Choze Powell

The Underground Announces $5000 Emerge Fund Grant Open For Entrepreneurs

If you are or know an entrepreneur who could use some financial assistance, The Underground along with the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) are announcing that they are accepting first quarter applications for the new 2023 Emerge Fund through Monday, March 20th.

The 2023 Emerge Fund is geared towards for-profit small businesses operating or starting their business in St. Clair County. The maximum funding available per applicant is $5000. Smaller grants are available and are issued based on project impact and potential milestones. The funding is made possible in partnership with Huntington National Bank.

Those involved in technology are highly desired, but businesses in other sectors will be considered as well. 

Applicants who are approved can use the funding for things such as:

  • Creating a business plan
  • Developing a website
  • Marketing
  • Legal Services
  • And more…grants CANNOT be used as salary or income.

For more information, visit: startunderground.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Annual Phil Willard Memorial Chess Tournament Coming In March

The game of chess is a game of strategy and planning. It helps to develop the brain in children who participate. So, why not get involved in the upcoming Phil Willard Memorial Tournament coming in March?

The tournament is free to all students currently attending Port Huron Area Schools in grades K-12. If they are not a Port Huron Area Schools student, the fee is $10 payable in cash only. 

The event will take place Saturday, March 4th, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration will be from 8 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. 

Participants will be awarded prizes and trophies for their achievements. Chess sets will be provided, and participants may bring their own refreshments. 

For more information, visit: Port Huron Schools on Facebook. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Phasing Out Their COVID-19 Hotline

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is concerned with the health and well being of residents living in the area, and are announcing that they will be discontinuing the use of their COVID-19 hotline phone number and email.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents were still learning about the effects of the virus and how to deal with the situation. Although they are discontinuing the hotline, those with COVID-19 related questions and inquiries can still call or contact the main office via telephone or email. 

Public Information Officer, Jennifer Michaluk says, “Over 50,000 calls/emails have been received over the past three years of our pandemic response and the hotline served its purpose as a helpful community resource.” 

If you have questions or concerns in regards to COVID-19 you can call or email the St.Clair County Health Department at: (810) 987-5300/healthdept@stclaircounty.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Support The Hunter Hospitality House Hope Blooms Fundraiser

Fundraisers are one of the ways nonprofit organizations raise money to continue the service that they provide for the community. The Hunter Hospitality House is calling on the support of the community to continue their exceptional service. 

Their Hope Blooms annual fundraising dinner will be taking place on Thursday, April 27th at the Blue Water Convention Center located at 800 Harker street, Port Huron. The event is from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., with an optional early start time of 4:30 p.m. 

The Hope Blooms fundraiser will feature a delicious dinner, music from Jimmy DeHeno and Still Running, a $1000 cash drawing, raffle items, and more!

Hunter Hospitality House provides free lodging for qualified guests who require specific medical services or treatments. 

Ticket prices are $65 each and can be purchased online or by check.  

For more information, visit: hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$35M In Funds Set Aside For Nonprofit Relief

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic affected many, including businesses and nonprofits, as well as the average citizen trying to make a living. The Michigan Nonprofit Relief Fund is looking to provide funding from their $35 million in funds for those nonprofits that served their communities during the pandemic. 

The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) have announced the launch of the “intent to apply” phase of the fund, which focuses on assisting small charitable nonprofits. The relief fund is a two-part grant program with an additional $15 million in grants available to larger nonprofits later this year.

To be eligible, organizations must be a Michigan-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a fiscally sponsored project by a 501(C)(3). MNA membership is not required. 

To fill out the intent to apply, visit: MiNonprofitrelief.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

WGRT Wins Alignable’s 2023 Local Business Person Of The Year

We here at 102.3 FM WGRT would like to give a big thank you to the individuals and businesses on Alignable who voted to make us the 2023 Local Business Person of the Year!

Alignable is an online network that hosts more than 7 million members, and millions of connections across more than 35,000 local communities. Members use Alignable to get industry answers, connect with other businesses local or nationwide, and increase buzz for their business.

There was a top five list released by Alignable featuring WGRT’s Sales Account Manager, Vickie Lemonis winning the first place spot, followed by WGRT News Director, Choze Powell in second place. Third through fifth place in order were: Jim White of Luxury Bath By Mobility Remodelers, Michele D Jones of Country Style Marketplace, and the Economic Development Alliance (EDA). 

Again, we would like to say thank you to those who voted, and a huge congratulations to all those who were nominated! 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell