business news

Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance Hosts Inaugural Clean Cruise EV Festival

On Saturday, August 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance (MEVA), in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force, EDF Action, Sierra Club, and Tesla Owners Club, will host the inaugural Clean Cruise EV Festival in Downtown Ferndale. The event aims to promote sustainable transportation and will bring together Michigan elected officials, EV industry leaders, and climate advocates.

Amy Rogghe, MEVA’s Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the pivotal role of electric vehicles in addressing environmental and economic challenges. Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) also voiced her support, emphasizing the importance of clean air for future generations.

The festival will showcase a variety of electric vehicles, offer educational presentations, and feature activities for families, including an EV cruise on Woodward Avenue at 3:00pm.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Arts in the Street: A Vibrant Celebration By Latin Fire Dance Company

The Latin Fire Dance Company invites you to join the inaugural Arts in the Street festival, transforming downtown Sarnia into a vibrant cultural celebration. Held on Lochiel St. between Christina St. and Front St., this family-friendly event will take place on July 19th, and August 2nd, 16th & 30th, from 6  to 9 p.m.

Attendees can immerse themselves in Latin culture and more, enjoying delicious food, live music, captivating dance performances, and art displays from local artists. The festival promises a lively atmosphere filled with family-friendly activities, promoting unity and community spirit.

Experience diverse cultures, connect with the community, and enjoy evenings of fun and festivity. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate unity in motion. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MI Snack Competition Extends Entry Deadline

The MI Snack Competition, a popular event in the snack food industry, has extended its deadline for entries to August 12th. This extension gives aspiring snack makers additional time to prepare for the competition scheduled for September 14th at McMorran Plaza in downtown Port Huron.

Formerly known as the MI New Favorite Snack competition, this event promises more than $50,000 in cash prizes. The top award recipient will also receive a distribution agreement with All Star Services, a local Break Room Services company.

The entry fee for the competition is $200 for companies located outside St. Clair County, while local snack makers pay a $100 fee. Those from St. Clair County can opt to compete statewide by paying an additional $100. 

For more information and to register, visit the MI Snack Competition page on the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce website at: BlueWaterChamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures $657 Million For EV Transition

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has received $657 million from the Department of Energy to upgrade factories for electric vehicle (EV) production, supporting manufacturing jobs and building EV infrastructure. 

This funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants for Electrified Vehicles program, promoting American-made hybrid, plug-in, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of this investment in maintaining Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

General Motors will receive $500 million to upgrade the Lansing Grand River Plant, while ZF North America will get $157 million to modernize its Marysville facility, including up to $10 million from a matching grant from the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. Whitmer praised the grants for driving economic momentum and enhancing Michigan’s manufacturing legacy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Warns Consumers Of Scams On Amazon Prime Day

With Amazon Prime Day taking place on July 16th and 17th, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel cautions consumers to be wary of scams. “Prime Day offers great deals but also attracts scammers,” Nessel said, advising vigilance and simple precautions for a safe shopping experience.

Tips to Avoid Scams:

Prepare: Make a shopping list and set a budget.
Verify: Confirm models and items before buying.
Check Policies: Review return policies.
Compare Prices: Use competitors’ sites.
Watch for Fake Reviews: Research products and sellers, check reviews on other sites, and focus on verified reviews.
Avoid Phishing: Verify emails and texts by logging in directly on Amazon’s official website, and report suspicious messages.
Beware of Spoofing: Ensure websites start with “https://” and include “amazon.com”.
Fake Customer Support: Don’t share personal info with unsolicited callers. Report impersonators to Amazon and Michigan’s Robocall Crackdown Team.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Flushing Bathroom Wipes Could Now Cost You A Fine In Michigan

No more flushing bathroom wipes down the toilet, Public Act 43 of 2024 has banned the labeling of bathroom wipes as “flushable” unless they pass stringent requirements in Michigan, aiming to tackle sewage system clogs. The new law requires the manufacturers of non-flushable wipes to clearly label them with the “Do Not Flush” symbol.

The law, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 22nd, mandates that packaging must include the phrase “Do Not Flush” and a symbol to deter improper disposal. This applies to any premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes containing petrochemical fibers with significant potential to be used in bathrooms. Violators of the law can face fines.

Michigan public works operators have long argued that wipes marketed as “flushable” cause major problems in wastewater treatment systems, as they do not break down like toilet paper. The wipes often clog screens and pumps, leading to sewage backups and the formation of “fatbergs”—masses of wipes, fats, oils, grease, and other solids.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell