business news

Sunsation Products Expands Operations In St. Clair County, Investing $7.7 Million In State-Of-The-Art Facility

The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County is delighted to announce the expansion of Sunsation Products, a renowned family-owned boat manufacturer. 

Specializing in high-performance center console boats, Sunsation is the sole boat builder in the region, prompting the need for a new facility due to surging customer demand. Investing $7.7 million, the company plans to construct a cutting-edge manufacturing facility and create 20 high-paying jobs.

Founded in 1982, Sunsation’s success story began in a small garage near the original Chris Craft factory. Despite considering out-of-state options, Sunsation opted to stay in Michigan, leveraging the state’s prominence as the third-largest marine market in the U.S. 

The expansion is supported by a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant and a 50% property tax abatement from Cottrellville Township, reinforcing Sunsation’s commitment to community growth.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Pioneers Green Initiative: Michigan’s State Fleet To Go Zero-Emission By 2040

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed Executive Directive 2023-5, ushering in a bold initiative to shift the State of Michigan’s entire fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The move is anticipated to curb air pollution, drive demand for locally manufactured electric vehicles, and slash fuel and maintenance costs. 

Governor Whitmer lauded Michigan’s automakers for their role in the global shift towards ZEVs, asserting that the state is setting an example by committing to transition its state-owned fleet by 2040. The directive mandates state agencies to initiate the conversion process, with a goal of adopting ZEVs for light-duty vehicles by 2033 and for medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040. 

The initiative also prioritizes vehicles with higher mileage, focuses on communities historically impacted by pollution, installs charging infrastructure in high-density areas, and establishes clear exemption criteria for specific fleet vehicles.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Addresses Patient Data Security After Third-Party Vendor Incident

Lake Huron Medical Center has taken swift action following a security incident involving third-party vendor CBIZ KA and Progress Software’s MOVEit Transfer platform. Although the medical center’s systems were not directly affected, patient information handled by CBIZ KA was compromised. 

The vendor promptly investigated the MOVEit Transfer vulnerability with cybersecurity professionals, identifying and patching the server vulnerability. Patient data, including names, dates of birth, addresses, medical record numbers, Social Security Numbers, admission and discharge dates, were potentially exposed. CBIZ KA is reinforcing protocols with vendors to prevent future incidents. 

To address concerns, Lake Huron Medical Center has set up a dedicated call center (1-866-547-6909) for affected patients, open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Launches Aggressive Anti-Vaping Campaign In Collaboration With St. Clair County Health Department

In a proactive move to address the rising concerns of vaping among students, Port Huron Schools has joined forces with the St. Clair County Health Department for an intensive anti-vaping campaign. 

On December 6th, high school students witnessed a live presentation by Daniel Ament, a Grosse Pointe resident and the first person to undergo a double lung transplant attributed to vaping-related damage. Ament, once a state-recognized student athlete, shared his harrowing experience to raise awareness. 

The Health Department will extend its outreach to middle and high school students, delivering vital information on vaping dangers. The campaign will also engage parents through the Superintendent’s weekly e-newsletter, reaching 10,000 subscribers and linked to the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce’s weekly e-newsletter. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson Highlights Resources For Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

In observance of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week from December 4th – 8th, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is urging Michigan residents to explore resources provided by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) for continuous education on safe driving at any age. 

Emphasizing the importance of road safety, Benson encourages older drivers and their families to visit Michigan.gov/AgingDriver for valuable resources. The Safe Drivers Smart Options website offers information to empower and guide older drivers, promoting safe transportation planning. 

According to May 2023 MDOS data, almost 25% of Michigan’s 7.34 million licensed drivers are aged 65 or older, with approximately 383,000 drivers aged 80 or above. The initiative aims to keep older drivers engaged in the community while prioritizing road safety.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Developmental Housing Holds Detroit Red Wings Fundraiser

On January 11th, 2024, at 7 p.m., the Detroit Red Wings will play a crucial game against the Edmonton Oilers at the Little Caesars Arena for a special fundraiser. The event aims to raise funds for Blue Water Developmental Housing, Inc. 

Tickets are for Section 101, and are priced at $130, plus transaction fees. Purchasers will not only witness an exciting game but will also receive a complimentary t-shirt to wear at the event. The first 56 ticket buyers stand a chance to ride on the exclusive party bus, while the first 150 will receive a swag bag. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Blue Water Developmental Housing, supporting employee education and emergency funds. 

Fun Fact: Port Huron native, Jack Campbell, plays the goalie position for the Oilers.

For more information, contact: Ashley Lueth at lueth@bwdh.org or (810) 388-1200.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell