Celebrating World Trade Month

Today’s Livestream: World Trade Week and International Business

In honor of World Trade Week this week, John Worthington, CEO of IBT Online joined MEDC’s Director of International Trade, Alyssa Tracey, earlier today, Thursday, May 6 at 1 p.m. EST for a live webcast to discuss opportunities available for businesses looking to attract customers around the world – from right here in Michigan – along with advice on how to make your business competitive in the global market.

MDHHS Lifts Mask Requirements for Outdoor Gatherings of Under 100 People

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order to encourage safer outdoor activities as spring and summer bring warmer weather and new opportunities to go outdoors. Under the new order, which goes into effect Thursday, May 6 and continues through Monday, May 31, masks are generally not required outdoors unless a gathering has 100 or more people. Updates to the Gatherings and Masks Order encourage outdoor events with larger capacities permitted for entertainment and recreational facilities and for sports stadiums and arenas that hold events outdoors.

Michigan SBDC ‘Comeback Kit’ Online Learning Course

Has the COVID-19 pandemic left you wondering “what’s next” for your small business? The Michigan SBDC has introduced a self-paced course, the Comeback Kit, designed for Michigan small business owners and entrepreneurs who are working to come back from the impacts and effects of the pandemic. This learning module will help small businesses to evaluate their financials, understand where they are today, and recognize what they need to do to get healthier tomorrow.

National Travel and Tourism Week Celebrates the Power of Travel

National Travel & Tourism Week, May 2-8, 2021, recognizes the Power of Travel in bringing back our vibrant communities, restoring the U.S. economy, rebuilding our workforce, and reconnecting America. Travel Michigan VP Dave Lorenz joined MEDC’s Otie McKinley for a live conversation Monday from The Henry Ford in Dearborn, where tourism leaders from across the state gathered to kick off the week-long celebration. They discussed travel opportunities in Pure Michigan this spring and summer, and how The Pure Michigan Pledge is helping to ensure a safe travel experience in communities across the state. Residents and travelers alike were invited to participate in The Great Michigan Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway by posting their favorite Michigan overnight vacation pictures online using #MIPowerofTravel.

State Declares May as Professional Trades Month

With nearly 530,000 Michigan jobs and 47,000 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) proclaimed May as Professional Trades Month to honor those in these fields, show the value of this work, and encourage others to explore educational opportunities and gain career awareness. Resources such as the Michigan Career and Education Pathfinder site are available for those who wish to explore careers and identify educational opportunities throughout the state.

Additional Resources Available Online

The Michigan Opportunity is an economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan. Listen now at michiganbusiness.org/podcast or on your favorite podcasting platform.

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.