Here is a roundup of the latest news concerning the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to announcements from local, state, and federal governments, as well as international channels. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Hispanic Chamber to Host Supplier Diversity MatchMaker and Career Fair
The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 10th Annual Supplier Diversity MatchMaker and Career Fair virtually on Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This event will allow business owners and leaders to connect virtually with corporate purchasing professionals, offering an introductory encounter that could be the catalyst to further talks and opportunities to do business together.
It also incorporates a career fair that supports the chamber’s commitment to the economic prosperity of its citizens and the revitalization of businesses across the state. It allows job seekers and employers a similar chance to connect in a virtual environment, affording initial conversations that support the recruitment and talent acquisition needs of corporate and small to mid-size businesses, while offering job seekers introductions with prospective companies to aid in their employment search.
Registration is open here, where viewers will find various levels of participation, sponsorship opportunities, and the benefits. The career fair portion is free of charge for job seekers.
ChoiceOne Financial Services Consolidates with Community Shores Bank
ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc. in Sparta (north of Grand Rapids), the parent company of ChoiceOne Bank, today announced the successful consolidation of its previously announced acquisition of Community Shores Bank into ChoiceOne Bank. Community Shores Bank is now renamed ChoiceOne Bank.
“We are pleased to close our merger of ChoiceOne Bank and Community Shores Bank,” says Kelly Potes, CEO of ChoiceOne. “Our teams at both banks have worked diligently over the last 10 months to combine our banking operations and make this transition as seamless as possible and with limited disruption for our customers. Because of our similar markets, the consolidation presents many efficiencies and new growth opportunities in our expanded network into west Michigan.”
The combined organization is the 12th largest bank holding company in Michigan based on asset size, with approximately $1.7 billion in assets and 33 offices across Michigan.
“Joining forces with ChoiceOne Bank presents a tremendous opportunity for our customers, communities, employees and shareholders,” says Heather Brolick, president and CEO of Community Shores. “Our merger is a natural geographical and cultural fit and allows us to extend our footprint into Muskegon and Ottawa counties with advanced technology and innovative services. It also gives us broader opportunities to support our communities with increased donations and volunteer hours complementing ChoiceOne’s vision to be the best bank in Michigan.”
Brolick will remain with the combined bank as senior vice president and head of human resources.
Excelerate America Unveils New Detroit Headquarters
Excelerate America Monday announced the company’s headquarters move from Royal Oak to 440 Burroughs St. in Detroit’s New Center.
Excelerate America occupies nearly 3,000-square-feet in TechTown Detroit. The company also has an office in San Diego and has employees located across the country to service its clients.
“Small business owners who are game changers in their communities deserve a network that helps them leverage their collective scale and provides a fun way to connect and interact with other stakeholder-minded entrepreneurs,” says Roy Lamphier, CEO of Excelerate America. “We’re excited about the role TechTown plays in Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the opportunity to work closer with the community. We’ve assembled a strong team that loves helping entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses grow into real game changers for their communities. We help business owners with the connections, insights and resources to go next level.”
Direct Care Workers Get $3.9M in Federal Funds for Retention Payments
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Service is distributing $3.9 million in CARES Act funds through a project that offers retention payments to newly hired direct care workers.
The goal is to hire and retain at least 2,000 new workers by Dec. 30. Newly hired direct care workers are defined as individuals who have not worked as a direct care worker in home and community-based services for at least 60 days before the date of hire. Workers could receive up to $1,600 if they complete training and 300 hours of work by Dec. 30.
MDHHS is partnering with three waiver agencies, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Area Agency on Aging 1-B and Reliance Community Care Partners, to implement this project.
“As Michigan continues to be devastated by this unprecedented pandemic, home care agencies struggle to recruit and retain direct care workers to provide MI Choice home and community-based services to individuals who are elderly or have a disability,” says Kate Massey, senior deputy director of MDHHS’ Medical Services Administration. “Without these critical services, these individuals are at risk for being admitted to a nursing facility. It is vital that Michigan takes every effort to encourage interested workers to consider employment in this field.”
This project is designed to provide monetary incentives to entice individuals to become direct care workers and experience the personal fulfilment that comes with assisting individuals with their everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and shopping. The budget also allows for hazard payments to current employees who refer someone to become a direct care worker.
Butzel Long to Host 33rd Annual Labor, Employment, Benefits and Immigration Law Forum
Detroit law firm Butzel Long is hosting its 33rd Annual Labor, Employment, Employee Benefits and Immigration Law Forum in a virtual format from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 29.
“Labor, employment, benefits, and immigration issues are constantly evolving,” says Daniel B. Tukel, chair of Butzel Long’s Labor, Employment and Employee Benefits Department. “We have developed six workshops to address the most pressing workplace issues impacting southeast Michigan employers.”
Participants should register for the Welcome and Introduction session and then register for one webinar in each Workshop Session. Workshop session topics include:
- Back to Work or Planning the Return to Work – What Now?
- WHOOPS! Benefits Mistakes to Avoid During COVID
- Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
- COVID-19 and Immigration: Dealing with Unprecedented Issues in Uncertain Times
- Do You Know Where Your Secret Sauce Is? (The thing that differentiates businesses in the marketplace and creates value for the organization)
- Money Talks: New Developments in Wage and Hour and Pay Issues in Remote Work
The registration fee is $49 per person. Presentation recordings will be made available to those who have registered for the event, at a later date. For more information or to register online, visit here.
Butzel Long is asking participants to register for each session individually to give more flexibility in scheduling and to better distribute the continuing education credits. Attendees will be eligible for 1-3 HRCI and SHRM CE Credits, pending approval.
Southwest Detroit Business Association Offers Virtual Investment Breakfast
The Southwest Detroit Business Association will host its annual Community Investment Breakfast – “Rebuilding our Economy from the Ground Up” – as a virtual fundraiser from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Oct. 28.
Presented by MotorCity Casino Hotel, the event will feature guest speakers, inspirational videos, and an awards ceremony to honor local business and community leaders. It will be broadcast live online from the Sound Board located at 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. FOX 2 Detroit’s Huel Perkins will serve as master of ceremonies.
Due the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will be broadcast on Zoom and is free for all participants. Advanced registration is required by visiting here.
“The SDBA has proudly supported local small businesses and neighbors in our community for nearly seven decades, even during very challenging times,” says Robert Dewaelsche president of SDBA. “And despite the coronavirus pandemic, our community continues to demonstrate the hardworking, determined, and resilient spirit that people have come to recognize.”
An important part of our success is thanks to the generous support of our philanthropic organizations, business and community partners, and individual donors. Together, they are making a positive difference in our community by investing in the comprehensive programs and meaningful resources available at the SDBA and for this we are truly grateful.”
Jaffe Law Firm Hosting Money Transmission Law Webinar Oct. 21
MAC, a community of risk, underwriting, and compliance professionals, is facilitating a webinar hosted by Southfield law firm Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss for companies grappling with U.S. money transmission laws on Oct. 21 at 12:50 p.m.
During the event, Nicole Meisner from Jaffe Law will focus is on the potential risk of regulatory enforcement if such laws apply, the ramification of these laws on payment companies, and other trends involving money transmission in the world of electronic payments.
For more information, visit here.
Henry Ford Macomb Ambassador Club Presenting ‘Hallow Wine’ Fundraiser
The Ambassador Club at Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals is presenting a virtual Hallow Wine fundraiser Oct. 30 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Nino Salvaggio wine specialist Simone Peterson will present a variety of wines and answer questions. Funds raised will support the Henry Ford Macomb Heart and Vascular Institute.
Participants can register here by Oct. 26. Those registered are asked to pick up their wine and/or charcuterie at Nino Salvaggio’s in Clinton Township between 1-8 p.m. on Oct. 29.
DAV, RecruitMilitary to Host Virtual Veteran Career Fair for Detroit Oct. 22
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary will co-host the Detroit Veterans Virtual Career Fair Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserve.
“Whether you’re transitioning out of the military and looking for a new career or you’ve been out of the military and are looking for something new, it’s always a very daunting and stressful task,” says Jeff Hall, national employment director at DAV. “This mission is made much, much more difficult in the face of a national pandemic.”
Employers who are actively seeking the talents of America’s veterans will be representing a range of industries, from construction to medical to administrative and logistics, with career opportunities from entry level to senior management. DAV benefits advocates will be available during the event to answer questions and assist veterans who may have service-connected disabilities that could make them eligible for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
To register for the Detroit All Veterans Virtual Career Fair and access additional no-cost resources for veterans and their families, visit here.
