University of Michigan forecast is full of optimism. But inflation and supply issues could present roadblocks.
Paula Gardner
As Bridge Michigan's senior business reporter, Paula Gardner covers Michigan's business landscape, focusing on topics such as the auto industry, electric vehicles and economic development. She came to Bridge in 2020 after covering business and environment for MLive.com and previously served as editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of the startup AnnArbor.com.
A metro Detroit native, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan and has called it home for more than 25 years.
Posted inBusiness Watch
‘Labor shortages are not going away’ in Michigan. Is automation the answer?
Demographic trends, accelerated by the pandemic, show that businesses are going to have to look to technology to solve the long-term problem.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Rising wages, few workers: A small town in Michigan adjusts to the new economy
Fewer workers mean big changes across Michigan, as hourly wages reach new peaks to lure employees. But people also want more from how they earn a living, like flexibility and satisfaction. The result is creating new pressures that won’t end soon.
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Biden mandate means 2 million Michigan workers must get COVID vaccine
The rules announced Thursday affect 84 million workers nationwide. Combined with other rules, two-thirds of the nation’s workforce must either be vaccinated or face mandatory testing.
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Thousands of Michigan firms face Dec. 8 COVID vaccine mandate deadline
Businesses with federal contracts have to show all workers are vaccinated or qualify for limited exemptions. The impact goes into every county in the state, and businesses large and small.
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Michigan business leaders ask President Biden to reconsider vaccine mandate
Half of the state’s workforce will be under a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for businesses over 100 people once federal rules are finalized. But it’s been a long wait, and a new coalition wants the White House to cancel the plan.
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As Latinos grow in Grand Rapids, financial program boosts their businesses
Latino and Hispanic businesses received fewer loans in the past decade and received less help during the pandemic. The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s financial literacy program is meant to build business skills.
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Michigan wants to lead U.S. in electric vehicles. Ford turned elsewhere.
The state wants to be a leader in vehicle electrification, but it wasn’t considered for Ford’s record-setting battery manufacturing investment. That leaves some weighing what the state needs to change to be competitive.
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Michigan universities limit dining options, citing worker shortage
Even big schools like MSU are closing cafeterias, altering menus to items that require less labor and asking administrators to help serve. Even the hallowed soft-serve ice cream machine is not immune. Welcome to college life in 2021.
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Michigan hospitals eye nurses in other countries to fill COVID shortage
Henry Ford Health System expects 150 nurses from the Philippines to start work in 2022, but it could use more. Other medical centers say they will explore talent searches overseas, which means navigating immigration policies.