Regional Business

MDHHS leverages mobile network to increase vaccination of vulnerable populations  

LANSING, MICH. With all Michiganders eligible to receive one of the three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is continuing its efforts to equitability distribute and increase vaccine accessibility. This now includes vaccine allocation to universities and colleges and expanded mobile sites in communities across the state.  

Upcoming Virtual Michigan Furniture Industry Symposium

MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect is partnering with Lakeshore Advantage and The Right Place to host a virtual Michigan Furniture Industry Symposium on Thursday, May 13, strengthening Michigan’s position as a leader in the commercial furniture manufacturing industry.

Despite Improving Labor Market

• Initial claims for unemployment insurance rose somewhat in the week ending April 3; there was also a small increase in the four-week moving average. Layoffs remain extremely high.
• The total number of people receiving some form of unemployment benefit remained extremely elevated, at above 18 million, in the week ending March 20
• The labor market recovery is picking up in the spring thanks to stimulus and vaccines.

• Projects building on Governor Whitmer’s Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $11.3 million, create 192 jobs in Michigan
• Leading Michigan-based HVAC provider Goyette Manufacturing expanding headquarters in Flint, creating 90 jobs
• Nutritional supplement manufacturer Uckele expanding in Adrian, adding 102 jobs

Even With Stronger Outlook

• The minutes from the March 16-17 FOMC meeting noted an improvement in the economic outlook.
• Although the outlook was improved, participants noted that economic activity was still well below potential and that inflation remained below the 2% objective.
• The FOMC reaffirmed its commitment to highly expansionary monetary policy until there was significant, broad-based improvement in the labor market and inflation was at the 2% objective.
• Participants emphasized the need for actual progress in the economy, and not just forecasts for progress.
• PNC expects the FOMC to reduce its asset purchases starting early next year. PNC does not expect the FOMC to increase the fed funds rate until late 2023.

$7,500 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative