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Tuesday, May 11, 2021I Appreciate You
Dear Friend, I would like to personally thank all of our frontline workers for their courage, selflessness, and dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While we continue to put shots in arms and work together to put this virus behind us, I would like to recognize the nurses, first responders, teachers, and countless others who continue to put their lives on the line for others, protect the health of their fellow Michiganders, and effect positive change for our young people during this unpredictable
Tuesday, May 11, 2021Gov. Whitmer Signs Proclamation Marking May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
LANSING, Mich. -- Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation marking May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a diverse, inextricable part of our state’s cultural tapestry and economic vibrancy,” said Governor Whitmer. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a horrific rise in hate crimes and bias targeting Asian Americans. Let me be clear: hate has no home here in Michigan. We must do more to put an end to these incidents and
Friday, May 07, 2021New Michigan State Police policy addressing immigration issues applauded by Office of Global Michiga
Dear Global Michigan Partner, Last week, the Michigan State Police (MSP) updated their policy on Arrests, Extradition, and Prisoners, to better support immigrant rights. The Office of Global Michigan (OGM) applauds these changes, which come as a result of ongoing conversations between the MSP, OGM and immigrant rights groups. This updated policy is a tremendous step in extending protections and building bridges between troopers and immigrant communities. These policy points will ensure that all
Thursday, May 06, 2021A Proclamation on Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2021
This May, during Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) across our Nation. In the midst of a difficult year of pain and fear, we reflect on the tradition of leadership, resilience, and courage shown by AANHPI communities, and recommit to the struggle for AANHPI equity. Asian Americans, and Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders make our Nation more vibrant through
Monday, May 03, 2021RRF Application Portal Opens Noon Today
SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal noon EDT today, May 3. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. In preparation, qualifying applicants should familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application. Register for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov. If working with Square or Toast, registration is not required. Review the sample application, updated
Sunday, May 02, 2021Governor Whitmer Unveils Plan to Get ‘MI Vacc to Normal’
The ‘MI Vacc to Normal’ Plan outlines four vaccination-based milestones to get the state back to normal. LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today set the state of Michigan on a pathway to return to normal by unveiling the ‘MI Vacc to Normal’ plan as the state continues to push toward its goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders ages 16 years or older. To facilitate this goal, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will base future epidemic order actions on four
Saturday, May 01, 2021APACC 20th Anniversary & Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 2021 is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. During the entire month, the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary. APACC celebrates 20 years of facilitating business relationships among Asian-owned and U.S.-based companies and promote the economic advancement of Asian American Pacific Islanders. Businesses owned by Asian Americans from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India among other countries; Fortune 500 corporations; entrepreneurs;
Thursday, April 29, 2021Return-to-Office Workgroup provides recommendations to governor to keep Michiganders safe
LANSING, MICH. – The State’s Return-to-Office Workgroup has provided Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with their recommendations for how employers can begin to plan for a safe, phased reopening of offices. The group consisting of business, labor and public health experts, was established on March 15, and has acted quickly to develop concise recommendations regarding Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) polices and additional
Monday, April 26, 2021Yelp and Gold House Partner to Make It Easier to Support Asian-owned Businesses
Miriam Warren, Chief Diversity Officer - With the escalation of anti-Asian hate crimes and violence we’ve seen across the nation during the pandemic, there’s never been a more important time to support the Asian American community. According to our latest Economic Impact Report on diverse businesses (released today), it’s clear that consumers are increasingly looking to support Asian business owners as the rate of searches on Yelp for Asian-owned businesses in the U.S. increased by 3,404%* in February 2021
Thursday, April 22, 2021Comcast: Standing as One with the Asian American Community
While the devastating impact of COVID-19 has taken its toll on all communities, Asian Americans have been hit particularly hard as the pandemic has mutated into a virus of hate, harassment and violence. In response to the most recent attacks against the elderly, Comcast, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo and the Asian Pacific Fund have launched a Solidarity Fund with an initial investment of $100,000. The fund will provide grants to organizations working to address the persistent anti-Asian sentiment, including
Thursday, April 22, 2021American Rescue Plan Tax Credits Available to Small Employers to Provide Paid Leave to Employees Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced today further details of tax credits available under the American Rescue Plan to help small businesses, including providing paid leave for employees receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Eligible employers, such as businesses and tax-exempt organizations with fewer than 500 employees and certain governmental employers, can receive a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee receiving the vaccine and for any time
Wednesday, April 21, 20212021 Asian American Health Expo Sponsored by Asian Center - SE MI and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital has partnered with the Asian Center of Southeast Michigan to host the Asian American Health Expo every two years. Under normal circumstances, this event is hosted at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital but due to COVID restrictions, the event is going to be all virtual this year. Six sessions held through the month of May 2021, this is their fifth Health Expo with the Asian Center - SE MI. Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital has several great sessions planned with
Wednesday, April 21, 2021April 16, 2021 - Gatherings and Face Mask Order
Michigan law imposes on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) a duty to continually and diligently endeavor to "prevent disease, prolong life, and promote the public health," and gives the Department "general supervision of the interests of the health and life of the people of this state." MCL 333.2221. MDHHS may "[e]xercise authority and promulgate rules to safeguard properly the public health; to prevent the spread of diseases and the existence of sources of contamination; and to
Wednesday, April 21, 2021Ford and the UAW Providing On-Site COVID-19 Vaccines for Employees in Southeast Michigan, Ohio and Missouri
Ford Motor Company and the UAW have secured contracts in three key metro areas – Southeast Michigan, Kansas City, Mo., and Lima, Ohio – to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccines to hourly and salaried employees, and plan to expand to additional locationsFord is working with the UAW and various health providers, including Rite Aid, Liberty Memorial Health System and Lima Memorial Health System, to administer first and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccinesProviding voluntary on-site COVID-19
Wednesday, April 21, 2021U.S. Dept. of Transportation Announces Initial Steps Toward Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program, Encourages Businesses, Esp. Small Businesses, to Begin Preparing for the Application Program
$3 billion available soon for eligible businesses hurt by the pandemic to help cover employee compensation costs for up to six months The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced initial steps toward launching the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) program, and is encouraging small businesses who may be eligible for funding under this program to begin preparing for the application process. The AMJP program, created under the American Rescue Plan, will provide funding to eligible
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Wednesday, April 14, 2021MIOSHA takes action to protect workers, extends emergency rules amid surge in COVID-19 cases
Emergency rules extended, outline workplace Covid-19 mitigation requirementsLANSING, Mich. - As broad community spread of COVID-19 continues, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) within the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has extended its emergency rules, originally issued October 14, 2020, to protect Michigan workers, businesses, customers and communities from the spread of COVID-19. The emergency rules have been extended until October 14, 2021, but can
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Friday, April 09, 2021Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC) proud of resolutions denouncing anti-Asian hate
LANSING, Mich.— As the country continues to see a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC) and its’ 21-members are proud to announce the passage of several local municipal resolutions further condemning anti-Asian hate, discrimination and rhetoric. According to Stop Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate report, 3,795 anti-Asian incidents were reported between March 2020 and February 2021, from all 50 states, including 16 in Michigan. The
Thursday, April 08, 2021Safety Materials for combating AAPI Hate crimes: United States Attorney's Office & FBI
Following are few important links provided by United States Attorney's Office & FBI regarding combating hate crimes against the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community in light of the recent incidents: The White House issued the following memorandum earlier this year:Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United StatesThe Department of Justice: Hate Crimes Combating hate crimes is one of the Department
Tuesday, April 06, 2021Comerica Bank Launches National Initiative to Combat Violence Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Committing $100,000 to Nonprofit Organizations to Support Asian American and Pacific Islander SeniorsDALLAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank announced today a national program to counter the rise in racially motivated violence targeting the elderly of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that has occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Comerica's newly created Asian Senior Citizens Anti-Violence Initiative will focus on directing $100,000 in contributions and in-kind
Wednesday, March 31, 2021President Biden Announces Additional Actions to Respond to Anti-Asian Violence, Xenophobia and Bias
“Too many Asian Americans have been walking up and down the streets and worrying, waking up each morning the past year feeling their safety and the safety of their loved ones are at stake. They’ve been attacked, blamed, scapegoated, and harassed. They’ve been verbally assaulted, physically assaulted, killed… The conversation we had today with the AAPI leaders, and that we’re hearing all across the country, is that hate and violence often hide in plain sight. And it’s often met with silence. That’s been true
Friday, March 26, 2021MICHIGAN STRATEGIC HOUSING PLAN
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is undertaking a planning process to create a new strategic housing plan in Michigan. This is the first such effort in some years. A major push to get resident feedback has been to circulate an online survey so that residents (renters, homeowners) and stakeholders (landlords and developers) can weigh in on their priorities and needs. Attached are flyers about the survey in English, Spanish and Arabic. The links to the survey
Friday, March 26, 2021Meg Whitman and Mark Tatum Join GM’s Board of Directors
Tech leader and NBA executive further expand GM Board’s diversity and leadership experienceDETROIT – Meg Whitman, a technology leader and former head of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the National Basketball Association, are joining the Board of Directors of General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) effective today, the company announced. With the election of Whitman, 64, and Tatum, 51, GM now has 13 directors. The company’s 12 independent directors
Tuesday, March 23, 2021DTE Energy Assistance Programs (2020-2021)
The DTE Energy Winter Protection Program for seniors ends on Wednesday, March 31, but DTE has other forms of assistance that customers on this program can explore. Some of the assistance programs DTE offers are: Energy Saving RebatesDTE Marketplace and DTE InsightActive Military ProtectionShutoff Protection Plan (SPP)Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP)and many more To find out more information and eligibility criteria, please click here and here. Also, customers may call DTE at 800.477.4747 if they
Monday, March 22, 202175 Percent Reimbursement for Non-Travel Activities
While we look forward to restarting international travel and attending global trade events, consider the many non-travel expenses eligible for MI-STEP, a 75 percent reimbursement grant of up to $15,000 annually: International Website DesignDesign and Translation of Marketing MediaCost of Compliance TestingSample Product ShippingExport Training WorkshopsU.S. Dept. of Commerce Services These resources help Michigan companies expand their international sales from their home office. Connect with an
Friday, March 19, 2021Kroger's statement on the recent violence against the Asian community in Atlanta
Rachel Hurst, Corporate Affairs Manager, The Kroger Company of Michigan released a statement about the recent violence against the Asian community in Atlanta:"The recent displays of violence and racism against our Asian American communities are deeply upsetting and simply unacceptable. At Kroger, we want our Asian American associates and customers to know that we are standing with you and are committed to providing a safe workplace and shopping environment. Through our Framework for Action: Diversity,
Friday, March 19, 2021MMSDC's statement on the recent violence against the Asian community in Atlanta
Michelle Sourie Robinson, the President & CEO of Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) has released a statement in connection with the recent attacks against the Asian community in Atlanta, Georgia: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” ― Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail I am disheartened by the acts of
Friday, March 19, 2021Oakland Community College's (OCC) Statement concerning increased violence toward Asian Americans
Dear Colleagues, OCC recognizes and condemns all acts of violence and hateful rhetoric directed to the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community. We are mindful that this racism has been further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Anti-Asian hate crimes have increased by nearly 150% in the past year and may have contributed to the tragic killing of eight people in Atlanta this week. To our Asian-American and Pacific Islander students, employees and community members, and those impacted by the
Friday, March 19, 2021Consumers Energy's Statement concerning increased violence toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Consumers Energy released a statement about the increasing attacks on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: "Attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Michigan and around the country have been escalating, a disturbing trend that we strongly condemn. The xenophobia, racism and violence leveled against the Asian American community runs counter to the values CMS Energy and Consumers Energy hold as a company. As we continue on our journey to fully embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
Friday, March 19, 2021Fifth Third Bank's Statement concerning increased violence toward Asian Americans
Fifth Third Bank released an official statement on Twitter today: The injustices that our Asian American communities are facing are shameful, and they cannot be tolerated. We stand with our Asian American employees, customers, and communities to denounce systemic bias and racism. #StopAsianHateStephanie Smith, the Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer at Fifth Third Bank commented, "There is no place for racism and hate in our communities, period. We are committed to being part of the solution. Join us."
Friday, March 19, 2021Letter from Mary Barra, Chairman & CEO, General Motors, Regarding AAPI Community
Mary Barra, Chairman and CEO of General Motors sent a message to all General Motors employees acknowledging the ongoing hate, discrimination and racism that has happened in the last year in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community,"The Asian American and Pacific Islander community has continued to face increased acts of violence including the unthinkable tragedy in Atlanta this week, a place where many of our colleagues live and work. We are thinking of our global employees who may have
Friday, March 19, 2021Herman Miller released a statement on Twitter concerning increased violence toward AAPI community
Herman Miller released their statement on Twitter today about the recent acts of violence against the AAPI community: "At Herman Miller we are difference makers and recognize our responsibility to create change inside our company and in the communities in which we live and serve. Now, more than ever, we acknowledge how important it is to make a difference for the AAPI community (Asian American Pacific Islander) by clearly articulating our position with commitment and action. We stand against hate and
Friday, March 19, 2021Kellogg Company's Chairman & CEO released a statement on LinkedIn concerning increased violence towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Chairman and CEO of Kellogg Company, Steve Cahillane expressed his opinions on LinkedIn today:"At Kellogg, our vision is to help build a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. This is simply not possible in a world where acts of violence occur against individuals who are targeted based on their race. The increase in violence against the Asian and Pacific Islander community is deeply disturbing and our hearts go out to our employees, friends and communities who we know are
Friday, March 19, 2021Metro Health - University of Michigan Health released a statement on social media concerning increas
Metro Health, University of Michigan Health released a statement on social media today: "We have a responsibility to speak out against injustice, intimidation, bias and fear. We must do so now. The mass shooting this week in GA was a horrific addition to an already appalling rise in anti-Asian hate incidents. Our nation must do better. #StopAAIPHate #StopAsianHate"
Friday, March 19, 2021Nissan Motor Corporation's statement on recent incidents against Asian Americans.
Nissan Motor Corporation released an official statement on social media concerning increased violence toward AAPI community, "Nissan stands with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the effort to #StopAsianHate. Through the Nissan Foundation, we remain committed to working with our partners to build communities that respect and celebrate our nation’s rich cultural heritage."
Friday, March 19, 2021PNC Bank releases a statement on the recent acts of violence against the Asian American community
Richard Bynum, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer of PNC, expressed his views: “Hate has no place in our communities,” said Richard Bynum, PNC’s Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, in response to recent acts of violence towards the Asian American community. Learn more about PNC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion:https://pnc.co/3bVc01T.At PNC, our commitment to the full inclusivity of all people is steadfast. In light of recent acts of violence and hatred against Asian Americans across the
Wednesday, March 17, 2021Federal legislation extends unemployment benefit programs for Michigan workers
LANSING, Mich.— A COVID-19 stimulus bill signed into law by President Biden continues federal unemployment insurance programs which were set to expire on March 13, 2021. Individuals with claims of any type should continue to certify as usual. Most claimants will not experience a gap in benefits as long as they remain eligible and continue to certify. Unemployment provisions under the federal American Rescue Plan are extended from March 13 – Sept. 4, 2021: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which
Tuesday, March 16, 2021Michiganders can now begin registering for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Ford Field in Detroit
Dear Michigander, I wanted to make sure you saw the news last night: Michiganders can now begin registering for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Ford Field in Detroit. The Ford Field site will operate from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week, for eight weeks under the federal government's vaccination pilot program. The community vaccination site is set to officially open on March 24. After the registration process is completed, Michiganders who have registered will receive an invitation either by
Friday, March 12, 2021Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan as One of the Few States in the Nation to Receive a Regional Community Vaccination Site
Michigan will get an additional 6,000 vaccines per day for eight weeks to help hit 70% vaccination goal. LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced that an eight-week mass vaccination site with the capacity to administer 6,000 doses each day will open on March 24 at Ford Field in Detroit to serve residents in the broader southeast Michigan region. The Biden Administration in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) selected southeast Michigan for this major new
Friday, March 12, 2021Ford Nominates Alexandra Ford English and Henry Ford III for Election to Board; Edsel B. Ford II to Retire After 33 Years as Director
Nominees will stand for election to board of directors at Ford’s annual meeting May 13John Lechleiter, who has served as a Ford director since 2013, has opted not to be considered for re-electionDEARBORN, Mich., March 12, 2021 – Ford Motor Company today announced that Alexandra Ford English and Henry Ford III have been nominated to stand for election to the company’s board of directors at its annual meeting of shareholders on May 13. Both candidates are great-great grandchildren of Henry Ford, who founded
Friday, March 12, 2021State to Open Vaccinations to All Adults Beginning April 5
In his first prime-time address to the nation Thursday, President Joe Biden announced a plan to make every adult in the country eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1. On Friday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer beat that deadline to the punch by nearly a month, announcing the state is expanding vaccination eligibility to Michiganders age 16 and older effective April 5. The governor also announced that, beginning March 22, the state is expanding vaccination eligibility for Michiganders age 16 and older
Monday, March 08, 2021COVID-19 Information and Resources: Michigan.gov
Please click through the links below to get the latest information on COVID-19, vaccinations, safety guidelines and other information in alternate languages of the state of Michigan. EnglishCOVID Gathering Guidelines Stay Safe and Healthy during the PandemicDine SafelyIndoor Dining GuidelinesMask Up Mask RightCOVID VariantsVaccine Fact Cards - Is it Safe?Vaccine Fact Cards - Can I get COVID?Vaccine Fact Cards - Side EffectsVaccine Fact Cards - AllergiesVaccine Fact Cards - MasksCOVID
Monday, March 08, 2021GM Joins the Gender and Diversity KPI Alliance
GM pledges to use three key performance indicators to measure and improve diversity in its organization. DETROIT — General Motors continues to advance its commitment to workplace inclusion by joining the Gender and Diversity KPI Alliance (GDKA). By signing on to this initiative, GM pledges to use three key performance indicators (KPIs) as part of its efforts to measure and improve diversity in its organization. The KPIs, which were developed based on the work of the World Economic Forum International
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
