Oakland County Award “Spirit Of Main Street” To Four Communities

Oakland County Award “Spirit Of Main Street” To Four Communities

by | Aug 2, 2021 | Regional News

Genisys Credit Union And Main Street Oakland County Award “Spirit Of Main Street” Micro Business Grants To Four Communities

Waterford, Michigan – Holly, Ortonville, Rochester, and Wixom were each awarded a $2,500 “Spirit of Main Street” micro business grants from Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County.

The awards announced today by Oakland County Executive David Coulter and Genisys Credit Union provide a financial boost for small local businesses Holly Sewn, Green Goat Gifts, economic development organizations, Ortonville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Rochester DDA.

“In these challenging times, it’s one of the county’s key priorities to provide assistance to residents, businesses and organizations as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Coulter said. “And I really appreciate the partnership the county’s Main Street program has with the Genisys Credit Union.”

The Genisys-funded grants can be used for a variety of needs, from payroll and paying vendors to making structural improvements to marketing. Under the terms of the grant, a dollar-for-dollar match must be provided by the applicant.

“As area downtowns are working to build back from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to partner with Main Street Oakland County to fund grants for small businesses to build stronger local economies and communities,” said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO, Genisys Credit Union, Auburn Hills.

Holly Sewn in Holly is using their grant money to take a former alterations shop and convert it into a comfortable and functional retail space and studio, and Green Goat Gifts in Wixom is expanding their store’s square footage. Downtown Ortonville is working with DEI Creative, a small, woman-owned design firm in Seattle, to build the “Ortonville Online Marketplace,” utilizing the agency’s Support Local Platform. Downtown Rochester is using their grant award to upgrade their community communication platform to include text messaging.

“As a kid, I would look in the alterations shop window and admire all the sewing machines,” said Melissa McIsaac, owner of Holly Sewn. “Now, because of the grant, I’m able to fulfill a dream and convert the alterations shop into a creative sewing studio and unique retail shop with one-of-a-kind clothing and home goods. My mission is to help the planet by repairing and renewing old fabric items, making them new and modern again.”

The art studio space will include classes on sewing, mending, reading patterns and fabric dying and painting.

“We were excited to receive this grant because it meant that we could use the money toward the build-out of our retail store in downtown Wixom,” said Caitlin and Steven Hartman, owners, Green Goat Gifts, Wixom. “We appreciate that they are willing to invest in us and help us become a more meaningful part of the community.”

“Throughout the pandemic, Downtown Ortonville small businesses have scrambled to build an online relationship with customers, primarily enhancing their social media presence,” said Matt Jenkins, executive director, Ortonville DDA. “The environment for downtown revitalization has fundamentally shifted because of the pandemic, and ‘The Shop Ortonville Online Marketplace’ is an investment in this new reality for our small businesses.”

This is the fourth year of the partnership between Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County. A second round of annual funding is planned, with a deadline of 5 p.m., August 6.

Eligible small businesses must apply through one of the 16 Main Street communities: Auburn Hills, Berkley, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak and Wixom. For more information, go to MainStreetOaklandCounty.com.

“The Wixom DDA would like to thank Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County for their support of small businesses. It is programs like these that allow businesses to receive a little assistance that can help them open or enhance their business,” said Laura Cloutier, executive director, Wixom DDA. “Green Goat Gifts enhances the diverse business sector we have in downtown Wixom. The entire community welcomes them and looks forward to shopping with them soon.”

Of the eligible MSOC communities, 14 have received one or more grants since the program’s inception in 2018.

During the pandemic in 2020, public and private investment in Main Street Oakland County totaled more than $35.9 million and resulted in 24 net new full-time jobs; 36 net new businesses; and contributions of more than 16,300 volunteer hours.

“Main Street Oakland County is such a successful program,” Coulter said. “Genisys understands the importance of supporting small businesses in our downtowns and its financial commitment helps ensure they remain vital and attractive destinations.”

To date, nearly $963 million in public and private investments have been made to Main Street downtowns, establishing 1,254 new businesses, and generating 8,303 jobs.

Oakland County is the first and still only county in the U.S. to operate a full-service, countywide Main Street coordinating program. MSOC has 25 designated communities currently in the program

Whitmer Signs Bills Extending Drivers Licenses

Whitmer Signs Bills Extending Drivers Licenses

by | Aug 2, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 29, 2021

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Extending Drivers Licenses, Other Legislation 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer today signed Senate Bills 507, 508 and 509, which will extend the validation of state drivers licenses and personal identification cards, to help put Michigan drivers first.

 

“The pandemic was tough on all of us, and these bills put Michigan drivers first by giving Michiganders the flexibility they need to renew their drivers license and IDs,” said Governor Whitmer. “It is crucial that we continue to offer services at our Secretary of State that fit the needs of all residents as we move forward.”

 

“We are glad to be entering a new era of services at our offices that are more efficient and convenient than ever before,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “With this legislation we are able to extend the expiration of all vehicle registrations, driver licenses and state IDs to 120 days after an original expiration date between March 31 and August 1 of this year, and waive late fees or refund them retroactively to residents impacted by pandemic restrictions. All our offices are open to any residents who need in-person services, which they can access by walking up or scheduling their visits online or by phone.”

 

Senate Bill 507 will extend the period for which an operator’s or chauffeur’s license is valid. Senate Bill 507 was sponsored by Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

Senate Bill 508 will extend the period for which an enhanced driver’s license or enhanced state personal ID card is valid. Senate Bill 508 was sponsored by Sen. Ruth Johnson, R-Holly, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

Senate Bill 509 will extend the period for which a personal ID card is valid. Senate Bill 509 was sponsored by Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

The governor also signed Senate Bill 60, Senate Bill 372, Senate Bill 459, House Bill 4735, House Bill 4656, and House Bill 4980.

 

Senate Bill 60 will revise the requirements needed for a mechanical contractor’s license, revise the classifications and limitations of a license, and allow credits from certain HVAC programs to be applied toward a mechanical contractor’s license.

 

Senate Bill 60 was sponsored by Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

Senate Bill 372 will no longer require a local exchange service provider to provide a free printed phone book to every customer who requests one.

 

Senate Bill 372 was sponsored by Sen. Kenneth Horn, R-Frankenmuth, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

Senate Bill 459 will allow an application for a neighborhood enterprise zone (NEZ) certificate to be filed after a building permit has already been issued for the project.

 

Senate Bill 459 was sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

House Bill 4735 will amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate a portion of Highway US-127 as the “PFC Ronald James Fitch Memorial Highway” as well as designate a portion of Highway M-50 in Eaton County as the “Ensign Francis Flaherty Memorial Highway”.

 

House Bill 4735 was sponsored by Rep. Graham Filler, R – DeWitt, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

House Bill  4656 will allow the 25th Judicial Circuit, which consists of Marquette County, to have one additional judge beginning January 1, 2023, which will allow for further distribution of judicial caseload assignments for the circuit.

 

House Bill 4656 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Cambensy, D-Marquette, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

House Bill 4980 will amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow drag racing at Silver Lake State Park’s  scramble area.

 

House Bill 4980 was sponsored by Rep. Scott VanSingel, R-Grant, and a copy of the bill can be found here.
$10 Million in Relief to Help Residents of Flooding  

$10 Million in Relief to Help Residents of Flooding  

by | Jul 29, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 29, 2021 
Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Puts Forward Plan to Use $10 Million in Emergency Relief to Help Residents Recovering from June Flooding 
Governor Whitmer continues to meet with residents who have been impacted by extreme weather events 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced a plan to utilize $10 million in state general funds to provide emergency relief to households impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding on June 25 and 26.

 

The funding will be allocated to the City of Detroit and Wayne and Washtenaw counties to set up residential gap funding grant programs to assist households not eligible for federal assistance or not provided adequate resources from FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration to return to their pre-disaster quality of life.

 

“Recognizing the hardships the flooding has placed on individuals and families that sustained damage to their homes and loss of personal property, we are working with Wayne and Washtenaw counties and the City of Detroit to ensure this funding is available to help residents as they recover from this disaster,” said Governor Whitmer. “I appreciate the partnership with the counties and City of Detroit in putting together these programs to help get residents back on their feet.”

 

The $10 million in general funds is part of a supplemental funding bill, signed by Governor Whitmer on July 26, to be used to assist areas of the state with restoration costs and other expenses resulting from weather-related events that occurred in June 2021.

 

On June 25 and 26, heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Wayne and Washtenaw Counties, damaging infrastructure and private property. On June 26, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Wayne County.

On July 8, Governor Whitmer added Washtenaw County to the state of emergency declaration. By declaring a state of emergency, Whitmer made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area.  On July 13, Governor Whitmer sent a letter to President Biden requesting that he declares an emergency disaster for the state of Michigan.  On July 15, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration making federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties.

 

Additionally, Governor Whitmer requested over $50 million in federal assistance to repair damaged highways and purchase backup pump station generators.

 

Governor Whitmer remains committed to making long-term, lasting investments in Michigan’s infrastructure. Under the MI Clean Water plan, a $500 million investment would assist local municipalities upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

 

On July 28, Governor Whitmer announced a shared commitment from finance industry groups to help Michiganders affected by the recent flooding in southeastern Michigan to stay in their homes and to afford necessary repairs.

 
Whitmer announces $24.5 million AmeriCorps investment

Whitmer announces $24.5 million AmeriCorps investment

by | Jul 29, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2021

CONTACT: Jason Alexander, alexanderj9@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer announces $24.5 million AmeriCorps investment to address COVID-19 recovery, build and strengthen communities

 

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission today announced Michigan’s $24.5 million AmeriCorps investment that will support over 1,000 AmeriCorps members tackling some of the state’s toughest challenges, including COVID-19 recovery, disaster services, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, education, health and safer communities.

 

“Michigan AmeriCorps members work tirelessly to help communities tackle their toughest challenges,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This funding will help them continue their efforts and play a role in our state’s economic jumpstart as we emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”

 

During the last program year, AmeriCorps members served 33,275 youth, treated 1,026 acres of public land and provided 6,541 individuals with health services.

 

This investment will support 26 Michigan organizations through 28 subgrants and one planning grant to expand their reach and impact in Michigan communities. Those organizations include:

  • Albion College: $191,591, South Central Michigan Region
  • American Red Cross-Michigan Region: $301,057, Statewide
  • BHK Child Development Board: $133,731, Upper Peninsula
  • Cherry Health: $386,466, West Michigan Region
  • Child & Family Services of Northwestern MI: $474,122, Statewide
  • City Year Detroit: $1,762,272, Southeast Michigan Region
  • Community Economic Development Association of MI: $326,000, Statewide
  • Crim Fitness Foundation: $244,054, Mid-Michigan Region
  • Eastern Michigan University: $54,506 planning grant, Southeast Michigan Region
  • Hope Network: $1,149,569, Statewide
  • Huron Pines: $388,007, Statewide
  • Luella Hannan Foundation: $83,211, Southeast Michigan Region
  • Ingham County Health Department: $163,945, Mid-Michigan Region
  • Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness: $290,538, Statewide
  • Michigan College Access Network: $1,076,000, two grants, Statewide
  • Michigan Fitness Foundation, $114,048, Statewide
  • Michigan Primary Care Association: $180,927, Statewide
  • Michigan State University Extension: $244,500, Statewide
  • Peckham, Inc.: $163,486, Mid-Michigan Region
  • Special Olympics Michigan: $125,510, Statewide
  • Teach for America: $25,000, Southeast Michigan Region
  • United Way of Genesee County: $244,472, Mid-Michigan Region
  • Urban Neighborhood Initiatives: $114,100, Southeast Michigan Region
  • WARM Training Center (EcoWorks): $387261, Southeast Michigan Region
  • Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency: $114,100, Southeast Michigan Region
  • Wayne State University: 737,020, two grants, Southeast Michigan Region

 

These funds are made possible through a $9.4 million federal AmeriCorps grant and AmeriCorps’ unique model that will leverage an additional nearly $10.7 million in matching funds from the private sector, foundations and other sources, increasing the return on the federal funds.

 

In addition, AmeriCorps is providing $4.4 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for AmeriCorps members. Upon completion of a full-time term of service, AmeriCorps members will receive an education award of over $6,000 they can use to cover the cost of college or pay back student loans.

 

“We’re incredibly proud to host two AmeriCorps grant programs – one to help students get into college and one to help them complete college – all in support of the governor’s Sixty by 30 goal,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) executive director. “National service is one of the best ways an organization like MCAN can impact individuals, communities and the state. We will use these funds and empower these AmeriCorps members to close education equity gaps for low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color across Michigan.”

 

“Public purpose is one of Albion College’s core institutional values,” said Mathew Johnson, Albion College president. “This grant will allow us to expand opportunities offered through the new School for Public Purpose and Professional Advancement for students to engage with community partners in areas such as education, health, food security, and economic development, strengthening our long-standing relationships within the local community and creating lasting social impact.”

 

To learn more about Michigan’s AmeriCorps efforts, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.

 

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) utilizes service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. From 2021-2022, the MCSC will grant more than $21 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities. Michigan’s AmeriCorps, Mentor Michigan and Volunteer Michigan are premier programs of the MCSC. The MCSC is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.

 
OC Vaccination exceeds 70%, clinics focus on Back to School

OC Vaccination exceeds 70%, clinics focus on Back to School

by | Jul 29, 2021 | Regional News

Vaccination rate exceeds 70%. Clinics focus on Back to School

​Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County reached a significant milestone last week when the state reported that 70% of county residents had received at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

But Oakland County Executive David Coulter noted with nearly 30% of the county’s residents still unvaccinated, it’s not time yet to plan a parade.

Instead, the county’s Health Division will concentrate on a Back-to-School push in an effort to get as many residents vaccinated as possible, especially in the 12-24 age group.

“We’re among the first counties in the state and the first in Metro Detroit to reach this goal and I’m so happy that so many county residents took the initiative to keep themselves, their families, friends and neighbors safe from this insidious virus,” Coulter said. “But while reaching this vaccination goal is an important moment to acknowledge, we’re not done fighting this pandemic. The Delta variant of the virus are still present in the state and Oakland County and these new mutations of COVID are highly contagious.”

“It’s especially important for our teens and young adults, who are preparing to go back to school soon, to get their shots NOW, so in-person learning can fully resume and we can all get back to a sense of normalcy,” he added.

Clinics through the end of August and into September will be held throughout Oakland County, including:

  • Best Western Premier Hotel in Southfield on July 28, Aug. 19, Aug. 31, Sept. 16, and Sept. 29
  • New Birth International Church/Church in the Park in Pontiac on July 30
  • Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield on July 31
  • Emergency Management Day in Pontiac on Aug. 11
  • Carnival Market in Pontiac on Aug. 11
  • Oak Park Schools Aug. 16 and Aug. 18
  • Berkley CruiseFest in Berkley on Aug. 20
  • Believers Community Outreach Back to School Event in Pontiac Aug. 28
  • Carnival Market in Pontiac on Aug. 31
  • Berkley Art Bash in Berkley on Sept. 11

In addition, the Health Division will be administering doses on the campuses of Lawrence Tech and Oakland universities, Walsh College, Oakland Community College, Baker College and Rochester University.

All these locations will take walk-up appointments. For more information on these community and event-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics, go to OaklandCountyVaccine.com. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for more information.

Use the State of Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine finder to locate a convenient provider.

The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of July 27, 2021:

  • Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737
    • Number of residents 16 and older necessary to reach 70 percent coverage: 720,816
    • Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 722,406
    • Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 664,291
    • Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 70.2 percent
  • Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389
    • Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 750,298
    • Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 696,970
    • Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 68.7 percent
  • Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676
    • Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 184,728
    • Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 184,648
    • Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 84.8 percent
  • Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,375,505
    • Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,397,855
    • Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: N/A

Michigan #1 State for Automotive Manufacturing

by | Jul 28, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 28, 2021

Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan #1 State for Automotive Manufacturing According to Business Facilities 

  • Michigan also takes top 10 rankings in additional manufacturing categories, food processing leaders, health care jobs and cybersecurity
  • Ann Arbor, Detroit and Grand Rapids receive Top 10 honors in metro category

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced Michigan has been recognized with six top 10 spots on Business Facilities’ 17th annual Rankings Report for 2021, including a repeat performance with a #1 ranking in the Automotive Manufacturing Strength category. Under Governor Whitmer’s leadership, Michigan has created a record 11,000 new auto jobs in her first year of office, secured the first new auto plant in Detroit in over 30 years, and the Big Three automakers have collectively invested billions of dollars in the future of mobility.

 

“These Business Facilities rankings reaffirm what we already know: Michigan’s manufacturing workforce is who you turn to when you want to get the job done,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are building on our rich manufacturing heritage as we jumpstart our economy, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and position Michigan as a top state to start and grow a business. As Michigan builds our way out of the pandemic, we have an opportunity to build a nation for the next generation and create economic prosperity for years to come.”

 

In a reinforcement of the state’s manufacturing expertise, Michigan not only maintained its leading position in automotive manufacturing strength, it also held steady in the top 5 states for manufacturing relative to employment (#4) as well as manufacturing output (#4). This strong showing in the manufacturing sector, in spite of the impacts of a global pandemic, demonstrates the advantages Michigan offers as companies look to strengthen supply chains here in the U.S., as well as Governor Whitmer’s approach to securing short-term small business relief during the past year, while continuing to build a runway for long-term economic recovery in the state.

 

In addition to a strong showing in manufacturing categories, Michigan also was recognized in categories of health care jobs (#8), food processing leaders (#10) and cybersecurity (#10).

 

Last week, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist joined officials from Michigan State Police and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation at the CyberAuto Challenge at Macomb Community College to highlight the state’s leadership in cybersecurity and workforce training. Michigan is also home to the Michigan Cyber Range, the nation’s largest unclassified cyber range with hubs across the state offering more than forty industry-recognized certifications, exercises and workshops aimed at qualifying individuals for positions and contracts in cybersecurity fields and Michigan is a Top 10 state for Michigan is a top 10 state for net tech employment according to CompTIA’s 2019 Cyberstates report.

 

In addition to industry-specific rankings, several Michigan metropolitan areas took Top 10 honors, including Ann Arbor for best health care hubs (#1), Detroit for best business climate for large metro areas (#9) and Grand Rapids for best business climate for mid-sized metro areas (#3).

 

The cities of Grand Rapids-Wyoming also earned a spot in the Top 10 best health care hubs (#10) and Gross Domestic Product (#2) categories.

 

“From advanced manufacturing to cybersecurity and tech, we are focused on securing Michigan’s leadership in the industries that will drive our economy into the future, and we’re proud these efforts have been recognized in these Business Facilities rankings,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We congratulate our regional partners in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Grand Rapids on their strong showing as well.  Economic development is a team sport and in Michigan, we take an wholistic approach to economic development that is building a championship economy for 10 million+ Michiganders right here. Work remains, yet we celebrate and are encouraged by this progress.”

 

Business Facilities is a national publication that has been the leading location source for corporate site selectors and economic development professionals for more than 50 years. Read more about Michigan’s rankings in Business Facilities’ 2021 report here.

 

The Business Facilities rankings come on the heels of additional recognition for Michigan’s business climate in recent months, including:

 

 

  • Recognition as a top state in sustainable development practices by Site Selection magazine, affirming Michigan’s commitment to green energy practices and social responsibility while continuing to be a state where businesses can succeed and grow.

 

  • Area Development’s 2021 Golden Shovel Award for excellence in job creation and investment projects initiated in 2020 in the 8-12 million population category, with 2,619 new jobs created and $441.8 million in private investment.

 

  • Ranking 6th in the nation for total jobs created by foreign direct investment and top state for FDI job growth over the past five years by Global Business Alliance. Detroit was also ranked the no. 1 metropolitan area for FDI projects by Site Selection Magazine this year.

 

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.