SMART, Transit Union Reach Deal to Support Bus Operators, Regional Transportation
SMART announced the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Amalgamated Transit Union, resulting in a groundbreaking contract that underscores its commitment to its employees and the communities it serves.
The new contract represents a major achievement in enhancing the overall compensation and benefits package for SMART bus drivers, according to the authority. The contract includes a negotiated 32 percent wage increase, an enhanced retirement plan, improved health benefits, and educational support offered by SMART.
“This contract marks a pivotal advancement for SMART, ensuring higher wages and improved working conditions,” says Dwight Ferrell, general manager of SMART. “This is more than a contract; it’s a commitment to our workforce’s well-being and professional fulfillment.”
Highlights of the contract include:
- Wage Increases: A 24 percent wage increase effective immediately, with an additional 8 percent increase slated for Jan. 1, 2025, making SMART operators among the highest-paid in Michigan.
- Enhanced Retirement Plan: A new 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan for new employees, with a significantly shortened vesting period, ensuring long-term financial security.
- Improved Health Benefits: Introduction of a versatile HAP PPO health plan, accommodating employees with children out of state and ensuring comprehensive health care coverage.
- Educational Support: Increased tuition reimbursement programs, along with a new Student Loan Repayment Program, supporting the educational aspirations and financial well-being of employees.
SMART has now reached agreements with all its bargaining units, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment across the entire organization, the authority says. This ensures that all employees benefit from improved conditions and are well-positioned to contribute to SMART’s mission of delivering exceptional transit service. This strategic investment in its workforce will ultimately enhance operational efficiency and improve service quality.
“The greatest triumph of this contract is the unprecedented investment SMART is making in our valued team members and the region,” Ferrell says. “By enhancing wages, improving retirement options, and expanding educational benefits, we are fostering a more rewarding work environment and strengthening our transit system. When we invest in transit, the whole region moves forward.”
Report: Automakers Can Slash 95% of Steel-related Emissions by Using Fossil-free steel
The auto industry can eliminate more than 95 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from producing the steel for passenger vehicles by switching to fossil fuel-free steel, according to a report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).
“Primary steel, a critical component of today’s auto sector supply chain, is a global driver of greenhouse gas emissions and a danger for the health of local communities, due to the industry’s heavy reliance on coal,” says Anh Bui, a researcher at the ICCT.
“Already, steelmakers are piloting fossil fuel-free technologies that can eliminate 95 percent of the emissions from producing steel in the average vehicle. As automakers invest in strategies to meet ambitious climate goals, prioritizing fossil-free steel would slash emissions and create a powerful market signal.”
The report compares strategies for automakers to reduce steel-related emissions from vehicles.
Most of the greenhouse gas emissions from the lifetime of vehicles comes from the gasoline and diesel they burn. But vehicle manufacturing causes significant emissions, too.
“As we make progress in leading countries switch over to electric vehicles running on an increasingly decarbonized grid, those manufacturing emissions grow in importance,” the report states. “To achieve a fully net zero GHG transportation sector by 2050, it will be necessary to drastically reduce the embodied emissions in key materials like steel and batteries.”
Procuring primary steel without fossil fuels is the strongest possible pathway to reduce steel-related emissions from vehicles – and this could be done at scale in the U.S. by the end of the decade, according to the report. Collectively, automakers are among the largest buyers in the steel market in both the U.S. and EU. In 2022, the auto industry consumed 26 percent of the 82 million metric tons of steel produced in the U.S., and 60% percent of all domestic primary steel. In the same year, 17 percent of the 136 million metric tons of steel produced in Europe went to the auto industry, and 24 percent of all domestic primary steel. Due to the primary steel industry’s heavy reliance on coal, steel is responsible for up to 27 percent of embodied emissions in a typical internal combustion engine vehicle.
To explore the report, visit here.
Lineage Announces $100M Investment in U.S. Workforce via IPO Awards and Ongoing Grants
Lineage Inc. in Novi, the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehousing REIT, announced a $100 million investment in its workforce.
Eligible U.S. team members will receive a one-time award of stock or restricted stock units following the company’s successful initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Exchange.
Named “Starting LINE Awards” in honor of the company’s new ticker symbol, these awards will reach the vast majority of Lineage’s more than 16,000 U.S. team members.
“From the very beginning, we have sought to foster an ownership mindset at Lineage and have celebrated our wins together,” says Adam Forste, founder and co-executive chairman of Lineage. “Lineage’s success has been made possible because of the enormous contributions of our team members, and our Starting LINE Awards were designed to recognize and thank them for helping us build this company and take it public.”
Additionally, the company announced its intention to launch a program of ongoing equity-based awards to further incentivize and nurture an ownership mentality for Lineage team members. Under the program, called Lineage Legacies, the company expects to grant eligible team members restricted stock units that will vest over time on an ongoing basis. Lineage Legacies is expected to launch next year.
Barton Malow in Southfield Marks 100 Years in Construction
Barton Malow in Southfield is officially 100 years old.
Since its founding on Aug. 4, 1924, the Barton Malow story has been one of grit, teamwork, passion, and innovation, from the very first contract doing interior renovations for the Michigan Bell Telephone Co. to its transformation into a multi-billion-dollar construction enterprise, says the company.
Barton Malow started its 100th anniversary last November with a float in America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit. A special centennial website also was launched to commemorate the milestone.
More recently, Barton Malow launched its “Legacy Tour,” a 42-foot “museum on wheels” that will travel to various jobsites this summer and into the fall with special artifacts, interactive displays, and more for team members, partners, clients, and others to see.
Carl Osborn Barton founded the C.O. Barton Co. in 1924 in Detroit, earning its first contract performing interior renovations for the Michigan Bell Telephone Co.
Arnold Malow joined in 1927 as its vice president and treasurer and the firm’s name was subsequently changed to Barton Malow Co. From then on, Barton Malow has been on a path of growth and expansion, entering new building markets and geographies, and adopting new delivery methods along the way.
Learn more about Barton Malow’s rich history at BartonMalow100.com.
American Red Cross Says Donors Are Urgently Needed
Facing an emergency blood shortage, the American Red Cross is urging people to give blood now to help ensure patients in Michigan and across the country receive lifesaving medical care. For new moms and newborns, having blood on hospital shelves can be a lifesaver should complications arise during or after delivery.
Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25 percent. Blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urgently needed. Type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are below what hospitals count on. The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients.
“It’s critical that hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” says Dr. Barry Siegfried, medical director of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “Type O is especially important for people injured in accidents and other trauma who receive emergency care. Donors of all blood types can help ensure hospital shelves are restocked to prevent patient care from being impacted.”
Extreme heat waves have impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together, these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). People can donate at a Red Cross blood drive or one of its donation centers located through Michigan.
As a thank-you, those who donate through Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Oakland County Executive Announces Key Leadership Appointments
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter is making two key appointments to his administration. Effective Aug. 30, Walt Herzig will be promoted from deputy county executive to chief deputy county executive, and Megan C. Sellers will assume Herzig’s former responsibilities, becoming the first Black woman to serve as deputy county executive.
Herzig joined Coulter’s administration in October 2022 as deputy county executive, serving as the liaison to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, the Michigan Legislature, and U.S. Congress, as well as overseeing the Department of Public Communications.
“Walt’s extensive experience and proven leadership make him the ideal choice for chief deputy county executive,” Coulter says. “His dedication and strategic vision have been instrumental in our successes, and I am confident he will continue to drive Oakland County forward with integrity and innovation.”
Sellers has been with Oakland County for more than nine years in the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office and the Board of Commissioners where she rose to operations supervisor and was interim chief of staff. Since March of 2024, she has served as special projects manager in Coulter’s administration, helping with the county’s relocation of its administration and employees to downtown Pontiac.
“Megan is well respected among our county peers and brings a wealth of skills and a fresh perspective to the role of deputy county executive,” Coulter says. “Her track record of effective management and her commitment to our community will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and improve county operations.”
Study: Electric Utilities Search for Customer Buy-in on Sustainability
With the average electricity rate in the United States up nearly 3 percent and the cost of summer season cooling costs projected to rise 8 percent this year, the nation’s residential and business electric utility customers are far more concerned with energy prices than they are with sustainability initiatives, according to the J.D. Power 2024 Sustainability Index.
Just 21 percent of electric utility customers are even aware of their electric utility’s carbon reduction initiatives, the study states, despite that 80 percent of U.S. utility customers are served by a utility with a 100 percent carbon reduction target. Customers are nearly three times more likely to list “energy prices” than “environmental issues” as their most important energy-related issue.
“Electric utilities need buy-in from customers on sustainability targets to justify rate cases, garner support for infrastructure projects and drive the kind of consumer usage and behavioral changes needed to achieve sustainability goals,” says Andrew Heath, vice president of utilities intelligence at J.D. Power. “But the lack of awareness of these initiatives and the large amount of pessimism surrounding climate change is creating an uphill battle. If utilities are going to build the customer support and participation required to reach their goals, they need to find ways to effectively communicate the goals and benefits of their clean energy strategy.”
Following are some of the key findings of the 2024 index:
- Awareness of sustainability efforts increases slowly: Overall, just 21 percent of electric utility customers are aware of whether their utility has declared a goal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, up from 19 percent in 2023. The overall sustainability score for electric utilities evaluated in the study — which is based on customer awareness, engagement and advocacy for their local utility’s climate initiatives — is 32 (on a 100-point scale), up 5 points from 2023.
- Affordability outpaces sustainability as most important customer issue: When asked what the most important energy-related issue facing their family/business is, 18 percent of respondents say energy prices, compared with 6.4 percent who say environmental issues.
- Widespread pessimism about ability to address climate change: More customers are becoming pessimistic, with 21 percent now stating that either “nothing” or “very little” can be done to mitigate the problem. Meanwhile, fewer customers say climate change is “serious” or “very serious,” down to 51 percent from 53 percent in 2023.
- Customers skeptical that their utility will reach its clean energy goal: On average, only 28 percent of customer say their local electric utility will reach its clean energy goal. Most customers believe the goal will not be achieved and many say they don’t know. There also are large differences between utilities: top performers have more than 35 percent of customers stating the goal will be achieved, whereas some have less than 25 percent.
The J.D. Power Sustainability Index evaluates electric utility customer awareness, support, engagement and advocacy for their local utility’s climate sustainability programs and goals. The index applies to the 35 largest U.S. electric utility companies and cities, each serving 500,000 or more residential customers and is based on responses from 73,255 business and residential electric utility customers and was fielded from June 2023 through May 2024.
Missouri Central Credit Union Selects Bankjoy’s Digital Banking Platform
Missouri Central Credit Union has selected Detroit-based Bankjoy’s digital banking platform as well as the company’s Online Account Opening solution to acquire and onboard new members.
Missouri Central Credit Union chose to Bankjoy’s suite of digital banking products to elevate its member experience and offer the same caliber of digital tools as some of the largest institutions in the nation.
Through the partnership, Missouri Central Credit Union members will have access to Bankjoy’s end-to-end digital platform, which includes online and mobile banking, e-statements, along with other advanced functionalities, such as integrated online loan applications and more. For new members, the credit union now supports a smooth and seamless onboarding experience thanks to Bankjoy’s Online Account Opening solution.
End-of-Life Planning Company Everdays Expands Network to 500+ Agents
Everdays, the end-of-life planning insurtech based in Southfield, has announced a series of strategic partnerships that have propelled the company past its 2024 goal of 500 active insurance agents, and is on pace to surpass the 1,000-agent mark by year end.
The collaborations include industry leaders Park Lawn Corp. and Everstory Partners to numerous small and medium-sized funeral homes and life insurance agencies across the country.
Everdays’ offers partners a user-friendly digital interface with a built-in CRM system, enabling agents to efficiently manage client relationships and policies. The platform features simplified application processes that significantly reduce paperwork, streamlining client onboarding and nurturing.
Everdays provides competitive whole life insurance products, underwritten by partner TruStage, specifically tailored for the underserved senior market (60+). Notably, every policy purchased through Everdays comes with a detailed end-of-life plan.
“Our growing network of partnerships, from industry leaders to local agencies, will have us pass 1,000 active agents before year-end,” says Mark Alhermizi, founder and CEO of Everdays “This expansion is not just about numbers, it’s about revolutionizing how we approach end-of-life planning across the country.”
For more information about Everdays and partnership opportunities, visit here.
Andiamo Warren to Host Cigar & Bourbon Summer Soiree
Andiamo Warren (7096 E. 14 Mile Road) invites all to enjoy an evening under the stars, on its outdoor patio, during its inaugural Cigar and Bourbon Summer Soiree, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15. The event, which costs $125 per person will include a variety of bourbons as well as an open bar to compliment an outdoor dinner.
This soiree will allow guests to make their own versatile bourbon and cigars pairings, focusing on matching the cigar’s age to the bourbon’s age, uniting younger bourbons with newer cigars, and older bourbons with aged cigars. Andiamo will have fine cigars available for purchase or guests are welcome to bring their own to enjoy on the outdoor patio.
To learn more and to purchase tickets visit here.
Stahls Automotive Collection Raises Nearly $40K for Ted Lindsay Foundation
Stahls Automotive Collection in Chesterfield Township conducted its sixth annual Autos for Autism charity fundraiser, July 20, rolling in nearly $40,000 in donations. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Ted Lindsay Foundation, an organization dedicated to elevating public awareness within communities by increasing funds and support for individuals with autism.
Autos for Autism featured several activities including meet and greets, photo opportunities, live entertainment, exploration of the Stahls Auto Museum, a free community cruise-in, and more.
“Stahls organizes Autos for Autism to drive towards a future where every individual on the autism spectrum has the support they need,” says Terri Coppens, general manager of Stahls Automotive Collection. “Being able to combine the love for classic cars with an opportunity to give back to this incredible community means a lot to us each year.”
More than 250 attended the ticketed event at Stahls Automotive Collection Museum, with hundreds more participating in the free community drive-in. Car enthusiasts across metro Detroit brought their classic cars for public viewing – bringing together the car community and enthusiasts from all avenues.
VIP ticketholders enjoyed special appearances by Wayne Carini, from TV’s “Chasing Classic Cars,” alongside featuring meet and greets and interview sessions with dragstrip racer Al Bergler, car show legend Bob Larivee Sr., Sprint car racers Charlie Baur and Andrew Bogusz, and Detroit Red Wings alumni Nick Libett, Kevin Miller, and John Blum. Photo opportunities with the Dallara Car and faux Stanley Cup also were available. Detroit Red Wings’ organist Lance Luce performed during the event on the Stahls century-old Wurlitzer organ featured in their museum collection.
For more information about Stahls Automotive Collection and its year-round charitable events, visit stahlsauto.com. For more information or to make a donation to the Ted Lindsay Foundation, visit tedlindsay.org.
