Category: Business

Tonight, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new emergency order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our families, frontline workers, and small businesses from the virus. This order takes effect this Wednesday and will be in effect for three weeks, as they continuously monitor […]

Last week, Michigan restaurants faced new restrictions for seating guests when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended its epidemic order to limit non-residential indoor gatherings without fixed seating such as weddings, parties, and banquets to 50 people—the limit was 500—and restrict individual table sizes at bars, restaurants, and social events outside private […]

Tires across southwest Michigan are squealing in excitement for the announcement made in Three Rivers earlier this week. The Three Rivers City Commission adopted a resolution that will get American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM) one mile closer to the finish line on its expansion project that would create about 100 new positions, benefiting a majority of […]

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates declined in all 17 Michigan major labor market areas during September 2020, according to data released from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB). “Michigan regional jobless rates decreased in September, but the reductions primarily were due to fewer persons in the state labor market,” said Wayne Rourke, acting […]

Early training and support for young professionals and high potentials is a crucial investment. The first few years of anyone’s career are an unanticipated and critical point of transition. Young professionals move out of the structured and predictable world of education and enter the professional landscape, with heightened responsibilities. To equip the rising leaders in our community […]

Last week, a total of 177 farms and 159 food processors were awarded $15 million in Michigan Agricultural Safety Grants to mitigate risks of the COVID-19 virus across the state’s food production industry, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced. Additionally, 124 small farms of less […]

Portage-based Clark Logic LLC, in partnership with Industrial Partners USA, held a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction of a new speculative (spec) building in Battle Creek, Michigan on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Regional economic development group Battle Creek Unlimited hosted the event. This spec building will be the first of its kind […]

Fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, or fatigue. These symptoms are common for both the flu and COVID-19. The good news is you can get a vaccine to prevent the flu! More than 80 years ago, the first flu vaccination was developed. While technology has advanced, the importance of getting the vaccine has remained. As […]

September is National Potato Month, an important celebration as the potato is one of the staples in American cuisine. Whether you prefer them fried, baked, roasted, or as chips, the potato is quite a stud. Did you know that 1.7 billion pounds of potatoes are harvested in Michigan annually, according to the Michigan Potato Industry […]

We’re honking our horns this week to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation week! Truck drivers are a staple to our economy, powering the flow of goods that keep retail shelves stocked, food on the table, manufacturing processes running, and keep America moving forward. During the pandemic, drivers have also been critically important in transporting vital […]

New awards bring total of loans to $9 million, along with $10 million in grants already awarded through the program Low-interest loans intended to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce in the face of COVID-19 pandemic Nearly 1,000 additional jobs retained for Michigan workers The Michigan […]

Southwest Michigan First, the regional economic development catalyst based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, today announced 1,434 small business recipients are receiving average grant awards of $5,000 each as part of the state’s Michigan Small Business Restart Program. Grants must be used for expenditures made between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020 for necessary disbursements incurred […]