Economists are starting to get data that indicate a longer, slower recovery period following steep job losses during the coronavirus pandemic.
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
Michigan town wonders what’s next as factory closes and 125 jobs are lost
‘We need to find jobs that people can keep,’ says one store owner as the second-largest employer in Evart closed this summer. It’s just another blow to a community fighting for stability during the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan seeks $300 per week in extra benefits for unemployed
President Trump is making extra unemployment benefits available because of the pandemic that has left more than 2.4 million Michigan residents jobless. The state could have pursued an extra $100 per week in benefits, but opted against it because of declining tax revenue.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan colleges ‘nervous’ about COVID as students return, ready to party
Students are returning to colleges throughout Michigan. That means partying is inevitable. But state, business and local leaders are working to find a way to ensure that doesn’t lead to coronavirus outbreaks.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Study: Wage gap widens between Black, white workers, especially in Michigan
Both races make less than they did 40 years ago when adjusted for inflation. But wages for Black workers have declined more since the 1970s, in part because of a loss of manufacturing and widening gap in educational opportunities.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Report: Michigan needs more entrepreneurs as it loses ground to other states
Michigan emerged from the Great Recession with a good environment for new businesses. But it wasn’t great. Now, the challenge to improve is more urgent.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Big Ten may cancel Michigan football. In Ann Arbor, businesses brace for worst
University of Michigan football makes some $122 million per year and supports a host of businesses throughout Ann Arbor. They’ve already endured the coronavirus. Can they survive the loss of the 2020 season?
Posted inBusiness Watch
PPE turns into ‘tremendous’ opportunity for Reed City factory
Thirty jobs created during the COVID-19 pandemic is one sign that Reed City Group’s diversification into medical equipment is paying off.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Q&A: Ari Weinzweig of Zingerman’s says MI restaurants need help. Now.
Restaurant owners are “making hard decisions, literally, almost every day.” A $120 billion relief package before Congress could help.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan may soon move to shield businesses from coronavirus lawsuits
Business owners fear a flood of lawsuits because of exposure from the coronavirus. Lawmakers may soon consider legislation that would grant them protections if they follow precautions.