate invasive species on the ground and in the water. Total program funding is set by the Legislature and the governor during the annual budget cycle.

Since its inception, the program has awarded over $21 million to 144 projects, resulting in management of invasive species including hemlock woolly adelgid, phragmites and Japanese knotweed on more than 48,000 acres of land and water statewide.

Highlights of the 2019 invasive species program are available in the Michigan Invasive Species Program Annual Report, which includes program-funded projects.

Regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas are operating in all of Michigan’s 83 counties, assisting the public in identifying and managing invasive species. Contact information for individual CISMAs can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives in the Local Resources section.

Important program dates and information

Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities may apply for funding to support invasive species projects in Michigan. Full project proposals are due Dec. 11. Award announcement is anticipated in March 2021.

Grant requests for general projects can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $400,000. CISMAs can request up to $60,000 for annual implementation of prevention, detection and control activities and up to $40,000 for specific survey and treatment projects. Applicants must commit to provide a minimum of 10 percent (in the form of a local match) of the total project cost.

Competitive applications will outline clear objectives, propose significant ecological benefits, demonstrate diverse collaboration and show strong community support.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow:

Stiltgrass: A patch of invasive Japanese stiltgrass in Niles, Michigan.

Knotweed: Japanese knotweed has been found in yards and along roadways and stream banks across Michigan.

Frog-bit: European frog-bit recently has been found in inland water bodies in western and mid-Michigan./

AG Warns to Beware of Scam Package Delivery Texts

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Oct. 19, 2020

Attorney General Nessel Warns Consumers to Beware of Scam Package Delivery Texts

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today reissued an important consumer alert on text message scams to warn Michiganders to watch out for an uptick in these attempts to obtain personal information. Most recent complaints report that these texts appear from unfamiliar phone numbers pretending to be a package delivery notice from Amazon, FedEx or other services.

“What we know for certain is that bad actors will stop at nothing to obtain our personal information, and it is important that we all stay on alert,” said Nessel. “If you are expecting a package and you receive a text message from an unrecognizable number, independently verify the origin first. Contact the company you purchased from or the individual who sent you the package. Clicking on the links in these phony texts can provide a gateway for scammers to download malware onto your phone, or to trick you into entering passwords, credit card details, or other personal information that can be used to commit fraud.”

The recent text messages use similar language and look like this:

“FedEx: shipment 71206 update: on the way.  Click here: c7fsvinfo/oToaiibv6A.  (using different numbers and links in the message)”

Others address the recipient by name, claiming to be an “urgent notice about your USPS package” that’s been waiting for them from a stated date, along with a link – for example:

“Jessica, urgent notice about your USPS package 3K9355 from 04/10/2020.  Proceed to m4svk.info/UENAnGm4zh”

Earlier versions of this scam contained a link promising information about a missing package belonging to the consumer, or to “claim delivery” about a pending package delivery.

Regardless of the message, Attorney General Nessel insists that if you get a text message from an unfamiliar phone number about a package delivery, immediately delete the message, block the number, and do not respond or click on any links. If you think the message may be legitimate, call the delivery company directly using a phone number you know you can verify.

The Attorney General’s office has received roughly 30 complaints of unwanted text messages since January, with several of those related to the package shipping scam.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests three ways to report unwanted text messages:

  • Report it on the messaging app. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
  • If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon or Sprint subscriber, copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM), free of charge.
  • Report it online to the Federal Trade Commission.
Older Adults Can Learn How to Use Videoconferencing

Older Adults Can Learn How to Use Videoconferencing

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 16, 2020 

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

Older Adults Can Learn How to Use Videoconferencing, Telemedicine and Other Technology

MDHHS providing new service to help cope with COVID-19 social distancing

LANSING, Mich. – Older adults can now get help to learn how to navigate technology such as videoconferencing and telemedicine that has become more necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 The Aging & Adult Services Agency at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is announcing a partnership with GetSetup, a mission-driven education technology 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.

 “It’s critical to keep older adults who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 safe during the pandemic,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “However, it’s also important for them to maintain social connections and be able to meet their needs from home. Technology can help, and this initiative will help older Michiganders become more comfortable with that technology.”

 Older Michiganders can access more than 150 free online group classes designed for and led by older adults. Offerings include classes on how to use a smartphone or tablet, how to use services like video conferencing, Gmail, Facebook, grocery delivery and telemedicine, as well as virtual social hours.

An internet connection is all that’s needed to access GetSetup.

 “We realize that now more than ever, our older adults are at home and may need assistance learning how to use video services to communicate with loved ones, learn how to do things like ordering groceries or household items online, finding exercise classes or even learning to access services like telehealth,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director of the Aging and Adult Services Agency. “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.”

GetSetup.io is a pioneering social platform where seniors can learn about a variety of topics through a live, interactive peer-to-peer teaching model. The platform currently offers classes on essential life-changing skills, from professional development to technology, health, wellness and hobbies. It also offers casual social hours. Its expert guides hold graduate and master’s degrees in business, music, science, and more.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and make our interactive learning platform available to more than 2.5 million older adults across the state,” said Lawrence Kosick, co-founder of GetSetUp. “Older adults experience loneliness and social isolation more than any other age group, but at GetSetUp we see the health benefits of continuous learning and socialization. Through GetSetUp, older Michiganders now have a way to learn and connect with others online, as well as find new economic opportunities helping teach their peers.”

As part of the program, GetSetUp will run classes 10 hours a day to make it easy for Michiganders to take a class anytime they like from the comfort and safety of their homes. The classes are available free for the next six months. This initiative is supported in part by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

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

Top Five Games

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Feature Writers

Top Five Games:

By Sammy Taormina

Groves at Stoney Creek: The Cougars have been rolling clinching the White and making statement after statement. Last week they blew out Southfield Arts and Tech 36-7 on the road. They already have road wins over North Farmington, Seaholm, and Adams this season. This is shaping up to be an interesting game because of last season when a bad exchange caused Stoney Creek the game in Beverly Hills falling 28-23. Groves has been very inconsistent this season but the Falcons are coming off a 38-20 victory over Oak Park in Knight Valley. As mentioned this is shaping up to be a very interesting game.

 

Troy Athens at Troy: This has been an interesting city rivalry over the years between the “That School Down the Road” and “The rival.” The Red Hawks have really owned this city rivalry in the last two years outscoring the Colts 73-0 and have won seven of the last eight meetings overall. Both teams have some experience although Troy Athens did not play last week. Troy beat Pontiac 49-0 last week. It should be an interesting game to keep an eye on this week for sure.

 

Rochester at Berkley: This game would had been more interesting if the Bears would had won last week against Bloomfield Hills (lost 35-34 in overtime) but Berkley still controls its own destiny in the Blue with Rochester coming to Hurley Field. The Falcons are 5-0 for the first time since 1993 and have clinched at least a share of the Blue. They can win it outright if they beat the Bears this week. Both teams have experienced players which makes this matchup even more interesting.

 

Seaholm at North Farmington: The Raiders have rolled over their last two opponents by a combined 52-17 which included a huge 14-3 victory at Oxford last week. The Maples lost a tough one to Clarkston 35-7 after pulling off what was the best win in program history after beating Groves two weeks ago. It will be an interesting quarterback and coaching matchup between Caleb Knoer and Coach Jim DeWald against Jacob Bousamara and Coach Jon Herstein. That will be the matchup to watch as we head into the postseason.

 

Southfield Arts and Tech at Oxford: Both the Warriors and Wildcats are struggling coming into this game at Wildcat Stadium. Both teams have very good quarterbacks in Isiah Marshall and Brady Carpenter and talented running backs in RaeQuan Lee and Tate Muir. Oxford has scored only three points in two weeks which has resulted in two losses. Southfield Arts and Tech was blown out by Stoney Creek at home 36-7 last week. Both teams will need to fix some things heading into the playoffs next week.