Girls Volleyball Districts Are Out 2021

Girls Volleyball Districts Are Out 2021

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.

Friday, June 11, 2021

Girls Volleyball Districts Are Out for 2021.

Written Friday June 11th at 9:45 PM

Hello everybody, the MHSAA released the districts for Girls Volleyball. Here are my early thoughts on each district and insight as well. Most districts are in Division One with the last one being in Division Two for the postseason.

Usually in the past the volleyball districts are the prelude to the basketball districts but it hasn’t always been the case.

Here they are. This blog will be updated periodically once we get updated information.

District 5 at Lakeland

CLARKSTON

Holly

Walled Lake Northern

Waterford Kettering

Lakeland

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lakeland

WILDCARD: Walled Lake Northern

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Paige Giethbrock-Clarkston

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in White Lake. Clarkston should be the favorite in this district and is loaded for new coach in Alison Smith. The Wolves have Skylar Jidas, Elizabeth Adams, Kaitlyn Hoffman, Ella Post, Anna Kuebler, Cali Bordine, Sheeva Hajimirza, Kendall Lozzi, Emily Kuebler, McKenna Hempton, and Paige Giethbrock back from a team that went to the Division One state semifinals last season. Lakeland should be Clarkston’s toughest challenger in this district. The Eagles have Rachel Zurack, Eve Martin, and Julia Fledderjohn back for Coach Meghan Polce. Walled Lake Northern is an interesting team to watch. The Knights have Alyssa Bashir, Ava Epley, Olivia Bonkowski, Hannah Tims, Sarah Tims, Isabella Harding, Abby Zang, and Kayla Budziak back for Coach A’Jhanne Smith. Waterford Kettering has Emily Nuttall and Naomi Hilliard back for Coach Rod Armstrong. Holly should be the darkhorse in this district. The Bronchos lost a ton of experience from last season and will have a new coach. They have Delaney Jenkinson, Isabella Smith, Mary Grace McAninch, Selah Beeler, Marissa Walker, and Macy Martin coming back. This should be an interesting district to say the least as mentioned.

 

District 6 at West Bloomfield

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Novi

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

 

FAVORITE: Novi

NEXT: Walled Lake Central

WILDCARD: West Bloomfield

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Charlotte Warner-North Farmington

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district that has two OAA teams, two Lakes Valley League teams, and a Kensington Lakes Activities Association team. West Bloomfield has a new volleyball coach in Nancy McKowen. McKowen has Kalin McCoury, Cara Hartley, Lily Wardle, Paige Geiser, Marissa Bovo, Kate Horvath, Kennedy Knox, Arianna Hood, Nicole Albani, and Nadia Smith back. There is some experience but the coaching transition will have to happen during the season which will be a challenge for the Lakers.  The early favorite in this district is Novi. The Wildcats have a few players coming back in Grace Dziedzic, Ally Sharnowski, Charlotte Stoy, Sarah Calanchi, Lauren Trainor, Rachel Karr, Reganne Bennett, Sarah Vellucci, and Katie Harpenau. They had a deep postseason run getting to the Division One State semifinals last season for Coach Kacy Bryon. North Farmington has Amelia Scarchilli, Giseele Kassab, Charlotte Warner, Erica Fetterman, Jenna Lee, Maya Weisberger, Emma Berlanger, Nyla Peter-Koyi, Grace Garrett, and Mary Dadisho coming back for Coach Michael Love. Walled Lake Central should be an interesting team to watch with Dru LeValley, Ella Sechrist, Kate LeValley, Gabbi Hajji, Mya Arafat, Alison Karana, Ava Wojciechowski, and Ashlyn Campbell back for Coach Sarah Schmidt. Walled Lake Western has Julia Orando, Alyssa Samp, Jordan Baetz, Kylie Dickinson, and Ryah Dewey back for Coach Gino Salciccori. Novi is the early favorite as mentioned but this is the gray court of West Bloomfield and upsets have happened in the past.

 

District 7 at Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

Birmingham Marian

Farmington Hills Mercy

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Farmington Hills Mercy

WILDCARD: Seaholm

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Brizard-Birmingham Marian

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district especially when there are two Catholic League powers that met three times last season (regional final) and they could very much meet again three times this season with both teams being in the same district which is very odd for volleyball standards. Birmingham Marian won the Division One State Championship last season. They are loaded again and have home court for the district this season. The Mustangs have a ton of experience in Sarah Sylvester, Ava Brizard, Ava Sarafa, Sophia Treder, McKenzie Swanson, and Lauren Heming coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Farmington Hills Mercy has Ella Shelds, Erin Kline, Leah LaFontaine, Amina Robinson, Liz Kitchen, Lauren Smiley, and Lauren Mullan. Back for Coach Loretta Vogel. The Marlins are coming off a very tough loss to the Mustangs in the regional finals last season. Seaholm whom could be a darkhorse if things go right has a ton of experience coming back in Audrey Brown, Makena Justice, Maggie Liebler, Ella Stangland, Katie Sullivan, Jessie Rebock, Jordan Lindner, Sydney Ryan, Lily Fischer, Katrina Ness, and Makayla Bolnick for Coaches Jason and Heather Gambone. Farmington has some questions after losing a ton of talent from last season for Coach Kate Drews. Bloomfield Hills has Lauren Chioini, Hannah Teer, Ava Petrucci, Grace Siepierski, Danielle Rasi, Alex Voss, Ashlea Nwabueze, and Gabrielle Jefferies for Coach Larry Wyatt. I don’t see anyone beating the Catholic League powers unless they are in the same side of the bracket then anything is possible.

 

District 8 at Oxford

AVONDALE

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

PONTIAC

ADAMS

Waterford Mott

 

FAVORITE: Lake Orion

NEXT: Oxford

WILDCARD: Adams

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mandy Knieper-Lake Orion

INSIGHT: This should be an interesting district that features a couple of powerhouse programs. Adams has been very successful as of late making deep district postseason runs despite being in a district with Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower. The Highlanders run has ended in districts with Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower but the MHSAA moved Adams to another district. Adams beat the Dragons and the Wildcats in the regular season last year which should give them some confidence. The Highlanders have Jenna Jenkins, Rosalia Simon, Jacoby Fylnn, Ella Pease, Alyssa Edwards, Nikitha Srikrisha, and Gracie Teolis for Coach Terry Baughman. Lake Orion has proven postseason experience despite falling to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Dragons have Nina Horning, Hannah Lynch, Anna Wandrie, Lauren Peters, Kara Delventhal, Piper Talaga, Anja Roedenback, Kayla Chen, Mandy Knieper, Malinda Brunk, and Jada McCauley back for Coach Tony Scavarda. Avondale is an interesting team despite really struggling last season. The Yellow Jackets have Emily Beckas, Anna Lubman, Ariyana Ingall, Laila Hammond, Madison Grenier, and Marissa Zoller back for Coach Andrew Stepp. Oxford is an interesting team to watch and they are at the Ian Smith Gym which helps a lot. The Wildcats have been a proven power and have improved each season. Oxford has Raegan Bell, Baylee Proctor, Ava Wiscombe, Ashley Horne, Rachel Townsend, Carleigh Turek, Margaret Feltz, Kealey Kolp, and Paige Hasselbring back for Coach Brian Kim. Pontiac struggled last season and they could very well do so again. Waterford Mott has struggled in the Lakes Valley Conference. The Corsairs have Sophia Vue, Dylan Chamberlian, and Kinsley Lamb back for Coach Kirk Bagg. I’m seeing this district right now being a three team district but could be a four teamer if things work out in someone’s direction.

 

District 27 at Detroit Renaissance

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Renaissance

Warren Fitzgerald

 

FAVORITE: Berkley

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

WILDCARD: Warren Fitzgerald

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sawyer Jones-Berkley

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Wayne County. The early favorite has to be Berkley in which they shocked a ton of experts. Coach Eric Wachterhauser has done a remarkable job turning the program around in his first season coaching the program. Wachterhauser is looking for more in his second year. Berkley has a ton of experience from their district championship team which won their first crown since 2012. The Bears have Hannah Roddis, Jordan Budzinski, Sawyer Jones, Claire Leonard, Ella Schneider, Ava Beard, Ariel Gibson, Sammi Withrow, Sophia Dawkins, Lily Keefe, Skylar Walter, and Amayah Watkins to give them that experience. Detroit Renaissance should be the Bears toughest challenger in this district. The Phoenix fell to Berkley in the district finals last season. Detroit Renaissance should be a team to watch with Summer Hutchins, Mackenzie Flowers, Trinity Loundmon, Mackenzie Jarvis, Sydney Hall, Lauren Greene, Keiana Burr, and Brooklyn Jones back for Coach Louis Mitchell. Southfield Arts and Tech and Oak Park did not field teams last season. Warren Fitzgerald was decent despite being in the Macomb Area Conference Bronze last season. Detroit Mumford really struggled and could do so again this season. As of right now this looks to be a two team district between Berkley and Detroit Renaissance.

 

District 29 at Stoney Creek

ROCHESTER

STONEY CREEK

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

Port Huron

Port Huron Northern

 

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Utica Eisenhower

WILDCARD: Port Huron

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julia Gilbert-Port Huron

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district over on Tienken and Sheldon Road which features two Oakland County teams, two Macomb County teams, and two St. Clair County teams. Stoney Creek has to be the early favorite because of the talent they have coming back and home court as well. The Cougars have Sydney Tomlak, Kierra Shanahan, Tiffany Tang, Lucie Hranacova, Kathleen Brown, Sydney Bell, and Grace Lombardo coming back for Coach Ross Talbott. Port Huron comes into this district after being with New Baltimore Anchor Bay and Macomb Dakota for a long while. They shared the Macomb Area Blue title last season with Utica Ford II. The Big Reds have Julia Gilbert, Mia Jacobs, Lainey Lochota, and Ella Jacobs coming back back for Coach Derek Arena. Rochester made some noise in the postseason. They upset Romeo in the district semifinals but fell to Utica Eisenhower in the district finals. The Falcons have Leah Stone, Abigail Carballo, Marissa Gallagher, Maddie Nikolic, Lilly Pratt, and Jasmine Savoi coming back for Coach Kirk Gibbs. Utica Eisenhower lost two really talented players who were all state from last season’s district championship team. The Eagles have Ava Wolfe, Izzy Biermann, Gianna Jakubowski, Nina Tabaka, Santa Kalaj, Katie Smith, and Santina Fioritto coming back for Coach Kaitlyn LaPratt. Romeo had a decent season last year and will look to be better. The Bulldogs have Trista Ameel, Caitlyn Jaskowski, Cassidy Banach, Ella Lackowski and Elizabeth Fowler back for Coach Stacey Williams. Port Huron Northern whom is a newcomer to this district struggled last season. The Huskies should be better this season. They have Allison Caughel, Kylie Guyette, Hailey Guilloz, Marley Patterson, Abby Landschoot, Lilly Knowlton, Cooper Manuillow, Jersey McHregor, Madison Palmer, and Anna Kerhoulas back for Coach Randi Kaufmann. This district is looking very interesting to keep an eye on for sure.

 

District 30 at Troy Athens

GROVES

ROYAL OAK

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Warren Mott

 

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Troy Athens

WILDCARD: Groves

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Madison Kinsman-Troy Athens

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district with a ton of storylines coming into the season and once the postseason starts. Groves has a blend of youth and experience with Lauren Brown, Lydia McKeever, Mara Chalifoux, Ava Kirchinger, Lauren Sample, Dajah Mines, Becca Apsey, and Heaven Harris back for new coach Madison Clouse. Troy has some questions but never count out a Coach Tom Viligant squad. The Colts have Savannah Baranowski, Aliya Walters, Tessa Johansson, Sam Watson, Alvina Zaitona, Lauren Boehmer, and Lindsey Van Buhler back. Warren Mott had a great year making it to the district semifinals before falling to Berkley in the district semifinals last season. The Marauders should be a player this season in the Macomb Area Silver for Coach Camisha Coleman. Troy Athens should be an interesting team to watchas they have home court. The Red Hawks has proven experience in Madison Kinsman, Gillian Ciak, Alexa Withun, Anneliese Schriber, Ally Moscone, Casey Gruber, and Nya Mays back for Coach Jeff Williams. Royal Oak should be interesting to see as Coach Ciara Schultz has done well heading into her third season with the Ravens. This is shaping up as mentioned to be an interesting district to keep an eye on for sure.

 

District 57 at TBA

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Hazel Park

Detroit Pershing

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Ferndale

WILDCARD: Hazel Park

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Emily Foster-Ferndale

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district whomever hosts this district, most likely it could be Birmingham Detroit Country Day that hosts. Birmingham Detroit Country Day looks to be the favorite with whom they have back along with the proven postseason experience. The Yellow Jackets have three all state players in Nyla Muskovin, Morgan Lockhart and Serena Nyambio for Coach Kim Lockhart. Ferndale should be Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s toughest challenger in this district. The Eagles have some district championship experience of their own in Emily Foster. Foster has done really well in her career for Coach Stella Johnstone. Hazel Park is another interesting team to watch. The Vikings have some talent and are well coached under Coach Sherry Rietz. I don’t expect much from Ferndale University or Detroit Pershing in this district but you never know. The Eagles are well coached under Julie Patterson despite the struggles. It will be interesting to see if Ferndale University will make some noise. I see this district for now being a two team district.

MHSAA Districts

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2021-Districts

Oakland county economic development news

Oakland county economic development news

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Economic Development David Coulter | Oakland County Economic Development NewsletterCiena Healthcare Groundbreaking

Oakland County congratulates Ciena Healthcare on the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting of
a new skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Troy, Mich.

July 20, 2021  |  Top Stories:

American Rescue Plan  |  Centrepolis Accelerator  |  Silicone Expo  |  Ciena Healthcare  |  Kawasaki Robotics |  Federal Contracting Program  |  Economic Development Partner Meetings  |  Industry 4.0 Technology Road Show  |  NACo Award  |  Zoning Board of Appeals  |  PLC Technician Training Program  |  NPower Tech Fundamentals Program  |  Veterans Food Package Giveaway

A Message from Ingrid Tighe

Oakland County Economic Development Director

Headshot of Ingrid Tighe

Dear Colleagues,

On Tuesday, July 13 in Oak Park we kicked off our Local Business Connect program with our first in person business workshop. Nearly 60 local business leaders registered for this regional training session that covered some of the most requested business support needs including financial management, business planning, and maximizing online presence.

Along with our content expert presenters from the Small Business Development Center and Pitch Black Media, this series of workshops will feature small business resource organizations, including CEED Lending, Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority, Main Street Oakland County, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Oakland County Business Finance Corporation, Oakland County Michigan Works!, Oakland County Veterans’ Services, Ortonville Downtown Development Authority, Pitch Black Media, Pontiac Community Foundation, SOAR—South Oakland Area Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Troy Chamber of Commerce—bringing information and support directly to communities throughout Oakland County.

This series continues in communities throughout Oakland County including:

  • July 20 at the Flagstar Strand Theater in Pontiac
  • July 21 at the Old Town Hall in Ortonville
  • July 22 at the United Methodist Church in Lake Orion
  • July 28 at the Salvation Army in Farmington Hills

Each event runs from 8 to 10:30 a.m. For more information visit OakGov.com/LocalBusinessConnect. Our team looks forward to reconnecting with you in person and helping you build strategies for success.
Icon: Buildings

Business
The American Rescue Plan logo

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) will Allow Oakland County to Leverage Funds for COVID-19 Short-Term Recovery and Invest in Long-Lasting Growth

Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Oakland County has been allocated $244 million to be used by December 31, 2024. Oakland County Executive David Coulter has convened a task force of community and business leaders who are working on evaluating the following areas for ARP funding:

  • Economic Development for Future Prosperity
  • A Skilled and Educated Workforce
  • Affordability, Equity, and Opportunity
  • Quality of Life and Sustainability
  • Coordination with State, Regional, and Local Governments

Oakland County’s goals for the ARP funding are to ensure ongoing support; cover short-term public health, economic stabilization and recovery needs; coordinate with state, regional and local governments on medium-term priorities; and solicit and evaluate long-lasting transformational initiatives.

The work to allocate ARP funds has already begun with the Board of Commissioners reviewing recent resolutions and fund allocations focused on acute and immediate community needs involving housing, mental health and economic recovery, as well as funding for the Oakland Together Skilled and Educated Workforce Program. For more information: News | Oakland County, Michigan (oakgov.com)
Centrepolis Accelerator Awarded a Regional Industry 4.0 Readiness Grant

Centrepolis Accelerator Awarded a Regional Industry 4.0 Readiness Grant

The Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University has been awarded grant funding to provide regional Industry 4.0 programming and services to increase manufacturers’ readiness to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. The funding is part of a Michigan Economic Development Corporation-led initiative to ensure 50% of Michigan manufacturers are prepared to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025. Learn more and apply here: Demo Fund | i4.0 Accelerator (i40accelerator.com)
Silicone Expo | Doors Open in One Year

Silicone Expo – Save-the-Date
June 21-23, 2022

On June 21-23, 2022, the TCF Center in Detroit will host Silicone Expo, a must attend conference for anyone in medical device, manufacturing, innovation, engineering and health care. The event offers the opportunity for matchmaking, education and exhibiting. Silicone Expo is the world’s first free-to-attend commercial trade show and conference for the silicone industry. More than 180 global exhibitors from the entire manufacturing and extended supply chain (of elastomers, resins, fluids and gels) industries will be pitched face-to-face with over 3,500 buyers and delegates from a multitude of the industries served. Details: silicone-expo.com
Ciena Ground Breaking

Ciena Healthcare Breaks Ground on Skilled Nursing Facility

Oakland County congratulates Ciena Healthcare on the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting of a new skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Troy, Mich. Regency of Troy will provide short-term rehabilitation and traditional long-term care for geriatric patients. The 154-bed facility on West Maple Road, between Coolidge and Crooks Roads, will create 250 to 300 full- and part-time jobs. Scheduled to open in February 2023, it will be the sixth Ciena Healthcare center in Oakland County and 49th location in Michigan. Read The Oakland Press article: http://ow.ly/RtMD50Fl3qx
and the DBusiness article: http://alturl.com/gh5p9
Kawasaki Groundbreaking

Kawasaki Robotics Expands Facility

On June 28, 2021, Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc., broke ground on the new addition to their facility, which serves as the company’s North American Headquarters and Training Center.

This event marks the 16-year anniversary, to the day, of the company’s initial groundbreaking, symbolizing the automation industry’s continued growth and expansion. This new addition to Kawasaki’s facility is not just an exciting moment for the company itself but a testament to the resiliency and momentum of the automation industry. Learn More: Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc. Breaks Ground on Facility Expansion | Kawasaki Robotics
Jets flying in a sunset sky.

Oakland County’s Government Contracting Program Training Continues

There is still time to register for the Wednesday, July 28, event, “GSA Schedules – Don’t Take No For An Answer.” 

There’s a training for every business – no matter if you are considering selling your product or service to the government or if you have already been doing so. Increase your customer base, sales and success through these training opportunities and one-on-one assistance from our expert staff. Program benefits include an opportunity outlook for Oakland County businesses; finding contracting opportunities at no cost; assistance with writing a winning grant proposal; federal contracting training events; and access to regional small business resources. Check out the newly added Federal Contracting events here: OakGov.com/DTFC
L. Brooks Patterson Building

Sneak Peak: Economic Development Partner Meetings Return

Starting Wednesday, August 18, Oakland County Economic Development Partner Meetings will resurrect. They will be hosted in the L. Brooks Patterson Building Conference Center on a quarterly basis. The purpose of these meetings is for CVT officials, economic development directors, downtown directors, chamber presidents and stakeholders like the MEDC, MMTC, SBDC, etc. to share updates about economic development topics and initiatives taking place throughout Oakland County. More information coming soon.
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center logo

Industry 4.0 Technology Road Show
Oakland County

On August 12, 2021, at the Oakland County Executive Office, join the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, in partnership with Oakland County, to showcase and discuss some practical solutions to optimize your equipment and create a clear ROI in your manufacturing process.
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Community
David Coulter with ReOpen Kits

NACo Shines Light On Oakland County Pandemic Response

Oakland County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is capturing national recognition, garnering 12 NACo Achievement Awards. The county’s award-winning pandemic response programs included Oakland County Economic Development’s ReOpen Kits. Oakland County staff worked across departments and with partner municipalities, downtown organizations, chambers and the private sector to expeditiously assemble and distribute 15,000 free ReOpen Kits to small businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and voting precincts to help them reopen safely within health protocols. The kits contained critical and hard-to-find Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, sanitizing solutions, thermometer, social distancing decals and industry-specific reopening guides via a companion reopen website. Read the full story about all the award winning pandemic response programs: oakgov.com/pages/news.aspx#/naco-shines-light-on-oakland-county-pandemic-response-county-garners-12-naco-achievement-awards

 
APA MI logo over aerial view.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Volunteers Who Listen, Evaluate and Help Protect the Integrity and Personality of Their Community

Hundreds of residents in Oakland County volunteer each year to serve on a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Serving can be difficult; however, it is an important role they perform for their community.

Last month, Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development partnered with the Michigan Association of Planning to train 67 residents from 22 cities, villages and townships to help prepare them for their role as a ZBA member.

Zoning is an ordinance, adopted by a local government, that regulates development of land, uses, activities and structures. In Michigan, zoning is under the jurisdiction of a city, village or township specifically (not a county).

Sometimes, a business or resident is unsatisfied with a decision or has a special ordinance request and comes to the ZBA. The ZBA functions as a quasi-judicial body dealing with land and is empowered to hear and decide appeals and grant variances. Decisions can impact current and future landowners, the use and value of the land and the larger community.

Training is important because a lot is expected of a ZBA member, including:

  • Knowing, interpreting and upholding the requirements of a community’s zoning ordinances
  • In an open forum, impartially evaluating the appeals of administrative decisions and requests for variances
  • Ability to assess the potential long-term impact of various decisions

A ZBA member must treat each person and property in a fair and consistent manner—and excuse themselves from the decision-making process when there is a conflict of interest.

The Planning Commission, not the ZBA, is responsible for drafting zoning ordinances and the master plan, which is a guide for future development in a community. The planning and zoning functions need to balance various, often competing, interests of businesses and residents while maintaining the welfare of neighborhoods and protecting property values.

Contact your local municipality if you are interested in becoming a ZBA member. For a Zoning Board of Appeals Handbook, visit: mml.org/pdf/ZBA_Handbook_2015.pdf

See the American Planning Association for more information on community planning. Visit AdvantageOakland.com for Oakland County’s planning services, including planning training events, current and future land-use maps and statistics and more.

 
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Workforce
PLC Robotics Workers

Oakland County Michigan Works! PLC and Robotics Technician Training Program Provides New Career Opportunities

Unemployed or underemployed persons interested in pursuing a new post-pandemic career in the robotics industry are invited to apply for a spot in an upcoming training program for programmable logic controller (PLC) and robotics technicians, both of which are in high demand across southeast Michigan.

The program is administered by Oakland County Michigan Works!, in partnership with Oakland Community College (OCC) and the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan. Since its launch in 2017, the program has graduated 129 people, with 80 percent now working full-time in the field. The next cohort starts on July 19. Read the full story: News | Oakland County, Michigan (oakgov.com) and watch the Local 4 news story: Robotics technician training offered via Oakland County Michigan Works (clickondetroit.com)
Young woman working on a computer.

NPower Tech Fundamentals Program – Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2021

The NPower Tech Fundamentals program—done from the comfort of your home—will have you on the job in less than six months. This free, 16-week instructor-led virtual training offers an opportunity for paid internships or project-based learning experiences and an opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications. Certifications include CompTIA A+ and IT Fundamentals +, as well as a Google IT Support Certificate and exposure to Microsoft, Cisco, AWS and other leading technologies. To Learn more or to apply visit: Application Process | NPower
Icon: Veteran Tags

Veterans
Elderly veteran holding a box of food.

Veterans Food Package Giveaway – Tuesday, July 27, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to Noon

On Tuesday, July 27, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, a Veterans Food Package Giveaway will be held at the Holly Area Veteran Resource Center. All veterans, active duty, guard and reserves, as well as their families, are welcome to receive giveaway items, which include boxes of food and information on community resources. Registration is required: Click Here to Register

For help with registration, contact Joe Mishler:
[email protected]  |  (810) 348-9960
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AdvantageOakland.com/Pages/All-Events.aspx

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Gov. Signs Legislation To Strengthen Michigan’s Manufacturing

Gov. Signs Legislation To Strengthen Michigan’s Manufacturing

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 19, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Legislation To Strengthen Michigan Manufacturing 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 501, which allows workers temporarily laid off due to a manufacturing shutdown to continue to receive unemployment benefits without looking for a new job. Under current law, workers laid off more than 45 days ago are not eligible for a work search waiver. SB 501 recognizes that, in the manufacturing context, certain events triggering a temporary layoff like an equipment retooling, a parts shortage, or a temporary production volume adjustment, can last more than 45 days.

 

“Manufacturing workers are the backbone of Michigan’s economy, ” said Governor Whitmer. “This bill will help Michigan come back to work stronger than ever by ensuring that skilled manufacturing workers can stick with their employers during a temporary manufacturing shutdown, such as the shutdown caused by the global chip shortage. In addition to signing this bill, I will continue to urge President Biden to continue his efforts to address this critical shortage both in the short and long term. It’s clear that we need to do everything we can to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing, especially of auto-grade wafers, to ensure we’re getting at the root of the problem and protecting the hundreds of thousands of hard-working union members and their families that support this vital industry.”

 

The bill also requires individuals to register for work through a Michigan Works! agency.

 

“The global chip shortage is a huge hurdle for our manufacturers and their employees right now. With my bill, workers on extended layoff are protected and manufacturers aren’t losing their workforce before they can begin production again,” said Senator Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth.  “It’s also important we restart registering for work at our local Michigan Works! Offices where they have a proven record connecting people with jobs and job training.”

 

“We are very happy to have been able to work with the policy team at the Unemployment Insurance Agency and with Sen. Horn to craft a solution that will empower manufacturers who face a supply shortage to keep their employee eligible for benefits during short-term layoffs,” said  Dave Worthams, Director of Human Resource Policy for the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “This will, in the long term, help keep people employed and Michigan’s economy strong.  Additionally, we appreciate being able to continue the work that Michigan Works! agencies do to bring more people back to the workplace by helping them with their job searches.”

 

SB 501 was sponsored by Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, and a copy of the bill can be found here.
Whitmer Launches MI Small Business Summer Tour

Whitmer Launches MI Small Business Summer Tour

by | Jul 19, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 19, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Launches MI Small Business Summer Tour to Invest in Small Businesses, Support Working Michiganders, and Jumpstart the Economy

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today kicked off the MI Small Business Summer tour. The governor announced she and her cabinet members will visit and recognize Michigan’s small businesses that have shown resiliency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and are the backbone of our communities. Throughout the pandemic, the state’s dozens of economic relief programs for businesses supported more than 25,000 companies and retained more than 200,000 jobs.

 

The state of Michigan is already seeing promising results from the economic policies and COVID mitigation measures that have helped small businesses and working people recover from the pandemic:

  • Michigan’s economy grew 7.6% in the first quarter of 2021, the best in the Midwest, higher than the national average, and among the top 10 states nationwide.
  • An independent analysis from the financial publication Credible states that our economic recovery is the 2nd strongest nationwide.
  • The financial ratings agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings recently improved Michigan’s credit rating outlook, affirming that Michigan is headed in the right direction and saving taxpayers money by lower borrowing costs for upcoming bond issues.
  • New projections show the state’s revenue outlook increasing by nearly $6.5 billion — from a $3 billion deficit to a $3.5 billion surplus.
  • Michigan’s unemployment rate is nearly one point lower than the national average as more Michiganders get back to work.

 

“As we continue to put Michigan’s economy first, I’m laser focused on getting small businesses the support they need and creating jobs,” Governor Whitmer said. “Our dedication to small businesses is fueled from hearing from the small businesses themselves. From hosting a series of small business summits with Lt. Gov. Gilchrist to our recent Jobs and Economy town hall, we have been hearing what small businesses need directly from those who need it most. These conversations ensure that our economic recovery is strong and meets the needs of Michiganders across the state as we put Michigan back to work.”

 

Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) have launched the Michigan.gov/SmallBusiness site to help Small Businesses navigate state programs and services available to help them not only recover, but grow and thrive in the years to come. Additional programs aimed at helping employers fill job openings and provide safe, healthy work environments for employees can be found at Michigan.gov/BackToWork.

 

“To date, we have supported tens of thousands of small businesses, keeping millions of Michiganders hard at work while investing billions of dollars back into the economy,” Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist said. “But we can’t stop there. As we continue setting a course for economic recovery, we need additional efforts to stabilize, recover and ultimately grow the economy in Michigan to build on the foundation of support and relief we have already administered statewide.”

 

In addition to the June statewide virtual small business summit and in-person Detroit Small Business Summit, the State of Michigan is bringing together small businesses, state and local policymakers, regional economic development leaders, banks and credit unions, business owners and community organizations to collect feedback through regional small business summits and other outreach events to learn how to best create policies and program to continue to support small businesses.

 

The next event will take place in Grand Rapids on July 19 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Downtown Market Grand Rapids. Additional regional and industry-specific events are in the process of being scheduled. To register and for more information, visit the online Small Business Summit meetings site.

 

With the large boost in state revenues announced at the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, Michigan is in a strong position to make large investments that can transform the state and help residents and businesses recover from the pandemic.

 

With billions in funding from the American Rescue Plan and $176 million in federal State Small Business Credit Initiative funds coming our way in addition to a large influx of state revenue, this is a moment in Michigan’s history that can deliver real and lasting positive outcomes for the state.

 

This unprecedented amount of funding creates an unmatched opportunity for investment in our state.

 

“We need to ensure businesses have what they need to succeed because a recovery without robust business investment and involvement will be incomplete,” Whitmer added. “With additional state revenues expected and billions of dollars in incoming federal funding, Michigan is in a strong position to make investments that can transform the landscape for small businesses so they can thrive and create jobs.”

 

WHITMER’S ECONOMIC JUMPSTART FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

  • Governor Whitmer proposed putting $300M into the Michigan Mainstreet Initiative.
  • Michigan Small Business Restart Program: Governor Whitmer’s plan will invest $100 million 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. The plan will set aside $25 million for small businesses with less than nine employees, which is over half of Michigan businesses and a high proportion of women and minority-owned businesses.
  • Michigan Small Business SmartZones & Business Accelerator & Resiliency Initiative: Governor Whitmer’s plan would invest $75 million to provide grants to startups that can help our communities thrive. The plan would create the Small Business Support Network and Small Business Fund to support traditional commercial corridor/Main Street businesses and provide opportunities for new businesses.
  • Michigan Microenterprise Support Initiative: Governor Whitmer’s plan would invest $125 million to provide grants for businesses that did not qualify or apply for other incentives, like the federal Paycheck Protection Program. The plan would work with community development financial institutions to provide loans to rural businesses or other businesses with less than nine employees that struggled to access capital through traditional programs.

 

In addition to the suite of proposals dedicated to small business and restaurants laid out in Governor Whitmer’s Economic Jumpstart Plan, throughout the pandemic, the state has implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses, supported more than 25,000 companies and retained more than 200,000 jobs.

 

SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

  • Providing Economic Relief: The MEDC launched 23 economic relief programs since March of last year to provide over $240 million in vital economic support to small businesses across all 83 Michigan counties. The programs supported over 25,000 companies and retained over 200,000 jobs with nearly 75% of support going to restaurants, bars, retailers and other service industry small businesses.
  • Business Grants to Help Small Businesses Grow Export Activities: In FY20, MEDC’s International Trade Program assisted 530 Michigan companies to increase their export sales to 121 countries.
  • Early-Stage Funding for Startups: The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program led to over 1,300 high-tech companies being formed in Michigan, and over 20,000 new full time equivalent jobs.
  • Assisting Communities in Revitalizing Commercial Districts: In FY20, Match on Main through MEDC’s Community Development team awarded 30 grants, supporting 307 main street businesses.

GETTING MICHIGANDERS BACK TO WORK

  • Back to Work Incentive: Governor Whitmer expanded Work Share to offer employers greater flexibility as they brought employees back from unemployment. Throughout the pandemic, the program provided over $550 million, preserved over 110,000 jobs and helped nearly 2,600 employers retain workers and bring them back to the workforce.
  • Emergency Financial Assistance: Governor Whitmer’s actions to expand and extend access to unemployment programs have provided a critical lifeline for 3.3 million Michiganders since March 2020, paying over $36 billion in benefits, resulting over $68 billion in economic impact.

 

CONNECTING TALENT TO SMALL BUSINESSES

  • Virtual Job Fairs: Michigan ensured employers had access to traditional job search tools by organizing over 100 free virtual job fairs and connecting over 2,600 employers and 9,900 job seekers.
  • Apprenticeship Expansion: Creating benefits for employers and career seekers through on-the-job learning focused on new industry sectors and increasing the diversity of participants by recruiting groups historically underrepresented. Federal grants will help Michigan create over 6,000 new apprentices over the next few years.
  • Tuition-Free Certificates & Degrees: By investing $24 million in the Futures for Frontliners program, Governor Whitmer launched a new, first in the nation scholarship program that resulted in over 120,000 essential, frontline worker applicants on a tuition-free path. Whitmer also launched Michigan Reconnect with a $30 million investment to ensure over 4.1 million Michiganders age 25 or older will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate. To date, nearly 75,000 Michiganders have applied.

ADDRESSING CHILD CARE NEEDS

  • Record $1.4B Investment Proposal: Governor Whitmer proposed a $1.4 billion investment in federal child care funding to expand access to high-quality child care, make child care more affordable, and support child care professionals as part of the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan. The plan should bring access for care to an additional 150,000 Michigan children.
  • MI Tri-Share Child Care Program: The state plans to expand its $1 million pilot that provides more affordable child care through an innovative, bipartisan cost-sharing program that divides cost equally between employees, employer and state.

 

KEEPING SMALL BUSINESSES SAFE

  • Safety Grants: The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity issued over $8 million in MIOSHA safety grants to over 1,500 businesses to help them invest in equipment, training and other materials to address their specific needs to create safe workplaces.
  • Winterization Grants: The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity provided $3 million in federal CARES Act funds to over 300 small businesses to expand their capacity by adding weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities.
  • Ambassador Program: The free consultation program helped over 5,400 employers create safe workplaces to get people back to work.

 

These programs will ensure that our small businesses come out of the pandemic stronger than ever.  Learn more and find resources for Small Businesses at Michigan.gov/SmallBusinesses.
Michiganders forced to leave prescriptions at pharmacy counter

Michiganders forced to leave prescriptions at pharmacy counter

by | Jul 19, 2021 | Regional News

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Greetings,

Right now, too many Michiganders are being forced to leave their prescription at the pharmacy counter because when they go to checkout, they realize the price is too high.

There’s nothing else we buy in our daily lives where we aren’t able to know the price before we show up at the cash register — only prescription drugs. So our office got to work on legislation to change that.  

My bipartisan bill, the Real Time Benefits Act, was signed into law by President Trump at the end of 2020, and it’s going to help lower the cost of prescription drugs and enable patients to find the best deal they can get on the medication they need.

Here’s how it’s going to work: this bill will create a tool to find the lowest-cost drug available by comparing alternatives and prices at different pharmacies. Your doctor will be able to use this tool to show you the difference in cost at different pharmacy locations so you can make the best decision for yourself — and all before you even have to leave the doctor’s office. Watch this video to learn more.

ImageLast week, I held events in Rochester, Howell, and Lansing to meet with seniors, senior advocates and medical professionals to talk about this tool and make sure that when it’s implemented, it’s done as effectively as possible. Hear from healthcare providers in the district about how this tool will be a game changer for the *1.7 million Michiganders who rely on Medicare part D.

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This is an important step in increasing transparency in the cost of prescription drugs, but there’s still work to be done. Click here to subscribe to my newsletter to stay in the know about future legislation we work on to lower the cost of prescription drugs and healthcare.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Find your RX for cheaper

Find your RX for cheaper

by | Jul 9, 2021 | Regional News

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Ask yourself this: Is there any product that you buy where you don’t get to know the price until you’re at the checkout counter? There’s only one: prescription drugs. That’s why so many Michiganders leave their drugs at the pharmacy or are rationing. It was that realization, and the direct input of folks in our communities, that got me thinking about a solution to this problem: Why not show folks their drug prices ahead of time and let them compare costs between different brands and pharmacies? That was the idea behind the Real Time Benefits Act, a bipartisan bill that was signed into law by President Trump last December. I worked hard to make this bill a bipartisan effort from the very beginning, proving that progress is still possible in Washington when we’re organized around a common-sense approach and keep politics out of the legislating.

The Real Time Benefits Act enables doctors and patients to find the lowest-cost drug available by comparing alternatives and prices at different pharmacies, all before you leave the doctor’s office. You will leave knowing exactly which pharmacy to go to for the cheapest price. Put even more simply, it allows consumers the ability to compare pricing for their prescription drugs, like every other product in our lives. By increasing price transparency, the Real Time Benefits Act also encourages good, old fashioned American competition to help bring drug costs down across the board.

Once this law takes effect, patients on Medicare will be able to go into their doctor’s office and see a real-time comparison of drug prices between different brands and at different pharmacies where you can have your prescription filled.

Here’s a mock up of what the tool could look like:

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This week, I held a “Cost of Care” tour with events in Rochester, Howell and Lansing to raise awareness about how the Real Time Benefits Act will impact our community. I met with seniors, senior advocates and medical professionals from across the district to explain the idea behind this bill and to get their input about how we can make it as effective and useful as possible. The feedback I heard across the board re-confirmed what many of us know: prescription drugs are simply too expensive, and laws like the Real Time Benefits Act are important steps toward making the health care system more transparent and affordable.

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Giving a demonstration of the Real Time Benefits tool to senior advocates in Howell.

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Taking questions during our discussion with seniors in Rochester.

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Meeting with healthcare providers and local leaders in Lansing during my Cost of Care tour.

While I’m excited for the Real Time Benefits Act to take effect in doctors’ offices across Michigan and around the country, we all know that there is a lot of work remaining to make prescription drugs cheaper and more accessible. As your Representative, I’m committed to continuing the fight to find bipartisan laws that will save Michiganders money and make the health care system easier to navigate. If you’d like to stay updated on my work on prescription drug reform in Congress, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter. Thanks, as always, for reading!

Sincerely,

Representative Elissa Slotkin