business news

EDA Provides COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

As state regulations concerning COVID-19 continue to change, area businesses may be overwhelmed with where to find helpful information for keeping their employees safe, applying for grant funds, or helping their employees get vaccinated. The St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) provides a COVID-19 Resource page on their website with relevant information for businesses of all sizes.

Business owners can also access articles on topics like Human Resources and find quick links to current Executive Orders and CDC Guidance for Workplaces. There is information on  financial relief such as grant opportunities and educational programs including the recently announced Michigan Reconnect Program that will provide tuition free community college and certificate programs to equip Michigan’s adult workforce.

The St. Clair County EDA’s staff is also working with a team of community stakeholders to identify COVID-19 vaccine related issues that will affect businesses and the county’s workforce.

EDA staff is available to discuss any COVID-19 related business issues St. Clair County businesses are facing. Businesses can stay up-to-date with the EDA by connecting with them on the web at https://edascc.com/covid19 or by phone at (810) 982-9511.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Meets Green Looking for Projects

The Blue Meets Green initiative started in 2009 as part of a county-wide Economic Development Strategic Plan. Its vision is to develop the Blue Water Region into a prosperous, sustainable economic environment through the commitment of the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. More than 100 volunteers have worked to define the group’s focus and create action plans for the economic success of the region.

Dozens of projects have been completed over the last 10 years, including the development of the Blue Water Convention Center. Current projects are the Country Style Market coming to 310 Huron Avenue in Downtown Port Huron, the clean-up of the DTE site in Marysville, and the expansion of bike trails in the county.

As the group moves into Phase VI of its work, they are taking submissions from community stakeholders that have current or future plans for projects that could result in regional economic development, placemaking, education, or population growth.  Proposals are being accepted by the Metropolitan Planning Commission until November 30th.

Submitted projects will be reviewed, presented, and voted on in March of 2021.

To learn more about Blue Meets Green, visit their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Suburban Bolt

Suburban Bolt and Supply Wins Accolades for Being a Top Workplace

Port Huron, MI — Suburban Bolt and Supply Company, which has a branch in Port Huron, has been awarded a Top Workplaces honor in the Detroit market. The designation is based on feedback from employees.

Suburban Bolt and Supply is family-owned and veteran-owned, that specializes in supplying fasteners, cutting tools, abrasives, shop and safety supplies, and other products. 

Jerilynn Pintar, Vice President and Owner of Suburban Bolt & Supply, said, “2020 brought many challenges to all of us in this world.  With so much uncertainty at times, the culture and atmosphere at Suburban Bolt and Supply was a welcome distraction from the outside world.” She went on to credit her loyal and dedicated employees for the success of the company and said that they have a fun and friendly workplace.

Suburban Bolt & Supply was also recognized as a Top Workplace in 2018. Building a company culture that makes employees want to stay is a strong value with the company. Pintar said, “The friendly atmosphere at Suburban Bolt and Supply is certainly one of the reasons it’s a Top Workplace and why a large percentage of our employees have been with us for more than 20 years. We take a lot of pride in that.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local Businesses Benefit from Small Business Restart Program

Many small businesses in St. Clair County have gotten a share of $100 million in relief money through the Michigan Small Business Restart Grant program.

The grants were chosen by local Economic Development Organizations. In the Blue Water Region, it was the Flint and Genesee Chamber. Grants topped out at $20,000, with most businesses getting at least $5000. The program is funded with CARES Act money.

At least 30% of the recipients were required to be women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned. Michigan’s allocations exceeded the requirement. The grants are estimated to have retained at least 97,000 jobs.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton praised the payouts, saying, “The Michigan Small Business Restart Program has provided significant support to small businesses and nonprofits helping to get them through this critical time and on the path to economic recovery. We are thankful for the efforts of our economic development partners, who worked to deliver these vital financial resources within their regions and create a path toward economic recovery for small businesses throughout Michigan.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Outbreaks in Office Settings Spur MIOSHA Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 28 documented COVID-19 outbreaks in office-setting workplaces around the state. Office settings make up 5% of all documented outbreaks, and 7% of new outbreaks identified in the last week.

In a press conference last week, Governor Whitmer said that MIOSHA would be, “increasing its scrutiny on the remote work policies established by the Michigan business community and, primarily, those policies that revolve around offices.”

This week MIOSHA is expected to announce a new state emphasis program for office work which will reinforce rules enacted by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on October 14th.

Whitmer said, “Under statutes, MIOSHA can cite employers, require abatement, and fine them up to $7,000 for failing to produce a remote work policy or if the employer’s preparedness and response plan is noncompliant.”

Employers must create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.

MDHHS is also reporting 8.3% of current outbreaks are in manufacturing and construction workplaces.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

New Grant Program for Small Businesses in Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — Small businesses are still being affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns and changes in consumer spending habits. A new grant program for small businesses in the City of Port Huron will provide short-term working capital to fifteen eligible businesses with the hope of improving the business’s viability and retaining jobs.

The City of Port Huron Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will help for-profit businesses with a $5,000 grant. The goal of the program, funded by Community Development Block Grant funds the City received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is to retain jobs for low to moderate income people and stabilize local businesses.

The City of Port Huron designated $75,000 of its $462,000 in CDBG funding to the St. Clair County EDA for Small Business Assistance in April. The EDA is accepting applications from eligible businesses located inside the boundaries of the City of Port Huron from now until Friday, October 2, 2020.

For eligibility information, visit the online application <HERE> .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand