by Becky Andrus | Aug 23, 2021 | Uncategorized
Governor Whitmer Proposes $2.1 Billion Investment to Grow the Middle Class, Support Small Businesses, and Invest in Communities
Governor lays out proposals to continue Michigan’s ongoing economic jumpstart by utilizing historic influx of federal resources to make critical, long-term investments in families, communities, small businesses.
LANSING, Mich. — Today, joined by business leaders and public officials in Lansing, Governor Gretchen Whitmer laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities by tackling several underlying issues. As Michigan’s economic jumpstart continues, Governor Whitmer’s proposals will tackle underlying issues faced by families, communities, and small businesses and take advantage of the historic influx in federal resources to deliver meaningful change that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
“Since day one, I have been laser-focused on putting Michiganders first and tackling kitchen-table issues with real, tangible solutions.” said Governor Whitmer. “As we emerge from the once-in-a-century pandemic, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use billions in federal resources to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in our communities. With the $2.1 billion in proposals I have laid out, we can raise wages, give people paths to high-skill jobs, grow start-ups, build clean energy infrastructure, and do so much more. I’m utilizing every resource and ensuring that we continue to take bold action to help families, communities and small businesses thrive. Together, we can usher in new era of prosperity for Michigan.”
Michigan’s economic jumpstart is underway. The state had the fastest growing economy in the Midwest over the first three months of this year, a lower unemployment rate than the national average, a $3.5 billion surplus up from a projected $3 billion deficit, and two boosted credit rating outlooks. Michigan’s manufacturing industry continues to soar, leading the country in automotive manufacturing and appearing near the tops of several lists on job creation, business climate, and foreign direct investment.
But the state faces several economic challenges too. There are too many jobs that do not pay enough, not enough workers to fill open jobs, not enough workers with the skills necessary to fill high-skill jobs, a lagging entrepreneurial sector, and a lack of affordable, attainable housing.
The proposals Governor Whitmer is laying out today address these challenges under three key pillars: $722 million to grow the middle class and educate more workers, $651 million to support small businesses and create better jobs, and $800 million to build housing and invest in communities. There are several proposals under each of these three pillars.
To grow the middle class and educate workers, the Governor is calling for a $215 million expansion of Michigan Reconnect and Future for Frontliners, $70 million investment to growing the pipeline of talented workers to industry, a $100 million influx for the Going Pro credential program, and further investments in programs that offer work experience to Michiganders earning their GEDs and help those reentering society after incarceration transition into the workforce.
To support small businesses and create better jobs, the Governor is building on her $300 million Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, which offers grants to restaurants, place-based businesses, and microenterprises with further dollars to attract more start-ups. She outlined a $200 million investment to create a more conducive business environment for high-tech, high-growth start-ups and create jobs of the future in Michigan. The Governor put forward $40 million to speed up electric vehicle charging infrastructure and $100 million to prepare manufacturers and the workforce for opportunities of the future. Finally, she proposed an $11 million investment into the STEM Forward program, which places STEM students in internships in Michigan and improves talent attraction and retention.
To invest in our communities, Governor Whitmer expanded on her previous proposal to put $100 million towards building 2,000 units, create 1,600 jobs, and house 6,000 Michiganders. She’s proposing a further $50 million to create a healthier, cleaner, and more energy efficient homes, $100 million to rehabilitate vacant buildings, and $200 million to redevelop brownfield sites. She also proposed $100 million to build development-ready sites conducive to business investment.
Today’s economic announcement will build on Governor Whitmer’s Michigan’s Economic Jumpstart Plan she unveiled in June. The plan would invest in working people and small businesses in Michigan by increasing incentives to boost wages and attract applicants, provide grants to small businesses to ramp up hiring, and expand access to childcare for families with young children who want to return to work but cannot. Together, today’s proposal and the jumpstart plan will help Michigan’s families, communities, and small businesses thrive.
“Local businesses and economic development contribute to the growth of a city. It’s vital that we continue to support and invest directly into communities like Lansing. I am proud to stand by Governor Whitmer’s side to support her proposal to use federal funds to help small businesses and families – the lifeblood of thriving communities,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.
“We’re thankful for the Governor’s willingness to address the biggest challenge facing our Michigan manufacturers, that being a large and talented workforce,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “The proposed investments in training and education will create opportunities for our citizens and growth in manufacturing. We look forward to working with the Whitmer Administration and the legislature as they finalize their recommendations.”
“Michigan has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in talent development, entrepreneurship, and job creation to help us emerge from the pandemic as a stronger, more competitive state,” said Jeff Donofrio, Business Leaders for Michigan CEO. “The Governor’s proposed investment would help to close the skills gap, remove barriers to work, keep and attract talent, increase entrepreneurship, and create jobs in Michigan. We look forward to working with the Governor and legislative leadership on these and other transformational investments.”
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
PAINT CREEK TRAIL HOSTS 14TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK & RUN
Family-Friendly Event to be Held Monday, September 6, 2021
Rochester, Michigan: Looking for a fun local event on Labor Day this year? The Paint Creek Trailways Commission is offering all community members a chance to participate in a Labor Day Walk and Run right in their own backyard.
The Paint Creek Trailways Commission is organizing the 14th Annual Paint Creek Trail Labor Day Virtual Bridge Walk and Run on Monday, September 6th, 2021, at the Rochester Municipal Park Kiwanis Pavilion. This event is part of the Labor Day Community Walks that are held throughout the state in conjunction with the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk.
Two options are being offered to participants – a 1 mile family-friendly walk or a 5k roundtrip walk or run on the Paint Creek Trail. Onsite registration begins at 8:00am, and the event starts at 9:00am. It is a free community event, with a suggested donation of $5.00 to support the maintenance of the Moutrie Pollinator Garden on the trail. For more information, including online registration, visit http://paintcreektrail.org/wordpress/events/labor-day-bridge-walk/.
“Each year, the Trailways Commission hosts this annual event to encourage the community to enjoy some physical activity on the trail during Labor Day weekend. If you’re unable to travel up north to participate in the annual Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk, this is a great way to take part in our state’s Labor Day walking tradition much closer to home,” said Trail Manager Melissa Ford. “We are especially excited to hold this year’s event after hosting a virtual event last year due to COVID and cancelling 2019’s walk and run due to construction projects on the trail,” continued Ford. “We look forward to again seeing the many community members who have made this event an annual tradition for their families.”
The event is free and open to all ages and abilities. This year’s walk and run will have a special focus on pollinators in honor of the new pollinator garden on the trail. The Rochester Pollinators will be on hand to share information on the important role that pollinators play in our ecosystem and the Trailways Commission will be giving away native seed packets so that participants can plant their own pollinator garden at home. A butterfly craft will also be available for children to create and take home. Donuts, coffee, water, and other snacks will be provided and the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail will have trail merchandise for sale. A drawing for the chance to win several different gift cards is also planned.
“We found our trail users have been happy and grateful to participate and reunite with friends and the community this summer, especially when the activity is outdoors,” said Donni Steele, Chairperson of the Paint Creek Trailways Commission. “We are thankful to be able to offer this event again this year – we hope you can join us!”
Approximately 350 participants are expected to attend this year’s event. Supporting sponsors include Back to the Beach Runners, Friends of the Paint Creek Trail, Spalding DeDecker, and Trent Creative. Contributing sponsors for the event include Emily and Sarah Blust, Eva and Louis Carrio, Cookies & Cream (Sprout Bake), David Walker for City Council, Friends of Donni Steele, KLM Bikes, Theresa Mungioli, Oat Soda, Premier Pet Supply in Rochester Hills, Tim Horton’s on Rochester Road, and Trader Joe’s. Many thanks to our sponsors whose generous support allows the Trailways Commission to host the Labor Day Bridge Walk and Run as a free event for the community!
About the Paint Creek Trail: The Paint Creek Trail was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the State of Michigan, and traverses through the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion. The Trail annually serves approximately 100,000 pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, anglers, nature enthusiasts, and users of all ages and abilities. For more information about the Paint Creek Trail, visit www.paintcreektrail.org, or call (248) 651-9260.
by Becky Andrus | Jul 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
Oakland County Offers COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Until County Reaches 70 Percent Vaccine Coverage Goal
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division, with the support of the Board of Commissioners, will extend its COVID-19 vaccine incentive for Oakland County residents launched last week past the 4th of July. Oakland County residents who receive their first dose between June 24 and the day the county reaches 70 percent vaccine coverage for residents 16 years and older are eligible for a $50 gift card*.
Oakland County residents may visit any Health Division vaccine clinic or enrolled COVID-19 vaccine provider in Michigan to qualify for the incentive while supplies last. The Health Division is holding daily vaccine clinics from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at both its North Oakland Health Center in Pontiac and South Oakland Health Center in Southfield. Click on OaklandCountyVaccine.com to locate the nearest Health Division vaccine clinic. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. for more information
Persons under 18 are eligible to receive a vaccine and a gift card with the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
The Health Division also urges those who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine to get their first dose because data show those who are not vaccinated are more susceptible to the virus. About 69 percent of the 254 confirmed and probable cases in Oakland County from June 9 – 22 were below the age of 50. Only 58.4 percent of county residents 12-49 years old have received at least their first dose while almost 78% of residents 50 and older have initiated vaccination. Also, those who are not yet vaccinated are at higher risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant of COVID-19 virus which is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization.
Oakland County residents who receive their first dose at a provider other than Oakland County Health Division may claim the incentive by:
- Visiting OaklandCountyVaccine.com to complete a survey. The gift card will be mailed after the Health Division has verified vaccination status.
- Individuals who do not have access to the Internet, may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to claim their gift card.
Use the State of Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine finder to locate a convenient provider.
The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of June 29, 2021:
Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737
- Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 706,658
- Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 654,782
- Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 68.6%
Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389
- Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 731,759
- Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 675,225
- Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 67.0%
Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676
- Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 182,599
- Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 174,411
- Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 83.8%
Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,328,085
- Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,362,405
- Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: N/A
*Legal notice: This incentive will be offered until Oakland County reaches 70% vaccination rate or until all gift cards have been distributed, whichever comes first. Persons under 18 are eligible to receive a vaccine and a gift card with the consent of their parent or legal guardian. This is not a lottery, and the COVID-19 vaccine is provided free of charge. No person will be asked to pay any money in exchange for the COVID-19 vaccine or the $50 gift card. There is no element of chance involved in this incentive.
by Becky Andrus | Jun 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
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– DNR News –
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| June 17, 2021
Contact: Paul Rogers (Lower Peninsula), 616-260-8406 or John Pepin (Upper Peninsula), 906-250-7260
Hot, dry weather pushes fire danger into ‘extreme’ territory for parts of Michigan
 Michigan’s warm, dry, weather has created a lot of beautiful days for outdoor activity – and a steeply increased risk of fire. That means taking extra care when camping, burning, or using equipment outdoors.
“Although there have been scattered rains, rainfall is below normal and it’s dry out there,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “People cause the vast majority of wildfires, so it’s critical to use common sense and be careful.”
Fire danger is elevated from the southwest corner of the state into the Upper Peninsula. The National Weather Service is issuing red flag warnings for spots around the state where very warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds are expected, including the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula.
Burn permits for yard debris will not be issued in many areas through the weekend; check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit in northern Michigan or contact local municipal or fire authorities in the southern Lower Peninsula. |
Be careful working, playing outside
Remember to take precautions with these activities:
- Do not throw cigarettes or matches out the window of a moving vehicle. They can ignite grass on the side of the road.
- Watch for dragging chains if you are pulling a trailer; they can create sparks.
- Always make sure your campfire is out before you leave the area. Drown it with water, stir it and carefully feel to make sure it is no longer emitting heat. Always keep a water source and a shovel nearby whenever the fire is burning. Keep campfires within a ring 3 feet or less in diameter.
- Do not shoot fireworks into the woods or into dry grass or shrubs. Spray the entire area where you are using fireworks with water before using them and again when you are done. Put used sparklers into a bucket of water, as wires can stay hot.
- When using ORVs or outdoor equipment, keep hot equipment away from dry grass or brush. Ride ORVs only on trails to avoid starting a grass fire.
DNR firefighters have responded so far this fire season to more than 227 fires blackening more than 2,200 acres. Find fire prevention tips, a map of fire danger, and a link to check for burn permits at Michigan.gov/FireManagement. |
| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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| The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR. |
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 14, 2021 | Uncategorized
Governor Whitmer Announces Award Recognizing Michigan as Top State for New Manufacturing Jobs and Investment
Michigan receives 2021 Manufacturing Gold Shovel Award on strength of 2,619 new jobs and $441.8 million in private investment
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced Michigan has been awarded an Area Development 2021 Manufacturing Gold Shovel award, affirming the momentum and strength of job creation around new and expanded manufacturing facilities in the state.
“As we put Michigan back to work, this Manufacturing Golden Shovel Award is a recognition of our ongoing efforts to make generational investments in Michigan’s manufacturing might as part of our state’s economic jumpstart,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As we emerge from the pandemic together, we will stay laser-focused on creating good-paying, high-skill jobs here in Michigan and investing in working families and small businesses.”
Area Development’s Annual Gold & Silver Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes, and promotions that attract new employers and investments in new and expanded facilities. The awards are presented annually to states that have achieved significant success in terms of job creation and economic impact.
In announcing the award, Area Development noted, “another Manufacturing Gold Shovel winner was Michigan, with a host of headlines related to its automotive sector, including opportunities linked to the growth of interest in electric vehicles.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation submitted the top-10 job creation and investment projects initiated in 2020 for consideration in the 8-12 million population category – including Bridgewater Interiors (Detroit/Delta Township), Dakota Integrated Systems and Detroit Manufacturing Systems (Detroit), Magna International (Highland Park) and The Paslin Company (Warren). Combined, the 10 projects accounted for 2,619 new good paying jobs for Michiganders and $441.8 million in private investment, further cementing the state as a national leader in manufacturing and automotive R&D. The list also includes two major headquarter announcements– Perrigo Co. (Grand Rapids) and Wacker Chemical Corp. (Pittsfield Charter Township) – highlighting the state’s growing opportunities in professional and corporate services.
The strength of these projects earned Michigan the 2021 Manufacturing Golden Shovel in its category.
“In a year marked by disruption and uncertainty – with small business relief a top priority – we continued to stay focused on job creation and economic growth as well and we are proud these efforts have been recognized with Area Development’s Manufacturing Golden Shovel Award,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President at the MEDC. “Michigan has positioned itself to be the state where manufacturing and technology converge and where businesses can find the skilled workforce that will ensure we can not only compete, but win, in today’s global economy.”
Read more about Michigan’s Manufacturing Golden Shovel Award here.
Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for XL Fleet’s new Fleet Electrification Technology Center in Wixom, which will create nearly 50 jobs and further fuel the state’s leadership in mobility and electrification solutions. Combined with today’s Golden Shovel announcement centered largely around automotive manufacturing projects Michigan’s economic recovery is well underway.
As part of the state’s efforts to continue to attract and grow new businesses investment in the state, Governor Whitmer, the MEDC and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification also participated this week in a number of virtual events for the 8th annual SelectUSA Investment Summit. The summit is the highest profile event promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States and this year welcomed 3,000 participants, including business investors from more than 60 markets.
Governor Whitmer was joined by Steve Milam, North America Corporate Senior Director of DENSO International America, Inc., for a fireside chat to discuss the competitive advantages Michigan offers global businesses. She also participated in a governor’s roundtable moderated by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo focused on FDI and identifying specific actions the Department of Commerce and the Biden Administration can take to support efforts of economic development organizations around the country to bring more foreign investment to states like Michigan.
Michigan is ranked 6th in the nation for total jobs created by foreign direct investment and was ranked the top state for FDI job growth by over the past five years by Global Business Alliance. Detroit was also ranked the no. 1 metropolitan area for FDI projects by Site Selection Magazine this year.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Gilchrist Tours Beaumont Vaccination Clinic
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist traveled to the Beaumont Health vaccination site in Southfield to observe the health system’s ongoing efficient and equitable COVID-19 vaccination efforts. He was joined by Beaumont Health Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Carolyn Wilson.
“Our administration has been working around the clock to expand our vaccine program in an efficient and equitable manner so that every Michigander has access to safe and effective vaccines,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “Vaccination efforts like the ones at Beaumont Health are crucial to beating COVID-19, and clinics across the state are making it easier to get a vaccine by offering walk-in hours, call-in lines and same-day appointments. The best thing all of us can do to protect ourselves, our families, and neighbors is to get vaccinated, so we can grow the economy, create jobs, and do the things we love together.”
To date, 55.7% of Michiganders 16 or older have received an initial dose, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. As part of these efforts, Michigan is partnering with organizations like Beaumont Health to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.
“We enjoyed hosting Lt. Governor Gilchrist at our vaccine clinic today. We are so proud we have administered more than 345,000 doses of the vaccine and we are eager to do even more. Getting as many people vaccinated as possible is the key to ending this pandemic,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Wilson.
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