Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies, including updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
AT&T Hiring Nearly 100 People in Detroit Area to Help Bridge the Digital Divide
As part of AT&T’s commitment to bridge the digital divide, it is expanding its fiber network to make affordable internet available to more people across the country including the Detroit area.
To do so, the company says it needs to hire nearly 100 full and part-time positions, which include:
- Installation technicians/fiber (offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus to those who are hired)
- Fiber sales managers (offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus to those who are hired)
- Fiber and mobility sales executives (offering a $2,500 sign-on bonus to those who are hired)
- In-home sales consultants
- Dispatchers
AT&T says it offers a competitive salary and benefits including, if eligible, medical/dental coverage, 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.
Those interested can visit here for more information and to apply.
State Approves Funding Increase for Michigan State University
Michigan State University in East Lansing will receive $303.7 million in base funding for university operations, as part of the $75.7 billion State of Michigan 2022-23 fiscal year budget. The 4 percent boost in funding is the largest in over a decade.
Historically, state funding for higher education has declined over the last several decades. In 1985, 58 percent of MSU’s general operations came from state funding. Today, that number is approximately 20 percent.
“Michigan State University appreciates and thanks Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Legislature for their critical investment in higher education this year,” says Dr. Samuel L. Stanley Jr., president of MSU. “Funding from the state is essential in supporting our mission and values in providing a quality, equitable, best-in-class education.”
The additional $72.2 million in state funding will help back several projects and programs at MSU. A significant portion of the funding, $53 million, will support renovations at two critical facilities at the forefront of agriculture — the greenhouse complexes and the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.
The greenhouse complexes, which were largely constructed before 1978, serve more than 60 faculty researchers, around 400 students, and staff from three MSU colleges. The research and outreach that take place in the greenhouses provide Michigan’s diverse growers with state-specific insights into soil, climate, pests, and weeds.
The MSU dairy farm is more than 60 years old; a 2021 fire destroyed a dairy feed barn, underscoring the need for a modernized, safe facility. Dairy is the leading contributor to Michigan’s agricultural economy, and the state dairy industry relies on MSU to train future farm managers and advance research in support of both production and environmental sustainability.
Other programs to benefit from additional funding:
- Center for Targeted Violence Prevention ($15 million)
- Apple Developer Academy ($3 million)
Foley Law Firm, Boys & Girls Clubs Celebrate Anniversary of National Partnership
The Detroit law firm of Foley & Lardner is recognizing the one-year anniversary of its national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Foley was the first law firm to partner with the youth development organization on a national scale when the partnership was announced in July 2021. Since then, Foley attorneys and business professionals have donated more than 2,500 hours to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America by engaging with the local Clubs in all 22 of Foley’s U.S. offices, and then working with the Clubs to implement mentoring programs, education efforts, book and backpack drives, and multiple other events to promote safe, positive, and inclusive environments for youth all over the country.
Over the past year, Foley has partnered with the clubs hosting more than 120 activities and initiatives, including:
- More than 16 scholarships for club kids.
- More than 800 backpacks with school supplies.
- Six offices helped with beautification projects at local clubs.
- 18 local clubs received sports equipment.
- More than 13 offices conducted holiday gift and clothing drives, and more than 5,000 club kids benefitted from holiday giving, including 200 holiday food baskets.
- Mentored young professionals on resume writing and job interviewing.
Foley also conducted its annual semester-long Street Law program pairing volunteer attorneys with students from local clubs in classroom discussions and interactive workshops discussing a wide range of legal topics. In addition, the firm presented informative events for youth in honor of Black History and Women’s History Months, including the annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition, which featured local Boys & Girls Club student speakers.
“This first year of our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America has exceeded our expectations,” says Daljit Doogal, chairman and CEO of Foley. “One of our core values is citizenship, which to us means embracing our responsibilities to our communities and leading by example through service. Over the last 12 months, we’ve created a solid foundation with Clubs across the country for what our partnership can achieve when we work together. We look forward to many more opportunities to work with the clubs and the kids they serve.”
More information on Foley’s partnership with the national nonprofit can be found here.
Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hosting Golf Outing Aug. 22
The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 31st annual golf outing fundraiser on Aug. 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. on the Old Course at Indianwood Golf & Country Club in Lake Orion.
When play concludes, MHCC members and guests will gather for a networking reception that includes dinner, drinks, and prizes.
Proceeds from this event will go to support the on-going work of the MHCC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses. It serves as a link between community members and the Hispanic market, connecting member businesses to economic and development opportunities, promoting supplier diversity, and fostering business relationships.
Visit here for sponsorship information and golfer registration.
Detroit Residents Rallying to Move 200K pounds of Bricks to Save Original Brick Road
The Virginia Park Block Club in Detroit has a day and a half to bring together people from all over the city to preserve the historic integrity of Virginia Park Street, one of the last remaining brick-paved roads in the city of Detroit.
After 115 years of wear and tear, Virginia Park Street’s original brick pavers are full of cracks, potholes, and suspension-destroying ruts. Repairing the road while maintaining its historical integrity would be cost-prohibitive to the city, so volunteers are coming together to move 20,000 10-pound bricks in just two-and-a-half days, starting Thursday.
These bricks, which date back to 1904, are being removed to make way for a new substation going in on the city’s east side in a joint venture between ITC Holdings and DTE Energy. Over 1,000 feet of historic brick road will be excavated and donated to the Virginia Park Street project.
Once the bricks have been safely gathered and transported to the Virginia Park neighborhood, residents hope to raise additional funding to complete the restoration efforts. Still, there is a long road ahead for Virginia Park residents, the transporting of these bricks being just the first step.
“Our community values and has chosen to restore this remarkable, original, and beautiful residential boulevard,” says Jeffrey Cowin, one of the residents leading the effort. “We’re hoping that we can continue the momentum we’ve got building and raise the funding needed to see this repair work through to the end.”
Volunteers are asked to meet at 6460 E. Vernor Highway, across from the Downtown Boxing Gym today from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the job is done.
