Basketball Thoughts After Five Weeks

by Becky Andrus | Mar 16, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Basketball Thoughts After Five Weeks.

Written Saturday March 13th at 9:25 AM

Boys

Red

North Farmington might have earned themselves a reprieve a bit after beating Ferndale on Thursday night which they still need to win out and have the Eagles lose again. The pressure defense was at it again. The district was found to be at Birmingham Brother Rice which is a small gym and very helpful to the Raiders pressure defense. Basheer Jihad and Deon Hayes have played well. It looks like North Farmington has a lot to play for which a good sign for Coach Todd Negoshian and not forget the sub varsities have done very well as well. The future looks bright for the Raiders.

Ferndale has really struggled to score in the last two games (both losses) which is concerning heading into the postseason. They control their own destiny in the Red despite the loss to North Farmington at home on Thursday night. Travyon Lewis has played well but Jason Drake has really struggled down the stretch. Coach Juan Rickman needs to figure out how to get Drake more involved even though Jack Kennedy has played great basketball in the post but Drake is the key if the Eagles want to make a deep postseason run.

Clarkston is back to being Clarkston since Keegan Waslik returned to the lineup. Even though the Red is out of the picture, this is still Clarkston. Matt DePillo, Luke Scherler, and Nathan Steinman have stepped up their games in the final weeks of the season. Waslik has been the key though. The Wolves need to keep the train going especially with the postseason looming

West Bloomfield has really struggled with close games that’s a big concern heading into the postseason. The Lakers are 1-5 in games which are six points or less which has to make Coach Jeremy Dehna go nuts. West Bloomfield has gotten production from Mitchell Seay, Rishard Weaver, Ryan Hurst and company but they need to figure out and they are more than capable of winning the close games when it gets tough.

Oak Park reminds me of the “Twilight Zone.” There are games where they look good and then there are games where they look bad which the win-loss record looks like. The Knights have gotten contributions from Ashton Henderson but they need to find that consistent second and third scorers. Deon Henderson and Bwanda Miller have filled those roles but they haven’t been consistent. They have a tough district looming and they need to be on the same page.

Farmington has been playing better. They are relying on Prince Jackson and Robert Davis to carry them in the final weeks of the season. The Falcons have been scoring a ton of points but they are giving up a ton as well. If I’m Coach Terrance Porter defense has to be my top priority before the postseason starts.

White

Troy has been very inconsistent despite being tied for the White. What’s very concerning surrounding Coach Gary Fralick’s team has been that they have lost several close games but they were blown out by Linden on Thursday night at home. Brody Parker and Ethan Emerzian have been playing well but where is D’Anthony Hamilton, Jake Emerzian, and Image Hage??? I know that they have been playing a ton of basketball since being out of COVID protocol but the Colts need to be very collective if they want to get out of this funk before the postseason starts.

Trevor Smith scored his 2,000 point as a Cougar in a win over Groves on Thursday night. Stoney Creek has relied on Smith all season long on the scoring department. Jacob Felton has really stepped up for Coach Steve Norgrove. If the Cougars can take the load off Smith and get different guys involved night in and night out then this is a very dangerous team heading into the postseason.

Groves has been hovering around 500. The Falcons can play spoiler in the postseason as well with how Coach Benny White’s team play. Groves needs to find that consistency and they are more than capable of finding it. If they do then they will be in good shape heading into the postseason.

Bloomfield Hills is in COVID protocol. Coach Phil Kurajian will need his team to stay ready for the final stretch until the postseason starts but they are in the thick of the White race with Troy, Stoney Creek, and Adams. The Blackhawks will be back in action next week which should help things getting ready for a very tough district despite being at home.

Adams is in COVID protocol despite beating Rochester on a buzzer beater by Justice Mims which was his second on the year. The Highlanders have had a great season thus far and they will look to make an impact in the postseason. Coach Jaret Thomas should be coach of the year in the White. Adams will be fine but they will need to get some conditioning in before the postseason starts.

Southfield Arts and Tech has been a really hard team to figure out. The Warriors have a really tough stretch to close out the season and they are also a tough district as well. Southfield Arts and Tech is in a ton of trouble right now especially with how everything is shaping up it’s not a good sign for Coach Darreyle Buchanan.

Blue

Troy Athens has been hot and cold lately but questions still remain with them. The Red Hawks have gotten contributions from Michael Justice, Jordan Sebaugh, and Jonah Botardo but where is Jacob Thornton??? Thornton has not been consistent and that has to make Coach Dave Scott nuts. Troy Athens is in an interesting district and the main concern is Sterling Heights Stevenson despite having home court. The Red Hawks are in a dangerous spot heading into the final week of the season but Thornton needs to step up and quick.

Berkley has had a very rough March which they are 1-2 right now. The Bears are going to need players like Joey McNamara, Logan Thomas, and Jon Sherif to step up and help Arshad Walker. If Coach Joe Sermo can find this identity then they could be a very dangerous team come postseason time in a very difficult district that looms.

Oxford is in an very difficult spot right now. Mason Mulholland has led the Wildcats night in and night out but Coach Steve Laidlaw needs someone else to step up, could it be Trent Brown, Palmer Speck, Bryce Essman. Oxford has really struggled to find that second scorer even though there are numerous others that can do that as well. It hasn’t been easy for the Wildcats, they only scored 21 points against Stoney Creek. They have to find other scorers besides Mulholland and if they do they will be fine.

Lake Orion has played very good basketball despite losing a heartbreaker to a very good Detroit Cass Tech team on Thursday night but that loss might have been the best thing to happen to them because it prepares them for the postseason. The Dragons have a star in the making in Alden Ritt and a very good senior class in Will McClear, Nick Fisher, Andrew Bryant, Mark Smith, Brennan Jones, and Xander Blackney also that’s not counting Malachi Grandberry and the emergence of Jeff Perkowski and Blake Leidell. Coach Joel Schroeder is going to be fine even though they are in COVID protocol right now.

Seaholm picked up a huge confidence boosting win on Thursday night against Berkley. The Maples have gotten contributions from Johnny Cross, Tyler Eick, and Charlie Bokos but they need more if they want to make some noise in a very tough district. It’s been a challenging year for Coach Mike DeGetter but they are getting healthier The Maples could play spoiler in the Blue. They are a team that no one wants to see.

Gold

Pontiac will likely win the Gold this season but their lack on non-league very much concerns me when it comes to the postseason. Dioante Harris has played well for the Phoenix but they are going to need players like Tarah Hazard to step up especially against the likes of Orchard Lake St. Marys, Bloomfield Hills, and West Bloomfield. They have the league title but they are in serious trouble in a week.

Rochester suffered a heatbreaking loss to Adams at the buzzer on Tuesday night and is now in COVID protocol. The chances of winning the Gold are gone for Coach Vance Kirkwood’s team. Matt Stone and Mark Williams have been playing very well for them. The Falcons need to focus on getting ready for a very tough district looming at Stoney Creek.

Avondale has not been the same team since losing to Seaholm a few weeks ago. I am wondering is where is Jeremy Neal??? Neal has been Coach Pat Clancy’s best player but he has struggled in recent weeks. The Yellow Jackets need more production if they want to make any noise in the postseason.

Royal Oak has really fallen on hard times and that’s a concern going into the postseason. The Ravens have been competitive and have gotten contributions from Colton Champion and Charlie Grobowski but where is Jessie Hoisington??? Hoisington has really struggled but foul trouble has been the other reason as well. Coach Aaron Smith needs to keep Hoisington on the floor if they want to have the chance to win.

Ferndale University has been very competitive as shown in their last few games. They have struggled in their first year in the OAA. Martin Taylor has been very good for the Eagles despite being winless this season. They had a very tough loss to Avondale on Thursday night but questions remain for Ferndale University. The Eagles will be fine going forward but they have a ton of work to do.

Girls

Red

West Bloomfield has the Red all locked up with their two wins over Clarkston but they have not been looking good lately which is raising red flags. Even though they beat Groves on Friday night the loss to Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy and shocking blowout loss to Detroit Edison has me concerned for Coach Bert Mosley’s team. If the Lakers play like they did against Detroit Edison against let’s say Birmingham Marian in the district finals then this team could be going home early. There is a lot to be concerned about with West Bloomfield right now.

Clarkston has played fundamentally sound basketball lately. Maddy Skorupski has had monster games lately but the play of Olivia Toderan has me very impressed. She has been in double figures in the last two games. The Wolves have multiple players that can make an impact including Izzy Hadley, Kierra Tomlie, and Kaitlyn Kaul, among others. Clarkston doesn’t have really any concerns heading into the postseason unlike West Bloomfield but the district is very challenging in Romeo to say the least.

Royal Oak has seemed to turn the corner a bit. They have seemed to found a Robin in Kira Vance which has been a good sign for Coach Brian Sopota. Vance has been filling the score sheet and has played very well in the Robin role. The Ravens have been very inconsistent lately. Sarah Ammon has also had some turns being the Robin to Sarah Soroghan. If Soroghan doesn’t have to carry the load even though she is more than capable of putting a team on her shoulders than that would make the team that more dangerous heading into the postseason.

Groves reminds me of Spiderman when he wore the black suit and gained advanced powers from the suit. I wonder at times with the Falcons if that is the case surrounding this team. Nevedah Otis has really played well along with Jordan Sanders, Kaitlyn Quinn, and Rachel Sample among others but when they play good teams they seem to have trouble. They tend to lose the power of the black suit. Groves is going to see some very good teams which is why Coach AntJuan Simpkins set up a very difficult non league schedule but Groves tends to struggle in big time games. Now they are young but that’s not an excuse especially this late in the season.

Southfield Arts and Tech went back to bad habits again allowing 68 or more points in eight games this season. Kayonia Wills and Jaylen Austin have carried the Warriors but if they want to make any noise in the postseason they need to shore up the defensive side of the basketball because if they don’t then this team and program won’t go anywhere anytime soon.

White

Troy has me seriously concerned especially late in games. The Colts are what you describe is the classic “Scooby Doo Where Are You” type team. The Colts have gotten contributions from Lauren Gumma and Kendall Zeiter but they more players like Alyssa Matuza, Charlotte Sobotka, and Kalen Knight to step up. Troy has been around 500 and is now tied with Stoney Creek for the White. They need to find that next gear and quick especially with the postseason looming.

Stoney Creek is basically the classic “Sonic Three and Knuckles” team. The Cougars have basically used every zone to their advantage and has overcame every obstacle given to earn themselves a chance at the White crown. Sydney and Sarah LaPrarie’s have played great basketball along with Milana Skoric and Mia Carson has basically taken where Lili DiPanni has left off. Coach Kellen James has this team believing and they are clicking at the right time.

Adams has been in COVID protocol most of the week since the Farmington game. The Highlanders have a tough week ahead before the postseason starts in two weeks. Coach Shay Lewis will need to ride the experience of Maddie Dolegina, Elizabeth Blaine, Abbey Drahnak, and Lauren Petersmark. Adams is going to need to get back into form and quick. It’s going to be a challenge going forward.

North Farmington is very young and inexperienced which has shown in the results but the play of Sela Lefler and Heaven Rogers has to please Coach Jeff Simpson. The Raiders are having issues scoring as of late which is not a good sign heading into the postseason. North Farmington if they want to make some noise in the postseason is going to need to find some scoring and the defense has to come through if not then it could be a quick exit from the tournament.

Bloomfield Hills earned their first win for first year coach Kristen Massey by beating Dearborn Heights Robichaud on Friday afternoon in Dearborn. The Blackhawks had several players break out in that game but Emilia Johnson has played really well in the final weeks despite not getting the results they wanted. Bloomfield Hills has had games where they looked good and games they looked bad. This is a classic “Nights into Dreams” team. The future is a deep mystery with this program right now.

Blue

Avondale has really struggled this season despite having Ragein Lawrence, Savannah Schmidt, and Delilah Clark. The play of Lilly Titus has been interesting. She is a good point guard for Coach Roy Christmon. The Yellow Jackets according to sources say they have players coming in next season however questions surround this program.

Troy Athens put up 50 points in a loss to Troy a few weeks ago but they have only scored 34 and 29 this week. That is a serious concern going forward for the Red Hawks. Where is the scoring going to come from??? Coach Stacie Klumpp has Gillian Ciak, Clara Shoales, and Nitya Baltsu but they need someone to step up and score. If they can find offense then they will be fine going forward.

Rochester has really struggled since getting off COVID protocol losing three straight games. I’m wondering where is Jackie Hurst??? Hurst has not been an offensive factor since they came off COVID protocol. Megan Lorenzo has carried the Falcons but they need more than Lorenzo. Hurst is more than capable of having a big game as has Anaya Ranjarian. Coach Bill Thurston has to find a way to get Hurst going because if they can’t get Hurst going then they could be in big trouble this postseason.

Berkley has started to become very dangerous and they are gaining confidence in each game. The Bears have gotten contributions from Ashley Loon, Sammi Winthrow, Ry Sanom, and Ava Beard. That is a good sign for Coach Kurt Carolian and his team. Berkley is peaking at the right time and they will need to be especially with a tough district looming in the postseason.

Oxford has been red hot lately and controls their own destiny in the Blue. They have gotten confidence from Mackenzie Methner and Miranda Wymeniko. They did get some bad news with the season ending shoulder injury to Emma Morris. Wymeniko has really stepped up her game for Coach Rachel Bryer. The Wildcats are gaining a ton of confidence as a group especially with that district looming in Grand Blanc where they have to see Davison, Flint Kearsley, Grand Blanc, and Lapeer.

Lake Orion has gotten hit with the injury bug with ankle injuries to Meghan Marshall and Kylie Heck. The Dragons have gotten contributions from their sophomore class and Katie Van Heck. Coach Bob Brydges has Lake Orion in a good spot. They need to stay healthy and with a young and upcoming team they will be dangerous for years to come.

Gold

Farmington has been in COVID protocol but they have the Gold wrapped up. Autumn Bartlett, Kennedi Jones, Val Pallett, among others are going to need to step up if they want to make some noise in the postseason. The Falcons are more than capable of having a postseason run especially with the schedule they have played. The key will be how they get back into routine and if they do then look out. It will be interesting to see what happens for Coach Laura Guzman and her team going forward.

Seaholm has really fallen on hard times lately. Maggie Leibler had a nice game a few nights ago getting 14 points and 15 rebounds. The Maples need more from Shay Manchester and company. They could be in for a long postseason. Coach Chris Manchester needs to figure things out and quickly.

Ferndale University picked up a monster win over Avondale on the road last Wednesday night. The Eagles are slowly getting adjusted to life in the OAA. Ferndale University needs to keep building especially with a winnable district looming in a few weeks

Oak Park has really played better and a lot of that is Tamara Todd but there are others that are playing well for Coach Peggy Evans Carr. The Knights were very impressive in their stunning 16 point win over Seaholm last Tuesday night. Oak Park will have it tough in their district but if Todd plays well they have a chance but they need to stay away from Detroit Renaissance.

Gary Peters: Americans still need additional support

by Becky Andrus | Mar 16, 2021 | Regional News

Friend –A year into this pandemic, it’s clear that Michiganders and Americans still need additional support to put food on the table, pay their bills and make ends meet. I have heard gut-wrenching personal stories from countless Michiganders – who are trying to keep their heads above water and get through this public health and economic crisis.

That’s why I was proud to help pass — and am so glad that — the American Rescue Plan has been signed into law. This bill will deliver comprehensive, robust relief for Michigan families, workers, small businesses, schools and communities.

Click here to view my recent floor speech on how the American Rescue Plan
will deliver critical relief to Michiganders.

The American Rescue Plan contains significant funding for key priorities to stop the spread of this virus and provide Michiganders with much needed relief, including:

Direct Stimulus Checks: The package includes a new round of direct payments of $1,400 per adult and child to most Americans. This would ensure that a typical family of four would receive an additional $5,600.
Resources to Accelerate Vaccine Distribution: The bill includes $50 billion to help the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) support a national vaccination program. This was something I talked about with President Biden and Vice President Harris directly in the Oval Office, and something I secured as Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Support to Safely Reopen Schools: The package includes $170 billion to help schools reopen safely under the guidance of public health officials.
Unemployment Assistance: The legislation provides an additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits, through September 6, 2021.
Support for Small Businesses: The bill includes $7 billion in support for the Paycheck Protection Program AND $25 billion in grants for restaurants and bars. I also led the charge in securing $10 billion to provide $10 billion for the State Small Business Credit Initiative, including $1.5 billion to support minority-owned businesses. And;
Support for Local Communities: The legislation provides $350 billion in emergency funding for cash-strapped communities across the country to continue essential services and retain critical frontline workers such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs and teachers.

Securing this comprehensive support has been my TOP priority. This package has not only received broad support in Michigan and across the country, but is also one of the most popular pieces of legislation to be signed into law in decades.

While we’ve made important progress, we cannot let up now. The virus doesn’t take a day off – and neither can we. Our state and our country has needed a shot in the arm to overcome this pandemic, and I am confident that this landmark package will provide the resources needed to get us through this crisis.

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan

Additional food assistance extended through March

by Becky Andrus | Mar 16, 2021 | Regional News

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2021

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

Additional food assistance for 350,000 Michigan families in response to COVID-19 extended through March

LANSING, Mich. – Approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during March as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today.

Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance beginning in March 2020 – and now that is being extended for March 2021 with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

“Michigan has been a national leader in making sure families can put food on the table during COVID, and we must continue to ensure that no Michigander goes hungry during this challenging time,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am pleased to work with our federal partners to continue supporting 350,000 families through March.”

Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card March 20 to 30. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.

“MDHHS remains dedicated to helping families afford groceries. We are all in this together as we combat COVID-19,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “I promise we will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of Michiganders who are in need.”

Nearly 1.3 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program.

Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in March to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount. The 350,000 households that receive increased benefits represent close to 50 percent of the more than 707,000 Michigan households that received food assistance in January. The remaining households already receive the maximum benefit.

Below are the maximum allowable benefits for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:

One Person: $234
Two Persons: $430
Three Persons: $616
Four Persons: $782
Five Persons: $929
Six Persons: $1,114
Seven Persons: $1,232
Eight Persons: $1,408

The federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

low-income college students can apply for food assistance

by Becky Andrus | Mar 11, 2021 | Regional News

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2021

MDHHS CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

LEO CONTACT: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731, waltere@michigan.gov

Michigan low-income college students enrolled in career and technical education programs can apply for food assistance

Benefits available to Perkins program enrollees

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan students in college career and technical education programs are reminded they are now eligible to receive food assistance if they meet other eligibility requirements.

The Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are encouraging students to apply for food assistance benefits online at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

LEO and MDHHS developed this new initiative in 2020 to address rising food insecurity among students that has been made worse by COVID-19.

Close to 16,000 low-income college students in Michigan who are enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs are eligible to receive food assistance benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“As many CTE students are back on their campuses, what better time to encourage them to take advantage of critical resources that will support their lives as they prepare for high-demand, critical job openings,” said LEO Acting Director Susan Corbin. “These SNAP benefits will help them focus on their educational needs and prepare for a successful future.”

Previously, college students enrolled in qualifying CTE programs who attended school at least half-time could not qualify for SNAP benefits, even if they met income eligibility requirements, unless they fell into certain categories such as working at least 20 hours per week, caring for a child, or being unable to work.

“MDHHS was already working to help more people put nutritious food on the table prior to the pandemic,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “COVID-19 made this priority even more critical. Due to the pandemic, many students lost their jobs. As a result, they lost their SNAP eligibility through no fault of their own.”

College students in Michigan are eligible for SNAP if they meet income and other program requirements and are enrolled at least half-time in an occupational program that leads to employment under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the Twenty-First Century Act of 2018 known as Perkins V.

Additionally, CTE college students who enroll in SNAP can take advantage of an additional payment provided each month until June, which amounts to an extra 15% to help recipients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Perkins Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Program provides funding to 28 community colleges, three public universities and one tribal college to support pathways to high-wage, high-skilled, and in-demand careers that require less than a bachelor’s degree.

Those institutions offer more than 3,600 qualifying programs, offering a certificate or associate’s degree to careers in fields such as information technology, health care, hospitality and manufacturing. There are nearly 90,000 students enrolled in these programs in Michigan. Some of those students may already be receiving food assistance benefits, while others will become eligible for this new opportunity.

For anyone currently enrolled in a Perkins program with an existing food assistance case who has experienced a loss of income, their MDHHS caseworker will determine Perkins program status to ensure the benefits are correct.
Any Perkins student who wants to apply for food assistance should provide documentation from their school that outlines their major and program or course of study to assist in determining their eligibility for SNAP. Examples could include a proof of registration and a document showing their major, program, or course of study. A caseworker will use that information to determine eligibility.

Students interested in applying for food assistance can go to Michigan.gov/MIBridges. Verification of enrollment in a Perkins program must be provided by the student or may be requested from the postsecondary institution.
Learn more about the Perkins Postsecondary CTE Program at Michigan.gov/LEO-Perkins.

small Businesses Receive $10,000 Boost From ITC Michigan

by Becky Andrus | Mar 11, 2021 | Regional News

Main Street Oakland County Crowdfunding Campaign To Help Small Businesses Hurt By COVID-19 Receives $10,000 Boost From ITC Michigan

Pontiac, Michigan – The Main Street Oakland County crowdfunding campaign to support downtown small businesses struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic has raised more than $300,000 thanks to a recent $10,000 boost from ITC Michigan, based in Novi, Michigan.

The countywide campaign, launched in the early days of the pandemic last year, is the first of its kind in the nation to be sponsored by a Main Street program. The funds were generated from 21 of Main Street Oakland County’s 25 designated communities. The campaign surpassed its original $100,000 goal due to generous contributions from the general public, local governments and corporations, like ITC.

Funds raised were utilized by local downtown management organizations to provide grants for more than 200 small businesses independently owned and operated with 30 employees or less, including retailers and restaurants in the various downtown districts.

“Small businesses are the life blood of our economy and the hope for our future when we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “That’s why it’s been vital to support them throughout this public health crisis in a number of ways, including with the Main Street Oakland County crowdfunding campaign. Thank you to ITC Michigan for their generosity.”

Main Street Oakland County matched dollars raised by each community at $1 for each $1 contributed, up to $4,000. The campaign used the Patronicity platform, and each community set their own fundraising goals and made their case to the public to build their fund.

“ITC Michigan has always taken an active role in the communities we serve,” said Simon Whitelocke, president of ITC Michigan. “During this extraordinary time, there are tremendous humanitarian and economic needs across our home state. We’re proud to support the Main Street Oakland County crowdfunding campaign, which is making a positive impact on the small business community that is so vital to our economy.”

The crowdfunding campaign was one of the many ways Oakland County assisted businesses throughout the pandemic. The Oakland County Executive and the Board of Commissioners allocated over $80 million of the county’s share of CARES Act funding to small businesses. These included:

$32 Million Grant Fund to assist 3,153 retail, restaurants, and other businesses
$14 Million Stabilization Fund for 3,500 small business
$11 Million Michigan Small Business Restart Grant helped nearly 3,000 Oakland County businesses including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.
$10 Million Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Program for about 785 restaurants.
$10 Million Industry 4.0 PPE Resilience Grants Program approved grants for 235 businesses.
$1 Million to 23 companies who shifted production to personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns, and face shields.
15,000 Small Business Reopening Kits which contained PPE.

Plus, the county coordinated the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant which awarded over $6 Million to 1,348 businesses.

The following crowdfunding participating communities, ranging from 600 to 60,000 in population, met or exceeded their funding marks over the course of the two-month campaign: Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Hazel Park, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Lathrup Village, Leonard, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, South Lyon and Wixom.

The crowdfund contributions were used by each community to help their small businesses pay for rent, utilities, wages, inventory, PPE acquisition, and marketing. For example, the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority utilized funding to develop a marketplace for their small businesses where they could obtain difficult to find PPE at no cost. The Wixom Downtown Development Authority provided grants to small businesses that allowed them to keep operating and prevent their permanent closure.

All donations were coordinated through the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester. Questions about the program can be sent to Main Street Oakland County coordinator John Bry at [email protected].

In 2020, public and private investment in Main Street Oakland County totaled almost $36 million and resulted in 24 net new jobs; 36 net new businesses; and contributions of more than 16,308 volunteer hours.

To date, more than $962 million in public and private investments have been made to Main Street Oakland County downtowns, establishing 1,254 net new businesses and generating more than 8,000 jobs. Oakland County is the first and still only county in the United States to operate a full-service, county-wide Main Street program.

economic development grant to create 241 new jobs

by Becky Andrus | Mar 11, 2021 | Regional News, Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2021

Contact: Brian Armstrong, MDOT Office of Economic Development, 517-335-2636

Gov. Whitmer announces transportation economic development grant that will support 241 new jobs in Oakland and Macomb counties

LANSING, Mich – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded a state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grant that will support 241 new jobs in Oakland and Macomb counties, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today. The grant will help fund infrastructure improvements related to Avancez, LLC’s new and expanded manufacturing facility on the site of the former Hazel Park Raceway, an Ashley Capital redevelopment project.

“Every Michigander deserves to drive on our roads safely, without blowing a tire or cracking a windshield. This partnership between Avancez and Ashley Capital moves us toward that goal while creating good jobs for Michigan workers,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I am pleased that we were able to collaborate with these companies and Macomb and Oakland counties to fix these roads. Along with the Rebuilding Michigan plan, this partnership will create jobs for Michiganders and improve our state’s infrastructure. Let’s get it done.”

“Avancez, LLC is thrilled with the partnership of MDOT, Macomb County, and Oakland County on the road improvements required to make the Hazel Park location feasible for our use,” said John Doroshewitz, Avancez’s vice president of Sales. “The funding was a key element of the project, which will be providing hundreds of local people a great place to work.”

Avancez is a subsidiary of Android Industries and is a value-added supplier providing just-in-time services to automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). The company specializes in assembling complex modules for installation in OEM assembly plants throughout North America.

Avancez secured a 10-year contract with General Motors to provide a variety of assembled modules for its upcoming Factory ZERO complex at the site of the former Detroit/Hamtramck plant, also a TEDF grant recipient earlier this year. To meet this increased demand, Avancez acquired additional manufacturing space on the site of the former Hazel Park Raceway, an Ashley Capital redevelopment project called the Tri-County Commerce Center.

Ashley Capital is redeveloping the site of the former Hazel Park Raceway. Avancez will occupy slightly more than half of one of the buildings that Ashley Capital has built. Between the building costs and to prepare it for use by Avancez, the two companies have invested $50,000,000 to support the 241 new jobs that Avancez will create.

This TEDF grant will help support work performed by the Macomb County Department of Roads, including rebuilding Dequindre Road from Oakgrove Street to 10 Mile Road. Planned work also includes widening the road to allow for increased commercial truck traffic and a continuous left-turn lane, upgrades to the existing signal at Woodward Heights Boulevard/Stephens Road, and the addition of a signal at Oakgrove Avenue, which will allow for safer access to the Tri-County Commerce Center.

The total project cost is $2,340,788, with $1,404,473 in Category A funds and $936,315 in matching funds from Ashley Capital.

Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the TEDF helps finance highway, road and street projects that are critical to the movement of people and products, and getting workers to their jobs, materials to growers and manufacturers, and finished goods to consumers.

TEDF “Category A” or “Targeted Industries Program” grants provide state funding for public roadway improvements that allow road agencies to respond quickly to the transportation needs of expanding companies and eliminate inadequate roadways as an obstacle to private investment and job creation. Eligible road agencies include MDOT, county road commissions, cities and villages. More information about the program is available online at www.Michigan.gov/TEDF.

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