$400 Billion in U.S. Defense Technology Opportunities

$400 Billion in U.S. Defense Technology Opportunities

Oakland County and Michigan Partner to Help Businesses Access $400 Billion in U.S. Defense Technology Opportunities

Post Date:11/12/2024 1:31 PM
  • Space is still available to register for this Thursday event in Troy. Learn how the Department of Defense and Homeland Security identify, acquire and implement technology solutions.
  • Connect with industry leaders, government officials and defense experts to expand your network and business opportunities.
  • Gain insights into breaking into the $400 billion U.S. defense technology market from top defense and industry partners.

Troy, Mich. – There is still time for technology innovators to register for the Defense Innovate and Integrate (Di2) Summit on Thursday, Nov. 14. This event aims to guide technology-driven businesses in navigating the $400 billion U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) market, offering insight into how the Armed Services and Homeland Security find, acquire and integrate new technologies.

The summit, which takes place at the Michigan State University Management Education Center in Troy, provides attendees with a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, government officials and defense experts. All technology innovators in advanced manufacturing, defense, engineering, IT, mobility, robotics and R&D industries are welcome to attend.

“Oakland County is committed to opening doors for our technology businesses to explore new markets, and the Di2 Summit is an excellent opportunity for them to connect with the Department of Defense,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This event will help our businesses understand how they can contribute to national security while driving economic growth right here at home.”

The program begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and concludes with a reception at 4:30 p.m. The event fee is $150 for Oakland County firms and $200 for non-Oakland County companies. Click here for the full schedule and to register. Contact [email protected] for more information.

This event is hosted by Oakland County Economic Development and the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, with additional support from the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute, ERDCWERX, and Oakland Thrive, which organizes the summit.

“Oakland Thrive is transforming communities throughout Oakland County by providing free, high-level consulting expertise to the small business owners in communities that would otherwise not have access to that kind of help,” said Oakland Thrive CEO Vicki Selva. “We are pleased to offer this opportunity to technology businesses throughout Oakland County and beyond.”

Volleyball Regional Preview

Volleyball Regional Preview

Volleyball Regional Preview.

Written Saturday November 9th at 8:50 AM

Region Seven @ West Bloomfield

CLARKSTON vs Birmingham Marian

South Lyon vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

REGIONAL THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting regional. Clarkston is coming off a three game sweep of Lake Orion in the district finals but the Wolves are going to have it tough against a proven powerhouse in Birmingham Marian. The Mustangs had no troubles with North Farmington in the district finals. The other side has Orchard Lake St. Marys who had to survive a tough district beating Bloomfield Hills in a five set thriller and South Lyon who has been really impressive which included a five set win over Lakeland in the district finals. This should be a really interesting regional of current and new State powers in this regional.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: Birmingham Marian: To take a Ric Flair quote, “if you want to be the man, you got to beat the man.” The Mustangs are the team to beat and will do so over Clarkston and Orchard Lake St. Marys.

Region 14 @ Dearborn Divine Child

FERNDALE vs Detroit Edison

Dearborn Divine Child vs Detroit Cesar Chavez

REGIONAL THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting regional. The Falcons are in and are hosting the regional. They will have a really interesting matchup with Detroit Cesar Chavez who won over Dearborn Henry Ford in the district finals in the semifinals. The Eagles had a hard fought win over Ferndale University in the district finals. They will have a really tough matchup with Detroit Edison in the regional semifinals. It should be a really interesting regional.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: Dearborn Divine Child: When in doubt go with the home team, I have the Falcons moving onto the State Quarterfinals.

List of transportation agencies offering rides to polls on Election Day

List of transportation agencies offering rides to polls on Election Day

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 29, 2024Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

Secretary Benson shares a list of transportation agencies offering free and discounted rides to the polls on Election Day

LANSING, Mich. – With less than a week before the Nov. 5 General Election, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson advised voters to make their travel arrangements for casting a ballot at the polls or an early voting site. She shared a list produced by MichiganVoting.org of nonpartisan organizations and companies that are offering free-of-charge and discounted rides to the polls and early voting sites.

 

“It’s important that transportation not stand in the way of any eligible Michigan citizen and their access to the ballot box,” Secretary Benson said. “I’m glad lawmakers worked to lift the ban on providing rides to voting locations and grateful to the organizations who have stepped up to provide transportation for citizens who need it to vote. These services will be essential for many, especially older citizens and voters with disabilities, to ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard in this election.”

 

Multiple transportation agencies across the state are offering transportation to help voters get to the polls. Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is offering systemwide free rides now through Nov. 5 for riders registering to vote, those participating in early voting, and those taking their ballot to a drop box or polling site. Riders simply need to inform the bus driver upon boarding of their intent to participate in voter-related activities.

 

“The Capital Area Transportation Authority has provided free rides on Election Day since 1988, and we’ve worked hard to build on that legacy in recent years,” said CATA Board Chair Nathan Triplett. “After voters approved Proposal 2 in 2022, establishing their constitutional right to cast an early vote in every statewide and federal election, the value of public transportation to promote greater voter participation, and improve equity and access to the ballot box for all eligible voters, became more significant than ever before. Our core competency — to provide safe and reliable transportation to the public — is especially important to those who do not have or cannot afford transportation. Transportation should never be a barrier to participate in democracy.”

 

Ride-sharing company Lyft is offering a 50% off one ride to or from the polls on Election Day with the discount code VOTE24. In addition, the Detroit Bus Company (DBC) will be utilizing its own busses, as well as volunteers and their respective personal vehicles, to offer residents in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck free rides to the polls. To request a ride with DBC, visit this website. For a complete list of rides to the polls, visit MichiganVoting.org.

 

“Voting is one of the most essential acts we can do as citizens,” said DBC Owner Andy Didorosi. “We will have also done our duty as a local transportation organization if we can help even a handful of Detroiters of any creed make the journey on voting day who otherwise wouldn’t be able to do so. That’s a win in my book.”

 

Paid transportation to the polls is made possible due to the passage of voting rights bill HB 4568, which lifted the ban on hiring transportation for rides to the polls. Secretary Benson issued a statement following the Senate’s passage of the measure in October 2023.

 

Eligible residents who still need to register to vote in the General Election must now do so in person. Under Michigan law, online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election. Those registering in person may request, complete, and submit an absentee ballot in the same visit to their clerk’s office.

 

Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for more information about elections and voting.

 

Volleyball Regional Preview

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview.

Written Sunday October 27th at 11:22 AM

Here is the insight of the Boys Soccer preview for the State Semifinals. Could we get an all OAA Red final between Adams and Oxford, it’s possible but they have some challenges so here they are with both games on Wednesday October 30th at 7 PM.

OXFORD vs Byron Center @ East Lansing

 

PREVIEW: The Wildcats have been through a lot this postseason which included wins over Clarkston, Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, and Novi Detroit Catholic Central with their games against the Dragons and Shamrocks going to penalties. Byron Center has been really good all season long. They needed to beat Grand Haven in penalties and had 1-0 wins over Portage Central and East Kentwood. This should be a really good game as both teams aren’t too familiar with each other, there is no common opponents between the two clubs.

 

 

ADAMS vs Saline @ Troy Athens

 

PREVIEW: This should be a really interesting matchup between the Highlanders and the Hornets. Adams has played a really tough schedule and has wins over Troy and Utica Eisenhower in the postseason. Saline has been dominant this postseason but had to survive Ann Arbor Skyline where they won 3-2 in the district finals. These two have one common opponent in Clarkston. The Highlanders beat the Wolves 3-0 while the Hornets lost 2-1 to the Wolves in the Balconi tournament. This should be a really interesting matchup between these two teams in Troy.

Volleyball Regional Preview

Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

Written Sunday October 27th at 11:10 AM

These are the updated volleyball districts.

This article will be updated often with the most updated information

District 23 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy

 

OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford

OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs Detroit Renaissance

 

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

DARKHORSE: Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Farmington Hills Mercy has a ton of proven talent and is well coached under Loretta Vogel. The Marlins always have found a way to reload really quickly despite losing proven talent to college and they have a Miss Volleyball finalist in Campbell Flynn. Detroit Renaissance has athletes and could be competitive. Farmington should be much improved for new coach Dan Englehardt. Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down for new coach Rachel Watson. Oak Park could struggle this season for Coach Dameminee Goodlow. Overall this doesn’t look as strong as mentioned on paper, this looks like this is the Marlins district to lose.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I really don’t see anyone in this district touching Farmington Hills Mercy. They have home court, well coached, and proven talented college bound athletes.

 

District 25 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

WEST BLOOMFIELD/Walled Lake Northern vs South Lyon

Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Western

Walled Lake Central/Walled Lake Western vs Lakeland

 

FAVORITE: South Lyon

NEXT: Lakeland

DARKHORSE:Walled Lake Central

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with a ton of proven teams. West Bloomfield will be an honorary member of the Lakes Valley Conference as they head into White Lake. The Lakers have a solid team for new Coach Elizabeth Ferguson. Walled Lake Northern has been solid along with Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western. South Lyon has been up and coming. Lakeland has been a standard bearer and has home court. This could be a very interesting district as mentioned.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I’m really impressed with South Lyon with the way they have been playing all season. I think they have a good chance to win this district. I’ve been very disappointed with West Bloomfield. This will be a really tall task for the Lakers in this district. I see a Lions vs Eagles district final in White Lake.

 

District 26 @ Holly

OXFORD vs Waterford Mott

OXFORD/Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

Holly vs Waterford Kettering

Holly/Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Oxford

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district. Clarkston and Lake Orion really stand out in this district. The Wolves were in the Final Four the last two years. They are also well coached under Coach Alison Smith. The Dragons are well coached and have a nice group of young and experience under Coach Tony Scavarda. Oxford has been up and down as of late but they are well coached under Coach Noelle Zebb. Holly has been a consistent power in the Flint Metro League, they are well coached under Coach Cortney Stack. Waterford Kettering has had some really rough years but have improved under Coach Savannah Hewett. Waterford Mott really struggled last season. The Corsairs should have a rebound year for Coach Beth MacVicar. Overall this looks like it should be a very interesting district especially with two proven State powers in this district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This district looks like it will be Clarkston vs Lake Orion in the district finals. The Wolves won in four over the Dragons. Lake Orion has been really hard to trust as of late. Got to give the edge to Clarkston in this district.

 

District 27 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER vs STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER/STONEY CREEK vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

AVONDALE vs ADAMS

AVONDALE/ADAMS vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills

DARKHORSE: Adams

EARLY THOUGHTS: This district is what in soccer terms is considered the “group of death.” These six teams are really proven programs. Orchard Lake St. Marys is well coached under Coach Molly Campbell. Adams has a new coach in Nancy McKowen taking over the program and her track record has been very successful. Stoney Creek has had a ton of success under Coach Ross Talbott. Rochester has been rapidly improving under Coach Kirk Gibbs. Bloomfield Hills has really improved under Coach Jacob Paige. Avondale has been up and down under Coach Andrew Stepp. This should be a really interesting district, whoever gets hot at the right time should win this very competitive district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This really hasn’t changed when it comes to the group of death in soccer terms. Orchard Lake St. Marys is the favorite with Bloomfield Hills right there in the mix. Adams is the wildcard after they have been a funk as of late. Rochester and Stoney Creek are both solid teams but they both have tough roads if they want to make noise. This will be a battle harden district.

 

District 28 @ Berkley

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK

GROVES/ROYAL OAK vs Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM vs BERKLEY

SEAHOLM/BERKLEY vs NORTH FARMINGTON

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Groves

DARKHORSE: Berkley

EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Marian have been the defending Division One State Champs the last two years. They have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Berkley has been very competitive and will be again under Coach Dakota Stainchuk. Royal Oak has been very competitive and should be again for Coach Ciara Schultz. North Farmington will always be in the mix for Coach Michael Love. Seaholm will always be formidable but they need to find it under Coach Derrick Williams. Groves has been up and coming under Coach Madison Close. Overall this district looks weak on paper but it will be very interesting to see how this district goes on Catalpa Drive.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: North Farmington has been up and down this season. It has been a surprise that both Birmingham schools have struggled. Berkley is the wildcard with home field but seriously I don’t see how any of the OAA teams can beat Birmingham Marian in this district. The Mustangs are loaded with proven talent and well coached.

 

District 31 @ Utica Eisenhower

TROY vs Utica Ford II

TROY/Utica Ford II vs Utica Eisenhower

Sterling Heights Stevenson vs Utica

Sterling Heights Stevenson/Utica vs TROY ATHENS

 

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower

NEXT: Troy

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping to be a really interesting district that is wide open. Troy Athens has been very proven under Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Troy has been very good and really consistent for Coach Tom Vigilant. Utica Eisenhower is well coached and has proven experience for Coach Caitlin Mahoney. Utica Ford II is well coached under Coach Randy Schantz. Utica has been very consistent under Coach Jeff Pratt. Overall the Eagles have to be the favorite because of home court but the Colts have been here before.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: It has been a very interesting season. The Colts have underperformed this season which is surprising. The Red Hawks have had a strong season but having home court helps Utica Eisenhower in this district. I think the Eagles move on.

 

District 54 @ Detroit Henry Ford

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Henry Ford vs Detroit Old Redford

Detroit Henry Ford/Detroit Old Redford vs FERNDALE

 

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Detroit Lincoln King Academy

DARKHORSE: Ferndale University

EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district especially if the district final is between Ferndale and Ferndale University which could happen. I’m not sold on the four Detroit teams, they could really struggle and they won’t play the competition as both Eagles teams are going to be. Ferndale University is well coached under Coach Kenton Maki while Ferndale has a new coach in Andrea Phillips taking over the program where they always have athletes. This should be a very interesting district to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I was really impressed with Detroit Lincoln King Academy. The Eagles have performed well this season. Ferndale University could give them some fits in the district semifinals. I like where Ferndale is at. They could make some noise and I’ve favored them since June. This should be a very interesting district in Detroit.

 

District 57 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe vs St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe/St. Clair Shores South Lake vs HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs Warren Lincoln

FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

NEXT: Harper Woods

DARKHORSE: St. Clair Shores South Lake

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. St. Clair Shores South Lake has been very strong in volleyball but Harper Woods could have a say. The Pioneers are well coached under Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. Eastpointe has had some struggles along with Harper Woods Chandler Park. Warren Lincoln is the wildcard, the Abes could make some noise in this district. Overall this is not a strong district but the Cavaliers and Pioneers look to be the teams to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I could have thought more about this district over but Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy has impressed me. Harper Woods has had a solid season as well but they could have some trouble with the hosts from St. Clair Shores South Lake. Whoever wins that matchup should have an interesting matchup with Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy.

 

District 59 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

PONTIAC/Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

 

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Waterford Oakdale Prep

 

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DARKHORSE: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a really interesting district. Pontiac came to Division Two this offseason and is looking for a new coach. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is determined to get to Battle Creek for Coach and Athletic Director Becky Wroubel. Birmingham Detroit Country Day was up and down last season but they have been a powerhouse in the past for Coach Kim Lockhart. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back district for Coach Rachel Zawodny. Waterford Oakdale Prep is a new school and a lot of questions remain for them heading into the season. Overall this should be a two team district but you never know.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: Like I said no changes from the early thoughts other than most likely seeing a Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day district final which should be a very interesting distict final.

My podcast-Volleyball districts are the third segment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W5E9XcbKf0

 

MHSAA Volleyball districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2024-Districts

Volleyball Regional Preview

The Sammy Postseason Projections

The Sammy Postseason Projections.

Written Saturday October 26th at 3:35 PM

Updated Sunday October 27th at 8:50 AM

These are the updated postseason projections. These AREN’T the official postseason projections. I’m sure Snooze2You and GoosePoop will have different projections than me. I based them on where each team is located based on postseason points with the recent MHSAA playoff point summary from Division’s One through Four.

This will be updated very often. So here we go.

Division Four

Sammy 1.

Ludington at Big Rapids

Whitehall at Forest Hills Eastern

 

Hamilton at Unity Christian

Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian

Lansing Sexton at Portland

Ionia at Hastings

Edwardsburg at Battle Creek Harper Creek

Paw Paw at Niles

Brandon at Goodrich

Lake Fenton at Freeland

Croswell-Lexington at Marysville

St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North

Pinckney at Chelsea

Parma Western at Haslett

Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere

HARPER WOODS at Redford Union

 

Sammy 2.

Ludington at Big Rapids

Whitehall at Freeland

Hamilton at Unity Christian

Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian

Lansing Sexton at Portland

Ionia at Forest Hills Eastern

Edwardsburg at Niles

Hastings at Paw Paw

Brandon at Goodrich

Lake Fenton at Haslett

Croswell-Lexington at Marysville

St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North

Pinckney at Chelsea

Parma Western at Battle Creek Harper Creek

Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere

HARPER WOODS at Redford Union

Division Three

Sammy 1.

Cadillac at Petoskey

Coopersville at Cedar Springs

 

Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph

Zeeland East at Zeeland West

East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central

Kenowa Hills at Lowell

Jackson at DeWitt

St. Johns at Mason

Bay City John Glenn at Fenton

Linden at Mount Pleasent

Garden City at Walled Lake Western

Redford Thurston at AVONDALE

 

Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King

Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron

River Rouge at Southgate

Riverview at Trenton

 

Sammy 2.(Snooze Map)

Bay City John Glenn at Petoskey

Cadillac at Mount Pleasant

St. Johns at DeWitt

Cedar Springs at Lowell

East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central

Kenowa Hills at Coopersville

Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph

Zeeland East at Zeeland West

Jackson at Mason

Linden at Fenton

 

Garden City at Walled Lake Western

Redford Thurston at AVONDALE

 

Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King

Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron

River Rouge at Southgate

Riverview at Trenton

 

 

Division Two

Sammy 1.

Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores

Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center

Portage Northern at Portage Central

Lansing Everett at Mattawan

Flushing at Midland

Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage

Lakeland at Dexter

Milford at East Lansing

South Lyon East at NORTH FARMINGTON

Orchard Lake St. Marys at FARMINGTON

FERNDALE at GROVES

Warren Mott at SEAHOLM

Roseville at Grosse Pointe South

Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern

Temperance Bedford at Gibraltar Carlson

Livonia Franklin at Allen Park

 

Sammy 2.

Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores

Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center

Portage Northern at Portage Central

Lansing Everett at Mattawan

Flushing at Midland

Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage

 

South Lyon East at East Lansing

Lakeland at Milford

 

Temperance Bedford at Dexter

Allen Park at Gilbratar Carlson

 

Orchard Lake St. Marys at NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON at Livonia Franklin

 

FERNDALE at GROVES

Warren Mott at SEAHOLM

Roseville at Grosse Pointe South

Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern

 

 

Division One

Sammy 1.

Kalamazoo Central at Hudsonville

East Kentwood at Grandville

Grand Ledge at Howell

Rockford at Brighton

Lapeer at Grand Blanc

CLARKSTON at Davison

STONEY CREEK at ADAMS

OXFORD at LAKE ORION

Utica at Macomb Dakota

Romeo at Utica Eisenhower

Sterling Heights Stevenson at Detroit Cass Tech

Dearborn at Dearborn Fordson

Livonia Stevenson at Novi Detroit Catholic Central

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi

Ann Arbor Pioneer at Belleville

Saline at Northville

 

Sammy 2.

East Kentwood at Hudsonville

Grandville at Rockford

 

Kalamazoo Central at Howell

Grand Ledge at Brighton

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Novi at CLARKSTON

Livonia Stevenson at Northville

Ann Arbor Pioneer at Saline

Lapeer at Grand Blanc

OXFORD at Davison

STONEY CREEK at ADAMS

Romeo at LAKE ORION

Utica at Macomb Dakota

Sterling Heights Stevenson at Utica Eisenhower

Dearborn at Belleville

Dearborn Fordson at Detroit Cass Tech