Pace Industries relocating from Arkansas to Michigan

by | Jun 23, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 23, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.org

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announces leading die casting manufacturer Pace Industries relocating headquarters from Arkansas to Michigan, creating more than 60 high-wage jobs in Novi

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that Pace Industries, a leading provider of die casting solutions, is relocating its headquarters from Arkansas to Novi, signaling continued economic recovery in Michigan.

 

The project is expected to initially create more than 60 new jobs in Novi and generate a total private investment of $1.9 million with the support of a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the project after considering Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, or remaining in Fayetteville.

 

“The decision by Pace Industries, a leading national die casting manufacturer, to relocate its headquarters to Michigan underscores the strength of our business climate and creates more good-paying, high-skill jobs for our talented workforce,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is great news for workers, their families, and our economy as we continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work. With the help of companies like Pace, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever before.”

 

Pace Industries, LLC provides die casting, manufacturing, and engineering solutions to global customers in the automotive, lighting, appliance and powersport industries. Pace has a current workforce of 360 employees in Detroit and Muskegon.

 

Pace has relocated its corporate headquarters from Arkansas to the city of Novi, where it has leased office space that houses corporate executives, managerial, technical sales and clerical staff. The location in Novi is near a major travel hub and puts the company in proximity to the engineering talent as well as many of its automotive and non-automotive customers in the Midwest.

 

This project will not only bring high-paying positions to the state but will also bring opportunities for entry-level employees to grow within the manufacturing management environment. Pace provides training on a variety of skillsets to new employees, enabling them to become future leaders in the organization. Pace also provides mentoring and internship programs to attract and develop up and coming young talent of the future for the company.

 

“Pace Industries recently moved its global headquarters to the Metro Detroit area for better access to our customer and supply bases, and the engaged, experienced talent that Michigan has to offer,” said Donald Hampton Jr., CEO of Pace Industries. “The MEDC, Detroit Regional Partnership, city and county all provided support with the initial move and continue to work as valued partners as we expand our team.”

 

Pace Industries is the latest company to choose to locate headquarters in the state of Michigan. This expansion in Michigan will continue to strengthen the state’s automotive manufacturing sector with the company expected to grow rapidly as it captures more market share.

 

“We are pleased to welcome Pace Industries headquarters to Michigan as they create 64 new advanced manufacturing jobs and tap into a robust, highly skilled talent pool that stretches across all corners of the state,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of the MEDC. “Today’s grand opening is yet another reminder that the ingenuity and innovation of our incredible business community here in Michigan remains unmatched. We appreciate the efforts of local partners in Novi to support this project and will work with Pace Industries as it continues to grow and add jobs for Michigan residents.”

 

The city of Novi is offering to assist the project by providing videography, marketing assistance and recruitment support. For information on careers with Pace Industries, visit https://paceind.com/careers/.

 

“The Detroit Region is one of the best places in North America to locate a headquarters because we have one of the world’s most sophisticated supply chains and the highly skilled talent that manufacturers need to innovate and stay globally competitive,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “The fact that our region has so many key decision-makers in automotive and mobility also gives us a major advantage.”

 

“Novi is a dynamic community on many fronts, from a magnet to businesses around the globe to being a sought-after, welcoming, diverse neighborhood that more than 65,000 residents call home,” said Novi Mayor Bob Gatt. “Now, the opportunity to host Pace Industries, once again, places Novi on the map as a leader in the business world and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Novi family.”

 

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Photo courtesy of Pace Industries

 

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.

 
helping Michiganders get back to work safely

helping Michiganders get back to work safely

by | Jun 23, 2021 | Regional News

Gov. Whitmer takes action to help Michiganders get back to work safely

MIOSHA updates COVID-19 emergency rules to align with Federal OSHA

June 22, 2021

Media Contact: Camara Lewis, 517-930-4928

Today, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) filed COVID-19 emergency rules to align with Federal OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The updated rules are effective today and set to expire Dec. 22, 2021. The rules rescind the emergency rules issued on May 24, 2021 and focus on health care.

The updated MIOSHA emergency rules adopt the Federal OSHA ETS and focus on health care settings where known or suspected COVID-19 patients may be present.  These workplaces may have a higher exposure risk for employees and need continued protections to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“As we continue to get Michigan back to work, our priority remains keeping workplaces safe for employees and protecting customers as they support these businesses,” said Governor Whitmer. “With our state at full capacity, we can boost our economic Jumpstart and ensure businesses can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever while keeping their workers safe.”

Dialing back workplace rules for non-health care settings allows employers to use their best judgment in determining whether to maintain:

  • Daily health screenings;
  • Face covering requirements; and
  • Social distancing requirements.

Nevertheless, MIOSHA strongly encourages workplaces to follow the available CDC and OSHA recommendations to mitigate hazards.

MIOSHA has a duty to protect Michigan workers and the agency’s emergency rules have provided employers and employees with the guidance and certainty they needed to stay safe. These updated rules demonstrate that the agency has the flexibility it needs to ensure consistency with federal OSHA.

Non-healthcare settings should align policies with CDC guidelines to ensure they help contain the spread of COVID-19. Federal OSHA has updated guidance for non-healthcare employers as well.

“These updates recognize the great progress we have made in Michigan to contain COVID-19 and the power of vaccinations. We will continue to provide critical workplace protections more focused on areas of increased COVID-19 risk,” said Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan. “In non-health care settings, it’s important that all employers recognize that they have a general duty to provide a safe workplace.”

To request MIOSHA’S consultation, education and training services, call 517-284-7720 or online at MIOSHA Request for Consultative Assistance.

For more information about MIOSHA’s safety and health guidelines to protect Michigan’s workforce, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using COVID-19 hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).

To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to Michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint.

Legislation to Provide Food and Rental Assistance to Families

Legislation to Provide Food and Rental Assistance to Families

by | Jun 23, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 23, 2021

Contact: [email protected]   

 

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Food and Rental Assistance to Families Across Michigan

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed a bipartisan bill to invest $2.2 billion in federal COVID relief funding to support the recovery of individuals, families, and businesses struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new funding helps families put food on the table through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and keep a roof over their head through the Emergency Rental Assistance program.

 

“As we look ahead, we have an unprecedented opportunity to use federal stimulus funds to help Michigan’s families, small businesses, and communities emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The bipartisan bill that I signed today is the result of good-faith efforts by members of the legislature and it is a testament to what we can do together: make a real difference in people’s lives right now. With life getting back to normal, we are turning full attention to our state’s economic jumpstart by creating jobs with higher wages, giving small businesses the needed capital to ramp up hiring and boost investment, and making sure every family has access to affordable, quality childcare.”

 

In addition to the money for food and housing, funding is provided to help local governments continue providing essential services and sends disaster relief dollars directly to counties, cities, and hospitals for their COVID vaccination efforts as well as communities impacted by the historic flooding last year in Midland.

 

Funding in the bill is specifically provided as follows:

 

  • Within the Department of Health and Human Services: $1.5 billion in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding to support a 15% increase in monthly food assistance benefits through September 30, 2021, providing temporary assistance to families needing emergency food.

 

  • Within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity: $378.3 million in federal funding for grant awards to be distributed and used to assist renter households at or below 80% of area median income, supporting the Emergency Rental Assistance Program which includes rental and utility assistance payments, housing stability services, and case management to eligible renter households impacted by COVID-19.

 

  • Within the Department of State Police: $65.2 million in federal funding for payment to vendors for emergency and disaster response and mitigation services provided in areas throughout the state.

 

  • Within the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget: $21.0 million in state funding for a one-time purchase of tax vouchers issued by the state to the Venture Michigan Fund (VMF) which is used to generate investment capital from lenders. This results in projected savings through the avoidance of interest that would accrue on vouchers.

 

  • Within the Department of Treasury: $322.1 million in federal funding to distribute to local units of government to be used for the following: to provide assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits; to aid industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; to provide premium pay for essential workers; to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year; and to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband.

 

“I’m glad we’re getting these critical FEMA disaster assistance dollars out to impacted communities and putting our federal relief funds to effective use helping struggling Michiganders feed their families, supporting local governments and ensuring people have access to emergency rental assistance,” said Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

“I am proud to serve with a governor who has worked with both sides of the aisle to assure Michigan roars out of this pandemic,” said State Senator Curtis Hertel Jr., D-East Lansing. 

 

“Necessary resources such as food, rental, and utility assistance for Michigan residents are critical as we continue to respond to COVID-19’s impacts,” said State Representative Joe Tate, D-Detroit. “This bill provides the necessary funds to do just that.”

 

“This has been a difficult year-and-a-half for Michigan families,” said State Representative Thomas Albert, R-Lowell. “I am glad we were able to come together and get this time-sensitive funding out the door.”

 

Whitmer & Gilchrist Celebrate Reopening State to Full Capacity

by | Jun 22, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2021                                                        

Contact: [email protected]

 

PHOTOS: Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Celebrate Reopening of State to Full Capacity, Highlight the Administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan

More than nine million vaccines administered as new COVID cases fall to one-year low.

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist today celebrated the reopening of state to full capacity at Belle Isle in Detroit and highlighted the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan focused on strengthening the economy and putting Michiganders back to work. Starting today, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100% and the state will no longer require residents to wear a face mask.

 

“Today is a day that we have all been waiting for, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and move forward together,” said Governor Whitmer. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the medical experts and health professionals who stood on the frontlines to keep us all safe. And we are incredibly thankful to all of the essential workers who kept our state moving. Thanks to the millions of Michiganders who rolled up their sleeves to get the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, we have been able to make these changes ahead of schedule. Our top priority going forward is taking full advantage of the billions in federal relief funding and our $3.5 billion surplus to jumpstart our economy. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that Michigan’s families, small businesses, and communities emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever before.”

 

“This move positions our state to unlock the full economic potential of every person and community in Michigan. This is possible thanks to our dedicated health professionals and scientists who guided us through this pandemic and our targeted, effective vaccine rollout that helped Michiganders across the state access the vaccine,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “This will be an adjustment  for many working families. That is why our administration is proposing unprecedented investments in critical areas like higher wages, access to childcare, and equity in  education to rebuild and recover. We must work together to use this exceptional opportunity presented to us by COVID-19 federal funding to build back better from the pandemic and create brighter futures for every Michigander.”

 

“As a small business owner Covid 19 was devastating to my business, but with the help of the State of Michigan and Governor Whitmer, we were able to maintain and stay open,” said Tiffany Barber, owner of Tiffany’s Delicious Dogs LLC. “Tiffany’s Delicious Dogs was a City of Detroit vendor for 15 years, forced to change our business model to survive. With grants and training funded by the State of Michigan, to learn new business techniques we made it together and are thankful to our great Governor and the State of Michigan for the support to make it  through the storm. We look forward to getting back to business in a safe environment guided by a great leader.”

 

Case rates, percent positivity and hospitalizations have all plummeted over the past several weeks, while vaccination rates continue to increase. To date, 61.2% of Michiganders ages 16 and older receiving their first vaccine dose. As part of these efforts, Michigan is partnering with organizations across the state to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.

 

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Plan to Expand Tuition-Free College to 22,000 Additional Michiganders

Plan to Expand Tuition-Free College to 22,000 Additional Michiganders

by | Jun 22, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2021

Contact: [email protected]     

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Plan to Expand Tuition-Free College to 22,000 Additional Michiganders Under Futures for Frontliners Program

 

DETROIT, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today, during an event on Belle Isle in Detroit marking the state’s return to normal, called for the expansion of the Futures for Frontliners scholarship program to meet increased demand and popularity. The tuition-free scholarships would now include frontline workers who served between November 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021.

 

“Today we are taking the last big step to get back to normal, but we will never forget the frontline workers along the way who helped us get here,” Governor Whitmer said. “That’s why I’m calling on the legislature to join me in expanding the Futures for Frontliners scholarship program to cover the selfless Michiganders who stepped up in unprecedented ways to keep our state moving. As we put Michigan back to work, this will help people get into good-paying, high-demand careers, which will boost our economic jumpstart even further.”

 

With the expansion, upwards of 22,000 additional workers would be eligible to apply for this opportunity. This would add on to the more than 120,000 essential workers who quickly applied for the program when it launched in the last quarter of 2020.

 

The additional $100 million investment would come from federal American Rescue Plan funding.

 

“We know that a strong state and a strong economy requires an educated and skilled workforce, and by expanding and investing in programs like Futures for Frontliners, we can help more Michiganders prepare for rewarding careers that provide stability to them and their families,” said Kerry Ebersole, Michigan Department of Labor and economic Opportunity’s Office of Sixty by 30 director.

 

“Our Frontliners students have been hard at work gaining the knowledge and skills required for today’s job market. Expanding this opportunity will boost our regional economy and improve the lives of many deserving students and their families,” said Lake Michigan College President, Dr. Trevor A. Kubatzke.

 

“We are proud that so many OCC grads have found great careers in industries like health care, manufacturing, public safety and culinary, and we are excited to be able to offer the opportunity for Futures for Frontliners students to gain the skills they need to be part of these vital industries,” said Oakland Community College Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. 

 

When the Futures for Frontliners program launched in September 2020, Michigan was the first in the nation to utilize $24 million from the 2020 Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide a tuition-free path to a post-secondary education.

 

In just over three months’ time, more than 120,000 Michiganders applied for the program and nearly 16,000 of those applicants are already enrolled in classes with a semester completed through their local community college.

 

Futures for Frontliners, inspired by the GI Bill which provided college degree to those serving their country in WWII, offers eligible Michigan adults without college degrees or high school diplomas who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 a tuition-free pathway to gaining the skills needed to obtain high-demand, high-wage careers. The funding was not only available to those in the medical field, but also essential workers in manufacturing, nursing homes, grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, retail and more.

 

State will Open to Full Capacity on June 22

by | Jun 21, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces State will Open to Full Capacity on June 22

More than nine million vaccines administered as new COVID cases fall to one-year low.

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today accelerated the end of all COVID-19 epidemic orders on gatherings and masking as COVID-19 cases continue to plummet following increased vaccinations. Beginning June 22, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100% and the state will no longer require residents to wear a face mask.

 

“Today is a day that we have all been looking forward to, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and put this pandemic behind us,” said Governor Whitmer. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the medical experts and health professionals who stood on the front lines to keep us all safe. And we are incredibly thankful to all of the essential workers who kept our state moving. Thanks to the millions of Michiganders who rolled up their sleeves to get the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, we have been able to make these changes ahead of schedule. Our top priority going forward is utilizing the federal relief funding in a smart, sustainable way as we put Michigan back to work and jumpstart our economy. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that Michigan’s families, small businesses, and communities emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever before.”

 

Nearly five million Michiganders ages 16 and older have received their first vaccine dose, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, half of Michigan residents have completed their vaccination and over 60% have gotten their first shots.

 

“This is great news and a day all of us have been looking forward to for more than a year,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “We have said all along that the vaccine would help us return to a sense of normalcy and today we announce that day is here.”

 

Case rates, percent positivity and hospitalizations have all plummeted over the past several weeks. Currently, Michigan is experiencing 24.3 cases per million and has recorded a 1.9% positivity rate over the last seven days.

 

“This is a great day, however, there is more work to be done,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We can’t let our guard down as there continue to be several variants of the COVID-19 virus circulating in our state, including the concerning Delta variant. The COVID-19 vaccine is the most important tool we have to reduce the spread of the virus and I urge everyone ages 12 and up who has not yet received their vaccine to get it as soon as possible. Talk to your health care provider, your local health department or your neighborhood pharmacist about joining the millions of Michiganders who have received their vaccine.”

 

In addition to the Gatherings and Mask Order, additional orders are being rescinded as of June 22. These include:

 

 

Additionally, some orders will remain in effect to protect vulnerable populations in corrections, long-term care and agriculture. Public health measures will continue for reporting requirements and COVID testing to make sure areas where community spread is high are identified, kids are safe in school and free COVID-19 tests are available. Guidance for keeping children and staff safe in schools will be released next week.

 

MDHHS will continue to provide recommendations to keep Michiganders safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in higher risk settings and places where vulnerable populations or populations with large numbers of individuals are not yet fully vaccinated.

 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and where to find the nearest vaccination site, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine and VaccineFinder.org.