Coulter Applauds Beaumont Spectrum $20 Million Donation to Oakland University to Help with Nurse Shortage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Announces Business and Community Investments that Will Create and Retain 672 Jobs

• Dana Thermal Products establishing new operations in Auburn Hills, creating 200 high-wage jobs
• Neogen constructing new facility in downtown Lansing, investing $71.5 million
• Community revitalization project in Detroit will bring new vibrancy and density to Brush Park neighborhood

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approval of a range of projects, including support for business expansion projects in Auburn Hills and Lansing, a community revitalization project in Detroit, continued site readiness efforts and other actions that will continue to strengthen Michigan’s economy. In total, the projects approved today during MSF’s board meeting are expected to generate more than $153 million in investment around the state and create or retain 672 jobs for Michiganders.

“Today’s Michigan Strategic Fund approvals will create and retain 672 good-paying jobs and invest $153 million across Auburn Hills, Lansing, and Detroit,” said Governor Whitmer. “These projects will build on our manufacturing heritage and advance our mobility and electrification leadership. Together, we will help us continue to drive growth in Michigan by funding economic development projects, investing in our communities, creating jobs for our residents, and advancing initiatives that build long-term opportunity throughout the state. I will work with anyone to keep getting things done and grow our economy.”

Dana Thermal Products establishing new operations in Auburn Hills, investing $54.2 million

Dana Thermal Products, LLC is a subsidiary of Dana Incorporated, a global leader in thermal management technologies for the mobility industry. The company’s parent employs more than 40,000 people in 31 countries.

Dana provides various thermal management technologies including battery cooling plates, cold plates and power electronics cooling to global automakers. The company anticipates that one of its largest opportunities for growth is within the electrification market and is investing to position itself as a leader in EV technologies as core customers and markets are making the shift.

Dana plans to lease a facility in the city of Auburn Hills to support a new battery cooling plate manufacturing operation. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $54.2 million and create 200 jobs, supported by a $2.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in the Southeast U.S. and Canada.

“The $44 million investment in electric vehicle battery production is outstanding news for the highly skilled workers who can fill those new jobs,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “It’s also a boost for the advanced manufacturing reputation for both Michigan and Oakland County.”

The project contributes to the MEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in automotive manufacturing and builds on the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. Dana chose Michigan for the project because of the manufacturing and engineering talent as well as the proximity to automotive customers.

“We are honored that Dana Thermal Products, LLC has chosen Auburn Hills for their next strategic investment. Their expertise and innovation will complement and enhance our existing world-class business community,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “This commitment by Dana Thermal Products, LLC strengthens Auburn Hills’ reputation as being a leader in the future of electrification and mobility. We appreciate their confidence and look forward to partnering with them to provide an environment where their business can grow and thrive.”

The city of Auburn Hills plans to offer staff time and assistance in support of the project. For information on careers with Dana, visit https://www.dana.com/careers/.

Today’s announcement continues the growth of Dana Incorporated in Michigan. In February, the MSF board approved a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program grant to support Dana’s new electric vehicle technology center in Novi, a project that is expected to generate a total capital investment of $9 million and create 150 high-wage jobs.

Food and animal safety solutions provider Neogen expanding in downtown Lansing, investing $71.5 million

Neogen Corporation, founded in Lansing in 1982, is consolidating existing operations and creating a state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facility in Lansing. Neogen develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety, employing nearly 1,800 people worldwide with more than 600 in Lansing.

The Neogen Expansion Brownfield Redevelopment Project will include the construction of a new three-story manufacturing and research building on a vacant a parcel of land in downtown Lansing and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $71.5 million and create 77 new jobs as well as retain 350 jobs. The project is supported by a $324,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Kentucky.

“Neogen is a proud member of the Lansing community, and we are pleased to call Lansing our corporate headquarters. From our earliest days as a technology developed at Michigan State University to the present, the Greater Lansing community has supported us, and we are proud to be a part of such a diverse and thriving community,” said Neogen President and CEO John Adent. “I want to thank Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, the City of Lansing, the Lansing City Council, and the Greater Lansing area for continuing to support Neogen, and we are excited to continue growing together. I also want to thank the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan Strategic Fund for all of their help and collaboration as we work through this project.”

The City of Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority today received MSF approval of $1,576,751 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of eligible brownfield activities at the site. Neogen Properties IX, LLC is the single purpose development entity created by Neogen to undertake the project.

Neogen is committed to its employees and their career advancement by utilizing a combination of job banding, career ladders and succession planning. The company also provides a tuition reimbursement program and has established a quality technician apprentice program. The project will transform an underutilized property in downtown Lansing, dramatically improving the property’s appearance and bringing new economic activity to downtown Lansing. In addition, the project will bring 77 good jobs to Lansing residents in the life sciences, research and development, and professional services sectors.

“For the last year and a half, there’s been a great partnership between City of Lansing, LEAP, and the MEDC to put together a multi-tier incentive package to keep NEOGEN growing in the City of Lansing and the state,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Additionally, we thank Sparrow Hospital for their critical partnership and most importantly thank NEOGEN for choosing Lansing and the state of Michigan for this continued effort to successfully diversify our local and state economy.”

The city of Lansing is supporting the project through approval of the local tax capture valued at $3,267,339, and also plans to provide staff or economic assistance in support of the project. The city of Lansing is certified with MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program. Individuals interested in careers with Neogen should visit https://www.neogen.com/careers/.

Community revitalization project in Detroit will add vibrancy, density to Brush Park neighborhood

The Coda Brush Park project includes the rehabilitation of an existing single-story building and construction of additions that will result in a five-story, mixed-use development in the Brush Park neighborhood of Detroit. When complete, the project will include a ground-level restaurant and bar, a second-story office and three stories of for-sale condos and integrated parking.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $27.9 million and create 45 full-time equivalent jobs, and will help meet demand for restaurant, housing, office and parking space in the neighborhood. In addition, it will bring long-vacant property back to productive use, add vibrancy and density, and generate additional economic activity in the area.

The City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority today received MSF approval of $1,218,829 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of eligible brownfield activities at the site. The city of Detroit is supporting the project through the approval of the local tax capture valued at $3.5 million. The city of Detroit is engaged with MEDC’s RRC program.

 “The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority supports this exciting, new mixed-use project for CODA Brush Park that will add jobs, housing and vibrancy to this historic community,” said Brian Vosburg, Director of Brownfield Redevelopment at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “We’re also pleased there will be elements of the original structure incorporated into the new development, reflective of the community’s rich history.”

“We’re grateful for the support of the DEGC, Detroit City Council, MEDC and the MSF Board and staff,” said CODA Detroit Developer Michael VanOverbeke. “Without their assistance, this project would not have been able to go forward. We all feel that this development will be a great addition to the Brush Park neighborhood.”

Additional funding approved for Michigan Build Ready Sites Program 

MSF today approved $5 million in funds from the Michigan Business Development Program to be transferred to the Michigan Build Ready Sites Program. The program is designed to assist with the development and/or enhancement of sites to make the state investment-ready and competitive for business attraction and expansion projects.

The program provides financial or technical support to fund activities that will increase Michigan’s inventory of development-ready industrial sites. Activities could include site development studies or site material development, site implementation or land assembly activities, and more.

The program supports MEDC’s strategic focus of continuing to hone Michigan’s competitive advantage and be prepared to attract companies in key focus industries to locate and grow in Michigan. As MEDC courts companies to grow or locate in Michigan, there is a need for the development and/or enhancement of industrial sites to make them build-ready and competitive for site selection projects.

“Michigan is aggressively pursuing site readiness in a range of locations and sizes, including strategic mega-sites considered to be 1,000+ acres, to grow an inventory of market responsive sites to position Michigan as the state of choice of site selectors,” said MEDC Executive Vice President, Chief Real Estate and Global Attraction Officer, Terri Fitzpatrick. “MEDC is experiencing a never-before-seen level of RFPs and inquiries for sites here in the state. This funding will advance sites to ready them for investment in Michigan.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved the following:

• Bedrock Transformational Brownfield Plan amendments – MSF approval of modifications to Bedrock’s original Transformational Brownfield Plan, approved in May 2018, to reflect updated details to project, new completion dates and changes to the TBP law. The amendments do not increase company’s incentive value or change their investment amount.

• Design for Michigan Manufacturing Program at the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Tech University – Approval of $1.5 million to support the economic development program at LTU designed to develop and launch more products made in Michigan.

• Funding allocation for the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Advanced Materials Hub – MSF approval of additional funding for the Michigan Technological University MTRAC Advanced Materials Innovation Hub. The hub focuses on commercializing technologies related to advanced applied material, systems, technologies or devices.

• Funding tourism and business marketing efforts – MSF approval on the allocation of FY23 appropriated funding to MEDC’s tourism and business marketing initiatives to promote Michigan as a world-class business and travel destination. The MSF Board approved $15 million in appropriated American Rescue Plan Act federal funds to the existing contract with MMGY Global for travel marketing and advertising initiatives that promote Michigan as a premier four-season destination. The MSF Board also approved $5,782,000 to the existing contract with Lambert/9th Wonder for business marketing and advertising activities that attract, retain and grow businesses that deliver economic opportunity to Michigan.

“The projects approved today build on our statewide leadership in EV manufacturing, bring good jobs to Michigan residents, support vibrant communities, help increase growth opportunities for businesses ranging from start-ups to established companies, and better prepare our state to compete for business attraction opportunities,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr. “We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators, and local officials for their continued support for our programs, and we appreciate the hard work of the Michigan Strategic Fund board. Today’s MSF actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring our work is making an impact no matter where our friends and neighbors reside across Michigan.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Discusses In-Person Learning, Historic Education Budget, and Upcoming School Year with Superintendents

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke to more than 50 Michigan superintendents representing every region of the state and stressed the importance of in-person learning. She also highlighted the recent bipartisan education budget which includes the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history and historic investments in school infrastructure, on-campus mental health, school safety, and teacher recruitment and training. The roundtable focused on ensuring kids can continue learning in-person and districts can utilize all available resources from the budget.

“As a parent, I know how important in-person learning is to our kids, and I am using every tool at my disposal to keep students safe and in the classroom,” said Governor Whitmer. “The bipartisan education I signed last month makes historic investments to support in-person learning, where studies show they have the most success. The budget, which includes the highest state per-pupil funding in Michigan history, $250 million for school infrastructure, and funds for mental health, teacher recruitment, and school safety, will give districts the tools they need to help kids get back on track for long-term success. I applaud the dedicated superintendents across the state for their leadership through unprecedented challenges, and I look forward to working with them to make sure students have an incredible school year.”

 In 2020, Governor Whitmer established the COVID-19 Return to School Advisory Council, to which she appointed educators, parents and students to provide guidance for a safe, equitable and efficient transition back to school for K-12 students. This year, Governor Whitmer created the Michigan Parents’ Council to give parents an empowered seat at the table for policymaking.

Governor Whitmer has worked collaboratively with leaders in health care and education, as well as students and parents to gain their perspectives throughout the budget process and she will continue engaging with them into the school year.

“As the state’s largest coalition of school leadership, the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators is committed to delivering the highest quality education in-person in school districts across the state,” said Tina Kerr, Executive Director, Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators. “We are grateful for Governor Whitmer’s partnership on this effort to support our students as they return to the classroom this fall. The budget she recently signed into law makes unprecedented investments in K-12 education that will help our schools deliver the wraparound supports to ensure students can have the most successful school year yet.”

Education Budget Investments

The education budget can be divided into six key sections: students, mental health, learning supports, student safety, school infrastructure, and teacher recruitment.

1) Students

For our students, the highest per-pupil funding in Michigan history—$9,150 for every kid, in every public school district. Additional support for the nearly 200,000 special education students and 710,000 at-risk students in Michigan. An expansion of free preschool under the Great Start Readiness Program to 1,300 more kids—allowing the state to serve over 50,000 four-year-olds. Expanding funding for career and technical education programs by 27%.

2) Mental Health

Dedicated mental health dollars for every student in every school. Increasing funding for teen centers, district mental health grants, and TRAILS, which offers training to school mental health professionals so they can better serve students with evidence-based services.

3) Teacher Recruitment

Funding MI Future Educator Fellowships, which pay up to $10,000 in tuition for future Michigan educators, $9,600 stipends a semester for student teachers, and Grow-Your-Own programs that help districts put support staff on no-cost paths to become educators. Additional funding for career and technical education educators and the Troops-to-Teachers program that connects veterans with mentor teachers as they work to become certified educators. Finally, a robust investment to guarantee retired teachers have a stable, secure retirement.

4) School Infrastructure

$475 million for school construction, renovations and voluntary consolidation, helping them build or refurbish classrooms, labs, and libraries. Funds to assess current state of school infrastructure, determine further funding.

5) Learning Supports

An expansion of before and after-school programs to keep kids engaged. The budget offers every kid in Michigan tutoring to help catch up and get on track for long-term success, and resources for districts to develop learning pods for academically at-risk and economically disadvantaged students.

6) Student Safety

Dedicated school safety dollars for every student in every school. Funds to hire more on-campus school resources officers, create an intervention system for at-risk students that brings together law enforcement, schools, and mental health professionals, and establish a school safety commission.

Governor Whitmer’s Remarks 

“Thank you everyone for making time to join us this morning. I want to thank you for your incredible leadership over the most unprecedented times. You’ve led through once-in-a-century circumstances to support our kids, and I’m really grateful for your tenacity and your perspective more than ever so that we as a state can do everything to get our kids back on track for long-term success and support the work you do every single day.

You know, the school year is starting in a few weeks, or for some of you today, will be the first normal year many of our kids have had in years. And we know students need to be in school – that’s where they get the best outcomes and it’s so important.

So, I just wanted to reach out and tell you I really appreciate the work that you’re doing. I’m proud of the fourth budget that I’ve gotten done. This most recent one I think is one of the best despite all the incredible challenges getting here, this recent bipartisan education budget that I signed makes record investments in our students and in our schools and in our staff.

As you know, for our students we got to $9,150 per pupil for every pupil in every district so we can improve the in-class experience. We’ve dedicated resources for mental health and school safety and resources for at risk and special education.

And for our schools, you know I proposed $1 billion to build and renovate but of course I had to negotiate with the legislature and ultimately, we got $250 million, which is an import investment. Whether it’s new classrooms or libraries or labs or athletic buildings, HVAC systems – not the most exciting things to spend money on, but really important now more than ever. We’re improving water quality in schools.

For our staff, we’ve got $10,000 scholarships for 2,500 Future MI Educators a year, $9,600 stipends for student educators, we’ve been able to put some resources into Grow Your Own program and putting staff onto tuition-free paths to certification.

I didn’t come up with these ideas on my own – you helped inform this budget, you helped get it passed, and you helped give us council as we’ve had to make tough decisions and unimaginable circumstances. So I appreciate you. I hope you and your students and educators have a wonderful year ahead. And I’m really excited to see how you utilize these resources to best meet the kids’ needs and the needs of your educators in your variety of districts

So, looking forward to seeing what the best practices are that you come up with and how we challenge one another and how we inform continued investment in education. So just have a wonderful school year and I’m really glad to be with you this morning.

…

Absolutely. I appreciate the question Tina, and I know it’s not unique to Michigan it’s not unique to schools, right? I mean the workforce shortage is real across disciplines. However, we knew it was looming in this space for a long time with the fall off in terms of people going into the profession, as well as retirements that have been looming. We’ve known this state was coming and it’s only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. So, when I highlighted a few of those expenditures that we got prioritized in our budget, that was because of the conversation that we’ve been having with all of you and experts in education. The $10,000 scholarships, the $9,600 stipends, the Grow Your Own programs, these are things that many of you suggested, and we were able to get it done.

I think this is a step toward addressing the problem that you just gave voice to Tina. I recognize that there’s many more that we’re going to have to take. And so, we welcome your counsel and suggestions. More often than not, it has wielded improved outcomes, and we’ve gotten your thoughts codified and put it into practice. So please keep them coming and know that we are eager partners in trying to make sure that we’ve got great people – whether it’s driving the kids to school or serving them lunch or it’s in the administration offices, and certainly from the classroom. It’s crucial. And so these are some steps we’ve taken, but we recognize that there’s more work to do here and we’re eager to partner with you to make sure that we’re all successful in getting this done. Tina, you alluded to it but Stephanie Odea from my team will be sticking around for the remainder and I’m just grateful for her help to guide the work that we’re doing on the inside, but I know how close that relationship is with all of you. So that’s why we want to make sure that this is not just a moment, but a continued conversation that we’ve all been having and will continue to have.”