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Friday, January 22, 2021Indoor Dining Reopens February 1; Caution and Focus on Enhanced Ventilation Recommended Concessions and personal services also allowed under new MDHHS epidemic order
LANSING, MICH. Following last week’s announcement about the plan to reopen indoor dining, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released its next epidemic order today, which continues the department’s fact-based approach to reopening activities, and goes into effect on Monday, Feb. 1. The order will allow for indoor dining at restaurants with certain requirements; concessions at casinos, movie theaters and stadiums; personal services requiring mask removal; and non-residential
Friday, January 22, 2021Mask Up, Mask Right!
LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative to not only get Michiganders to mask up, but to mask right. “The science is now settled: Masks protect others from COVID – and they protect the wearer,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director. “It’s important to wear the right mask and wear it the right way. We want all Michiganders to Mask Up, Mask Right as we continue to battle the virus in our state.” Masking right includes wearing one of three options of
Wednesday, January 20, 2021Resources Available to Help Apply for Michigan Small Business Survival Grant
Resources to help small businesses apply for the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program are available on the program landing page at www.michiganbusiness.org/survival. Resources include a tutorial video that walks applicants through the process from start to finish as well as highlighting key questions to be prepared for throughout the application. The landing page also includes an FAQ with eligibility requirements and the application questions so that businesses can gather the information they need
Wednesday, January 20, 2021State Economic Recovery Plan Announced
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan COVID Recovery Plan to grow Michigan’s economy and help end the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes a strong focus on economic recovery including: $225 million for three new programs through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help stabilize, recover and ultimately grow the economy in Michigan.A call for the Michigan Legislature to pass Good Jobs for Michigan to help Michigan retain and grow our businesses and create jobs.Providing
Wednesday, January 20, 2021Michigan Begins Pandemic-Related Unemployment Payments
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has continued its phased approach of implementing the recently extended federal unemployment benefit programs. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants who had benefit weeks remaining on their claim as of Dec. 26, 2020, can now begin certifying their claims through their MiWAM accounts. The UIA is still in the process of programming new system changes necessary to begin additional payments for PEUC
Tuesday, January 19, 2021Stellantis: Building a world leader in sustainable mobility
A new company with the agility, creativity and efficiency to capture the opportunities of the new era of mobility, offering innovative solutions that will help change the way society movesRich heritage stemming from storied and iconic automotive marques, innovative mobility brands and deep roots in the communities in which it operatesWell positioned to compete in global markets with 39 electrified vehicles available by the end of 2021Significant scale with well-established commercial positions in Europe,
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Tuesday, January 19, 2021Are Foreign-Owned or Controlled Companies Eligible for a PPP 2.0 Loan?
The persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenging business conditions in Michigan and across the U.S. The second wave of infections has forced many state and local government agencies to again implement restrictive orders to curb virus transmission. While necessary, the orders have created an additional dimension of complexity for many charting a course back to profitability. Just as the stress hit an all-time high, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which provides
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Tuesday, January 19, 2021Understanding Transactions, Even if Your Business Isn’t for Sale
Selling your small business may not have been your focus in 2020 and may not be your focus in 2021. With an economy in flux and public health at the forefront of every decision, you may be simply focused on keeping your businesses—and yourself—healthy. But if there are two things that 2020 has taught us, it is that even the most certain things can change quickly, and planning ahead comes with huge advantages. As a small business, you never know when you will pick up the phone and take a call from an
Friday, January 15, 2021SBA Issues Two Interim Final Rules Related to PPP Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued two new Interim Final Rules (IFRs) addressing “First Draw” and “Second Draw” Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans authorized under the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Act). The first IFR (First IFR) consolidates all interim final rules and guidance issued to date, governing borrower eligibility, lender eligibility and PPP application and origination requirements for new PPP loans, and provides general rules
Thursday, January 14, 2021$55 Million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to Open Application January 19, 2021
The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved the $55 million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses that have experienced a significant financial hardship due to the recent COVID-19 emergency “gatherings and face mask orders.” The program was part of Senate Bill 748 signed into law by Governor Whitmer on Dec. 29, 2020. The application period for the grant will open at 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and run through Noon EST on Friday, Jan. 22.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2021State and Local Tax Planning: What You Need to Know
In a world that is becoming more global, many companies have focused their resources on dealing with new international markets. While important, it is also imperative businesses do not take their eyes off the ball at home. Every year state and local taxes play a larger role in the corporate tax season. Combined with the fact that companies are doing business in more places than ever before, the result is that no tax consideration can be missed when preparing taxes. Evolving tax codes, recent court cases,
Tuesday, January 12, 2021What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often. Because COVID-19 is a new disease with new vaccines, you may have questions about what happens before, during, and after your appointment to get vaccinated. These tips will help you know what to
Monday, January 11, 2021Detroit Auto Show Cancelled, Switched to Outdoor Pontiac Event
Auto enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the newest, hottest cars in the automotive world in Detroit this summer are going to need to reprogram their GPS. The Detroit Auto Dealers Association Monday announced the cancellation of the 2021 North American International Auto Show, originally scheduled for Sept. 24 through Oct. 9 in downtown Detroit, over fears of a still-raging coronavirus pandemic. Instead, DADA officials said in a statement Monday they’re planning a scaled-down, outdoor auto event,
Friday, January 08, 2021SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly
Thursday, January 07, 2021MI COVID Alert now available in two additional languages
Spanish, Arabic options make exposure app available to more MichigandersLANSING, Mich. – Today the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) announced the launch of Spanish and Arabic language options for its anonymous exposure notification mobile app, MI COVID Alert. “It is critical that we continue to recognize and find ways to meet the diverse needs of communities across our state,” said Robert Gordon, director of
Monday, January 04, 2021Ford Names Andrew Frick as Head of Sales for U.S. and Canada
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 4, 2020 – Ford Motor Company today announced that Andrew Frick has been appointed vice president, Sales, U.S. and Canada, effective today. He is succeeding Mark LaNeve, who has elected to depart Ford after an accomplished career as a senior marketing and sales leader in order to pursue the next chapter of his professional life. Frick, 47, most recently served as director, U.S. sales, driving positive results in sales and market share. A 25-year company veteran, he also has extensive
Monday, January 04, 2021Paycheck Protection Program Loans – Round Two
On Sunday, December 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed a COVID-19 relief bill that extends and modifies several provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Title III of the new law, called Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Act), allocates $284 billion to a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans. The Act provides the following: Eligible Borrowers Eligible borrowers include small businesses, nonprofit
Monday, January 04, 2021GM to Convert More than 650 U.S. Temporary Employees to Full-Time Status in January
Wages, profit sharing opportunity and benefits set to rise for new full-time employeesTeam members at nine sites in four states to see significant gainsDETROIT — General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today that more than 650 hourly employees at its sites in the U.S. will transition from temporary to regular full-time employment in January 2021. These employees work at nine GM manufacturing plants and other sites in four states: Michigan, Indiana, Texas and Missouri. “We are proud to welcome these team
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Wednesday, December 30, 20204 Tips for Managing a Large Inheritance
Receiving a large inheritance may sound appealing to most, especially in an era where many have gone through two large financial depressions. However, there are many things that need to be considered. It is critical that the beneficiaries understand what an inheritance entails, how to protect assets, and how to navigate any resulting liabilities. From assembling a team of experienced professionals to help them maximize the inheritance to handling tax-related responsibilities, beneficiaries must be
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Wednesday, December 30, 2020COVID-19 Stimulus Bill
After a surprising delay, on Sunday, December 27 President Trump signed the $900 billion COVID relief bill which was part of the larger annual federal spending package. Below is a summary of the highlights included in the Stimulus portion of the bill.Changes to the Original Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”)Expenses paid with forgiven PPP funds are now deductible. This is a material, and welcome, change from existing IRS guidance.Borrowers are now able to choose their own covered period if it is at least
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Wednesday, December 30, 2020Employee Retention Tax Credit Updated
The most recent COVID-19 Stimulus Package extended and made some key adjustments to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) making it likely more business will qualify for the credit. Below are some key changes:Extended the credit availability through July 1, 2021 (originally expired Dec. 31, 2020).This legislation now allows a company that received a Paycheck Protection Program loan to also claim the ERC, however, wages paid for with PPP funds that have been forgiven are not qualified wages for purposes of
Monday, December 14, 20202021 Ford Trends Report Finds Consumers Resilient and Adaptive Amid the Pandemic
Ninth annual Looking Further with Ford Trends Report explores how consumers are adapting to life during a pandemic. While 69% of adults globally say they feel overwhelmed by the changes taking place in the world, when asked how well they have adapted to the changes during the pandemic, 47% say it has been “easier than I imagined.”The report highlights the coping mechanisms and resilience that are on display worldwide. Global survey across 14 countries reveals how families and individuals are rewriting the
Monday, June 29, 2020ICONMA's COVID-19 Medical Screening Service Helps Companies Get a Safe Start
In an effort to keep the communities of our clients and employees safe, ICONMA recently launched our COVID-19 Medical Screening Service. With the protection of our client's workforce top of mind, our newest service offering will allow for a secure work environment as many companies begin to resume onsite activities. ICONMA's COVID-19 Medical Screeners perform temperature readings, conduct questionnaires, and make pass/fail determinations of all individuals who are screened for COVID-19. With
