business news

State Rep. Jaime Greene Introduces Bill To Protect Jobs Of Michigan’s Part-Time Emergency Responders

State Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) has introduced the Emergency Responders Employment Protection Act to safeguard the jobs of Michigan’s part-time and volunteer emergency responders. House Bill 5905 aims to prevent employers from disciplining or terminating employees who are absent from work due to responding to emergencies.

“No one should have to choose between saving lives and keeping their job,” Greene stated, emphasizing the need to support those who serve the community. The bill would protect responders if an emergency occurs before their shift starts or during their shift within 15 miles of their workplace.

With recruitment and retention at critically low levels, the legislation seeks to ensure that emergency responders can fulfill their duties without fear of job loss. House Bill 5905 has been referred to the House Labor Committee for further consideration.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MSUFCU Launches Financial Literacy Program To Empower Communities

MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) has unveiled “The Culture of Finances,” an ambitious program designed to enhance financial literacy and empowerment within the communities it serves. Led by MSUFCU’s team of financial educators, the program offers comprehensive instruction on critical topics such as budgeting, understanding credit, managing debt, fraud prevention, and setting effective financial goals.

The fall 2024 cohort is set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 3, with registration open until Friday, Aug. 23. Open to all community members, the program provides flexible learning options, available both in person and online.

The adult course spans 12 weeks with five mandatory sessions, while the youth course lasts eight weeks with four mandatory sessions. Upon completion, participants are eligible to enter a drawing for a $500 prize.

For more information, visit: msufcu.org/thecultureoffinances.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Wins $750,000 To Boost Clean Energy Workforce Development

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community & Worker Economic Transition Office has secured $750,000 from the Families & Workers Fund as a winner of the Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers Challenge. 

This funding will strengthen Michigan’s workforce to support over $10 billion in federal clean energy and infrastructure investments, creating quality jobs for residents impacted by economic shifts. Jonathan Smith, LEO’s Senior Chief Deputy Director, emphasized the significance of the award in positioning Michigan as a national leader in clean energy and workforce development. 

The funds will be used to enhance job quality standards and ensure workers have access to good-paying, high-skill jobs in emerging sectors. This award highlights Michigan’s ongoing success in leveraging federal funding for climate and energy initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Nonprofit And Volunteer Fair Set To Take Place At Birchwood Mall

Community members are invited to the annual Nonprofit and Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Birchwood Mall, Fort Gratiot Township. 

Hosted by the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Birchwood Mall, the event aims to connect local nonprofits with eager volunteers. Nonprofits from St. Clair County are encouraged to register online at BlueWaterChamber.com. 

Free and open to the public, the fair is ideal for students, professionals, and retirees looking to contribute their time and skills. Ally Birkett of A Beautiful Me, Inc. highlights the fair’s role in strengthening community bonds. The fair will be located near the movie theater and Kay’s Jewelers. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference. 

For more information, contact the Blue Water Chamber at (810) 985-7101.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s STEAM Ahead Program Breaks Records, Doubling Internship Participation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) rebranded “STEAM Ahead” program is setting new records, funding over 570 summer internships in the first half of 2024 alone. This achievement more than doubles the program’s previous best semester in 2022, when 272 internships were funded. 

Originally launched as the STEM Forward initiative in 2021, the program was rebranded earlier this year to better incorporate roles that blend arts with science, technology, engineering, and math, such as front-end web development and industrial design. The revamped program offers increased financial incentives and a streamlined employer-reimbursement structure, attracting a growing number of participants. 

MEDC’s STEAM Ahead initiative is part of a broader effort to support Michigan’s priority industries, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for the state’s future. Companies interested in participating can submit funding requests for fall 2024 internships beginning Aug. 12.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MiABLE Celebrates First National ABLE Savings Day With $100 Match Offer

In celebration of the inaugural national ABLE Savings Day on Aug. 14, MiABLE is offering a $100 match to those who open eligible disability savings accounts during August. MiABLE, part of Michigan’s disability savings program, empowers individuals with disabilities to save for the future without jeopardizing government assistance.

“We are proud to have been among the earliest states to establish access to ABLE accounts as life-changing financial empowerment tools,” said R. Scott de Varona, MiABLE program director.

The national ABLE Savings Day encourages people to share their experiences and highlights the importance of these accounts. Despite 500,000 eligible individuals in Michigan, only about 1% have enrolled. To learn more, three national webinars are being offered this month to educate the public about ABLE accounts.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell