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Thursday, June 12, 2025Welcome to the MI Hub for Manufacturers
Welcome to the MI Hub for Manufacturers We're here to help you on your manufacturing business journey! From capital to expert advisors, find what you need to grow, adapt, and thrive—all in one place and free to use.Create Your Account Support & Resources We strive to help Michigan-based manufacturers grow and adapt to industry shifts by providing access to business advising, responsible funding, events and courses, and a wide range of partner resources and programs. Funding Apply for responsible
Wednesday, June 11, 2025APACC Welcomes Michelle Maki as New Special Events Manager
APACC is pleased to welcome Michelle Maki as our new Special Events Manager, beginning June 2, 2025. This strategic addition comes as part of the organization's continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for APACC members, the AAPI business community, and Michigan's economy. Michelle brings with her an impressive 20+ year track record in event planning, project management, and member services across diverse industries. Having successfully managed everything from intimate board
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Tuesday, June 10, 2025GM to invest $4 billion in its U.S. manufacturing plants
General Motors today announced plans to invest about $4 billion over the next two years in its domestic manufacturing plants to increase U.S. production of both gas and electric vehicles. The new investment will give GM the ability to assemble more than two million vehicles per year in the U.S. This announcement comes on the heels of the company’s recently announced plan to invest $888 million in the Tonawanda Propulsion plant near Buffalo, New York to support GM’s next-generation V-8 engine. Plants in
Monday, June 09, 2025U.S. Economy Adds 139,000 Jobs in May
The U.S. economy added more jobs than many analysts had reportedly expected, but the job growth overall is still slowing down. Employment data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the US. had added 139,000 jobs, a number that exceeded forecasts for about 120,000 payroll gains. Still, that number is down from the revised 147,000 jobs added in April. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, remaining near historic lows. NBC News reported that, heading into Friday’s report, other recent
Saturday, June 07, 2025Rocket Cos. Announces Offering of $4B in Senior Notes due 2030 and Senior Notes due 2033
Rocket Cos. Inc., the Detroit-based fintech platform including mortgage, real estate, title, and personal finance businesses, is proposing to issue and sell $2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2030 and $2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2033 in an offering that will be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes will initially be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured
Friday, June 06, 2025Unemployment Claims Rise to Highest Level since October
In historical context, the numbers of Americans filing first-time unemployment benefits is still relatively low. But they’re on the rise. Filings for unemployment benefits rose to their highest level in eight months, climbing to 247,000 for the week ending May 31, according to statistics released by the Labor Department Thursday. That’s an increase of 8,000 claims and represents the most since early October. According to a report from The Associated Press, analysts had forecast 237,000 new
Friday, June 06, 2025Study: Businesses Raised Prices Soon After Tariffs Hit
Study: Businesses Raised Prices Soon After Tariffs HitDespite assurances from the White House that the cost of its varying tariff policies would be borne by companies, a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York appears to show it’s actually the consumers who are bearing the brunt of the policies, at least early on. The study found that businesses have raised prices quickly in response to tariffs, though they only modestly cut headcount, according to a report from Bloomberg. The report shows that
Wednesday, June 04, 2025Inflation Gauge Slows Without Tariff Impact – So Far
Inflation Gauge Slows Without Tariff Impact – So FarIf the shifting U.S. tariff policies are having any effect on inflation or prices, it doesn’t appear to be showing yet. In fact, a key gauge used to track inflation slowed last month, as did spending by American consumers despite rising incomes. A report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer prices rose just 2.1% in April, compared with a year earlier, down from 2.3% in March and the lowest since September. Taking out the volatile food and
Wednesday, June 04, 2025‘Highly Engaged Team’ Key to OxBlue’s Success
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That old adage – or at least a derivative of it – is a priority for maintaining the workplace culture for the folks at OxBlue, an Atlanta-based technology firm that specializes in cameras for construction jobsites. OxBlue, whose stated mission is to “deliver exceptional service and a quality product that improves project delivery and enhances team communications has formulated success since its founding in 2001 using a team of highly engaged employees,” Briana Phillips,
Wednesday, June 04, 2025Finding the Right Talent is Key to Business Growth
Ken Lear is the founder and CEO of 2313, Inc. and Yasmin Moaven is the CEO of fintech company Pipe.Attaining scalable growth – increasing revenues without a corresponding surge in expenses – is no small feat. For an entrepreneur or a small-business owner, it can be an exciting prospect. But attaining that kind of success takes careful planning and innovative thinking to put the leader’s vision into action. To do that, Ken Lear believes, it takes an ability to put together the right team, to onboard
Wednesday, June 04, 2025Survey: Michigan Small Business Owners say Growth Hampered by Health Care Costs
Health care costs are a top concern among small business owners across Michigan, according to the latest membership survey from the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). The rise in health care costs has companies rebalancing their books and cutting back on hiring new employees. Seventy-six percent of SBAM members surveyed said the cost of providing health care is affecting their ability to hire more employees, while 51 percent say they’ve had to reduce or eliminate benefits due to costs. “Small
Wednesday, June 04, 2025Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports Doubled to 50%
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on June 3, 2025, which effectively doubles the tariffs applicable to most steel and aluminum imports into the United States. The new rate is 50%. The effective date for this change is June 4, 2025. These tariff rates, imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, are applicable to steel, aluminum and products derived from them. For products constructed only partially of steel or aluminum, the 50% Section 232 tariff applies to the steel and aluminum
Thursday, May 29, 2025Michigan launches public-private partnership with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to boost manufacturing and support good-paying jobs
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy commit to leveraging purchasing power to support and grow Michigan manufacturers and clean energy startups Community & Worker Economic Transition Office launches MI Hub for Manufacturing with support from philanthropy Michigan is a top 10 state for clean energy jobs, leads the nation for total jobs in advanced materials and has the fastest-growing workforce for energy-efficient HVAC and renewable heating and cooling MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor
Friday, May 23, 2025Empower To Grow (E2G) Manufacturing in America Grant
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established an initiative to support the Administration's Made in America goal. It will help restore America’s economic dominance and national security by empowering small manufacturers to achieve sustainable growth and industry leadership. Through hands on training, small manufacturers can effectively address workforce shortages and bridge skill gaps. The grant will provide workforce development in key manufacturing industries, such as timber, energy,
Friday, May 23, 2025Logic Celebrates
Recently, Logic Solutions hosted an Open House for clients and friends from the tech community to celebrate the grand opening of our Innovation Center in Ann Arbor. This marks Logic’s 30th year in business and a return to Ann Arbor, a dynamic Midwest tech hub. Over 70 were present, representing businesses in mobility, education, logistics, and healthcare, plus partners like our good friends at SPARK Ann Arbor. Delicious food was served from local restaurant neighbors including Produce Station, Tea Haus,
Wednesday, May 21, 2025MEDC Announces $8.8 Million in Grants for Organizations Supporting Under-Represented Small Businesse
The Trusted Connector Grant and Entrepreneur Support Grant, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, provide funding to support small business development initiatives across the state. LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the 23 Michigan organizations that will receive grant funding from the Trusted Connector Grant program, which provide grants to organizations such as chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations that
Tuesday, May 20, 2025Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in Michigan. “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of AAPI Michiganders who make Michigan stronger every day,” said Governor Whitmer. “From starting small businesses to serving on the frontlines of health care, education, and public service, this community plays a vital role
Monday, May 19, 2025Study: GM Improves, Ford and Stellantis Drop in 2025 Supplier Relations Study
General Motors placed third in the Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM – Supplier Working Relations Index, ahead of Ford and Stellantis. // Stock photo General Motors Co. in Detroit capitalized on its market strength and established relationships to better help suppliers manage costs, risks, and uncertainty, compared to Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn and Stellantis in Auburn Hills, according to Plante Moran’s 25th annual North American Automotive OEM – Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI). GM placed
Wednesday, May 14, 2025Grant Opportunities
Current Grant Opportunities Great Lakes Bay Business Hub Small businesses in the Great Lakes Bay Region are eligible to receive direct business grant funds through the Great Lakes Bay Business Hub. The efforts of the business hub network and programming are to help the business develop a plan to connect with local, state, and federal opportunities, secure needed funding, while growing a customer base and industry connections. The second round of funding closes on May 23rd, 2025 -- click here to
Monday, May 12, 2025Recruiting Asian American Youth for Summer Research Project
Recruiting Asian American youth who might be interested in gathering family and community stories about older Asian Americans living in Michigan. The project will take place this Summer 2025, and participants will attend workshops and receive a stipend and recording equipment. We are a team of educational researchers from Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and University of Utah (Drs. Roland Sintos Coloma, Min Yu, Jungmin Kwon, and Wenyang Sun). With financial support from the
Monday, March 31, 2025Influencing the legal landscape
Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker PLLC Joins Kerr Russell Kerr Russell and Barris Sott, two long-standing Detroit-based law firms, have combined effective April 1, 2025.https://www.kerr-russell.com/kerr-russell-and-barris-sott-announce-combination/ Kerr, Russell and Weber PLC and Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker PLLC, two long-standing Detroit-based law firms, announced today that they are combining effective April 1, 2025. The resulting firm will have more than 60 attorneys working in Kerr Russell’s Detroit
