MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

BIG RAPIDS, MI – Ferris State University has been tapped to help the state of Michigan recruit talent to fill thousands of open jobs in the surging electric vehicle (EV) and transportation mobility sector. “Ferris State University is known for providing relevant and prepared graduates for multiple industries throughout our state,” Ferris State President Bill Pink said in a prepared statement. The state is also partnering with the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, Macomb Community College and Schoolcraft College as part of the effort. Ferris State Provost Bobby Fleischman said he is excited about the academic possibilities that come with the state’s funding boost. Ferris State can apply to renew the state grant funding each year, which means the university will be eligible for an estimated $3,297,520 through fiscal year 2027.

A new scholarship program is encouraging Michigan students to enter the electric vehicle and mobility sector.

Michigan is dangling a $10,000 carrot in front of tech students, incentivizing them to stay in state and build the electric vehicle sector. Scholarships up to $10,000 will be awarded up to 350 top technology students at University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Michigan Technology University. To cash in on these scholarships students must sign a one-year commitment letter to one of the 15 participating companies in Michigan’s electric vehicle and mobility sector. Last year, the state attracted more than $14 billion in electric vehicle and battery investments. But the state still has at least 3,000 critical job openings in the electric vehicle sector.

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation asked lawmakers Wednesday to allocate another $750 million to support a proposed $3.5 billion, 2,500-job Ford Motor Company battery plant in Marshall. This will go toward making sure that the infrastructure is secure,” Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin Messer told the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 22. Related: Ford to build $3.5B battery plant at Marshall mega siteFord announced plans last week to build a 2.5 million-square-foot facility in southwest Michigan. During Wednesday’s committee hearing, Rep. Donni Steele, R-Lake Orion, questioned the state cost for the project. “I’m just not sure the total Ford cost and the total state cost.

There are currently four so-called “mega sites” in Michigan being prepped to attract major projects. Related: Michigan won 5 big electric vehicle projects this year – at a $2B taxpayer costBut Fitzpatrick said the lack of mega sites held back Michigan. And the Michigan Economic Development Corporation began to assemble mega sites. “Which has been the experience throughout the country in mega site development.”Hundt did not confirm whether there are any potential buyers for the existing mega sites. And the Michigan Economic Development Corporation expects to submit a mega site strategic plan to the legislature and Whitmer by April 2.

LANSING, MI – A project turning a historic Detroit auto factory into affordable housing is getting additional funding from the state. Additional funding was needed because rising interest rates eliminated clean energy financing as an option, according to a project memo. This was the first board meeting since the Michigan Economic Development Corporation executive committee extended Messer’s contract by four years. This includes a $7 billion investment from General Motors, a $2 billion project from Ford and a $2.36 billion Gotion manufacturing facility planned for Big Rapids. In a statement, Messer said he plans to continue to “out-hustle and out-compete” to bring new investments to Michigan.

SAUGATUCK, MI - The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recently announced that the Saugatuck Gap Filler Annex is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is a program of the National Park Service and is administered by the states. In 1963, the Saugatuck Radar was upgraded with higher-power radar equipment. Chuck Gustafson, an avocational cold war historian, was the researcher who led the effort to nominate the Saugatuck Gap Filler Radar to the National Register of Historic Places. For more information about the work to document and repair the Saugatuck radar site, visit the Mount Baldhead Radar Station Preservation Workgroup Facebook page.

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI - A major infrastructure upgrade is coming soon to Shiawassee County. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced in a news release it has awarded Shiawassee County government a $680,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to support planning activities for future development of a land site located in Vernon Township and the city of Durand, which would become one of Michigan’s top potential mega sites for new businesses and jobs. “We applaud Shiawassee’s commitment to taking the actions necessary to prepare land in Vernon Township and the City of Durand for future development.”The targeted property is located immediately south of I-69 within the boundaries of Lansing, Durand, Goodall, and Brown roads. Economic development officials will provide progress reports to nearby property owners, Vernon Township and city of Durand governing boards, and the community at large, as information from the work becomes available. “There’s been plenty of speculation around this property over the years, and it’s important to get the word out,” said Vernon Township business owner and SEDP Board Chair Bryan Marks.

GRAND BLANC TWP, MI - More jobs are coming to Grand Blanc Township. Mara Technologies Inc., a global electronics manufacturer, is establishing its U.S. headquarters in Grand Blanc Township with nearly 300 jobs, located at 10456 N. Holly Rd. Gretchen Whitmer, in a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced 298 new jobs coming to Grand Blanc Township that the state has approved through the Michigan Strategic Fund. The Grand Blanc Township location was chosen over a site in Mexico because Michigan provided better proximity to a talented workforce. “Mara Technologies’ decision to open a location in Grand Blanc Township is an exciting development for Genesee County,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance.

The Michigan STEM Forward internship program recently placed its 500th intern.

A global high-tech company has chosen a Michigan city as the site for its new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility, and is investing billions of dollars into the project.

LANSING, MI - The Michigan Potash and Salt Company took a step Tuesday toward seeking a $225 million tax-exempt bond for construction of its $1.2 billion salt and potash mine in northern Michigan. Chris Cook, director of capital access for the state economic board, called the approval an “administrative step” for Michigan Potash to pursue a bond. And Michigan consumes up to 350,000 tons per year of imported potash, which could be replaced with this facility, according to a Michigan Strategic Fund memo. Michigan Potash expects to create 300 union construction jobs over a three-year construction period plus another 129 permanent, full-time jobs paying an average of $29 an hour. Related: These 4 Michigan projects are getting millions in state incentivesCook expects Michigan Potash to move “fairly quickly” on seeking the bond.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Perrigo, an over-the-counter pharmaceutical and consumer self-care company, has been given an extra year to meet hiring goals tied to a $2 million state grant as it struggles with employee turnover and filling job openings. The grant was necessary to help Perrigo pay for its $44.8 million lease, parking costs, and related expenses, the MEDC said at the time. On Tuesday, Jeremy Webb, senior business development project manager at the MEDC, confirmed that Perrigo has not received any funds through the $2 million grant. The company now has through 2025 to hire a minimum of 140 employees and a maximum of 170 new jobs to meet the terms of the $2 million grant. The bulk of Perrigo’s West Michigan employees are based in Allegan and Holland, where the company has manufacturing operations and office space.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Five companies will test aviation products, ranging from autonomous service vehicles to a service designed to improve baggage delivery, at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport as part of a program designed to spur innovation and entrepreneurship. The companies are splitting a $145,500 state grant designed provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Ford airport, Southwest Airlines and Stantec GenerationV, according to a news release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The effort is part of a program at the airport’s Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship, also known as FLITE. Dataspeed: The company, based in metro Detroit, will be testing an autonomous service vehicle. EVA: The company, based in Syracuse, New York, will be retooling its drone infrastructure to “revolutionize baggage delivery,” according to a news release.

The city of Portage Brownfield Redevelopment Authority requested and received approval of the $4.75 million capture to help support the development. The developer, Tall Timbers LLC, will be reimbursed for eligible Brownfield activities through the two captures over a 25-year period, beginning in 2024. Tall Timbers, a four-story, 180-unit apartment building is being built east of U.S. 131 on a 13.5-acre site at 3413 W. Centre Ave. in Portage, Michigan. The developers received approval for up to $4.75 million in state Brownfield tax capture on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. (Map provided by Michigan Economic Development Corporation)Tall Timbers Portage, LLC is a single purpose entity owned by Hinman Family, LLC, and AVB co-founder Joseph Gesmundo.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The city of Grand Rapids has received a $9.4 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for affordable housing. The grant is part of the MEDC’s $100 million Revitalization and Placemaking Program, which is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan. In June, the city of Grand Rapids applied for $13.7 million in funds as part of the MEDC grant program. In its application the city said those dollars would be used to support 10 housing and business development projects throughout the city. Related: Grand Rapids seeks $13.7 million for 10 housing, business projectsMEDC officials, during a media briefing Wednesday morning, were not immediately available to provide a full list of the Grand Rapids projects that would be funded through the $9.4 million grant.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Three training programs in Ottawa and Allegan counties were awarded dollars from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s workforce training center equipment grant program. “Our training providers are educational catalysts for the ongoing development of our local workforce,” Jennifer Owens, the president of Lakeshore Advantage, said in a press release. “As lakeshore companies continue to grow and expand, the need for a trained workforce becomes more pressing. GRCC will use its award to buy equipment for advanced automation training. Statewide, $3 million was distributed to workforce training centers through the MEDC grant program, according to Lakeshore Advantage.

LG Energy Solution would be required to get a separate approval from the MSF board should it request the bond, Cook said. The company could take up to two years before it seeks the bonds, Cook said. The bonds under discussion Tuesday would help finance operations at LG Energy Solution related to sewage, wastewater treatment, and solid waste disposal, according to the MEDC. The state of Michigan or MEDC would not be on the hook for the bonds if LG Energy Solution was unable to make payments. “Things are going smooth, and everything is on track,” Kim Enochs, a senior accountant at LG Energy Solution, said during Tuesday’s MEDC meeting.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation says it will provide a matching grant if local arts group Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts is able to raise $50,000 by Sept. 5. Lions & Rabbits is seeking to raise the money to support its After Dark art events in Grand Rapids, which include public art projects, five market space events and a block party, according to the MEDC. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”The fundraising campaign will fund Lions & Rabbits’ work in Grand Rapids’ Midtown and North Quarter neighborhoods. If Lions & Rabbits is able to reach its $50,000 goal by Sept. 5, the MEDC would provide a matching $50,000 grant through its Public Spaces Community Places program. To learn more or contribute to the Lions & Rabbits fundraising campaign, visit patronicity.com/AD22.

From the Gibson Factor to Fishland, 14 Michigan sites are being recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.

Across Metro Detroit, six properties are being recognized through the National Register of Historic Places. These recognitions are decided federal to shine a light on sites worthy of preservation due to historical significance.

Related: Fundraising campaign will help Bright Walls host its finale in JacksonBright Walls started in 2018 and has brought roughly 50 murals to the downtown Jackson area. The Bright Walls team is planning to host roughly a dozen international artists to paint selected walls. Related: Bright Walls is back for one last bash in downtown JacksonThe Bright Walls team is comprised of 14 members who are unpaid to put on the weekend-long festival. MEDC also supported Bright Walls in 2019. More Bright Walls information and updates can be found on Bright Wall’s Facebook page and website.

An unanimous decision by the Michigan Supreme Court court on Wednesday, June 29, mandated GM disclose the full amount of tax credits the state issued the company. In 2009, GM filed bankruptcy and received MEGA credits as a commitment to keeping jobs in the state. In 2015, General Motors and the state renegotiated the tax credit the automaker received but did not disclose the amended tax cap, representing the total value of tax credits GM could claim under the MEGA Act over the term of the agreement. Related: Billions in GM tax credits from The Great Recession must be disclosed, Supreme Court rulesGeneral Motors reduced the cap by $325 million in January 2020 to $3.475 billion, Winter said. The MEDC maintains the Supreme Court decision does not change the way it conducts business.

MUSKEGON, MI — A global life sciences company plans to breathe new life into a shuttered chemical factory in Muskegon Township that’s expected to generate a $430 million investment in the facility and as many as 200 new jobs. Related: Life sciences company plans Muskegon area facility, 200 jobs and $430M investmentLocal officials said they were thrilled with the announcement and the new jobs the company is expected to bring to the region. A memo from the MEDC said the jobs are expected to have an average wage of $1,800 per week plus benefits. “It’s huge news for us,” said Morgan Carroll, director of business development at Greater Muskegon Economic Development. The facility will be Global Life Science’s first location in Michigan.

MUSKEGON, MI — A global life sciences company plans to reopen a shuttered factory in Muskegon Township, bringing up to 200 new jobs and a $430 million capital investment. Global Life Sciences Solutions USA, which develops and manufacturers medical therapeutics, is looking to acquire the former Bayer CropScience facility at 1740 Whitehall Road. The company expects to begin adapting the facility, including adding new machinery, computers and other equipment, for its use this year. On Tuesday, the MEDC board agreed to provide the company with a host of incentives. That includes a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development grant, a $1.5 million Jobs Ready Michigan Program grant, as well as a 100% State Essential Services Assessment tax cut for up to five years valued at $2.7 million.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A footwear company plans to relocate its headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Grand Rapids, a move that’s expected to create up to 61 new jobs and a $1.5 million capital investment. HOLO Footwear, which is minority-owned and describes itself as a sustainable outdoor footwear company, plans to lease space at a downtown office building, 50 Louis St. NW, and hire up to 61 workers with an average wage of $1,629 per week plus benefits, according to a memo from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The MEDC is providing HOLO up to $250,000 over a three-year period contingent upon HOLO meeting its job creation goals. The company chose to expand in Michigan over competing sites in North Carolina and Oregon, according to a news release from Gov. “As HOLO continues to expand, we found that West Michigan is an excellent location for our growth,” Vega said in a news release.

Last week, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation board approved Farmers’ request to amend its 2009 MEGA tax credits. Despite the reduction, the MEDC said keeping the agreement in place, rather than axing it altogether, was the right call. “The MEDC’s primary mission is to help businesses succeed in Michigan,” MEDC spokesperson Otie McKinley said in a statement. Caledonia Township Treasurer Richard Robertson shared the stage with Granholm back in 2009 when the Farmers expansion was announced. Top leadership at the MEDC discussed Farmers’ request to reduce its job creation goals by 500 positions, she said.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A natural children’s playscape in the works for two years in downtown Kalamazoo could be open this July if crowdfunding goals are met. “We’re thrilled that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation selected Children’s Nature Playscape to participate in the Public Spaces Community Places program.”The groundbreaking ceremony for the Children’s Nature Playscape near Bronson Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comGround was broken on the 10,000 square-foot natural playscape in downtown Kalamazoo, at 302 Academy St., at the corner of South Church Street, next to Bronson Park, in March. The site of the future playscape is the former site of First Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, which was demolished in November 2020. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for the Children’s Natural Playscape project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”For more project details or to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/cnp.

JACKSON, MI -- The Bright Walls Mural Festival in Jackson is participating in a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for its finale this fall. Related: Bright Walls is back for one last bash in downtown JacksonProject details and donations can be made at patronicity.com/finale. The Bright Walls team is excited to get the chance to participate again, organizers said. The Bright Walls team is comprised of 14 members that are unpaid to put on the weekend-long festival. The Bright Walls team is planning to host roughly a dozen international artists to paint selected walls, Clay McAndrews previously said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation board has approved a request by Farmers Insurance Group to cut its job creation goals from 1,400 positions to 900 positions as part of a modified $48.6 million incentive package. On Tuesday, the MEDC board approved a request by Farmers to reduce its job creations goals to 900 positions by Dec. 31, 2024. Officials with Farmers Insurance and MEDC could not immediately be reached to discuss the modified incentive package and reduced job creation goals. In a memo to the MEDC board, the agency’s staff said Farmers Insurance created 1,000 new jobs by 2017. Now, with the modified incentive agreement approved, Farmers is eligible for up to $26 million in additional tax credits through 2026, according to the MEDC.

Seven projects to rehabilitate and preserve historically significant sites and buildings across Michigan were recognized last week through the annual Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation. “I’m excited that new projects like these will be enabled very soon with the launch of the next round of state historic tax credits.”Now in its 19th year, the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program, held annually during National Historic Preservation Month, was created by SHPO to celebrate outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many archaeological sites and historic structures that represent our rich past. Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Martha MacFarlane-Faes said in a statement that the preservation of Michigan’s historic sites are vital to understanding the past. “Each year during National Historic Preservation Month the Governor’s Award program gives us an opportunity to recognize standout historic preservation efforts across the state, exemplifying the collaboration and deep impact preservation can have in Michigan communities,” MacFarlane-Faes said. “This year’s diverse group of awards has inspired additional preservation activity and economic investment, and illustrate projects that represent preservation best practices.”National Historic Preservation Month was established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help local preservation groups, historical societies and communities promote historic places and heritage tourism and to demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

MUSKEGON, MI – A fitness station at Beachwood Park in Muskegon is the focus of a campaign to raise grant matching funds. The fitness station is the first part of an effort to launch a “fitness and environmental trail” along the Lakeshore Trail at the park, according to a press release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The Thrive 450 fitness station is described as a “10-person fitness pod that provides upper and lower body strength training.” It is manufactured by GameTime. The park, located just steps from Lake Michigan, is the site of regular group fitness activities during warmer months. The $40,000 fitness station would be located near those courts and the park’s playground, according to the Patronicity campaign literature.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A state board on Tuesday approved $10 million in brownfield incentives for an eight-story office building Spectrum Health is building on Monroe Avenue NW in downtown Grand Rapids. The incentives approved by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Strategic Fund board can be used to reimburse Spectrum for eligible activities, such as site preparation, associated with the $98.7 million project. The project includes the construction of the office building, two seven-story parking structures, and renovation’s made to the Brass Works Building, which Spectrum purchased in early 2021. Spectrum’s new office building is being constructed adjacent to the Brass Works Building, 648 Monroe Ave. NW. In addition to the state brownfield incentives, the city of Grand Rapids previously approved $6.2 million in local brownfield incentives for the project.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A high-end lighting and furniture company has received a $300,000 state grant for its plan to open a second location in the Grand Rapids area and create at least 50 full-time jobs. Roll & Hill is planning on moving its lighting production facility from Brooklyn, New York, to 6192 Valduga Drive SW in Wyoming. “As Roll & Hill continues to expand, Wyoming remains an excellent location for our growth,” he said in a statement. The company is set to receive a $300,000 grant from the MEDC for creating 50 new jobs at its planned Wyoming lighting production facility. The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development group, worked with the MEDC as Roll & Hill made the request for the $300,000 grant.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A Walker-based medical device manufacturer is planning a $6 million expansion that’s expected to create up to 110 jobs. West Contract Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Pennsylvania-based West Pharmaceutical Services, plans to invest up to $5.4 million in machinery and equipment, and up to $600,000 in building improvements at its plant, 3116 N. Wilson Ct. NW, in Walker. The company, which as 266 employees in Walker, received a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help facilitate the expansion. An MEDC memo said West Pharmaceutical Services was considering making the expansion at facilities it owns in Pennsylvania and Arizona. In a news release, The Right Place said the company’s expansion is starting “immediately.”The average wage of the up to 110 new jobs is $951 per week.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation said yes Tuesday to an incentive package for General Motors in Lansing.

Neither did the other lawmakers who signed agreements or their spokespeople. Confidentiality agreements, signed by lawmakers from Oct. 21 to Nov. 15, require signers to keep information private for five years, according to the documents. The agreements were made in the weeks leading up to legislation that created a $1 billion incentive fund aimed at helping Michigan compete for business. Several groups are raising concerns over state lawmakers making these types of secret deals. The Mackinac Center, a free-market think tank, has said that business incentive programs are ineffective and a burden to the state’s budget.

FLINT, MI — Communities First, Inc. is calling on Flint supporters to help the organization reach its $50,000 funding goal to receive a matching grant for the transformation of a flower shop and lot into a vibrant community space. Focusing on food, music and fun, Foodie Commons at the Flower Shop will offer a food truck park, event space complete with an outdoor stage, an open green space, and covered seating. To realize this vision and develop an important community amenity, Communities First, Inc. is excited to be a part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places Initiative. Once the campaign hits its goal, Foodie Commons will receive a one-to-one matching grant from the MEDC, bringing the total funds raised for the Flint community to $100,000. Communities First, Inc. recently hosted a soft opening for Foodie Commons at the Flower Shop, located at 402 W. Court St., in Flint.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — An Ionia County manufacturer is planning a $30.4 million expansion and expects to hire 38 new employees, according to a news release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Extruded Aluminum Corporation, which processes aluminum for a variety of industries, has purchased a 14-acre property next to its plant in Otisco Township, where it plans to build a 176,000 square foot expansion. The company will house additional production, handling and processing equipment at the new facility, the release states.

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, MI — Frozen food manufacturer Request Foods, Inc. is planning an estimated $205 million expansion in Holland Township that would create between 50 and 198 new jobs. Request Foods says the MEDC incentives were needed to facilitate the company’s expansion in Holland Township. In addition to the $2 million MEDC grant — which is meant to help offset costs of attracting and retaining employees — Request Foods is seeking several other incentives for the project. The company, in conjunction with Holland Township, is also seeking a $7 million community development block grant. Beyond that, the company is also seeking a five-year, 50% tax cut on eligible personal property associated with the expansion.

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, MI — Aerospace and defense contractor L3 Harris Technologies has received a $500,000 state grant to help the company pay for a $2.6 million expansion at its Cascade Township factory that will create 34 jobs. “Greater Grand Rapids competes on both a national and global scale for hi-tech, innovative companies like L3Harris. The Cascade Township facility has operated since 1966 and employs 234 people. The company will be awarded $14,705 per new job created, with a minimum of 25 jobs created and a maximum of 34 jobs created, the grant agreement shows. While the grant agreement covers up to 34 jobs, the company says it might create up to 50 new jobs, according to the MEDC.

Biopharmaceutical company to generate 160 high-wage jobs in Ann Arbor with new Center of Excellence Facility.

GROSSE POINTE PARK — Del Sagnes, general manager of a Grosse Pointe Park restaurant, knows more about smoked ribs and brisket than about the Michigan Economic

Rivian, a major manufacturer of electric vehicles, will invest $4.6 million into its Plymouth, Michigan facility, creating 100 new high-wage jobs.

A2GO will officially kick off on Oct. 11.

The Pontiac community is taking the future of their neighborhood parks into their own hands.

Gretchen Whitmer announced the first round of Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants totaling nearly $450,000 on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at Kettering University’s GM Mobility Research Center in Flint. Five mobility companies -- MUVE, Airspace Link, KUHMUTE, GreenRoute and Michigan Flyer -- received more than $444,000 in funding to deploy mobility pilots in Michigan that alleviate mobility barriers and help accelerate electric vehicle adoption. “It is our goal to support mobility and electrification companies looking to deploy those technology solutions here in Michigan,” Whitmer said. The Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants focus on catalyzing and scaling mobility solutions that improve environmental sustainability by encouraging electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the buildout of EV charging infrastructure, alleviate mobility barriers and increase access to affordable and reliable transportation options and modernize existing transportation systems. Whitmer says local - not state - mask policies are ‘best way to move forward’Michigan man who told Gov.

Students and companies can still apply to participate in the new Michigan STEM Forward program.

Semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron CSS will be acquiring and rehabilitating a facility in Monitor Township in Bay County to support the electric vehicle industry, according to a press release from the governor’s office. SK Siltron CSS manufactures a specialty wafer made of silicon carbide that can be used in the semiconductor power components of electric vehicles. “SK Siltron CSS is a world class, high tech, company that could have chosen to invest anywhere in the world. SK Siltron is a South Korea-based company, which acquired a Michigan silicon carbide wafer business in 2019 and established SK Siltron CSS as a U.S. subsidiary. It was also previously reported that 70% of the new employees at the Bay City site will be skilled workers while 30% will be professional engineers.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Two West Michigan companies, Gen3 Defense & Aerospace and Blackmer, are expected to expand their operations in Grand Rapids, bringing 319 jobs and $15.5 million investment to the area. Gen3 currently 26 employees in West Michigan and is based at 285 Dodge NE in Comstock Park. “Our team is excited to begin taking on new opportunities as we continue growing in west Michigan,” Gen3 Defense and Aerospace General Manager Mark Wells said in a statement. Blackmer, which manufacturers and distributes rotary pumps, gas compressors and centrifugal pumps, is planning to build a new manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids. “Our team is incredibly excited to continue growing and evolving our operations in the West Michigan region,” Blackmer General Manager Bob Lauson said in a statement.

DETROIT – Two Detroit redevelopment projects, representing more than $226 million in investment, were approved for $11 million in state tax breaks today. The city of Detroit is also supporting both projects with brownfield tax breaks. The tax break boosts the company’s projected 20-year return from 2% to 5%. The MSF board today approved a brownfield tax break of $5,034,365 to reimburse the developer, Lafayette Acquisition Partners, for those costs. “The commercial spaces will target local, place-based businesses and address underserved markets.”In addition to the state tax break, developers have local support with local portion of the brownfield tax break, estimated at $12,715,755.

VICKSBURG, MI — Village leaders in Vicksburg have launched a crowdfunding campaign with the goal of “Bringing Oswalt Park back to life”Upon reaching a goal of $50,000 the village would win matching grant funds through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative, a news release from the village states. Village leaders in Vicksburg have launched a crowdfunding campaign with the goal of “Bringing Oswalt Park back to life.” Upon reaching a goal of $50,000 the village would win matching grant funds through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative. The crowdfunding campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. If successful, funds will be used to restore the underused public park, located in the heart of Vicksburg’s historic downtown, to provide a comfortable community gathering space, the release states. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for the Oswalt Park project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”To earn matching grant funds from the MEDC, the campaign must reach its crowdfunding goal by Oct. 8.

Crowdfunding needed for downtown Milan project

GRAND BLANC, MI -- To celebrate the 100th year of Grand Blanc Community Schools’ Perry Center, the community is starting a funding campaign to raise $26,000 to construct a community pavilion and outdoor classroom. The pavilion is planned to be located just outside the Perry Center next to the Perry Playground. The Perry Center received a historical marker in 2013 through the Michigan Historical Commission. In June, the large smokestack that served as an unofficial marker of the Perry Center in the Grand Blanc skyline was deconstructed. Related: Historic smokestack at Perry Center in Grand Blanc being deconstructedSince it was originally constructed in 1950, the structure began to fall apart with age.

Photo courtesy: MEDC– The following article was contributed by Michele Wildman, Senior Vice President at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Workers want safe, attractive and affordable housing options with access to businesses, public services, cultural amenities and community assets – and yet, here in Michigan, there is a housing shortage across all housing types and price points. At the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), we are specifically targeting housing targeted toward households with incomes between 80 percent and 120 percent of the area median income (AMI) in growing the inventory of housing for Michigan’s workforce. Shrinking inventory, especially of low-cost housing, too-few housing units at lower price points, the high cost of construction, cities that are priced out of reach for many and rising prices, which are pushing younger buyers out of the market. Working together to ensure housing needs across the state are met – regardless of geography or income – remains a critical component of growing economic opportunity for every Michigander in the state.

Building on the success of the 2020 A2AC Murals project, the Art Center’s new campaign, A2AC Art in Public, aims to raise $50,000.

The program aims to promote job retention in the state while supporting local companies.

The program aims to promote job retention in the state while supporting local companies.

HOLLAND, MI — An automation company based in Holland Township has been awarded an up to $400,000 state grant for its plan to create 109 new jobs and build a $5 million expansion near its headquarters. The grant for Mission Design and Automation, 9652 Black River Court, was announced Thursday by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The company plans to use the dollars to create an apprenticeship program, the MEDC says. “Mission Design’s investment in Holland will create good-paying jobs and help us continue our economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic,” Gov. The company is planning to build a 50,000-square-foot light industrial building with 6,000 square feet of office space adjacent to its headquarters on Black River Court.

DETROIT – A $10.4 million project expected to bring “new vitality and much-needed housing” to a critical Detroit neighborhood has won state and local financial incentives of more than $2.6 million. Planned for 7303 W. McNichols Road, the project will begin with the demolition of three vacant buildings between Prairie and Monica streets. “As with many projects in Detroit, our project would not be possible without the support of our state, local and philanthropic partners, like MEDC,” said George N’Namdi, a partner with 7303 West McNichols LLC, which is behind the project. MSF also approved $228,537 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of brownfield clean-up costs. “Our interest is to bring affordable housing and innovative design which has all the attributes of market-rate offerings,” N’Namdi said.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – A $25.3 million mixed-use development is expected to provide year-round housing in downtown Traverse City. GLC Northern Michigan Pine, LLC plans to construct the four-story, mixed-use building at the long-vacant 309 W. Front St. site in downtown Traverse City. “The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority has worked many years to get this site into active use, particularly for year-round residential housing. This development will do just that,” said Traverse City DDA CEO Jean Derenzy. The establishment of year-round downtown residents is expected to help support businesses and drive economic activity.

A new type of shuttle service will be hitting the streets of Ann Arbor in the name of research.

Those interested in careers with Goyette Mechanical should visit here, and also connect with local unions to inquire about jobs, Parks said. “We are proud to win this major investment in our community and keep Goyette Mechanical’s headquarters in Flint. Goyette Mechanical is a family business that built its foundation here and has thrived for generations. They prove Flint is a great place to do business,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “We appreciate all of them, that’s why we’re such a great business,” Parks.

Two projects building on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $27.2 million, create 279 jobs.

Two projects building on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $27.2 million, create 279 jobs.

Three Michigan lighthouses are being awarded grants to help repair and preserve their historic structures. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Friday that three historic lighthouses across the state have been selected to split more than $126,000 in grants from the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program operated by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. Historic Crisp Point Lighthouse near Newberry, Michigan. (Michigan Economic Development Corporation)A total of $50,000 will go toward renovating the watch deck of the North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse near Leland Township. The historic North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse near Leland Township, Michigan.

The $3.6 million incentive approved by the MEDC board is part of the state’s brownfield program. The developer’s request for tax incentives drew pushback in March 2020 from one member of the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority. The DDA and the Grand Rapids City Commission previously approved the incentives for the project. One study, conducted for the city of Grand Rapids by the group Housing Next, estimated the city needs 5,340 additional apartments by 2025 to meet demand. “This is important housing stock that is necessary,” said Jeremiah Gracia, director of economic development for the city of Grand Rapids.

The internships will be funded by Ann Arbor SPARK and a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level. SPARK has run the program on a local level through the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone with a decade of positive results. In scaling the program up, MEDC will work in partnership with SPARK to place 425-450 STEM students currently attending Michigan colleges annually into STEM-focused internships throughout Michigan. “Ann Arbor SPARK is thrilled to leverage our decade of experience running our own Ann Arbor-based internship program and take the opportunity to administer the Michigan STEM Forward program on behalf of the state,” said Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor SPARK’s vice president of entrepreneurial services.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A city-owned parking lot in downtown Kalamazoo could be transformed into the community’s latest development project as city leaders seek proposals for the site. The city of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation have released a request for developer qualifications for the development opportunity at 140 S. Edwards St. in Kalamazoo. The 1.23-acre property, which stretches along Edwards from South Street to Bates Alley, has been a municipally-owned surface parking lot since the 1930s. A virtual site showcase will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 26, to highlight the development opportunity. The city of Kalamazoo released the request for qualifications in coordination with the MEDC.

DETROIT – Five places in Detroit have been officially deemed historic for their role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement sought to demand equality for African Americans in the North as much as in the South,” said Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Martha MacFarlane-Faes. “By listing these sites, the National Register recognizes Detroit’s significant role in the growth of the movement. Officials say these five sites now join nearly 2,000 existing historic sites in Michigan that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The newly-selected sites were chosen by a 14-person Civil Rights advisory committee comprised of local historians familiar with Detroit’s Black history, as well as staff members from the State Historic Preservation Office and Detroit’s Historic Designation Advisory Board, officials said.

Two companies will soon bring 266 new jobs to the Ann Arbor area. ANN ARBOR – Two major projects will bring well-paying jobs and new investments to the Ann Arbor area, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced on Tuesday. Homepoint, a national mortgage lender, will also be expanding in Ann Arbor with plans to add 155 area jobs. Homepoint is looking to create 155 new jobs and generate an additional private investment of $3.7 million by adding an operations center in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor SPARK is supporting the company with resources and staff time.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Autonomous and connected vehicle developer May Mobility is looking to expand its footprint in Ann Arbor. With headquarters in Ann Arbor, May Mobility and operates in cities across the United States, including Grand Rapids and Detroit. In 2019, the AV technology company worked with MEDC and the city of Grand Rapids to form the Grand Rapids Autonomous Vehicle Initiative. The initiative saw autonomous vehicles operating on city streets in Grand Rapids to demonstrate civic infrastructure and operational capabilities of the growing autonomous vehicle market. May Mobility will work with Ann Arbor SPARK to find candidates to fill the anticipated positions.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Innovation Hub for Advanced Transportation has awarded $710,000 to eight early-stage mobility projects from Michigan universities. The high-tech projects will offer ways to increase the safety, sustainability and efficacy of transporting people and goods in order to meet market needs. The eight projects receiving funding this year through the MTRAC Innovation Hub for Advanced Transportation reflect the diversity of advanced automotive technologies being developed at Michigans universities, U-M associate vice president for research-technology transfer and innovation partnerships Kelly Sexton told Michigan News. The MTRAC Innovation Hub for Advanced Transportation accelerates the development and commercialization of advanced transportation projects. The program is open to researchers at higher education institutions, hospital systems and nonprofit research organizations within Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Art Center has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund a new project creating a series of murals to downtown Ann Arbor. The A2AC Murals project would create a series of up to 10 highly visible murals over the next five months. We know that right now, our communities have many social and financial concerns, said Ann Arbor Art Center President and CEO Marie Klopf in a statement. The Ann Arbor Art Center has worked to bring murals to Ann Arbor before. For a list of intended mural locations and more information about A2AC Murals visit the Patronicity page.

The campaign now supporting Black and brown-owned Detroit area restaurants, ordering catered meals to feed those in need. RELATED: New app supports Black-owned restaurants in Detroit, Atlanta, PhiladelphiaIn addition to the homeless at the neighborhood service organization, the campaign is now also helping at risk girls and women. Here are three ways you can help right now :1) The Pay It Forward team has created The Detroit Map of Black-owned Restaurants to help make it easy to locate and support black-owned Detroit neighborhood restaurants right now. Using this map, you can:Patronize Black-owned restaurants. 3) Check out all of Pay It Forward restaurant partners to support them by ordering takeout/delivery or dining in safely:

DETROIT Three months of lost revenue is enough to bring down any small business, and thats especially true for restaurants, but now the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has come up with a plan to help Black-owned businesses. Ivys Kitchen and Cocktails is one of the newest restaurants here on Detroits east side, right off Jefferson. Its dollar for dollar. They match every single dollar that I raise.Right now, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is initiating a crowdfunding campaign for 12 days, with local Detroit businesses. Marshall said she is one of them and the MEDC will match every dollar she raises.

A new online portal from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is helping businesses secure personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees as businesses start to reopen around the state amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MORE: Heres everything thats reopening this week across entire state of MichiganThe free COVID-19 Procurement Platform connects businesses in need of PPE with businesses that have the supplier capacity to meet their demand, officials said. Both businesses who are in need of PPE and those who are able to supply it are encouraged to use the platform. Officials say they are verifying the legitimacy of PPE suppliers requesting to be on the portal. Click here to visit the COVID-19 Procurement Platform.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)s PlanetM initiative is awarding more than $280,000 in technology innovation grants to companies developing solutions to mobility challenges related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The contactless delivery method will be used in Grand Rapids and Rochester and is meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Penske Vehicle Services -- $28,000The Troy-based vehicle services company is developing temporary barriers to increase physical separation between front seat drivers and back seat passengers. RCO Engineering -- $28,000Like Penske Vehicle Services, the Michigan-based RCO Engineering will also develop temporary partitions to separate front seat drivers from back seat passengers. Officials say the city of Detroit will provide vehicles that will be installed with the barriers.

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Small Business Relief Program, funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. was established in response to businesses experiencing COVID-related distress. Ann Arbor SPARK administered this funding for Washtenaw and Livingston counties. “This is an unprecedented time that we are all facing and navigating together,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. In Livingston County, the review panel was comprised of representatives from the Economic Development Council for Livingston County, Ann Arbor SPARK, and the Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ann Arbor SPARK has two upcoming virtual events next week to provide timely information and resources to businesses.