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Wednesday, August 12, 2020COVID-19 Relief: Executive Orders
The news over the past few weeks has been filled with stories about the failed attempts of Congressional leaders and the White House to agree upon new COVID-19 relief legislation. Although repeated meetings were held to reach a broad consensus it appears neither side can find an acceptable middle ground. It is against this backdrop, on August 8, 2020, that President Trump signed a series of Executive Orders to provide additional relief to individuals. They include a payroll tax deferral, new unemployment
Monday, August 10, 2020PPP Loan Forgiveness FAQs
The COVID-19 pandemic caught many by surprise including business owners who were required to comply with forced business closures and others who experienced modified operating rules or dwindling demand. These changes were made against the backdrop of fear and concern about virus transmission that significantly altered consumer behavior. The combination of these events resulted in sharp cost-cutting measures including employee furloughs, layoffs, and terminations. In a search for much-needed capital many
Monday, August 10, 2020MIOSHA GI Part 74 Fire Fighting: Advisory Committee Applicants
Recently, Public Act 291 of 1966, The Fire Fighters Training Council Act, was amended. As a result of these changes, MIOSHA is updating Part 74 Fire Fighting Standard to add the reference to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1403 Live Fire Standard. Also due to new legislation, MIOSHA will be updating the Part 74 standard to include rules for best practices regarding proper use, handling, and storage of fire-fighting foam containing Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). MIOSHA will
Friday, August 07, 2020President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (PAC-AAPI) Convenes Second
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 5th, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (PAC-AAPI) convened its second Open Meeting in Washington, D.C. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), presided over the meeting and provided welcome remarks. The Commissioners also met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, Co-Chair of WHIAAPI, and discussed recommendations to the president
Friday, August 07, 2020SBA Deadline for Michigan Private Nonprofit Organizations to Apply for Physical Damage Disaster Loans is September 8, 2020
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible private nonprofit organizations (PNP)s in Michigan of the Sept. 8 deadline to submit disaster loan applications for physical damages caused by severe storms and flooding on May 16-22, 2020. PNPs located in the following Michigan counties are eligible to apply: Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, Midland and Saginaw. PNPs that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest rate disaster
Thursday, August 06, 20209 FAQs About the USMCA
It has already been a month since one of the most competitive regions in the world, which together generated more than 25% of the world’s GDP in 2019, finally entered into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Considering the complexity and scope of the agreement, we are still receiving a lot of questions from the business community. Here are 9 most frequently asked questions and answers related to the USMCA. Please reach out with questions or if we can help guide your plans.What is the
Thursday, August 06, 2020LEO Launches Digital Hub to Help Michigan Workers Displaced by COVID-19 Crisis Boost Skills
New website helps Michigan workers easily connect to online certification and degree programs including free training and work readiness tools The Coronavirus crisis has created record unemployment across the country and a complicated employment landscape in Michigan. Now more than ever, Michigan workers who possess advanced skills will be better positioned to get and keep higher-paying and more stable jobs. To that end, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has developed a
Tuesday, August 04, 2020Cloud Accounting Drives Efficiency in our “New Normal”
The COVID-19 outbreak presented new challenges for accounting teams adapting to a remote work environment while trying to keep pace with management’s demand for accurate and timely access to data to make critical business decisions. Simple tasks such as processing vendor bills and employee expense reports proved difficult for those working with on-premise software in a largely paper-based environment, making pain points of manual and legacy processes glaringly obvious. While companies have done their best
Tuesday, August 04, 2020FORD ANNOUNCES JIM HACKETT TO RETIRE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO; JIM FARLEY TO SUCCEED HACKETT AS COMPANY CONTINUES TRANSFORMATION
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 4, 2020 – Ford Motor Company today announced that Jim Hackett, who has led the company’s transformation since 2017, plans to retire from the company. Jim Farley has been named the company’s new president and CEO and will join the board of directors, effective Oct. 1. Hackett, 65, and Farley, 58, will work together on a smooth leadership transition over the next two months. Under Hackett, Ford moved aggressively into the new era of smart vehicles and drove a deeper focus on customers’
Friday, July 31, 2020WHIAAPI hosted the AAPI Young Leaders Summit 2020 & the President’s Advisory Commission led an AAPI Young Leaders Roundtable Discussion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 20th, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders hosted their first virtual AAPI Young Leaders Summit. The Summit took place over four days, July 20th – July 23rd, and brought together influential speakers from the AAPI community to address mentorship, community outreach, public service, and entrepreneurship. The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, provided special remarks to commence the four-day Summit in which she encouraged
Tuesday, July 28, 2020Women of Color STEM Conference Announces 2020 Winners
Ahead of the upcoming annual conference, Career Communications Group recognizes women leading in STEM from around the nation for their work in the advancements of opportunity for minorities and technologyBALTIMORE - July 2, 2020 - PRLog -- The Women of Color STEM Conference, which is marking 25 years of promoting the significant achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine, is excited to announce the winners of the 2020 Women of Color Awards. With winners across 15
Tuesday, July 28, 2020New Workplace Safety Grants to Help MI Employers Protect Workers
The State of Michigan recently launched Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program to provide small businesses with up to $10,000 in matching funds to help promote a safe workplace for employees and customers and help decrease the spread of COVID-19. Applications must be submitted for consideration between Monday, July 27, and Friday, August 7. Grants will be awarded shortly after as part of the recent SB 690 appropriation of federal CARES Act funding. Anyone that submits an application after August 7 will
Tuesday, July 28, 2020Meet Tina Wei Smith, WHIAAPI Executive Director
We are excited to announce that in December of 2019, Tina Wei Smith joined the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) as Executive Director. In this capacity, she is responsible for directing the efforts of the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs to advise federal agency leadership on the implementation and coordination of federal programs as they relate to AAPIs across executive departments and agencies. The Initiative and the Commission
Friday, July 24, 2020Fight the Virus. Fight the Bias.
Americans are concerned about their health, job security and safety due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to these fears, people in the Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Communities fear for their safety because they are being falsely blamed and scapegoated for the pandemic. Many are enduring an added layer of bias, harassment, discrimination and hate. It's therefore vital, now more than ever, that our message of equity and inclusion shines through. Together we can fight the virus and
Friday, July 24, 2020Call for Nominations to Corp! Magazine's 2020 Michigan Salute to Diversity Awards and Virtual Conference
Click here to Nominate Michigan’s rich diversity and multiculturalism drives creativity and innovation in business. For more than a decade, Corp! has recognized businesses, organizations, and leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within their organization or the community. The efforts and achievements of the honorees celebrated are demonstrated through specific work with individuals, groups or through a specific product, initiative, innovative program or activity that has a
Thursday, July 23, 2020Mask Mandate Poster in Burmese, Chinese and English
Per Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-153, customers must wear a face covering while inside this establishment and we must refuse entry and service to individuals who fail to wear a face covering. Please click here for “No Mask No Entry” posters in Simplified Chinese. Please click here for “No Mask No Entry” posters in Burmese Please click here for “No Mask No Entry” posters in English. These are also available on the Alternate Language website.
Thursday, July 23, 2020Delivering on equity pledge, TCF Bank unveils $1 billion loan commitment for minority communities and minority- and women- owned small businesses
Leading the call for companies to lean in to social justice, Detroit-based bank also commits $10 million for grants to help low-to-moderate income home buyersDETROIT – Less than two months after pledging to take action for racial equality and social justice in the communities TCF Bank serves, the company today announced a $1 billion loan commitment to minority communities and minority- and women-owned small businesses, and a $10 million grant program to assist low-to-moderate income home buyers. The 5-year
Thursday, July 23, 2020$8.55 Million in COVID-19 Workplace Safety Grants will help employers protect workers
With employers across the state working to keep their employees, customers and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has launched Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide small businesses matching funds of – up to $10,000 – to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training in response to COVID-19. The initial grant application window will be open from Monday, July 27 through Friday, August 7,
Wednesday, July 22, 2020SBA Disaster Loans are Vital for Community Recovery, Now top $1 Million in Michigan for Severe Storms and Flooding
ATLANTA –Disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration are vital to community recovery because they provide an affordable way for businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to pay for up to 100 percent of their uninsured disaster related losses. The SBA has approved more than $1 million in disaster loans for businesses and residents with losses resulting from severe storms and flooding in Michigan on May 16-22, 2020. “Currently, 19 disaster loans have been approved in
Wednesday, July 22, 2020Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant
Click Here for ApplicationCloses: 5 p.m., Monday, August 24, 2020 Oakland County is dedicating nearly $30 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Fund to help small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This competitive grant program is focused on these hard-hit sectors: RetailFood and Lodging Personal ServicesBusiness ServicesEntertainment and RecreationConstruction and Maintenance ServicesELIGIBILITY Due to the COVID-19 pandemic effects
Wednesday, July 22, 2020PPE Resilience Grant
Click Here for Application Oakland County, in partnership with Macomb County and Automation Alley, has created this grant to help enhance the emergency response readiness of the counties’ small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the application of digital technologies known as Industry 4.0. Grant funds will be used to re-train, re-organize, upskill, install and incorporate state-of-the-art digital manufacturing to prepare for a more resilient future when PPE is needed. Industry 4.0 technologies for
Wednesday, July 22, 2020MEDC Invites Michigan-Based Companies, Entrepreneurs to Apply for National Pitch Competition
MEDC partnering with Entrepreneur Magazine to host a Michigan-themed episode of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch • Applications live until August 1, 2020, at entrepreneur.comLANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is looking for Michigan-based companies to join a special episode of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, a 60-second pitch competition for companies and startups with innovative business concepts. Michigan currently ranks sixth in the nation for its number of inventions and
Tuesday, July 21, 2020Michigan Small Business Restart Program
Small businesses can now apply for grants of up to $20,000 through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program. The program will provide $100 million in economic assistance to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits and in turn, help support workers and their families facing economic uncertainty during the outbreak. Information on how to apply, as well as eligibility criteria and program guidelines are available at michiganbusiness.org/restart. The funding will be distributed across 15 local or
Tuesday, July 21, 2020New Eviction Diversion Program
The new Eviction Diversion Program administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The program utilizes a special court process to get fast rental assistance for renters who have been impacted and recoup missed payments to landlords. Rental assistance in the amount of $50 million is available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in
Thursday, July 16, 2020SBA Disaster Loans Available to Michigan Private NonProfit Organizations Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that certain Private NonProfit organizations (PNP)s in Michigan that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest rate disaster loans. These loans are available following a Presidential disaster declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by severe storms and flooding on May 16-22, 2020. PNPs located in Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, Midland and Saginaw counties in Michigan
Tuesday, July 14, 2020The Role of Data Analytics in COVID-19 Recovery
As more and more states begin to reopen their economy, the COVID-19 conversation is shifting from survival to recovery. In early June, Michigan entered phase IV which permits additional businesses to reopen provided they follow state-mandated guidelines. This is welcome news for manufacturers as they are now allowed to open their doors and get back to production. While there are several new COVID-19 guidelines, it does create the opportunity to focus on growth and profitability while maintaining a safe
Monday, July 13, 2020Small Retail, Restaurants, Personal Service Businesses Can Apply Now for Economic Recovery Grants
PONTIAC, Mich. – July 13, 2020 – Oakland County retail stores, restaurants and personal service businesses such as salons and fitness centers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can apply beginning today for part of the $32 million Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant fund. The grants – which range from $2,500-$10,000 – provide an infusion of capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar ones that occur in the ordinary course of business. The
Monday, July 13, 2020Clayton & McKervey: new inventory reform service, need for more data driven best practices for COVID
Southfield, Mich.--- July 13, 2020---Clayton & McKervey, a certified public accounting and business advisory firm helping growth-driven companies compete in the global marketplace, announces the availability of a new professional service for inventory reform. The announcement was made by Clayton & McKervey shareholder Jim Biehl, CPA. When COVID-19 struck in March, clients immediately turned to Clayton & McKervey for urgent advice on all aspects of their business and the firm responded, first by
Friday, July 10, 2020Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Requiring Mask Use in all Indoor Public Spaces
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed executive order 2020-147, which reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. Most significantly, the order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. Governors in the states of Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania,
Tuesday, July 07, 2020Rapid COVID-19 Testing for Employees of Detroit-based businesses
The City of Detroit is offering Detroit businesses free COVID-19 rapid tests at the Detroit Health Department (DHD) with onsite results. The Health Department is located at 100 Mack, east of Woodward. The testing is only available to employees at Detroit businesses. To schedule an appointment, which is required, call (313) 251-4488 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. The test is expected to take 30 minutes, with results within 15 minutes. Individuals who test negative will receive a sticker to display at
Tuesday, July 07, 2020Michigan Small Business Restart Program to Provide $100 Million in grants for COVID-19 recovery
• Michigan Strategic Fund authorizes Michigan Small Business Restart Program to support Michigan’s small businesses as they work to recover from COVID-19 crisis • Grants will be administered by 15 Economic Development Organizations covering all 83 counties. • Minimum 30 percent of the funds must be awarded to eligible women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses. • Application period will be open July 15-August 5 at michiganbusiness.org/restartLANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Strategic Fund
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
