business news

International Fraud Awareness Week Prompts Vigilance Against Scams, Unveils Protective Measures

As International Fraud Awareness Week unfolds from November 12th – 18th, global attention turns to combating prevalent scams with practical safeguards. To shield against financial scams, experts advocate critical steps for consumers. 

Caution reigns supreme—think twice before clicking any link or downloading attachments, especially in emails or on websites, even from familiar sources. Public Wi-Fi users are urged to exercise extra caution. Slow down to thwart scammers who exploit panic; breathe before responding to threatening calls demanding immediate payments.

Seek opinions from trusted contacts on suspicious transactions or emails. Research proves paramount; a quick online check can unveil a company’s reputation. Enlist in the National Do Not Call Registry to fend off telemarketers, and safeguard personal information zealously. 

International Fraud Awareness Week inspires global resilience against evolving scams, reinforcing the public’s armor against fraudsters.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

OptOutside Hike Offers Refreshing Alternative To Black Friday Shopping Tradition

In a break from Black Friday consumerism, Friends of the St. Clair River and St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission are partnering to present the OptOutside Hike on Friday, November 24th, at 10a.m. at Columbus County Park in Columbus Township. Families are encouraged to trade shopping bags for hiking boots and embrace the outdoors.

The St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission and Friends of the St. Clair River has observed this tradition for five years. 

Melissa Kivel, Friends Education Manager, emphasizes the event as a laid-back alternative to the holiday shopping rush, inviting participants to kick off the season with a guided hike in the picturesque 400-acre county park. The hike concludes with a cozy bonfire featuring s’mores and hot cocoa. The event is free, promoting a festive and eco-friendly start to the holiday season. 

For more information, contact Melissa Kivel at (810) 531- 6906.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4’s Jessica Brown Honored As A Notable Leader In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion By Crain’s Detroit Business

In a remarkable achievement, Jessica Brown, Chief Diversity Officer at St. Clair County Community College (SC4), located in Port Huron, has been named a 2023 Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Crain’s Detroit Business. 

This recognition acknowledges Brown’s exceptional leadership in SC4’s DEI Office, recruitment efforts, the TRIO program, the Strive Mentorship initiative, Women in Sports panel discussions, and her contributions to the adaptive wheelchair basketball team. 

Brown’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity has left a lasting impact on the college community. The prestigious accolade from Crain’s Detroit Business highlights Brown’s significant role in advancing DEI initiatives at SC4.

For more details, visit: crainsdetroit.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Learn A New Skill As Michigan Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Michigan takes pride in its status as a leader in Registered Apprenticeship programs. These programs provide participants with paid work experience, relevant classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). 

Michigan, ranking among the nation’s top states for such initiatives, is committed to broadening access to Registered Apprenticeships, particularly for underrepresented populations, including individuals with disabilities.Registered Apprentices not only earn a paycheck from day one but also benefit from hands-on training in high-wage, high-skill career pathways under the guidance of experienced mentors. 

The state encourages all interested individuals to explore the opportunities and resources available, emphasizing inclusivity in apprenticeship programs. Learn more about Registered Apprenticeships and how to kickstart your journey at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blood Drive At Lake Huron Medical Center Encourages Community Participation In Life-Saving Donations

Lake Huron Medical Center is set to host a blood drive in their auditorium on Thursday, November 16th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event aims to bolster blood donations, emphasizing the ease and significance of this simple act.

With the event coordinated in partnership with the Red Cross, individuals can schedule appointments through RedCrossBlood.org using the sponsor code: LAKEHURONMEDICALCENTER or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Moreover, attendees can streamline their donation process by utilizing RapidPass® to complete pre-donation reading and health history online before their appointment.

The drive seeks to encourage community members to participate, highlighting the life-saving impact of blood donations. The organizers hope to garner lots of support from the public, emphasizing the ease and vital importance of donating blood to save lives within the community and beyond.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County’s EDA Secures $2.5M For Regional Small Business Boost

The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County celebrates its $2.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Support Hubs program (SBSH). The awarded funds are earmarked to enhance the Small Business Development Center’s services in Region 6, fostering growth in the Port Huron SmartZone Hub and the affiliated Underground Incubator for tech and non-tech startups.

This initiative extends its reach to Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac Counties, establishing counseling and training hubs. Co-working spaces in St. Clair’s Village of Capac and Huron’s Bad Axe will emerge through local community foundations.

The EDA plans to expand its Emerge Fund across Region 6, seeding it with grant funds of around $426,000 for eligible small businesses over three years. Collaboration with service providers aims to provide essential support in legal, accounting, marketing, and other vital areas, fostering entrepreneurial success and regional economic growth.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell