business news

Service Industry Employees Suffer Negative Effects Of Unpredictable Scheduling

If you or someone you know has ever worked in the service industry, such as fast food or retail, you know how difficult it can be at times. A new study shows that unpredictable work schedules have a negative impact on employees as well as their children.

Researchers at The Shift Project, located at the Harvard Kennedy School have discovered the adverse effects of unpredictable scheduling practices. The study was performed at the request of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). 

The study showed that Michigan employees in the service sector experience increased economic insecurity, decreased access to affordable child care, and heightened levels of stress and exhaustion. Workers also reported worse sleep quality and more hunger hardships.

As of 2022 there were approximately 560,000 individuals employed in this industry, making up 13% of the labor force. The study was based on a group of 5,000 service sector workers.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Could Detroit Be The Next Silicon Valley?

The City of Detroit is known as the Motor City, being that it provided the model for mass production of automobiles. Ford, General Motors (GM), and Chrysler were all based in Detroit during the 1920’s.

It seems that in today’s world Detroit may become the next silicon valley, according to U.S. automakers. With the rise of electric vehicles (EV) becoming more and more popular, computers are becoming more and more a part of the future of the automotive industry. 

Manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are setting their sites on dominating the EV market. These companies have made very large investments to pivot and focus on the future of the automobile industry. 

Ford purchased the Michigan Central Station in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit in 2018 for $90 million. Ford plans to turn it into a hub that merges automation, mobility, and electrification. These investments will help create more than 3,200 new jobs. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Geographically Disadvantaged Businesses To See Improvements Under New Directive

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) called for state leadership to help Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs) overcome barriers that prevent them from fully participating in contracting opportunities.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is an advisory body in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are Michigan firms owned and operated by people of color, women, and businesses located in underserved areas, such as small towns and inner cities. 

The plan of the new Executive Directive 2023-01, is that 20% of total expenditures from state departments and agencies must go to GDBEs.

Gov. Whitmer says, “Expanding our pool of contractors, creates more opportunities for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses and creates a more competitive bidding process that helps ensure the state receives the most cost-effective, higher quality bids for goods and services.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Museums Announces Discovery City Exhibit Leaving Soon

UPDATE: Port Huron Museums has extended Discovery City until April 8th.

The Port Huron Museums have announced one of their most popular and long running exhibits will be closing soon. 

Discovery City along with their mascot Edison the giant dog, provides a playscape for children that sparks the imagination as well as teaches about historic landmarks and other facts about the Blue Water Area. There are replicas of the McMorran stage, Vantage Point Farmers Market, Lakeside beach and more. 

Discovery City is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. February 19th will be the last day to enjoy this wonderful playscape. 

Admission is $5 per child, and $15 per family. Each session lasts for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Senior Lunch Program Offers Socialization And Camaraderie

The Council on Aging has a new program that seeks to provide a place for seniors to meet new ppl and enjoy a delicious lunch.

The senior meal program began last week on February 6th, it’s located at the Elger Harvey Reinvestment Center at 3012 24th Street, Port Huron. Hours are Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Lunch will be served at 11:30 with an optional donation of $2.50, but is not required to participate in the program. What is required is that you be aged 60 and up, as well as making registrations at least 24 hours in advance.

 Transportation is available for those who may need it as well.  

To make reservations, call (810) 982-4400, for transportation call (810) 984-4200 at least 24 hrs in advance. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Popular Cleaning Brand Fabuloso Due To Bacteria Exposure Risk

The popular multi-purpose cleaner Fabuloso is being recalled due to a possible bacteria that may harm individuals with a weakened immune system according to the Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC).

Fabuloso is manufactured by the Colgate-Palmolive Company of New York. On February 8th, news was released about the recall affecting approximately 5 million products in the U.S. and around 56,000 products in Canada.

The reason there is a recall is due to the product containing Pseudomonas species bacteria. Pseudomonas bacteria are found widely in soil and water. 

Individuals with weakened immune systems, external medical devices, or underlying lung conditions face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment. The bacteria can be inhaled, or enter through a break in the skin, or through the eyes. Those with a healthy immune system are not usually affected by the bacteria. 

For more information on what products are affected, visit: cpsc.gov. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell