New COVID-19 Protections for Michigan Workers and Businesses
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan House Bills 6030-6032 protecting Michigan workers from the spread of COVID-19 and protecting businesses that implement strict safety measures to keep workers, customers and their families safe. The bills require employers to allow workers who are exposed to COVID-19 or exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home and prohibit retaliation against employees for staying home when sick or exposed to the virus. The bills also provide a minimum damages award of $5,000 for violations.
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More Than $17.8 Million Awarded to LEO to Connect Michiganders to High-Skill, High-Wage Career Pathways
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has been awarded $17.8 million in a U.S. Department of Education competitive grant to respond to the economic impact of COVID-19 in the state. LEO’s Office of Employment and Training will implement the Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program (MiLEAP) with the new grant award. MiLEAP will provide funds to assist jobseekers in transitioning from short- and mid-term education and training programs to high-skill, high-wage career pathways, resulting in industry-recognized credential attainment and reduced educational debt.
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MPC20 Session Features CEOs From MEDC and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Join MEDC CEO Mark Burton and President and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation for a conversation highlighting top priorities for economic growth in the coming year and learn how state and regional economic development leaders are rebuilding a post-COVID-19 economy that emphasizes equity and resilience for all Michiganders. The conversation will be moderated by Carol Cain of CBS and Detroit Free Press, and is part of the 2020 virtual Mackinac Policy Conference.
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Automation Alley’s New Project DIAMOnD to Offer Grants in Oakland and Macomb Counties
Automation Alley has unveiled Project DIAMOnD (Digital, Independent, Agile, Manufacturing on Demand), creating the country’s largest 3D printer network on a blockchain technology platform. This initiative, supported by Microsoft and Markforged, is funded through the $10 million grant Automation Alley received from Oakland County and a $2 million grant from Macomb County in June to help each county’s manufacturing base purchase and implement Industry 4.0 technologies for direct support of manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) for the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant eligibility is limited to 300 manufacturers from Oakland County and 50 from Macomb County with less than 500 employees and presents the opportunity for even the smallest manufacturers. Applications should be submitted by November 13.
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Register for Automation Alley’s Integr8 Conference
The Integr8 Conference, presented by Automation Alley, is a two-day virtual experience bringing together technology and manufacturing leaders from across the globe to look beyond the cutting edge to influence the course of business, and construct the next level of Industry 4.0. The event features keynotes from global technology leaders and breakout sessions on a cross-section of digital transformation topics, AMHUB roundtables that dive deep into digitalization challenges and opportunities, and, new this year, 1-on-1 matchmaking meetings with cutting-edge technology firms to help you leverage new innovations to gain a competitive advantage. General admission is free.
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Upper Peninsula School District Secures Critical PPE to Support Reopening Efforts
As schools, like Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD), wrapped for the summer, they contemplated how to safely bring students and teachers back in the fall in the midst of a pandemic. Read how the school district found MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) COVID-19 Procurement Platform and how they successfully secured the necessary PPE to safely reopen.
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Additional Resources Available Online
Access additional COVID-19 resources for businesses and communities by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19. Read more about programs supporting economic recovery for Michigan businesses by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.
Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find other valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities.
