business news

Michigan Nurses Association Call For Support Of Safe Patient Care Act

The Michigan Nurses Association, the largest organization for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in the state, has launched an ad campaign in support of the bipartisan Safe Patient Care Act. 

The Safe Patient Care Act sets safe limits on the number of patients nurses can be assigned, curbs excessive mandatory nurse overtime, and requires hospitals to disclose their RN-to-patient ratios. Nurses often say maximizing profit, rather than providing safe patient care, motivates healthcare executives’ decisions about how many patients to assign to a nurse. There is no law that limits the number of patients that can be assigned.

A January poll found that 42% of nurses reported knowing of a patient’s death due to unsafe RN staffing levels, nearly double the numbers from 2016. Ninety-three percent of nurses in the poll supported a safe staffing law.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate Multiculturalism In Port Huron With The Blue Water Area Chamber And Community Foundation

The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County are proud to present the Multicultural Celebration, an evening of food, music, and dance as the community celebrates several cultures including Scottish, Polish, and Irish.

On Wednesday, October 11th, the Blue Water Convention Center will come alive with soulful jazz performances and delicious food. Attendees will also have the chance to give back to the community by voting for their favorite local nonprofit. Winners will be awarded special grants that evening as a gift to the organization that receives the most votes.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased on the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce website. Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate the diverse cultures within our community and support local nonprofits at the same time. Register today!

For more information, visit: bluewaterchamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Four Michigan Micro-Businesses Win MI New Favorite Snack Competition In Port Huron

On September 9th, more than 1,500 people gathered in downtown Port Huron to taste-test the top 20 snacks from the MI New Favorite Snack Competition. The competition, which featured micro-businesses from across the state, awarded more than $75,000 in cash prizes to the winners.

The grand prize and “Mindful Munchies” category winner was Live Crispy of Ferndale, for their Blueberry-Pineapple flavored crisp chips. They also won a distribution agreement with All Star Services, a Break Room Services company based in Port Huron. 

The “Sweet Sensations” category winner was What’s the Dill of Detroit, for their Kool-Aid flavored pickles. The “Confectionary Creations” category winner was Wani Cakes of Dearborn, for their Berry Summer Omich, or “cakewich.” The “Crunchy Cravings” category winner was Chunk Nibbles of Troy, owned by Brad Cocklin, for their Apple Cinnamon Chunk Nibbles.

The People’s Choice Award went to MJ’s Bakes of Fort Gratiot, for their Cookies ‘n Cream Cookie.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Foundry Event Space In Port Huron Receives Tavern License

Foundry, a multi-purpose event space in Port Huron, has received a tavern license from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. This means that the venue can now sell beer, wine, and mixed drinks to its patrons.

“We are thrilled to receive our tavern license,” said Carol Dalrymple, owner of Foundry. “This has been a long time coming, and we are excited to finally be able to offer our guests beverages while they participate in our art classes, paint throwing, game shows and room rentals. We believe that this will make Foundry an even more attractive destination for events and classes.”

Foundry is located at 1219 Military Street in Port Huron. The venue features a large stage, rentable rooms to host your own events, painting, pottery, stained glass classes, and now, a bar.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

October Is Disaster Preparedness Month, Here Are Five Tips To Keep Your Family Safe

With October being Disaster Preparedness Month, experts are offering essential guidance to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies. These top five steps provide a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness:

  1. Assessing Potential Risks: Begin by identifying the types of disasters relevant to your geographic area. For natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, understand their characteristics, warning signs, and potential impacts. For man-made disasters such as chemical spills, industrial accidents, or transportation incidents, research local emergency response plans and evacuation routes.
  2. Creating an Emergency Kit: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Having these essentials on hand is crucial for immediate survival.
  3. Developing a Communication Plan: Establish a reliable communication plan to stay connected with family members and emergency services during a disaster. Ensure everyone knows how to reach each other and where to meet if separated.
  4. Evacuation Planning: Prepare for evacuation by knowing evacuation routes, creating a “go bag” with essentials, planning for pets, and maintaining your vehicle in good working order.
  5. Practice and Review: Regularly practice and update your emergency plan to ensure readiness. Familiarity with the plan can make all the difference during a crisis.

Disaster emergency preparedness is not a luxury but a necessity that saves lives and minimizes physical and emotional damage. By following these valuable steps and resources, individuals and communities can reinforce the importance of preparedness during this crucial month.

For more information, visit: servicemasterrestore.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

DTE Customers May Face Service Disconnection And Reconnection Fees For Missing Inspections

Safety remains paramount for DTE Energy as they jointly conduct over 100,000 natural gas meter safety inspections each year. These rigorous inspections are a vital part of ensuring that homes and businesses in the region are safe and enjoy a reliable supply of natural gas year-round.

Customers with indoor meters or meters in secured areas play a crucial role in this safety initiative by scheduling meter safety inspections when requested by DTE. Michigan state regulations mandate a gas meter safety inspection every 36 months, comprising a comprehensive visual assessment of the meter, piping, and components, along with a leak check using specialized gas detectors.

DTE urges customers who receive inspection notices to comply promptly, emphasizing that it is essential for safety. Failure to comply may result in gas service disconnection and incurring costly restoration fees. Prioritizing safety through these inspections is a shared responsibility that benefits all.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell