What will developers pay to add moderately priced apartments to downtown? The city is about to find out, as it puts one of its properties on the market.
Paula Gardner
Paula directs the business reporting on Bridge, writing much of it and setting the strategy for how statewide business coverage fits into Bridge’s nonpartisan policy-driven editorial mix. Paula came to Bridge in 2020 after several years at MLive.com, where she covered the state on both business and environmental teams. Prior to that, she was editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of online startup AnnArbor,com, and also focused on business news as an editor and reporter at Michigan Business Review. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan, and has lived in the city for 20 years with her husband, who grew up in their neighborhood. Paula also regularly visits East Lansing and Grand Rapids to visit her college-aged children. She can be reached at pgardner@bridgemi.com
Posted inBusiness Watch
Lack of child care now a ‘crisis’ facing Michigan’s workforce
The state’s economic recovery from the pandemic may be limited, officials say, as fewer child care options keep women out of the workforce. It’s a business issue, too, for child care providers seeking available workers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As office workers return, a Grand Rapids dry cleaner scrimps to hang on
Office clothes are staples at Michigan’s dry cleaners, which saw revenues crater when workers stayed home during COVID. As offices now reopen, a 70-year-plus family business has new hopes for survival.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Q&A: Michigan fitness club owner says how industry must change after COVID
Fewer gyms, virtual workouts and lingering pandemic concerns all signal changes for the state’s fitness industry as it reopens to 50 percent capacity Tuesday, said Michael Stack, owner of Applied Fitness Solutions.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan streamlines MIOSHA workplace rules as COVID fades
Changes announced Monday follow growing frustration among employers that the state had been too cumbersome and stringent at a time when the state’s COVID vaccination and infection rates were improving.
Posted inBusiness Watch
‘A really good day for business’ as Michigan acts to lift COVID limits
With state business restrictions set to end July 1, pandemic workplace rules — like health screening, social distance, surface cleaning and masks — will be updated this week. Business leaders are thrilled though they note tricky strategic decisions lay ahead.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: All COVID restrictions to end in Michigan on July 1
One week after new CDC guidance, the governor says she will end restrictions on outdoor events on June 1 and end remaining rules in time for Independence Day holiday.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As Michigan eases COVID orders, businesses want to lift work rules too
Business groups are frustrated with MIOSHA, which is pushing ahead on hearings to make pandemic work rules permanent even as the governor is easing rules on masks for residents.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan turns to New Orleans for new economic development CEO
Quentin Messer Jr. wants to increase prosperity across the state when he takes over the $139 million agency. He says Michigan has a ‘spectacular’ talent base.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As masks lift, Whitmer faces pressure to speed easing of COVID limits
If current vaccination rates continue, Michigan wouldn’t fully reopen for months under the governor’s current plan, endangering the summer tourist season. To business leaders, that’s untenable now that the mask mandate has ended for the vaccinated.