Governor Gretchen Whitmer today accelerated the end of all COVID-19 epidemic orders on gatherings and masking as COVID-19 cases continue to plummet following increased vaccinations. Beginning June 22, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100...
People
Businesses Encouraged to Enroll in Back-to-Work Incentive
Governor Gretchen Whitmer asked the legislature earlier today to expand Michigan’s Back-to-Work Incentive, which builds off of the state’s Work Share program, to give eligible laid-off employees a $300 per week bonus for returning to the workforce through September 4,...
Get Ready For This Historic Four-Story Renovation Happening in Kalamazoo
266 Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, LLC plans to renovate a historic four-story building into a mixed-use development in the Haymarket historic district of downtown Kalamazoo. When completed, the project will include 11 residential units on the upper floors, with upgrades to...
Midwest Fastener Corp. Expands Headquarters in Portage
Midwest Fastener Corp. is making investments at its Portage, Michigan headquarters located on Shaver Road, as well as expanding operations at its Decatur facility. The fastener manufacturer and distributor announced a $10.8 million investment that will create 90 new...
Kalamazoo Takes Top Spot on Cost of Living Index
Among the 265 urban areas that participated in the first quarter 2021 Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from more than twice the national average in New York (Manhattan), NY to more than 20 percent below...
Entrepreneurs Explore Business Opportunities While on First Path Journey
Do you have an idea or a problem that needs to be solved? A product that needs to be created? Have you had an idea for a business that you’ve been itching to make a reality? Do you feel that with a little guidance, you’d be able to finally launch your concept? If this...
State and Regional Unemployment Rates Decline in April
Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased slightly by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.9 percent in April, according to data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment in Michigan edged up modestly by 6,000...
Cue the Marching Band! Downtown Three Rivers Receives One of Five Michigan Main Street Grants
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that five communities around Michigan have been awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to support the downtown enhancement and improvement projects. Communities receiving...
Governor Whitmer Announces Updates to Return-to-Work Safety Guidelines and Releases New Epidemic Order Expanding Capacity Limits
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules as many employers return to in-person work. The governor also announced an updated Michigan Department of Health and...
Public-Private Partnership Advances Countywide Career & Technical Education System Redesign
Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA) and Southwest Michigan First’s public-private partnership, formed ahead of the 2019 Career & Technical Education (CTE) millage campaign, remains strong as the two agencies are united in the goal of redesigning Kalamazoo County’s CTE system....
Places
Latest4 Flutes Machining Helps Power American Defense
Inside 4 Flutes Machining in Vicksburg, the work is precise, technical and deeply connected to...










