Oakland County Launches Tech Collaboration

Oakland County Launches Tech Collaboration

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Regional News

Oakland County Launches Tech Collaboration Featuring Keystone Companies to Strengthen Regional Innovation

Post Date:04/08/2025 2:15 PM
  • The Oakland County Tech Collaboration is an ecosystem of tech companies, innovators, suppliers, academic institutions and county government creating connections and spurring economic growth in robotics integration, IT and computer services, research, engineering and design.
  • Five of the county’s largest tech firms have taken on the role of “Keystone company” to strengthen the tech ecosystem: FANUC America, HTC Global Services, JR Automation, OneStream, and RGBSI. Learn more here: https://youtu.be/u0omSoGZ5L8.
  • The Oakland County Tech Collaboration will host a series of tech collaboration events. For more click on oakgov.com/octechcollaboration.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County has launched the Oakland County Tech Collaboration, a strategic initiative aimed at supporting and accelerating the growth of the county’s technology ecosystem powered by Oakland County Economic Development Business Retention & Growth unit.

“Oakland County is taking bold steps to establish itself as a national leader in technology innovation by strengthening our strategic focus on research, engineering and design, IT/computer services and robotics integration,” County Executive Dave Coulter said.

The Oakland County Tech Collaboration is an ecosystem of tech companies, innovators, suppliers, academic institutions and county government working to create connections, strengthen the ecosystem and spur economic growth in these key areas:

  • Research, Engineering, and Design
  • IT and Computer Service
  • Robotics Integration

These industries are pivotal to establishing Oakland County as a competitive technology hub. Five of the county’s largest tech firms have taken on the role of “Keystone company” to strengthen the tech ecosystem.

The Keystone Companies, including FANUC America, HTC Global Services, JR Automation, OneStream, and RGBSI, represent a wide array of expertise in these industries, from cutting-edge research and product design to AI and advanced IT software solutions. Their collective efforts will support the retention and expansion of the tech industry, attract new talent, and foster a collaborative environment that nurtures innovation and attracts new investments.

“These Keystone Companies are not only leaders in their fields but are committed to building a thriving tech ecosystem that will create new jobs, attract investment and ensure our region’s continued economic growth,” Coulter said.

The Oakland County Tech Collaboration will host a series of events, such as the Edu2B Tech Collaboration Series connecting business with higher education resources and opportunities at the university level connecting small tech companies to larger tech companies. Those events are scheduled as follows:

  • April 17 at Lawrence Technological University, Southfield
  • Sept. 18 at Walsh College, Troy
  • Nov. 6 at Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills

For more information about the Oakland County Tech Collaboration and upcoming events, please visit oakgov.com/octechcollaboration.

“Our focus on strengthening these three key industries is essential to the continued success of our regional economy,” said Greg Doyle, manager of Business Retention & Growth for Oakland County. “By bringing together top businesses in IT, computer services, research, engineering, and design, and robotics, we’re creating a dynamic environment for innovation and fostering the kind of partnerships that will drive economic growth for years to come.”

About Oakland County

Oakland County, located in southeastern Michigan, is a vibrant hub for innovation, research, technology, and manufacturing. With a strong focus on advancing industries such as IT/computer services, robotics, and engineering, Oakland County is committed to becoming a leading technology region in the U.S., offering businesses the tools, talent, and resources needed to thrive.

MDHHS seeks applicants for weatherization grants

MDHHS seeks applicants for weatherization grants

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2025

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS seeks applicants for weatherization grants

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a competitive Grant Funding Opportunity for statewide weatherization services.

The purpose of the program is to provide energy conservation and related health and safety services for eligible low-income households at no cost to the resident. MDHHS issues grants to local weatherization operators across the state to serve designated areas, ensuring that all counties in Michigan can benefit from this energy-saving program.

This opportunity is open to any community action agency or public or nonprofit entities.

An estimated $18.3 million is available for the first 12 months of the program. Each applicant will be awarded funding based on the number of counties served and the number of applicants awarded in each county. Maximum funding amounts for each county are based on population and temperature data. After the initial agreement period, continuation awards will be available. MDHHS anticipates issuing up to 25 awards.

All applicant agencies must register for the EGrAMS system and request an application by 5 p.m., Friday, April 25. Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 30. The initial program period begins July 1, 2025, and ends Sept. 30, 2025.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete GFO can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Community Action & Economic Opportunity” link and selecting the “WAPD2-2025” grant program.

A pre-application conference was held to discuss this funding opportunity and provide instructions on using the EGrAMS system. The recorded conference can be accessed from the “Documents” tab of the GFO on the EGrAMS website.
DNR April inspirations: Things to do, ways to help

DNR April inspirations: Things to do, ways to help

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Recreation

 
DNR banner

April inspirations: Things to do, ways to help

Whether you want to get outdoors, enjoy a new destination or support your favorite natural and cultural resources, April offers options around the state. Upcoming classes, programs and volunteer opportunities include:

Nature hiking, beekeeping, trails expo and more

sun breaks through the trees on a narrow forested trail that winds along a small river. Tiny green plant, tree shoots sprout on forest floor

  • Signs of Spring Hike – Ludington State Park (Saturday, April 12). What better way to observe the first signs of spring – budding trees, emerging plants and the return of migrating birds – than on a 1.5-mile hike over easy terrain at one Michigan’s most beautiful spots?
  • Beekeeping Clinic – Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center (Saturday, April 12 or Saturday, April 26). Whether you’re new to beekeeping or looking to expand your knowledge about these vital pollinators, this daylong class in Cadillac is for you. We’ll cover everything from bee biology and equipment to bee health and seasonal tasks.
  • Trails Expo – Outdoor Adventure Center (Saturday, April 26). The Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit is celebrating its neighborhood rail with this event on the Dequindre Cut. Learn tips and tricks for hitting the trails from local experts in hiking, biking, paddling and more, then test out your skills in hands-on workshops.

Show state parks some love at stewardship workdays

about a dozen state park stewardship volunteers dressed in long sleeves, jeans and other outdoor gear walk down a forested pathSeveral state parks in southern Michigan will host stewardship workdays, where volunteers help remove invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems. It’s a great way to get outside and feel good about doing good!

Upcoming workdays are planned at:

Follow the volunteer stewardship calendar for future work dates at state parks.

Find an adventure

Not sure what you feel like doing? Check out the DNR events calendar for programs near you and around the state, or try our Things to Do page for your next outdoor recreation inspiration.

Lend a hand

From habitat help and forest cleanup to community science and campground hosting, there are many ways to help the places and resources you love! Get ideas at  Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

More than a week after the severe northern Michigan storms, many of our friends and neighbors are still without power or access to their homes. As communities work to clean up the damage, there are ways you can help, too. Visit Michigan.gov/IceStorm for volunteer/donation info.
AG Nessel Issues New Consumer Alert on Bitcoin ATMs

AG Nessel Issues New Consumer Alert on Bitcoin ATMs

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Regional News
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Issues New Consumer Alert on Bitcoin ATMs

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a new consumer alert warning residents of scammers using Bitcoin ATMs to defraud unsuspecting victims.

“Because money sent through Bitcoin ATMs is nearly impossible to recover and these machines lack oversight and regulation, they have become an attractive option for criminals engaged in fraud and money laundering,” Nessel said. “Staying informed can protect consumers from falling victim.”

A common Bitcoin ATM scam targeting older adults involves a fraudulent message or phone call. The call might be from someone claiming to be with Apple, Google, or another well-known company, or even law enforcement. The scammer tells the victim that their financial accounts have been compromised. The call recipient is told they need to take immediate action to prevent unauthorized transactions on their account. If the scammer is pretending to be from a law enforcement agency, they may even threaten the victim with criminal prosecution or jail time if the victim doesn’t pay a fine right away.

Victims are then instructed to withdraw large amounts of cash from their bank accounts. They are told to deposit the funds into a Bitcoin ATM. The cash is inserted and converted into Bitcoin. The victim is directed to scan and send a receipt or QR code to the scammer. The moment that transaction is completed, the money is gone —permanently. Traditional bank transfers, wire transfers, or credit card transactions have fraud prevention measures. These measures provide customer protection or financial institution safeguards to stop or reverse the transfer. That is not the case with Bitcoin ATM transactions.

Bitcoin ATMs lack oversight and regulation. For this reason, they are widely used for scamming and money laundering. Some consumers may attempt to use them for legitimate transactions. However, they often come with very high fees. The fees make them an inefficient and costly way to buy cryptocurrency. It’s safer and cheaper to convert cash to cryptocurrency through a licensed and regulated online exchange.

Without regulation, victims of Bitcoin ATM scams have no meaningful consumer protections. Financial institutions have fraud prevention departments that monitor transactions. Banks can file suspicious activity reports (SARs) to investigate potential fraud. Unfortunately, Bitcoin ATMs operate outside these safeguards. They allow scammers to steal money quickly and anonymously.

To avoid becoming a victim of a Bitcoin ATM scam, remember these key points:

  • No legitimate company or government agency will ever ask you to deposit money into a Bitcoin ATM. If someone makes such a request, it’s a scam.
  • Beware of urgent requests. Scammers create a sense of urgency to prevent victims from thinking critically about the request.
  • Do not trust caller ID. Fraudsters can spoof phone numbers to make it appear as though they are calling from a trusted source.
  • Never download unknown software or grant remote access to your devices. This can allow scammers to take control of your personal information.
  • Talk to your bank before making large withdrawals. If you’re instructed to move money in an unusual way, seek advice first.
  • If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately. Scams can be reported to the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team and local law enforcement.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
DNR News: Inland sport fishing guide license required

DNR News: Inland sport fishing guide license required

by | Apr 7, 2025 | Recreation
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
April 7, 2025
Contact: Kendra Kozlauskos, 231-330-2845 or Seth Herbst, 517-388-7759

Inland sport fishing guide license required for guided fishing on inland Michigan

With nearly 11,000 inland lakes and 76,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan has a wealth of inland fishing opportunities, and inland fishing guides help anglers enjoy those abundant resources. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers and guides that since March 1, 2024, inland fishing guides operating in the state are required to have an inland sport fishing guide license to take clients on guided trips on inland lakes, rivers or streams.

Great Lakes connecting waters refer to specific bodies of water in Michigan that connect the Great Lakes to each other: the St. Marys River, the St. Clair River (beginning at the Fort Gratiot Light), Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River (beginning at the imaginary line extending due south of the Windmill Point Light, Wayne County, and ending at the imaginary east/west line drawn through the most southernly point of Celeron Island).

Those interested should complete the following steps to apply for an inland sport fishing guide license:

  1. Review the requirements and complete the questionnaire. The DNR will review responses to verify license requirements are met. Applicants will be notified via email within five business days with further instructions.
  2. Upon receiving notification of DNR approval, buy the license online or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app.

The resident license fee is $150, and the nonresident license fee is $300. The inland sport fishing guide license is valid for three years after the date it is issued. Captains who possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard-issued captain’s license will receive a license fee waiver.

*Please note that obtaining a license is a two-step process: DNR authorization and license purchase. You must complete the process after you receive approval by purchasing your license on the DNR e-license site or in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. This is an electronic license only; you will not receive a physical license or stickers.

All licensed inland fishing guides will be listed on the inland sport fishing guide webpage. This list is updated monthly.

License requirements

To be eligible for an inland sport fishing guide license, an applicant must:

  • Possess a valid certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association and be able to provide a copy of the certification to the DNR upon request.
  • Possess a valid, lawfully obtained Michigan driver’s license issued under the Michigan vehicle code, an official state personal identification card or a DNR-issued Sportcard.
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or other violation listed within MCL 324.48714a(2)(c) in the last three years.
  • Be eligible to purchase a license for the fish species targeted while acting as a sport fishing guide.
  • Possess a valid state inland pilot’s license issued by the DNR or a valid captain’s license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, if intending to operate a watercraft while acting as a sport fishing guide. Navigability of waters will determine which license needed.
  • Possess, while acting as a sport fishing guide, a basic first aid kit that includes, but is not limited to, all the following: tourniquet, chest seals, compression gauze, CPR mask, trauma shears, sterile eyewash, mylar emergency blanket, bandages, moleskin and tweezers.

Mandatory reporting

All licensed inland sport fishing guides must file an electronic report of their monthly catch activity for all trips that occurred on all waters, except those included in previously required reporting (Great Lakes, Great Lakes connecting waters) and lakes or ponds with a surface area of less than 5 acres. Details about the reporting requirements are available on the inland sport fishing guide webpage. If you have questions regarding submitting monthly catch activity reports or how to obtain an inland sport fishing guide license, contact Kendra Kozlauskos at 231-330-2845 or DNR-Fish-Charter@Michigan.gov.

The reporting requirements for inland sport fishing guides are in addition to the existing requirements for the Great Lakes charter boat program. Great Lakes and Great Lakes connecting waters reporting is also required. Reporting of Great Lakes/connecting waters is limited to boat trips. See the charter boat operator webpage for more information.