business news

New Funding Will Help Train Nearly 750 Michigan Businesses

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a plan to revitalize the job market in Michigan that would possibly help 27,000 workers across the state secure employment.

Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced that $47,000,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to nearly 750 Michigan businesses. The funds will support their in-demand, high-skill talent needs. 

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator as we grow our economy, create unparalleled economic opportunity, and empower more people to make it in Michigan.” 

To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit: Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

February 1st is Unclaimed Property Day in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Treasury is the custodian of assets and works that get abandoned or forgotten by residents. To spread awareness so that individuals may reclaim lost assets, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared February 1st, Unclaimed Property Day.

The unclaimed properties that individuals can inquire about include dormant bank checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, stock certificates, and uncashed checks. 

The process for recovering you or a relative’s assets is free. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, more than $2.87 billion dollars in unclaimed property was returned in 2021. In Michigan, nearly $137 million was returned to their rightful owners. 

To find out if you have unclaimed property, you can visit Michigan’s Unclaimed Property website to search for a specified name. Or you may call (517) 636-5320 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Conagra Brands Recall Canned Meat And Poultry Products

Conagra Brands Inc., is recalling approximately 2,581,816 pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect. The defect may cause products to become contaminated without showing signs of contamination. 

Conagra Brands supply canned meats and poultry products under brand names such as Armour Vienna Sausage, Kroger brand, Prairie brand, Great Value, and others. The products were shipped to retail stores nationwide. 

The products in question were produced between December 12th and January 13th. Recalled products bear the establishment number “P4247” on the product cans.

The damaged cans may not be visible to those who may purchase them, but can still allow foodborne pathogens to enter. There have been no confirmed reports of people suffering from adverse reactions, but if you do experience adverse symptoms after consuming, be sure to contact a physician immediately.

For more information on particular brands affected, visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Danielle International LLC Ready-To-Eat Sausage Products

We all hope and expect our food to be free of anything that would make us ill, but due to modern processing methods or just human error, things sometimes slip through the cracks. 

There has been a recent recall for ready-to-eat sausage products from Daniele International LLC. The company is responsible for foods under the names of many other brands including Boars Head, and Frederik’s.

Products are said to have been adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and diarrhea, as well as other symptoms. 

Products were shipped nationwide between December 23rd, and January 17th. Products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST.54” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

For a full list of products that may be contaminated, visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Reporting For WGRT – Choze Powell

Extra Covid-19 Food Assistance Payments Ends After February

To address the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2020, many Michigan residents began receiving additional food assistance each month. Due to new federal legislation that will end after February.

Individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were receiving an extra food benefit of $95 or more per month, but due to the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which was signed on December 29th, those individuals will have to look for other means to offset the loss. 

Options that are suggested include local food banks, free and reduced-priced school lunches, the WIC program, and Double-Up Food Bucks. 

“Now that we know the additional benefits are going away, we want to make sure our clients are prepared for this change, as we realize inflation is affecting all of us,” says Chief Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lewis Roubal.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lambton College Rated Third In Research College Rankings

If you live in the Sarnia-Lambton area of Canada, you live in the vicinity of the third best ranked research college in the country. 

Based upon rankings conducted by Research Infosource Inc., Lambton College was ranked third in its recently released Annual Top-50 Research Colleges. The rankings rely heavily on research income, amongst other indicators, says college officials. Total sponsored research income at Lambton totalled $14,210, up 13.4% than the prior year.

Lambton College has been on the top research colleges list for seven consecutive years. 

They are first in research partnerships with 287, first in terms of paid student researchers at 260, and first in Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada income with $10,606. 

School President, and CEO Rob Kardas says, “This ranking is once again representative of the outstanding impact research and innovation has on the success of our students and the growth and prosperity of our community.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell