Veterans Benefits Counselors at Oakland County Michigan Works

Veterans Benefits Counselors at Oakland County Michigan Works

by | May 9, 2022 | Regional News

Veterans Can Access Veterans Benefits Counselors at Oakland County Michigan Works! Offices

  • An Oakland County Veterans’ Services representative will be available onsite at the Oakland County Michigan Works! centers in Novi, Southfield, and Oak Park one day a week.
  • Veterans and eligible family members can access both veterans benefits and career assistance.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Veterans’ Services and Oakland County Michigan Works! are providing veterans with convenient access to a broad range of services. Oakland County Michigan Works! (OCMW) centers in Novi, Southfield (Tuesday), and Oak Park (Thursday) will host veterans benefits counselors one day a week.

Veterans who visit the OCMW offices in Pontiac, Troy, and Waterford will receive a referral to a liaison in the Veterans’ Services offices in Pontiac or Troy.

“Our goal is to bring veterans services into the community, closer to where they live,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “By placing our veterans benefits counselors in Oakland County Michigan Works! offices, residents who served their country will not only be able to get help accessing their benefits, but assistance for their careers as well.”

OCMW Novi will host veterans’ benefit counselors on Tuesdays, OCMW Southfield also on Tuesdays, and OCMW Oak Park on Thursdays.

Veterans’ benefits counselors help clients navigate the process of completing and submitting applications for federal, state, and county veterans benefits. Benefits available to eligible veterans include:

  • Military service-connected disability compensation
  • Non-service connected disability pension
  • Veteran Administration healthcare
  • Transportation services
  • Employment and education resources
  • Financial support, including home loans, life insurance and other relief and compensation
  • Burial benefits

“Our team is available to assist Oakland County veterans of all ages,” Veterans’ Services Division Manager Garth Wootten said.  “We welcome these men and women to call or visit one of our offices or the Oakland County Michigan Works! centers, where we partner with veterans through the claims process and advocate on their behalf to ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned.”

Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!, said veterans who visit the service centers also have access to a number of employment services, including:

  • Matching a veteran’s military experience and accomplishments with civilian occupations
  • Helping them secure military-related credentials, certifications and licenses
  • Preparing a veteran for conducting a successful job search
  • Connecting veterans with disabled/injured veteran resources
  • Finding resources available to veterans and their families to aid in the transition to civilian life

“For veterans, civilian life often includes building a post-military career, no matter one’s age, education or background,” Llewellyn said. “Our staff at the six Oakland County Michigan Works! service centers are available to provide them, their spouses, and family caregivers with comprehensive career planning, training programs, job search resources and more on a priority basis.”

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.

The 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 staff remain available by 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 meeting, call 248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. The service centers are hosting several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at www.OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.

Whitmer Proclaims Economic Development Week

Whitmer Proclaims Economic Development Week

by | May 9, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2022
Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Proclaims Economic Development Week in Michigan 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer proclaimed May 9-13 as Economic Development Week celebrating the efforts of all Michiganders in attracting and retaining high-quality jobs, developing vibrant communities, and improving the quality of life.

 

“Happy Economic Development Week! Right now, Michigan’s economy is on the move. In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, we have added 174,000 jobs year over year, including 21,600 auto jobs since I took office, which has helped bring our unemployment rate down to a low of 4.4%, and we continue to deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “Economic development is an area where Republicans and Democrats in Michigan have worked side by side to get things done. Our future is bright, and I will continue to work with anyone to get things done. Let’s keep Michigan moving.”

 

Governor Whitmer’s initiatives embody the spirit of Economic Development Week as she has taken bold actions to strengthen Michigan’s economy including the signing of the bipartisan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) package, which supports business by fully funding a competitive economic development toolkit to help make Michigan a national leader in business attraction. Earlier this year, General Motors announced a historic $7 billion investment in the state of Michigan, followed up by another transformational announcement by LG Energy Solution which plans to invest $1.7 billion in West Michigan. The governor also launched over $400 million to support small businesses through Growing MI Business grants. Through COVID, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses under the governor’s leadership, supporting more than 25,000 companies and retaining more than 200,000 jobs, and provided $100 million through the Small Business Restart Program to help restaurants and other place-based businesses cover costs by providing grants up to $20,000 for mortgage, rent, taxes, payroll and other operating expenses.

 

Governor Whitmer’s decisive leadership has led the best economic recovery in the nation. Last year, Michigan added 220,000 jobs and Governor Whitmer took Michigan from a $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion budget surplus. She leveraged these additional funds for historic once in a generation investment into Michigan’s economy, infrastructure, and cutting costs for Michigan consumers and families.

 

  • GM announced a $2.2 billion investment to build Factory Zero, creating 2,000 jobs and a $7 billion investment in Lansing and Orion Township creating 4,000 jobs
  • Stellantis announced the first new plant in Detroit in 30 years, creating 6,000 jobs.
  • Ford announced production of the first-ever full electric F-150, creating 450 jobs.
  • KLA Semiconductor announced a $150 million investment in Ann Arbor, creating 600 jobs in the semiconductor chip industry.
  • Semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron established a new facility in Monitor Township to support electric vehicle growth, creating up to 150 jobs, investing $302 million.
  • The Building Michigan Together Plan includes a $50 million investment in potash.
  • Outlined an economic vision with a $2.1 billion plan, MI New Economy, to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities.
  • Established and fully funded programs to provide hundreds of thousands of Michiganders tuition-free higher education or skills training that leads to a high-skill, good-paying job.

 

View the proclamation by clicking the link here.

 

History of Economic Development Week. 

Economic Development Week was established by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016 to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere. The IEDC is the largest professional economic development organization dedicated to serving economic developers.
MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

by | May 9, 2022 | High School Sports

MHSAA NOW logo

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter of the Michigan High School Athletic Association

THIS WEEK

Today’s edition includes the report from the MHSAA Representative Council Spring Meeting including notable changes approved for 2022-23. We also feature the McBain Northern Michigan Christian girls soccer and Marysville softball teams, and recall a legend in girls tennis as part of our “Title IX at 50” celebration. We take another look back into history at some of the 25 Michigan high schoolers who went on to become Major League Baseball first-round draft picks. Henry Ford Health System also fills us in on the benefits of a morning walk on overall fitness.

Do you know a high school sports fan who would enjoy this weekly newsletter? Share this link to register on MHSAA.com and be added to the MHSAA NOW mailing list.

AROUND THE STATE

Rep Council Approves New Hockey Classification Procedure, Wrestling Weights at Spring Meeting

The selection of a restructured classification procedure for ice hockey and the approval of new boys wrestling weight classes were among the most notable actions taken by the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association during its annual Spring Meeting, May 1-2 in Gaylord.

Muskegon Oakridge Surging Again, but with Switch to Heavy-Hitting Style

Don’t expect much “small ball” from the Muskegon Oakridge softball team. While veteran Oakridge coach Joe Coletta has fielded speedy teams in the past that terrorized opponents with stolen bases and bunting, this year’s edition manufactures runs the old-fashioned way – by swinging for the fences.

Over MLB Draft’s History, Michigan High Schools Graduate 25 1st-Round Picks

Long before today’s travel ball captivated the scene, recreation sandlot baseball programs – often sponsored by local businesses and guided by volunteer coaches – sparked the dreams of countless kids, instilling a love of the game and a hope they might, one day, grace a bubble-gum card.

McBain NMC Continues Rise as Coach VanNoord’s Leadership Takes Root

COVID-19 prevented Jen VanNoord from receiving a proper soccer sendoff as her time guiding Cadillac’s girls program came to a close. Her McBain Northern Michigan Christian soccer players certainly have given her a proper welcome. And, Northern Michigan Soccer League opponents should be cautioned, if they haven’t been already.

Baker-to-Watters Sets Record Book Pace for Lansing Catholic Football

Lansing Catholic finished the 2021 football season as 11-player Division 6 champion at Ford Field, and the Cougars offense was paced the last two seasons by a standout quarterback and receiver who both made the MHSAA record book for single-season and career accomplishments. Joey Baker was added for 2,536 yards passing this past season, with 162 completions on 294 attempts and 28 touchdowns through the air. He made the career passing lists with 4,153 yards over 13 games.

Title IX at 50: Prychitko ‘Legend In Her Own Time,’ Legend for All Time

When Stephanie Prychitko was inducted into the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1987, she was referred to as “a legend in her own time.” What she accomplished remains legendary, and in some ways unequaled in Lower Peninsula girls tennis.

Wake Up And Walk! 7 Benefits Of Taking A Morning Stroll

Still having difficulty fitting exercise into your day? Start by heading out for a morning walk. No matter your fitness level, walking offers tremendous benefits, including improving your mood, managing your weight, increasing your energy and reducing your risk for disease. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a place to stroll.

GAME TIME

Upcoming MHSAA Tournament Schedule

Boys Golf (UP) · June 1-4
Girls Golfs (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Boys Tennis (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Girls Tennis (LP) · Finals: June 2-4
Boys Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Girls Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Boys Golf (LP) · Finals: June 10-11
Boys Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Soccer · Finals: June 17-18
Baseball · Finals: June 18
Softball · Finals: June 18

MHSAA TV

For a complete list of all games and streaming options go to mhsaa.tv.

Click here for a schedule of available student broadcast video streams.

 

Michigan High School Athletic Association Newsletter

1661 Ramblewood Drive, East Lansing, MI 48823

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Showcasing the DNR: New services coming to Porcupine Mountains

Showcasing the DNR: New services coming to Porcupine Mountains

by | May 9, 2022 | Recreation

 
DNR banner

Showcasing the DNR

A vintage wooden sign displays an ad for skiing at the Porcupine Mountains.

New services coming to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

By JOHN PEPIN
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

At the conclusion of a cooperative and productive partnership with Gogebic Community College that spanned 10 years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will now again operate the popular downhill winter sports complex at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County.

In addition, after more than three decades, the DNR has also contracted with a new concessionaire to run several business enterprises familiar to park visitors, as well as provide new park amenities the DNR hopes will enhance the ski hill and park operations on a year-round basis.

Park shuttles, sea kayak rentals and more are coming soon.

An exterior autumn photo shows the Porcupine Mountains Sports Complex chalet.Across Michigan, the DNR partners with businesses and outside organizations to enrich visitor experiences at state parks. Concessions contracts cover numerous features, including park stores; kayak, bike and other rentals; food and water parks.

In 2021, a total of 76 concessions contracts were in place for DNR operations across Michigan. The revenue statewide from those concessions, leases and operating agreements totaled $2.2 million.

At the Porcupine Mountains, home of Michigan’s largest state park, a ski hill has been operated since the 1940s, along with a lodge concession, ski rentals and, more recently, a Frisbee golf course during summertime.

The park also offers fall color ski lift rides and maintains a store at the site of a historic park headquarters and a store at the park’s visitor center.

In addition, in 2006, the DNR entrusted the local volunteer group Friends of the Porkies to develop three programs at the park, which have proven successful. They include the park’s Folk School, annual music festival and Artist in Residence program.

In 2012, Gogebic Community College took over the use agreement at the ski hill, including the winter food and the ski shop facilities.

This arrangement would remain in place until September 2020, when college President George McNulty contacted the DNR to announce the facility’s intention to discontinue management of the ski hill.

“At the start of this partnership, Gogebic’s vision was to assist the State of Michigan in rebuilding the Porkies’ operations and facilitating economic development and/or stability in the region,” McNulty wrote in a letter to the DNR. “Over the last eight years, the college now believes that we have accomplished this vision.”

The DNR asked the college if it would continue operations through the 2021-2022 season. The department had also granted contract extensions to a concessionaire who had been operating at the park for more than three decades to help provide a smooth transition.

“The college is committed to the prosperity and growth that was achieved over our tenure, and if needed, is more than willing to collaborate and to be a resource for the new vendor in keeping the Porkies successful,” McNulty wrote.
An interior photo of vintage skis and other memorabilia at the Porcupine Mountains ski chalet.Doug Rich, DNR western U.P. Parks and Recreation Division district supervisor, said the relationship with the college has been beneficial, acknowledging the college’s contributions to stabilizing operations at the ski hill.

“GCC set us up for future success,” Rich said.

In fall 2020, the DNR requested bids for combined summer-winter management at the park, including all ski hill operations, chalet, cafeteria, park stores and vending machines.

Two bidders submitted proposals, including the prior concessionaire, but neither met bid qualifications.

The DNR took several months to consider its options, deciding in fall 2021 on a cooperative approach, which would see DNR Parks and Recreation Division staff operate the outdoor ski hill functions year-round, while a concession contractor would operate the indoor chalet, cafeteria, park stores, retail sales and rentals, vending machines, disc-golf course and events.

The contractor, Friends of the Porkies and park staff would collaborate for major events at the ski hill.

“We are prepared to once again take on this important role in partnership with our concession contractor,” Rich said. “In doing so, we plan to fulfil the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s mission to acquire, protect and preserve the natural and cultural features of Michigan’s unique resources, and to provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities as implemented through the division’s Strategic Plan.

“Having a sustainable management system in place will help ensure the stability of this important component of the entire park resource.”
A vintage sign advertises the Porcupine Mountains ski hill.The DNR began a second bidding process in alignment with Michigan law and the DNR’s commercial use policy.

In 2021, Simple Adventures – an Auburn Hills company with 11 managers and more than 75 employees – secured contracts with the DNR to operate a concession at Interlochen State Park in Grand Traverse County and Fort Custer Recreation Area in Kalamazoo County.

The firm invested a total of $11,000 in those two facilities, resulting in revenue increases of 45% and 20%, respectively.

The competitive bidding process at the state park in the Porcupine Mountains included advertising for bids and a sealed-bid-opening before evaluation of proposals by a panel that independently scores each bid. An optional pre-bid meeting was held prior to the 2020 bid request.

“This process requires applicants to provide their best proposal, including everything they are willing to offer and can demonstrate they can provide,” Rich said. “…One of the long-standing goals was to provide an enhanced variety of recreational opportunities to make the ski area more of a year-round destination and to encourage visitors to stay longer in the area.”

According to the bid specifications, the DNR wanted the contractor to develop previously unavailable warmer-weather activities.

Some expansion ideas contemplated by the DNR included: installing a second ski chairlift, developing park shuttle service between Memorial Day and mid-October, building fat tire and mountain bike trails around the ski hill area, creating alternative lodging for guests or staff, and acquiring a liquor license at the ski hill cafeteria.
An early autumn photo shows two park visitors on the ski lift at Porcupine Mountains.At a minimum, the prospective contractors were also expected to provide firewood sales and sea kayak and bicycle rentals.

Simple Adventures offered added amenities, including year-round food at the chalet, shuttle service to the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook and the Presque Isle Unit of the park, online food ordering and equipment rentals.

Specialized services beyond concession management were also offered, like mountain biking and sea kayaking services to park guests. Simple Adventures and the DNR are currently hiring workers at the park.

The new services are expected to be welcome additions to the visitor experience at the 59,020-acre state park.

From the heights of a pronounced escarpment overlooking the Big Carp River and at Summit Peak, to the shimmering beauty of Lake Superior at Union Bay, the waterfalls of the Presque Isle River at the park’s west end and the heart of the territory, marked with dozens of hiking trails, the Porcupine Mountains are a fabulous destination visited by more than half a million people every year.

Find out more on job openings with the DNR or Simple Adventures.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNR.

Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Chalet: An interior photograph shows vintage skis and other memorabilia at the Porcupine Mountains Ski Chalet.

Exterior: An exterior photo shows the Porcupine Mountains ski chalet in Ontonagon County.

Lift: An early autumn photo shows two park visitors riding the ski lift at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County.

Sign-1 and Sign-2: Vintage signs advertising the ski hill at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park are shown from the chalet at the hill.
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
Launch of First-Ever Statewide Housing Plan 

Launch of First-Ever Statewide Housing Plan 

by | May 5, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Launch of First-Ever Statewide Housing Plan

Five-year initiative aims to provide affordable and accessible housing, give state competitive edge in talent attraction, retention 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan (SHP), a five-year blueprint charting priorities, goals and strategies to address the intricate and multifaceted challenges impacting housing equity, was launched to a crowd of housing industry leaders at the Building Michigan Communities Conference today.

 

“Every family deserves a safe, affordable place to call home so they have a strong foundation to pursue their potential, but too many Michiganders don’t have access to that in their communities right now,” said Governor Whitmer. “This comprehensive statewide plan tackles persistent past and present housing challenges head-on. If we get it done, we can help those in need of homes get the dignity they deserve and ensure Michigan maintains a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent as we grow our economy.”

 

Governor Whitmer, who earlier this year set an ambitious goal to create or preserve 75,000 housing units across Michigan, encouraged communities, state agencies, local governments, developers, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations represented in the crowd, to adopt and implement the plan. Hers is one of five statewide housing targets that represent what can be achieved as a result of SHP activities. Other targets include:

  • The stabilization of housing for 100,000+ households
  • Significantly reduce equity gaps in homelessness and homeownership
  • Strive to make homelessness rare, brief and one time
  • Increase home energy efficiency and make weatherization improvements in 15,000+ household

The plan also outlines eight priority areas, each with its own set of goals, strategies and outcome measures to guide action planning in regions across the state, as well as 37 goals and 134 strategies to create more robust pathways to safe, quality, affordable housing for all Michiganders.

The need for a SHP arises from the numerous intertwined social and geographic inequities impacting housing accessibility and affordability. For instance, 52% of the state’s homeless population are Black, despite making up only 14% of the overall population. The cost of housing has also risen dramatically over the last several years. Between January 2013 and October 2021, the average sale price for a home in Michigan increased 84%. Meanwhile, the average number of building permits being awarded for new housing construction is less than half that of pre-Great Recession levels.

 

“Creating more affordable housing is a top priority of the SHP, but we also need to understand and untangle long-standing patterns of racial discrimination and segregation that has impacted housing accessibility by emphasizing equity and racial justice in this plan,” said Tiffany King, MSHDA Equity and Inclusion Officer. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to affordable housing, and we’ll need the insights, input, and efforts of people from all walks of life if we are to break down these historical barriers and craft real solutions that enable greater access to affordable housing.”

 

Led by MSHDA, over 7,000 residents and other participants contributed to the creation of the SHP. Moving forward, a new statewide housing partnership and regional groups will work alongside Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness (MCTEH) to meet the goals of the plan. A public dashboard will also be launched to report on statewide and regional outcomes.

 

To learn more visit the Statewide Housing Plan (michigan.gov) page on MSHDA’s website.