A Peer-to-Peer Discussion hosted by MMA and Red Level

Michigan is moving again and manufacturing is back in action. Learn from leading manufacturers with global reach on how they are transitioning back to full-scale production. 

The important role manufacturers play in leading their communities, state and nation are often underestimated — and MMA is working to change that. The MFG Excellence Awards is an excellent opportunity to put manufacturing in the spotlight and recognize the sacrifice and hard work of industry leaders.

USMCA is Live!

July 1 marks day one of USMCA implementation. Now that the trade agreement is live, make sure you’re following the new guidelines. While all products that had zero tariffs under NAFTA will remain at zero under USMCA, there are many significant changes you should be aware of. Differences affecting the automotive sector exist regarding rules of origin, labor provisions and a renewal clause.

Unemployment Rate Down to 11.1 Percent

The June jobs report was even better than expected, with the US economy adding 4.8 million jobs over the month, according to a survey of employers. This was the biggest increase in jobs in the history of the series, going back to 1939, surpassing May’s increase of 2.699 million (revised higher from 2.509 million). Private-sector employment rose by 4.78 million, while government employment rose by 33,000.

Watch Chris Holman and Doug Rothwell, President & CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan on this segment of Michigan Business Beat. After a very successful career with Business Leaders for Michigan, a succession plan is now underway for Doug. Although he is retiring by December 31st, Doug plans to continue to work with universities and on several boards, while also remaining on a board in Michigan. They cover Doug’s succession plan, the appraisal of business by CEOs and leaders as Michigan works to emerge from COVID-19 and a recent business roundtable that Doug was on.

Detroit Development Fund (DDF) received approval of a $1 million loan from the Michigan Strategic Fund this week to make micro and small business loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to Michigan’s small businesses in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck, with an emphasis on businesses located in economically disadvantaged areas. DDF expects to provide 30 to 40 loans to businesses that require patient, flexible working capital to re-open or re-establish operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. DDF will begin accepting loan applications on July 6.

Lt. Colonel Kettles Received Medal of Honor in 2016 for Heroic Service During Vietnam War

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today introduced bicameral legislation that would rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Ann Arbor after Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles. Lieutenant Colonel Kettles, a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti who passed away in January of 2019, served in the Vietnam War as an Army helicopter commander and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2016 for leading a rescue operation that saved 44 soldiers.

• Two business expansion projects expected to generate total private investment of $28.6 million, create 115 jobs
• Longstanding steel solutions provider expanding in Monroe County, creating 65 high-paying jobs
• Global leader in software and autonomous solutions expanding in Novi, adding 50 high-wage, high-tech jobs

Capital Access Responds to Needs of Michigan Businesses Impacted by COVID-19