business news

Grant Funding Available To Help Remove Barriers To Employment For At-Risk Michiganders

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is calling on organizations to apply for the Barrier Removal and Employment Success grant program, which aims to assist Michiganders in overcoming obstacles to employment. The $14.6 million program will begin accepting applications starting Monday, May 22nd.

LEO Director Susan Corbin emphasized the significance of the investment, stating, 

“The $14.6 million Barrier Removal and Employment Success investment provides critical resources to partner organizations across the state who are joining us to close equity gaps and ensure all Michiganders have a path to economic prosperity.” 

By eliminating employment barriers, the program aims to create more opportunities for individuals to secure well-paying careers while addressing talent shortages faced by employers statewide.

Eligible applicants for funding include community-based organizations, educational institutions, Michigan Works! agencies, private for-profit and nonprofit agencies, as well as experienced providers of supportive services. The application deadline is Monday, July 24th.  

For more information, visit: michigan.gov/BRES.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join Friends Of The St. Clair River For the 2023 Sturgeon Fest

On Saturday, June 3rd, Friends of the St. Clair River welcomes you to the highly anticipated 10th annual Sturgeon Festival will captivate visitors with an up-close encounter with Michigan’s majestic lake sturgeon, the gentle giant of the Great Lakes. This event serves as a vital platform to raise awareness and promote the restoration efforts surrounding this threatened species.

Take a ride aboard the Huron Lady Sturgeon Cruise, offering a unique opportunity to witness biologists in action as they catch, tag, measure, and release these magnificent creatures. The cruise will take you beneath the iconic Blue Water Bridges, providing an unforgettable experience.

Tickets are $35 and available for two time slots: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Don’t miss this rare chance to connect with these remarkable fish and the dedicated biologists working tirelessly for their conservation.

For more information, visit: huronlady.com/cruises.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Pers Alert Offers Safety For Those Who Live Alone Or Have Fall Risk

Visiting Nurse Association & Blue Water Hospice introduce PERS Alert. PERS Alert is a personal emergency response system designed to provide increased safety and peace of mind for individuals living alone and at risk of falls or medical emergencies. 

At the push of a button, emergency help is just seconds away, with a quick response time of 10 seconds or less. Wearable devices are equipped to detect falls and immediately notify medical personnel. The system is compatible with both cell phones and landlines, offering flexibility and convenience.

PERS Alert offers a range of device options to cater to individual needs, including wearable necklaces or wristbands, tabletop units, fall sensors, and GPS locators.

To qualify, individuals must be aged 60 or over and reside in St. Clair County. A comprehensive assessment with PERS Alert staff is required to ensure suitability and personalized assistance.

For more information, visit: visit vnabwh.org/PERS or contact PERS Alert at (810) 984-4131. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Athletic Factory’s Summer Rec Basketball League Open For Registration

The Athletic Factory is gearing up to provide a welcoming and enjoyable environment for the community and athletes. The Athletic Factory aims to maximize participants’ potential on and off the court while fostering a love for teamwork.

There will be three divisions for boys and girls, targeting grades 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, and 7th-8th. Individuals without a team or coach will be assigned a team by the league director, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to participate.

The games will take place June 27 – August 3rd. The cost of participation is $300 per team or $75 per individual. Games will be held at multiple locations, including Port Huron High School, Central Middle School, and The Athletic Factory itself. 

Games are scheduled for Tuesdays between 5pm and 9pm, with the possibility of additional games on Thursdays if the number of teams demands.

For more information, visit: theathleticfactory.org or call Cliff Thomason at (810) 300-9053.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer And Lt. Governor Garland Gilchrist II Work To Bring Tech Hub To Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II have written a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Castillo, urging the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to establish a regional technology and innovation hub in Michigan. This initiative is part of a $500 million national investment, and the Michigan Tech Hub aims to generate well-paying, high-skill jobs in the state’s emerging industries.

Gov. Whitmer says, “Michigan is home to a talented, skilled workforce that is ready to lead the way in emerging industries, including tech.” She highlighted the state’s recent achievements, securing over $16 billion in investment and creating 16,000 high-paying jobs in battery technology, clean energy, and advanced mobility manufacturing. 

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist echoed these sentiments, noting Michigan’s position as the top emerging startup ecosystem, a hub for mobility innovation, and the fastest-growing clean energy sector in the nation.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Amazon Customers Beware Of A New Scam

Be on the lookout for a new Amazon scam known as “brushing,” where fraudulent sellers ship packages to unsuspecting individuals using publicly available names and addresses.

Customers who receive unordered packages are urged to exercise caution and take immediate action. The first step is to confirm that the package is not a gift that may have been sent by a well-wisher.

It is advised to reach out to friends and family to check if they have placed any unexpected orders on your behalf. Once it is established that the package is unsolicited, it is crucial to report the incident promptly.

Brushing allows the sender to write reviews in your name with the purpose of falsely boosting the ratings or reputation of a company.

To report an unwanted package, individuals can view the Report Unwanted Package form available online. Customers can also contact Customer Service, who will assist in filing a report with the investigations team.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell