Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

by | Apr 25, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the MEDC Executive Committee.

 

“To keep growing our economy and ensure we can compete to lead the future of cars, chips, and clean energy, I am proud to make several appointments to the MEDC Executive Committee that span industry and geography,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have secured more than 37,000 auto jobs, brought the supply chain of electric vehicle batteries and semiconductor chips home, and produced more clean American energy using American workers. With skilled MEDC leadership, we will keep our foot on the accelerator and build a brighter future for Michigan.”

 

The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of Whitmer’s appointees since day one have been women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

 

MEDC Executive Committee

 

April Clobes, of Bath Township, is president and CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. In addition, she is also the CEO of Roseda Group.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in marketing and Master of Arts in advertising and public relations from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. April Clobes is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028.

 

Krista Flynn, of Ada, is the Midwest regional executive for PNC Bank, where she previously served as West Michigan market leader. Prior to joining PNC, Flynn was the West Michigan president for Huntington Bank. Flynn is dedicated to service and currently sits on the Grand Rapids Convention and Arena Authority, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Grand Action 2.0 Executive Committee. Flynn earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Michigan and a Master of Science in finance from Walsh College. Krista Flynn is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028.

 

Fadwa Hammoud, of Dearborn, is an attorney and the Detroit managing member of the Miller Johnson law firm. Prior to private practice, Hammoud served as Chief Deputy Attorney General and, from 2019 to 2022, as Michigan’s Solicitor General. She is a past member of the Dearborn Board of Education, Henry Ford Community College Board of Trustees, and the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs. Hammoud holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communications from the University of Michigan Dearborn and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Fadwa Hammoud is appointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028. Hammoud succeeds Phillip Shaltz, whose term is expired.

 

Bobby J. Hopewell, of Kalamazoo, is currently the president and CEO of Mobile Health Resources (MHR), an entity that supports emergency medical services nationwide, including patient billing services. MHR is also the largest provider of EMS patient experience surveying in the county. Prior to his current position, Hopewell was the longest serving mayor of Kalamazoo, where he focused on comprehensive community development, public safety services, accountability, equality, innovation and efforts to prepare young people for the world. In addition to his work as mayor, Hopewell served as the administrative director of Borgess Health Park in Battle Creek and hospitality services director at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Before joining Borgess, Hopewell served as the community relations manager for Bronson Healthcare—and before Bronson, as operations manager at Life EMS Ambulance.  Hopewell has served as chair of the Michigan Urban Core Mayors Association and as a board member for the Michigan Municipal League and Pretty Lake Camp. Bobby Hopewell is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028.

 

Thomas Lutz, of White Lake, is the executive secretary treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC), one of the largest skilled trades unions in Michigan, representing more than 14,000 carpenters, millwrights, and floorlayers throughout the state. Since joining the MRCC 34 years ago, Lutz has worked as a business agent, apprenticeship instructor, marketing director and recently served as president of the organization. He has also served on a variety of boards and commissions, including the Michigan Manufactured Housing Commission, the Michigan Works Workforce Development Board, and the Oakland County Construction Labor Advisory Board. Lutz earned an associate degree from Schoolcraft College and has obtained numerous professional certifications. Thomas Lutz is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028.

 

Sheldon Neeley, of Flint, is the current mayor of Flint and a lifelong resident. Mayor Neeley spent much of his professional career working as a broadcast engineer for WJRT-12 in Flint and, until 2020, was the local union president for the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-Communications Workers of America. He was elected to the Flint City Council for the first time in 2005, and later served in the Michigan House of Representatives, before being elected mayor in 2019. While in the House, Neeley served as chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. Neeley earned an associate degree from Delta Community College and attended Saginaw Valley State University. Sheldon Neeley is reappointed to represent public entities for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028.

 

Anthony Tomczak, of Commerce, is the vice president of electric sales and marketing for DTE Energy. Previously, Tomczak served as vice president of corporate services and chief procurement officer where he was responsible for strategic management of the company’s procurement, supplier performance management, warehousing, fleet, facilities and real estate organizations. He is a member of numerous boards and commissions across the state and nation cocused in economic growth, energy, and conservation. Tomczak earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Purdue University, and a Master of Science in industrial operations from Lawrence Technological University. Anthony Tomczak is reappointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028.

 

Bob Sutherland, of Maple City, is the President and Owner of Cherry Republic, a retail line of more than 200 cherry-based products growing out of a love for Northern Michigan. Sutherland is also the former board president of the Michigan Land Use Institute, a founding member of the Great Lakes Business Network, and a former Leelanau County Commissioner. Sutherland is also a board member of the Michigan League of Conversation Voters. Sutherland earned a Bachelor of Arts in education, speech, and English from Northern Michigan University. Bob Sutherland is appointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028. Bob Sutherland succeeds Fay Beydoun, whose term is expired.

 

Carla Walker-Miller, of Detroit, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Walker-Miller Energy Services, the state’s first company owned by a Black woman to obtain a B Corporation Certification. Walker-Miller is a champion for equity and the promotion of a clean energy ecosystem. In addition to running her company, she serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Mayor of Detroit’s Workforce Development committee, and the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council.  She is also the Executive Committee Chair for the Detroit Means Business Coalition and a trustee for the Hudson-Webber Foundation. Walker-Miller received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tennessee State University.  Walker-Miller is appointed to represent business for a term commencing April 25, 2024, and expiring April 5, 2028. Carla Walker-Miller succeeds Ryan Waddington, whose term is expired.

 

The MEDC Executive Committee provides policy direction and guidance to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation regarding economic development program and initiatives, approves the MEDC corporate budget, and appoints the chief executive officer who administers all programs, funds, personnel, and all other administrative transactions of the MEDC. The MEDC Executive Committee supports the MEDC through governance, support to enable results-based action, and advocacy for the organization and economic development in Michigan.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Phishing and Smishing and Skimming and Shimming

Phishing and Smishing and Skimming and Shimming

by | Apr 25, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 25, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Phishing and Smishing and Skimming and Shimming: AG Nessel Encourages Public to Watch Out for Common Scams During NFL Draft

LANSING – As the NFL Draft gets ready to electrify fans across Detroit, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging consumers to be on guard against scammers targeting their excitement.

“Hosting an event of this stature is exciting for the city of Detroit, Detroit businesses, football fans, and the State at large,” Nessel said. “Sadly, these large-scale events are also a breeding ground for scams, and bad actors will likely try just about anything to scam you out of your hard-earned money.”

Scammers may employ various tactics to steal personal information and financial data. Phishing emails and smishing texts, for example, may appear to be from legitimate sources like the NFL, containing links that lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive information.

If consumers receive a suspicious email or text, they should:

  • Not download any attachments in the message. Attachments may contain malware such as viruses, worms, or spyware.
  • Not click links that appear in the message. Links in phishing messages direct consumers to fraudulent websites.
  • Not reply to the sender. Ignore any requests from the sender and do not call any phone numbers provided in the message.
  • Report it. Forward suspected phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group. Consumers who receive a smishing text message should forward it to SPAM (7726), then report the smishing attack to the FTC.

If consumers receive a suspicious phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt, they are advised to:

  • Hang up or end the call. Be aware that area codes can be misleading. If their caller ID displays a local area code, this does not guarantee that the caller is local.
  • Not respond to the caller’s requests. Legitimate companies will never call consumers to request personal information. Never give personal information to the incoming caller.

The Attorney General also advises attendees to be on the lookout for those attempting to steal their credit card information through ATMs by skimming and shimming.

Consumers can avoid becoming a victim by:

  • Using cash whenever possible.
  • Examining their bank/credit card statements often and looking for any unauthorized charges.
  • Trying not to use stand-alone ATMs like those found in convenience stores. These machines are not as well-maintained or secure as bank ATMs.
  • Covering the PIN pad with their hands as they type in their PIN. This may not prevent their card data from being collected and used at point-of-sale terminals, but it may prevent criminals from emptying their bank accounts since they do not have their PINs.

Victims of credit card fraud should contact their local police department and then they can contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team, which can be reached at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
AG Urges Trafficking Awareness During NFL Draft

AG Urges Trafficking Awareness During NFL Draft

by | Apr 24, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 24, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Urges Human Trafficking Awareness During NFL Draft

LANSING – With the NFL Draft expecting to bring hundreds of thousands of football fans to Detroit later this week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants residents to be familiar with the signs of human trafficking, a crime that often preys on large gatherings.

“The NFL Draft will bring a lot of energy and excitement to Detroit, but it can also attract those wishing to exploit others,” Nessel said. “By being informed and aware of the signs of human trafficking, we can all play a major role in protecting those most vulnerable to falling victim.”

Human trafficking victims may:

  • Exhibit signs of abuse, including bruises, cuts, burns, scars, or lack of health care or proper nourishment,
  • Not be in control of their own money, or identifying documents, such as a driver’s license or passport,
  • Avoid eye contact with others, and appear fearful of the person they’re with,
  • Not be allowed to communicate on their own behalf or have their communication restricted. Another person may answer all questions on their behalf, or
  • Not admit they are victims or ask for help.

The Attorney General’s website includes additional tips for health care professionals (PDF), first responders (PDF), and hospitality workers (PDF) – who all have a greater chance of encountering a victim of trafficking directly.

Victims of human trafficking or those who have identified someone they think may need help can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text 233733. This is a national, toll-free hotline, that is available to answer calls, texts, and chats from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. All calls are confidential.

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Be Aware of Parking Scams During NFL Draft

Be Aware of Parking Scams During NFL Draft

by | Apr 24, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 23, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Advises Attendees to Be Aware of Parking Scams During NFL Draft

LANSING – As Detroit prepares to host its first-ever NFL Draft April 25-27, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warns residents about parking scams targeting attendees.

“Hosting the Draft is a major win for Detroit and Michigan, but this exciting event comes with the potential risk of parking scams,” Nessel said. “By following some simple tips, you can avoid falling victim to deceptive parking practices and ensure your car stays safe during the event.”

The city of Detroit has announced many street closures throughout downtown to accommodate the many associated events. Eager visitors arriving by car often park in privately owned lots, but sometimes scammers take advantage of these events to sell parking spaces for lots they don’t have authority over – which could lead to cars being ticketed, towed, or even worse, stolen.

Nessel encourages residents to ask for a receipt or parking ticket upon payment, to never give their keys to the attendant unless there are posted valet signs, and they’ve confirmed ahead of time with the location that the valet service is one they offer.

Another scam involves bad actors issuing fake parking tickets. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that technology makes it easy for bad actors to create authentic appearing parking tickets. The fake ticket will ask consumers to pay online or use a QR code.  Nessel reminds residents to visit that municipality’s website directly or to call the court and verify the existence of the ticket before following the web or QR code directions.

 The BBB offers the following advice to avoid falling for this scam:

  • Know before you park. Before visiting a new place, research available parking and local parking requirements. Tourists with out-of-state plates are often the preferred target for parking scams because they are likely unfamiliar with local parking laws.
  • Examine the citation carefully. Scammers can imitate logos and city office names, but an imitation website is usually where the scam comes to light. Do an internet search for the city’s official parking ticket websites and compare what’s found to what is on the ticket. Keep in mind that government sites should end in a .gov or .ca (in Canada) designation, and if there is a payment page, it should always have a secure connection.
  • Double-check the name checks should be made out to. If the ticket allows for payment by check, take a closer look at the entity and address to which you are instructed to mail the check. Checks should generally be made out to a specific government organization, not a string of initials or personal names.
  • Pay traffic citations by credit card when possible. It will be easier to contest fraudulent charges if consumers discover they’ve been scammed down the road.

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

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

 
Oakland County Planting Nearly 500 Trees

Oakland County Planting Nearly 500 Trees

by | Apr 18, 2024 | Regional News

Oakland County Planting Nearly 500 Trees on Government Campus While Reducing Fleet Fuel Consumption as Earth Day Approaches

Post Date:04/18/2024 1:43 PM
  • These trees have the potential to absorb 12 tons of carbon dioxide a year from the atmosphere.
  • The county’s reduction in fuel consumption averted the release of 2.46 million pounds of carbon dioxide which is nearly equal to the amount of carbon dioxide released globally every second.
  • Oakland County’s strategic sustainability goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is taking strides toward a greener, more sustainable government campus with the planting of about 500 trees this spring. When these trees mature, on average, each will remove 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year from the atmosphere, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s the potential to absorb nearly 12 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

In addition, the county successfully decreased its fleet fuel consumption by an impressive 123,000 gallons in 2023. The fuel savings averted the release of 2.46 million pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In comparison, the world released 2.57 million pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every second in 2023, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website.

“These initiatives underscore our continued commitment of sustainable practices – Earth Day is every day in the county,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “By planting trees and reducing fleet fuel consumption, we are taking proactive steps to protect our environment and build a more resilient future.”

Oakland County’s strategic sustainability goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050, with an interim target of cutting its greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035.

“Each action we take impacts our environment – big and small,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell. “It is our goal to make aggressive changes to reduce our emissions, while also creating a more accessible, safe, and enjoyable Oakland County campus.”

This ambitious tree planting initiative, which began April 8, will see a mix of native evergreen, deciduous shade, and flowering trees all over the main campus and at the South Oakland Office Building and South Oakland Health Center. It not only enhances the beauty of the campus but also plays a vital role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and fostering biodiversity within the community. The goal is to plant 2,027 trees on the government campus by 2027.

“There are several benefits to planting these trees such as air purification, oxygen generation, and reduction of the heat island effect,” said Mark Baldwin, chief of landscape services for Oakland County. “The biggest benefit I see is that people like trees and it makes them happier when they see more trees.”

The county purchased the trees, which are seven to 15 years old, from suppliers in both the Upper and Lower peninsulas. Oakland County Facilities, Maintenance & Operations grounds crews are planting them using current International Society of Arboriculture guidelines to help the roots grow outward from the root ball instead of in a circular fashion which results in roots girdling the trunk.

The other way Oakland County is building a sustainable campus is by reducing its fleet fuel consumption, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Its fleet of more than 900 vehicles is responsible for 15% of the county’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The county has adopted several measures to cut fuel use. These include adding electric and hybrid vehicles, with 10 EVs and three hybrids already in use. The county also replaces vehicles every five years, well below the 14-year average for private vehicles, thereby acquiring vehicles that are more fuel-efficient more often. Moreover, frequent wheel alignments, as part of a rigorous maintenance program at the county’s Central Garage, are saving around two percent in fuel consumption. These efforts are not only reducing emissions but also saving costs and promoting environmental sustainability.

Oakland County’s buildings, which cover nearly 2 million square feet, account for 76% of the county’s greenhouse gas emissions. In a partnership between the Oakland County Facilities Management Department and the Office of Sustainability, the team is working towards building decarbonization, energy efficiency, and future building electrification.

Oakland County’s strategic goal of sustainability will continue to explore and implement innovative solutions to address environmental challenges and promote a healthier, more sustainable future. For more information about Oakland County’s sustainability initiatives, click on oakgov.com/sustainability.

SMART Route 492 Connecting Residents to Employment

SMART Route 492 Connecting Residents to Employment

by | Apr 18, 2024 | Regional News

SMART Route 492 Connecting Residents and Visitors to Key Employment and Educational Centers

Post Date:04/18/2024 9:09 AM
  • SMART Route 492 launches Monday, April 22 connecting riders from the State Fair Transit Center all the way up to the Oakland University area.
  • Residents and visitors alike will have enhanced access to key destinations and employment centers across Oakland County.
  • Route service hours will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. For more information, visit smartmovesus.org.

April 18, 2024, Pontiac, Mich. ­– Oakland County transit options continue to expand with the launch of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation’s (SMART) Route 492, which will enable commuters to travel seamlessly from the State Fair Transit Center in Detroit, through bustling business districts in Troy and Rochester, to the educational hub surrounding Oakland University.

Voters who overwhelmingly approved Oakland County’s transportation millage in 2022 made this new fixed route possible.

“This new route is another step toward providing convenient and reliable transportation options for our residents,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “I’m thrilled to broaden access to educational and employment opportunities in all corners of the county and promote economic growth for our people and businesses.”

Route 492, which begins service Monday, will connect riders from the State Fair Transit Center in Detroit through Ferndale, Royal Oak, Clawson, Troy, and Rochester, all the way to Walton Boulevard across from Oakland University in Auburn Hills.

Residents and visitors alike will have enhanced access to key destinations and employment centers across Oakland County, such as educational, health and entertainment locations, as well as shopping and grocery stores. They include the Royal Oak Music Theater, Hampton Village Plaza, Downtown Rochester, Ascension Hospital, Troy Continuing Education, Rochester High School, Sylvan Glen Park, Meadowbrook Amphitheater and Nino Salvaggio.

“As we look forward to the launch of Route 492, we anticipate a positive ripple effect on the local economy,” SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell said. “Businesses in Auburn Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, and Ferndale stand to gain from increased foot traffic and new consumers who will now have convenient access to their establishments—with no parking required. This route represents not just a means of transportation but also a catalyst for economic growth and community prosperity.”

Route service hours will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. For more information about Route 492 and SMART’s services, visit smartmovesus.org or call 866-962-5515.