business news

Woman’s Life Club 11 to Host Massive Garage Sale Benefiting Scholarship Fund

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 29th, as members of Woman’s Life Club 11 gear up for a spectacular Giant Garage Sale at the Woman’s Life Insurance Society located at 1338 Military Street, Port Huron. 

From 9 am – 2 pm, visitors can explore a treasure trove of household items, holiday decorations, jewelry, sporting goods, yard equipment, and much more. Woman’s Life Club 11 members generously donated these items, and instead of pricing them, they’ll be accepting cash donations only.

All proceeds from the sale will go towards Club 11’s esteemed Frank H. Lee Scholarship fund, which awards scholarships annually to members pursuing higher education in college or vocational schools. The Woman’s Life Insurance Society has pledged to match the first $500 raised, amplifying the impact of this charitable endeavor.

For more information or to donate items, please contact Vickie Fournier at (810) 985-5191 extension 169.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MI New Favorite Snack Competition Announces Call For Entries

The MI New Favorite Snack competition has opened its Call for Entries for the upcoming event being held on Saturday, September 9th, at the McMorran Plaza.

With more than $75,000 in cash prizes at stake, the top winner will also secure a distribution agreement with All Star Services based in Port Huron.

The deadline for entries is June 30th, with a $100 fee per entry. To be eligible, companies must be Michigan Micro-Businesses with ten or fewer employees, possess the necessary licensing and insurance, be headquartered in Michigan, and offer appropriately packaged products for consumer purchase.

The Top 20 Finalists will be announced during the week of July 24th. All registered competitors, regardless of their finalist status, will have the opportunity to participate in the MI New Favorite Snack exhibition, allowing them to showcase their packaged goods to event attendees. 

For more information, and to register, visit: bluewaterchamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

United Way Of St. Clair County Announces Their 1st Annual Road Rally

The United Way of St. Clair County is organizing its First Annual Road Rally. This event will take place on Saturday, June 24th, from 4pm – 6pm. The Road Rally, which functions as a scavenger hunt, will provide clues to complete various tasks along the way.

Each team must consist of four participants, with a registration fee of $120 per team. However, with a maximum of 20 teams, early sign-ups are encouraged.

Participants are encouraged to wear fun costumes during the rally, adding a lively and festive element to the event. Following the Road Rally, an after-party will be hosted by War Water Brewery.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers of the rally, as well as for the best and most creative costume. This exciting event promises to be a thrilling adventure for a worthy cause, supporting the United Way’s efforts in St. Clair County.

For more information or to register, visit: uwstclair.org/roadrally.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Eastern Michigan Christian Foundation Fund Reaches $1 Million Milestone

The Eastern Michigan Christian Foundation Fund (EMCF) has achieved a significant milestone by growing its endowment fund to $1 million. 

Over the past eleven years, eight local faith-based nonprofits, in collaboration with hundreds of donors, have successfully built a sustainable source of support for their organizations. The endowment is managed by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

“The Community Foundation is the kind of partner every nonprofit dreams about,” says Founder and Executive Director of the EMCF Marty Doorn. “We would not be nearly as successful without them. Their staff provides a level of expertise that is unmatched. The Foundation has been and continues to provide incredible support as we have built the EMCF fund from zero to over one million dollars,” he added.

The EMCF Fund aims to support specific Christian-based organizations in St. Clair County, as well as various programs, projects, and organizations within the local Christian community. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Governor Proclaims June as Youth Employment Month, Encouraging Skill Development and Safety

An estimated 235,000 Michigan youth, aged 16 to 19, are anticipated to participate in the state’s labor market this summer. To raise awareness about the significance of our youth acquiring valuable skills and training, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared June 2023 as Youth Employment Month in Michigan.

“As we continue to grow our economy, it is crucial that we collaborate to support and expand our workforce,” stated Governor Whitmer. “We encourage Michigan employers to provide meaningful, safe, and beneficial work and volunteer opportunities to our youth, including those with disabilities. By equipping young Michiganders with the necessary education, training, skills, and experience for long-term economic success, we will fulfill our commitment to helping more people ‘make it in Michigan’ and building a brighter future for our state.”

To assist businesses, schools, and parents in legally and safely employing minors under the age of 18, including those with disabilities, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) offers resources and guidance. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Increases Income Guidelines for WIC, Allowing More Families to Qualify

Effective June 1, Michigan has raised its income guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), opening the doors for additional families to qualify for assistance. 

A family of four can now qualify for WIC with an annual income of up to $55,500, representing an 8.1% increase from last year’s threshold. WIC is accessible to participants with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level. Families who receive Medicaid, SNAP benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families already meet the income qualifications for WIC.

This expansion in eligibility is welcome news for Michiganders, as the program offers vital nutritional education and access to healthy foods. Pregnant individuals, new parents, and guardians of children up to age five are encouraged to reach out to their local county health department or WIC agency to apply.

For detailed income guidelines for various family sizes, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell