Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking applications from Michigan residents interested in participating in the Michigan Racial Health Equity Think Tank (MiRHETT).

Michigan declares August as Child Support Month

In recognition of the efforts of child support workers, employers, state and county departments, hospitals, and community partners to support Michigan children and families, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared August 2024 as Child Support Month in Michigan.

Key subplots shaping Michigan's primary election

SBAM will release a special edition of the Watchdog following today’s Primary Election. Click HERE to see which candidates SBAM has endorsed in this primary cycle.

Senate Candidate Rogers: Kamala Harris as Border Czar put nation in ‘grave danger’

U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan, Mike Rogers, stated that the United States faces "grave danger" as illegal migrants enter the country under the current administration's border policy. The Rogers campaign made this statement to the Great Lakes Wire in response to a public safety announcement by the Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania Police Department on July 30.

Three traits that make bosses likable according to FastCompany.com report

As widely acknowledged, employees leave bosses, not organizations. A Gallup poll of over a million U.S. workers found that 75% of people who voluntarily quit their jobs did so because of their boss.

Michigan allocates $118 million for summer food assistance benefits

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is distributing over $118 million in food benefits to 983,531 students through its new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program.

Sandy Baxter bound over for trial on perjury charges related to campaign finance probe

LANSING – In the 54A District Court in Lansing, Judge Kristen Simmons has bound Sandy Baxter, 64, of Caledonia, over to stand trial in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Baxter was charged in February with one count of perjury, a 15-year felony, for allegedly lying under oath during testimony to state prosecutors and special agents investigating a fundraising scheme related to the Unlock Michigan ballot question initiative.

Public invited to comment on FY 2025 LIHEAP State Plan

The FY 2025 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan is now available for public comment, as required by federal regulations. The plan can be accessed on the Michigan government website under the LIHEAP State Plans section.

Small Business Briefing covers stock market, court decisions, and health care options

Thank you for tuning in to today’s Small Business Briefing. We’re bringing you news and updates on:

Governor Whitmer declares August as Breastfeeding Month

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is reinforcing its commitment to public health by supporting breastfeeding and chestfeeding as a lifestyle choice and a health recommendation. As part of this initiative, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared August 2024 as Breastfeeding Month.

Northern Michigan announces track & field schedule for 2024-25

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan track & field team has announced its slate of meets for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The indoor season will feature six regular-season meets in three different states while the outdoor season will span competition over five weekends in four states.

Upskilling: Key strategy as work environment evolves

By Great Lakes Wire | Aug 3, 2024

Learning and development (L&D) teams have traditionally aimed to equip workers with the skills needed for their current jobs and future career advancement. While these goals remain true, the rapidly evolving professional landscape has made them moving targets. Today, the skills required for existing roles are constantly changing, and career progression within organizations looks different from the traditional path.

Cortes: VP Harris 'does not believe in the foundations of the Second Amendment'

By Great Lakes Wire reports | Aug 2, 2024

Steve Cortes, President of the League of American Workers, said that Vice President Kamala Harris doesn’t “believe in the foundations of the Second Amendment" and would favor gun bans and buybacks of certain firearms.

Michigan: Biologics companies were the least FDA inspected companies in Michigan in July

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection at one Biologics company from Michigan in July.

Canton residents charged with defrauding Amazon over $50K

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that the FORCE Team has charged Ali F. Habash, 28, and Ahmed Al-Bahia, 22, both of Canton, for allegedly defrauding Amazon of more than $50,000. The defendants were arraigned in the 35th District Court in Plymouth, with Al-Bahia on July 24 and Habash on July 29.

Florida man pleads guilty to criminal enterprise targeting Michigan counties

Juan Miguel Rodriguez-Venegas, 55, of Florida, pled guilty today to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in the 42nd Circuit Court in Midland County for stealing money orders and cash out of drop boxes at apartment complexes and mobile home parks, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. As part of the plea, Rodriguez-Venegas will pay $36,235 in restitution.

The business case for diversity: benefits for all sizes

When small business owners hear about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, they often think, “I’m not a large enough company to benefit from this type of initiative.” However, if larger profits, more innovation, increased creativity and productivity, better customer and community engagement, and lower attrition rates are appealing, then DEI initiatives could be highly beneficial.

Employee benefits remain crucial for attracting and retaining talent

On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers interviews Shannon Enders, founder of Lakeshore Employee Benefits in Norton Shores and a new member of the SBAM board of directors. "Typically, health insurance is the cornerstone [of benefits] and most employers do want to offer that, and need to, because they do need to attract and retain employees," he says. "Rates are high, and we’re going through another period of high increases throughout the state. But what’s been interesting is the fear of not being able to attract or the fear of losing employees has been even...

Michigan AG opposes appeal against preliminary injunction on abortion restrictions

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a brief in the Court of Appeals today, opposing the application for leave to appeal filed by attorneys for the People of the State of Michigan in Northland Family Planning Center, et al v. Nessel, et al.

Employment law addresses workplace protections for victims of domestic violence