This week, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved three business expansions that will create 226 high-wage jobs in Battle Creek, Livonia and Pontiac, signaling continued economic growth in Michigan and generating $41.3 million in private investment. The three projects – Cives Corporation, International Extrusions and LHP Engineering Solutions, LLC – underscore Michigan’s leadership in automotive R&D and advanced manufacturing.

Tisha Johnson is the new vice president of global consumer design at Whirlpool Corporation. Since joining the Michigan-based Fortune 500 company in June, she has continued her pursuit of purposeful innovation by setting the design direction of Whirlpool Corp.’s product portfolio. In the article and corresponding video, Johnson highlights Whirlpool Corp.’s design philosophy and shares her insights on post-pandemic product development, the importance of diverse design teams and the benefits of being based in Michigan.

When the last step in an assembly line is a human inspecting the paint job, there are bound to be errors. Ann Arbor-based Autaza is working to eliminate potentially costly mistakes in the quality control process by using artificial intelligence and cameras to detect dirt, bubbles, scratches or other defects in the paint on vehicles and other surfaces. In doing so, the company is pivoting those wearisome and sometimes monotonous human inspection jobs to more high-skill level, advanced manufacturing careers. Autaza is the first company to receive funding from the state of Michigan's Industry 4.0 Accelerator, a collaboration between Automation Alley, Lean Rocket Lab and Lawrence Technological University's Centrepolis Accelerator.

The newest episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast features JoAnn Crary, president of Saginaw Future. Join Crary and host Ed Clemente as they discuss Saginaw area economic opportunities. Learn about the unique ecosystem of Saginaw and the balance between urban business district, agriculture, and manufacturing. You can also read the transcript from the conversation.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation helps to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its new potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership to find customized business assistance.

Access COVID-19 resources for businesses and communities by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19. Read more about programs supporting economic recovery for Michigan businesses by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.