business news

Economic Boost For St. Clair County As RAP 2.0 Grants Propel Key Development Projects

In a significant win for St. Clair County, the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) secures RAP 2.0 grants, marking a pivotal moment for local development. 

Along with the EDA, Governor Whitmer also revealed additional funding for St. Clair County, with $500,000 being allocated to the SONS Outreach project in Port Huron for transforming the former Harrison School into a community center and $400,000 for Algonac to renovate a community swimming pool. 

SONS Outreach was recently awarded $300,000 last year via federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to purchase the new home of the organization at the former Harrison School.

This initiative contributes to the broader RAP 2.0 program, awarding funds to 44 projects across Michigan, with three significant ventures enhancing growth in St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SOS Marysville Food Pantry Faces Funding Crisis, Launches “Together We Can Fight Hunger” Campaign

Since its inception in 2010, the SOS Marysville Food Pantry has been a lifeline for the community, providing essential food support with dignity and confidentiality. However, the pantry faces a critical funding shortfall this year, as crucial grants haven’t materialized. 

Undeterred, the pantry is launching the “Together We Can Fight Hunger” campaign to raise awareness and funds to sustain their mission.

The campaign’s centerpiece is a dinner event, “Awareness of Hunger in Our Communities,” scheduled for Thursday, November 2nd, at Alexander’s Banquet Hall in Marysville, beginning at 5 p.m. Attendees will learn about the pantry’s various programs, including the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, Community Christmas Dinner, and the senior program Golden Hearts.

For more information on how you can make a difference, visit: sosmarysville.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County’s Economic Development Alliance Secures $3.2M For Innovative Business Center

The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County celebrates a significant boost with a $3.2 million windfall from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) RAP 2.0 grant program. 

In a statewide initiative, nearly $100 million is being allocated for projects, focusing on vacant property development, rehabilitation of blighted buildings, and the creation of place-based public spaces.

They are set to transform a 1.7-acre parcel acquired from Acheson Ventures into a cutting-edge, three-story incubator and business hub. With funding from various sources, including the Federal EDA, James C. Acheson Trust, and MEDC CDBG Grant, the center will house EDA staff, offer office spaces for local entrepreneurs, and provide essential training and conference facilities for St. Clair County companies. Total funding for this transformative project amounts to $8,320,721.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Expands Michigan Reconnect, Allowing Young Adults Ages 21-24 to Access Tuition-Free Community College

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently launched “Opening Week,” an initiative to extend Michigan Reconnect, a tuition-free community college scholarship program. The expansion now includes adults aged 21 to 24, previously limited to those 25 and older. 

Governor Whitmer stated, “By lowering the age for Michigan Reconnect, we’re opening doors of opportunity for up to 350,000 more Michiganders to earn a tuition-free associates degree or skills certificate.” 

This move aligns with the state’s Sixty by 30 goal, aiming for 60% of adults to attain postsecondary education or training by 2030.

Established in February 2021, Michigan Reconnect has garnered significant success, resulting in increased funding, including $70 million for the latest expansion. Over 132,000 Michiganders have applied since its inception less than three years ago.

Applications can be found at: michigan.gov/reconnect.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Camp Cavell Hosts Exciting Fundraising Dinner October 22nd

Camp Cavell invites the community to an exciting fundraising dinner on October 22nd from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at 3335 Lakeshore Road. 

The event promises an evening filled with fun, delicious German inspired food, and an engaging auction. Attendees have a chance to win big with the 50/50 raffle. Tickets for the event are $25, offering an affordable way to support the camp’s initiatives.

Attendees can also secure FREE tickets by sponsoring the event. The money from this fundraiser will be used to: 

  • Start an endowment fund to secure land contract and ensure the future of Camp Cavell.
  • Provide camper scholarships for low-income families who cannot afford the full cost of camp.
  • Fix historical buildings that need urgent repairs and upgrades.

For more information, visit: campcavell.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Creative County Grant Program Opens Applications For 2024, Offering $75k To Boost Arts, Culture, And Heritage Across Lambton County

The Creative County Grant Program, born from the County of Lambton Cultural Plan in 2013, is set to empower local arts, culture, and heritage initiatives. With a focus on fostering uniqueness and innovation. 

In the 2024 intake, the Creative County Committee has allocated $75,000 for projects in specific quadrants: Central Lambton, South Lambton, North Lambton, and Sarnia, with each quadrant eligible for up to $10,000.

The remaining $35,000 is reserved for projects that exhibit cultural benefits across all areas of Lambton County. The initiative aims to enrich the county’s identity, strengthen the creative community, and elevate the quality of life for all residents. 

Applications are open now until 4 p.m. on November 14th.

For more information, visit: lambtononline.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell