‘MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes’

‘MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes’

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer, Meijer and Michigan Association of United Ways Announce Launch of ‘MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes’ to Encourage More Michiganders to Get COVID-19 Vaccinations

New giveaways will offer vaccinated Michiganders opportunity to win a combined total 

of $5 million in cash and nine $55,000 college scholarships

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the creation of the MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes, a lottery-style raffle that gives vaccinated Michiganders a chance to win $5 million in cash and a combined total of nearly $500,000 in college scholarships.

 

The MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes is the latest kickoff in a series of lottery-style raffles by other states such as Ohio’s first-in-the-nation launch of the “Vax-a-Million” campaign. Ohio said vaccinations in the state increased 94% among 16- and 17- year-olds, 46% among 18- and 19-year-olds and 55% among those between 20 and 49 years old after Gov. Mike DeWine announced the lotteries.

 

Under Michigan’s new sweepstakes, residents age 18 and older who have received one dose of vaccine are eligible to register for a combined total of $5 million in cash giveaways.

 

In addition, Michigan’s vaccine sweepstakes will offer the opportunity to win one of nine Scholarship Drawing prizes available to vaccinated Michiganders between ages 12-17 whose parents enter on their behalf. Each Scholarship Drawing prize consists of a four-year Michigan Education Trust (MET) charitable tuition contract (valued at $55,000) that may be used to pay for tuition and mandatory fees at a college or university in accordance with MET terms and conditions.

 

The sweepstakes begin today (July 1) and end on Aug. 3, 2021. Eligibility criteria for each of the drawings is at: www.MIShotToWin.com.

 

“If there’s one thing every Michigander can agree on, it’s that whatever Ohio can do, Michigan can do it better and bigger,” said Governor Whitmer.

 

“This sweepstakes gives every Michigander who’s been vaccinated a shot to win cash or college scholarships,” Whitmer said. “It’s also a great way to encourage more Michiganders to get the safe and effective vaccine so you can protect yourself, your family, and help get life back to normal. If we all roll up our sleeves and do our part, we can all win big. Let’s get to work!”

 

Michigan’s sweepstakes giveaway is powered by Meijer in partnership with the Michigan Association of United Ways and the State of Michigan. The statewide vaccine sweepstakes is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganMichigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Association of State UniversitiesSmall Business Association of MichiganBusiness Leaders of Michigan, the Protect Michigan Commission and many more organizations.

 

Michiganders can qualify to enter the sweepstakes by getting vaccinated for COVID-19 at Meijer or receiving their vaccine from their doctor, local health department, pharmacy, hospital, etc. The MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes giveaways include:

 

  • $1 Million Drawing. There is one (1) $1M Drawing prize for Michiganders age 18 and older consisting of $1 million awarded as a check or electronic transfer to the confirmed winner.

 

  • $50,000 Daily Drawings. There are thirty (30) $50,000 Daily Drawing prizes available for Michiganders age 18 and older, each consisting of $50,000 awarded as a check or electronic transfer to the confirmed winners.

 

  • $2 Million Drawing. There is one (1) $2 Million Drawing prize for Michiganders age 18 and older consisting of $2 million awarded as a check or electronic transfer to the confirmed winner.

 

  • Scholarship Drawing. There are nine (9) Scholarship Drawing prizes available for Michiganders between ages 12-17 whose parents enter on their behalf. Each Scholarship Drawing prize consists of a four-year Michigan Education Trust (MET) Charitable Tuition Program contract (valued at $55,000) that may be used to pay for tuition and mandatory fees at a college or university in accordance with MET terms and conditions.

 

The goal of the public outreach campaign, consisting of a series of statewide drawings, is to raise awareness of the availability and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and provide incentives to Michiganders to get a COVID-19 vaccination. The aim of the MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes is to increase the state’s vaccination rate by roughly 9% – or approximately 767,000 Michiganders – to achieve the statewide goal of 70% of residents age 16 and older who are immunized.

 

“The data reflect that the vast number of Michiganders who are not yet vaccinated are actually not opposed to getting vaccinated,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel.

 

As of June 29, 2021, 61.7% (more than 4.9 million Michiganders) age 16 and older have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, according to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services data. To reach 70%, a total of 5,667,842 residents age 16 and older will need to be immunized.

 

“Events that can draw attention to getting vaccinated – like the MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes – make us enthusiastic as the data we’ve reviewed of vaccine lotteries in other states is showing they’re very effective at getting more people vaccinated very quickly,” said Protect Michigan Commission Director Kerry Ebersole Singh.

 

Michigan is not alone in reporting waning interest of residents receiving their first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations. Nationally, vaccinations have fallen from over 3 million per day in April to about 1.8 million per day, according to Our World in Data. To reverse the trend, states such as Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Oregon, Colorado and others have announced innovative large-scale raffles that are producing quantifiably successful results.

 

“At Michigan Association of United Ways, the health of our state remains a top priority,” said MAUW President and CEO Mike Larson.

 

“We are thrilled that the COVID-19 vaccine has made a positive impact throughout the communities we serve, but there is more to be done,” Larson said. “Alongside Meijer and with our additional partners, we are excited to be part of the MI Shot to Win. The MI Shot to Win is a great way to make the vaccine more available to more people and encourage those to take advantage of it for their health.”

 

Gov. Whitmer created the Protect Michigan Commission in January. The appointees represent a diverse array of industries, professions and backgrounds. Housed within the MDHHS, commission leaders are charged with helping to ensure every Michigander has a plan to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Legislature’s Passage of School Aid Bill

Legislature’s Passage of School Aid Bill

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 30, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer on Legislature’s Passage of School Aid Bill

Governor celebrates adoption of school aid bill, urges passage of full state budget and disbursement of critical relief for communities facing unprecedented flooding

 

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement on the School Aid Fund budget approved by the Michigan Legislature. She urges the Legislature to continue working together to approve the remaining budget bills despite missing the July 1 statutory deadline and deliver aid to areas impacted by the recent record flooding.

 

“The bipartisan school aid bill makes historic investments in our children without raising taxes and will help each and every student thrive academically, mentally, and physically,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I look forward to signing this legislation to expand the Great Start Readiness preschool program for 22,000 more children and connect more students to counselors, psychologists, and nurses in their schools. The bill also delivers on a decades-old goal to close the K-12 school funding gap.”

 

“Unfortunately, the legislature adjourned without getting the job done and passing a full budget — missing their July 1 deadline. We need to appropriate the $10 million in disaster aid for areas impacted by last weekend’s historic flooding. I am hopeful that the legislature will work quickly to approve a state budget that supports small businesses, fixes our crumbling roads and bridges, expands access to childcare and grows our economy. In the meantime, I will continue to do all that I can to help Michiganders impacted by the flooding get the help and resources they need at the state and federal levels.”

 

While the legislature today finalized the school aid budget, the rest of the budget remains incomplete. Governor Whitmer proposed her budget in February of 2021 which centered on equitably growing the state’s economy by expanding skills training and childcare for families, providing a further down payment on rebuilding the state’s crumbling bridges and water infrastructure, and helping small businesses recover from the pandemic. The governor is encouraged by the legislature’s move and looks forward to passing a full budget and appropriating the remaining federal stimulus dollar and Michigan’s unprecedented $3.5 billion state surplus to make a real difference in people’s lives right now.

 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Accountancy, Michigan Board of Acupuncture, Michigan Beef Industry Commission, Michigan Cherry Committee, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan Board of Nursing, Michigan Board of Pharmacy, Michigan Public Service Commission, Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors, Board of Law Examiners, and the Municipal Stability Board.

 

Michigan Board of Accountancy

 

Antonio C. Brown, of Lathrup Village, is certified public accountant and the chief financial officer of the Detroit Public Library. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master of Education from Wayne State University. Mr. Brown is appointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds David Barrons whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Christonna C. Campbell, of Romulus, is recently retired from the Washtenaw County Department of Human Services where she served as a service program manager. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Campbell is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Jennifer Kluge whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Kathleen Isleib, of Negaunee, is a certified public accountant and an accounting instructor at Northern Michigan University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University and a Master of Accounting Science from Northern Illinois University. Ms. Isleib is appointed to represent a full-time instructor of accounting above the elementary level at an accredited college or university for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Ola M. Smith whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan State Board of Accountancy is responsible for the certification, licensure, and regulation of certified public accountants and public accounting firms in Michigan.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Acupuncture

 

Zhiling Trowbridge, M.D., of Grand Rapids, most recently served as a physician with Spectrum Health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College and a Doctor of Medicine from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and she studied acupuncture at the Harvard Structural Acupuncture program and Helms Medical Institute. Dr. Trowbridge is reappointed to represent a physician licensed under part 170 or 175 who has met the requirement in section 16513(2)(b), for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

 

The Michigan Board of Acupuncture works with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 89 acupuncturists. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare, which is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of acupuncturists. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against registrants who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Beef Industry Commission

 

Jon Haindl, of Cooks, is the owner and operator of Jarhian Farm. He holds a degree in agriculture education from Michigan State University. Mr. Haindl is reappointed to represent cattle growers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring May 31, 2024.

 

Leon D. Knirk, of Quincy, is the owner of LDK Farms. He holds an associates degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Davenport University. Mr. Knirk is appointed to represent cattle feeders for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring May 31, 2024. He succeeds Dale Oeschger whose term expired May 31, 2021.

 

Jennifer L. Lewis, of Jonesville, is the human resources director and manager of Pleasant View Dairy. She is the district 2 director and an executive committee member of the Michigan Farm Bureau and treasurer of the Hillsdale County Dairy Promoters. Mrs. Lewis is appointed to represent dairy farmers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring May 31, 2024. She succeeds Leonard Brown whose term expired May 31, 2021.

 

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission was created under Public Act 291 in 1972 to promote the sale of beef and beef products. The Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association work together in a coordinated state and national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Cherry Committee

 

Juliette King McAvoy, of Central Lake, is the vice president of sales and marketing for King Orchards, Inc. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Agri-Business Management and Horticulture from Michigan State University. Ms. King McAvoy is reappointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024.

 

Emily A. Miezio, of Suttons Bay, is the receiving station manager for Cherry Bay Orchards. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hope College and a Master of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University. Ms. Miezio is reappointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024.

 

The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The Committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science

 

Richard E. Bowerman, II, of Munising, is the funeral director and vice president of Bowerman Funeral Home, Inc. He holds an associate’s degree in mortuary science from Worhsam College of Mortuary Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lakeland College. Mr. Bowerman is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Mark Canale whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

Mark T. Evely, Ph.D., of Swartz Creek, is the chair of the Wayne State University Department of Applied Health Sciences and an assistant professor and program director for the mortuary science program. Dr. Evely is also a funeral director for the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors and Harry J. Will Funeral Home. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Dr. Evely is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Kathleen Barone whose term expires June 30, 2021,

 

Charlotte N. Goutimy, of Dearborn, is the supervisor of the Department of Business Operations for Henry Ford Health System. She holds an associate’s degree in commerce and arts from Henry Ford Community College. Ms. Goutimy is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Thomas Chrzanowski whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

 

Bernard Lawler, of Grand Blanc, is a consultant with Bernard Lawler Enterprise. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice from the University of Michigan-Flint. Mr. Lawler is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Samantha West whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

Illami Romero Martinez-King, of Lansing, is a marriage and family therapist and owner of Holistic Vida Therapy, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Family Community Service from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Ms. Romero Martinez-King is appointed to represent licensed marriage and family therapists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Laura Mammen whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan, which is the provision of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Nursing

 

Kimberly M. Cox, of Davison, is a registered nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Ascension Genesys Hospital and the chief union steward for Teamsters Local 332. She holds an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing from Mott Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University. Ms. Cox is appointed to represent registered professional nurses with a baccalaureate degree engaged in nursing practice or nursing administration, for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Sarah Coker whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Stephanie L. DePetro, of Marquette, is a registered nurse with the UP Health System. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University. Ms. DePetro is appointed to represent registered professional nurses with a baccalaureate degree engaged in nursing practice or nursing administration, for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Tiffany McDonald whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Patricia A. Duncan, of Canton, is a licensed practical nurse and the dermatology lab monitoring program manager for the University of Michigan Health System. She earned her LPN from the MDTA School of Practical Nursing and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education and Human Services from Spring Arbor University. Ms. Duncan is appointed to represent license practical nurses for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Tatyana Chatman whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Lori A. Glenn, DNP, of Huntington Woods, is a certified nurse midwife with Hurley Medical Center and a clinical associate professor at the University of Detroit Mercy McAuley School of Nursing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College of Detroit, Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from the University of Illinois, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Glenn is reappointed to represent nurse midwives for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

 

Toni Schmittling, DNPA, of Farmington Hills, is a certified registered nurse anesthetist with Northstar Anesthesia and Sinai-Grace Hospital and the president and owner of Collaborative Anesthesia Staffing Solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science from the University of Detroit, and a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice from the University of Michigan-Flint. Ms. Schmittling is appointed to represent nurse anesthetists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Glenn O’Connor whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Nanette L. Watson, DNP, of Ithaca, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Family Health Psychiatric and Counseling. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University, Master of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Oakland University. Ms. Watson is appointed to represent nurse practitioners for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Kristin Ahrens whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Nursing was created to establish qualifications for nurse licensure, to establish standards for education and approve nurse education programs, develop and implement criteria for assurance of continued competency, and take disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public has been adversely affected.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Pharmacy

 

Pierre Boutros, PharmD, of Birmingham, is the principal and CEO of OneCare LTC, LLC. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Mr. Boutros is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Kathleen Pawlicki whose term expire June 30, 2021.

 

Kyle A. McCree, of Grand Blanc, is the director of state government affairs for Consumers Energy. He holds a Bachelor of Business Sciences in Finance from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Mr. McCree is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

 

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Public Service Commission

 

Katherine L. Peretick, of Plymouth, is a current commissioner with the Michigan Public Service Commission. Prior to her appointment in December 2020, Peretick was the director of engineering for NRStor, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan. Ms. Peretick is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing July 3, 2021 and expiring July 2, 2027.

 

The mission of the Michigan Public Service Commission is to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunications services at reasonable rates for Michigan residents.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

 

Maggie L. Badgley, of Cheboygan, is the finance manager for M&M Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Kraków University of Economics in Poland and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Badgley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2024. She succeeds Robert Craig whose term expired June 30, 2020.

 

Christopher M. Germain, of Escanaba, is a realtor with Premier Real Estate, Inc. He holds an Institute One Certification from Holloway’s Real Estate Institute. Mr. Germain is reappointed to represent real estate brokers and salespersons for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

AG Urges Reduction in Consumers Energy’s Electric Rate

AG Urges Reduction in Consumers Energy’s Electric Rate

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Michigan AG Nessel Urges Reduction in Consumers Energy’s Electric Rate Request

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to drastically reduce Consumers Energy Company’s pending rate increase request.

The Attorney General  intervened in the company’s request to increase rates with MPSC in March. The request includes an annual increase in revenues of $225 million, which would result in an 8.8% percent increase for residential ratepayers and  a 5.5% increase overall when considering all ratepayer classes – residential, commercial and industrial.

In her testimony, Nessel argues that the company’s request is not only excessive and unnecessary, but that MPSC should reduce rates. The testimony points out that based on current rates, Consumers Energy will receive excess revenue in the amount of $30.7 million and therefore should not receive another rate increase.

Even if the MPSC does not accept the recommendations and approves the Company’s request in whole or in part, Nessel also argued for change in how costs are allocated so that costs are more fairly distributed among customers. Under her testimony, residential customers would only see a 4.8% rate increase versus Consumers Energy’s 8.8% request.

“An 8.8% rate increase during a time when people are struggling with job loss and economic hardships is too much,” Nessel said. “I am fighting this exorbitant rate increase request and asking the MPSC to deny the request and grant a rate decrease. As this state’s chief consumer advocate, I will continue to advocate for all Michigan customers.”

The Attorney General’s intervention in Consumers Energy’s last electric rate case helped save electric customers nearly $154 million, which represented a savings of more than 60% from the company’s originally requested rate increase.

Since taking office, Nessel has saved Michigan consumers over $1 billion by intervening in utility cases before the MPSC.

Consumers Energy provides electricity to approximately 1.9 million customers in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company

Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 29, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.org

 

Governor Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company TechSmith’s New International Headquarters in East Lansing  

 

  • Governor breaks ground for new facility that will create and retain up to 325 high-tech jobs in the Lansing region, generate nearly $15M in capital investment 
  • Global software developer chooses Michigan for expansion, further establishes Lansing region as hub for high-tech jobs

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today broke ground on TechSmith’s headquarters in East Lansing, a leading software development company that will create up to 50 jobs and retain up to 275 jobs. She was joined by Michigan State University President Dr. Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., MD  and TechSmith CEO Wendy Hamilton.

 

“TechSmith’s investment in East Lansing proves once again that Michigan is a world leader in innovation and further cements the Lansing region as a tech and professional services hub in the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “This new headquarters facility will create up to 50 new good-paying, high-tech jobs for Michigan workers and underscores the strength of Michigan’s tech talent. As we jumpstart Michigan’s economy, today’s groundbreaking is helping to build the path for economic growth and recovery right here in mid-Michigan.”

 

TechSmith is a high-tech software development company focusing on capturing screen content for better communication. Its software is used as aides for training, tutorials, scholastic lessons and everyday communication. The company is consolidating five existing facilities into one new headquarters building to be built near the former Spartan Village in East Lansing. The greenspace will need infrastructure investment to connect utilities, water drainage, fiber optics and road improvements. The Michigan State University Foundation has agreed to cover most of the infrastructure improvements with an estimated investment of about $2 million.

 

“We’re pleased to welcome TechSmith to a location closer to our campus,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “They have been a great collaborator with the university for over a decade and this move will facilitate opportunities to further build upon our relationship.”

 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $15 million with the support of a $250,000 Jobs Ready Michigan performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, awarded in December. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Florida, Texas and Maryland.

 

“In a growing tech company, it’s all about attracting and enabling the right talent,” said Wendy Hamilton, TechSmith CEO. “We look forward to providing a world-class tech facility to our amazing team that reinforces our culture, creativity, and collaboration. We are also committed to supporting Michigan State University and the Lansing region as community stakeholders and would like to thank so many partners that have helped get us to this partnership off the ground-  including MSU, the MSU Foundation, the City of East Lansing, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and other partners. ”

 

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) assisted TechSmith in identifying and evaluating locations throughout the region. Additionally, LEAP has been vital to partnering and packaging TechSmith’s project with key governmental agencies and local business partners.

 

“This project will create and retain good, high paying jobs in a booming industry and at an internationally known local company – precisely the high-value targeted jobs people want and the type of jobs we need in the region,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP.

 

Since its founding, TechSmith has focused on embracing an employee-centric mindset and prides itself on offering compensation packages that exceed industry standards, along with providing professional pathways for every employee. To find and attract talent, TechSmith also has an extensive internship program that brings interns to the Lansing area each summer from many different universities and colleges, as well as providing year-round internships to local students from MSU and Lansing Community College.

 

The company expects the new building to be a recruiting tool that will include modern design, open work areas and employee comforts mimicking accommodations found at software companies based in Silicon Valley.

 

The project builds on economic prosperity efforts led by MEDC by supporting a business in the target industries of tech and professional and corporate services and fostering high-wage job growth.

 

“The Lansing area continues to establish itself as a growing tech and professional services hub in the state and this investment by TechSmith further underscores the competitive advantages our state is has to offer growing tech businesses – from the strength of our business climate to our talented workforce. Michigan is grateful for the TechSmith team’s continued vote of confidence in Michiganders,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of MEDC. “We’re proud to work with LEAP, the MSU Foundation and other local partners as we send the message that Michigan’s economy is recovering, and we are going to keep this momentum going.”

 

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.

 

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AG Warns Residents About Price-Gouging

AG Warns Residents About Price-Gouging

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 29, 2021

AG Nessel Warns Residents About Price-Gouging, Contractor Scams and Water-Damaged Vehicles

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to beware of scam artists and price-gougers who will try to take advantage of desperate home and vehicle owners in the next several days and weeks.  Of particular concern are reports of price-gouging by towing companies that have towed cars out of flooded roadways and impounded them – as well as fly-by-night contractors offering to help homeowners clean up after the weekend storms.

“I am concerned that bad actors may use the weekend’s flooding to overcharge or scam people who need assistance,” Nessel said. “Our Consumer Protection team is committed to investigating complaints and I encourage people to contact our office if you believe an entity is engaging in price gouging or other fraudulent behavior. We stand ready to hold accountable anyone who attempts to take advantage of this devastating situation.”

Nessel re-issued three consumer alerts related to natural disasters after the Department learned of complaints about possible price-gouging by towing companies recovering vehicles that were abandoned during flooding in Southeast Michigan. There are hundreds of abandoned vehicles through Southeast Michigan following recent rains that caused significant flooding and damage.

Drivers have the right to challenge whether your vehicle was properly towed and the reasonableness of towing and storage fees, but you must do so in a timely manner and in an appropriate district court.

The process requires you to file a petition in the district court with jurisdiction over the location from which your car was towed. You must file your petition within 20 days from the date on the notice that your vehicle was towed as abandoned. And you will be responsible for applicable court filing fees. The petition and instructions for how to fill it out are included with the mailed notice, or available on the Secretary of State’s webpage (Petition Regarding Impoundment of Motor Vehicle (DC90) form). If you request a hearing, you can also get your vehicle back while you are awaiting the hearing outcome, but you will have to either:

  1. post a towing and storage bond, (which will include the accrued towing and storage fees) with the court; or
  2. pay the abandoned vehicle fees and the accrued towing and storage fees to the custodian of your vehicle.

If the court finds the vehicle was improperly towed, you will be reimbursed for the towing and storage fees, and the abandoned vehicle fee will be returned.

Nessel is also reminding people to research contractors if home repairs are needed before paying for a project and alerting drivers to beware of water-damaged vehicles being sold on the used car market.

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

Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form

Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.